We Say
Given that matt effect finishes are easily damaged by conventional last step products (which are almost always designed to enhance gloss), Nanolex have formulated a silica-based coating that offers long-lasting protection and enhanced water repellency without degrading the matt effect. Developed in Germany, Nanolex Si3D Matte forms an extremely tough chemically resistant coating that not only protects against bird droppings, bug splatter, brake dust and harmful UV radiation, but which also beads very strongly and thus partially mimics the self-cleaning properties of Lotus leaves in nature. How good is this latter effect? The answer is very good; in many cases it will enable you to leave an extra week or two in between routine washes without your car looking any worse for wear.
Notwithstanding the above, another thing we particularly like about Nanolex Si3D Matte is how easy it is to apply. Unlike its closest rivals, Nanolex Si3D Matte isn't designed to be spread and then left for several minutes before being buffed off (if you try to apply it like this you'll find it very difficult to remove). Instead, it's designed to be continually spread with an applicator towel until all of the carrier solvent has fully evaporated, leaving virtually no residue to buff off. As a result, it's practically impossible to end up with any high spots in the final coating once it's hardened, as this style of application ensures that it's very evenly levelled as it's applied. This takes a little bit of getting used to, but it delivers a superior result.
Key Features
Beading8/10(Compared To Others)
Durability18 Months +(Average Value)
Slickness9/10(Compared To Others)
Description
Nanolex Si3D Matte is an advanced silica-based coating formulated specifically to protect matt paint finishes and matt vinyl wraps without adding any gloss or otherwise altering their appearance. Developed in Germany, it uses the latest in low volatile content silicon (Si) technology to lay down a film of hybrid siloxane polymers and proprietary thermoplastic components that condenses rapidly to form a flexible matrix-like coating that bonds to treated surfaces at the molecular level. As a result, it provides excellent protection against bird droppings, bug splatter, brake dust, road salt and harmful UV radiation from the sun for up to two years at a time, even on daily drivers (it is impervious to cleaning chemicals and pressure washing).
However, the benefits imparted by Nanolex Si3D Matte do not end with outstanding levels of protection and durability. Perhaps equally as importantly, treated surfaces become slicker feeling and more hydrophobic. This latter characteristic not only results in impressive beading upon contact with water, but also produces a strong self-cleaning effect (rainfall beads up and rolls off of treated surfaces, taking freshly deposited contaminants with it, akin to the Lotus Effect in nature). This results in treated bodywork staying appreciably cleaner for longer between routine washes, particularly in the winter.
However, the benefits imparted by Nanolex Si3D Matte do not end with outstanding levels of protection and durability. Perhaps equally as importantly, treated surfaces become slicker feeling and more hydrophobic. This latter characteristic not only results in impressive beading upon contact with water, but also produces a strong self-cleaning effect (rainfall beads up and rolls off of treated surfaces, taking freshly deposited contaminants with it, akin to the Lotus Effect in nature). This results in treated bodywork staying appreciably cleaner for longer between routine washes, particularly in the winter.
Specification
| Adds Protection | Yes |
|---|---|
| Application Method | By hand only |
| Beading | |
| Durability | 18 months + |
| Emits Strong Fumes | Yes |
| Enhances Gloss | No |
| Flake Pop | |
| Hardness | |
| Layerable | Yes (allow no more than 10 minutes between coats) |
| Recommended For | Matt finishes (painted and wrapped) |
| Richness | |
| Scratch Resistant | Yes |
| Slickness | |
| Trim-Safe | No |
How To Use
You should apply Nanolex Si3D Matte in a warm, dry, well-ventilated space out of direct sunlight. For your comfort and protection, we recommend wearing PB Nitrile Gloves and a 3M Respirator during the application process. In all cases, prepare the matt surfaces you are going to treat in the normal way (wash > decontaminate), and then do a wipe down with Nanolex EX to ensure that they are spotlessly clean. Next, using a Nanolex Si3D Applicator Towel wrapped around a Nanolex Si3D Applicator Block, spread a thick layer of Nanolex Si3D Matte on to the first 18 x 18 section of bodywork, using light pressure and overlapping strokes. Then, continue spreading the product in a criss-cross fashion until it completely disappears. Next, finish the levelling process by buffing the treated section with a Nanolex Microfiber Buffing Towel. Finally, using a bright light, check the section carefully for any smears and remove them before moving on; failure to remove smears fully can result in them hardening to the point of being impossible to remove, so make sure you are thorough!
After all of the bodywork is treated the car must then be left in a warm, dry place out of direct sunlight for a minimum of 12 hours to allow the coating to harden (if you wish, you can accelerate this process by heating the treated panels to 60°C for 10 minutes using an infra-red heat lamp). Note that in order for the coating to harden properly it must remain completely dry during this period, and you should also avoid washing the car with any kind of detergent for the first 3 days afterwards. Please note that you must discard all used applicator towels and buffing towels after each application, because Nanolex Si3D Matte hardens massively as it cures, forming a residue that has the potential to inflict severe marring or worse if applicators and towels are re-used. Please also note that the quoted shelf life of Nanolex Si3D Matte is between 3-6 weeks once the bottle is opened, although this can be extended to 2-3 months if it is stored in a refrigerator.