Alpha Graphene Coating: Application Instructions

Glidecoat ALPHA is a pro-level ceramic coating infused with graphene to deliver next-level results with significant improvements in durability, hydrophobics, gloss and shine, while still maintaining a user-friendly application.

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Caution Application Instructions Video Maintenance FAQ Disclaimer

Caution

  • Wear protective gloves and eye gear.
  • Keep away from heat, hot surfaces and open flames.
  • Do not smoke when using.
  • Keep container tightly sealed.
  • Store in well-ventilated area.

Application Instructions

It is very important that you follow the provided instructions for all glidecoat products.

  • Prior to applying Glidecoat ALPHA, the areas being coated should be fully prepped. Surface preparation depends on the level of oxidation, swirl marks, scratches, water marks and inconsistencies in the surface. Surface preparation will typically involve a full wash down, and compounding and polishing as needed.
  • Note: Coating the surface with any imperfections will lock them in. Also ensure you have removed any wax or silicone from the surface area, as the coating will bond to those particles and as they evaporate, they take the coating with it.
  • Wipe all areas to be coated with Glidecoat Surface Wipe or isopropyl alcohol. This product acts as a decontaminant, removing any compound, polish or other residue left on the surface.
  • Shake the bottle well before and during use.
  • Apply 5-10 drops or a quarter sized amount of Glidecoat ALPHA onto the application sponge. Apply in a 3’ by 3’ area, using an up and down then side to side pattern. After 30 seconds to 1 minute, buff the coating by hand with a microfiber towel. You will feel some stickiness or resistance. During this step you want to feel like you are massaging the ceramic coating into the surface, using medium pressure. This will work the coating into the pores of the surface, while levelling out any high spots. Follow up with a second microfiber towel to ensure that the surface is smooth, consistent, and free of any excess coating.
  • Continue this process across all remaining areas to be coated, overlapping each section.
  • If you are applying multiple coats, allow a minimum of 1 hour between coats.
  • Try to avoid applying Glidecoat ALPHA in direct sunlight. If the surface is hot, this will cause the coating to flash much faster, which could result in streaking or high spots. If you cannot avoid applying the coating in direct sunlight, then we recommend applying more coating to the application sponge or working in smaller sections. If you experience high spots, reapply Glidecoat ALPHA to that area and buff with a microfiber cloth.
  • Glidecoat ALPHA will fully cure in 24 hours. Avoid washing with soap for 7 days. If the surface gets wet within the first 24 hours, dry the surface as soon as possible.

Video

Maintenance

One of the most common misinterpretations of a ceramic coating is that they are almost maintenance free, or your boat/vehicle/RV will not get dirty if it has a ceramic coating. That is simply not the case. While ceramic coatings are extremely durable, they require ongoing maintenance to ensure that you are getting the full benefits, protection and longevity out of your ceramic coating. With that being said, the main benefit of having a ceramic coating is that your ongoing maintenance is much easier and more effective (with less effort) than using a traditional wax or sealant.

Washing Schedule

For best results you should wash the coated surface every 2-3 weeks to avoid excessive contamination build-up. We recommend using Glidecoat Ceraglo or Glidecoat Nano Wash. Do not use Dawn soap or high pH detergent style cleaners. Wash from the top down leaving the heaviest soiled sections for last. 

Washing Methods

Use a foam gun (optimal), a microfiber wash mitt, or a soft brush to soap down the surface. Rinse off with a pressure washer (optimal) or hose. Dry with clean microfiber towels. Do not use stiff brushes or abrasive washing tools as this will abrade the ceramic coating, decreasing the durability.

Drying

  • Glidecoat Shine and Shield is a great drying aid. Using Shine and Shield and one damp microfiber to first dry the surface, followed by a second microfiber to finish drying. This process will give you the best results while leaving behind added protection.
  • Always dry completely and never leave to “air” dry. Tap water contains minerals that may leave deposits, creating water spots.
  • Use quality microfiber towels (400 GSM optimal) or a shammy for best results, and avoid aggressive wiping, allowing the material to absorb the water.
  • Pro Tip - Use a leaf blower to expedite the drying process and help dry the hard to reach areas. This utilizes the coating’s hydrophobic abilities to blow the beaded water off the surface.

Spot Removal

  • Never use aggressive products to polish the coating or remove surface contamination.
  • Never use excessive force to remove spots.
  • Bird droppings, tar, sap, etc. should be removed as soon as possible to avoid temporary staining or hardening on the coating. Any staining left behind from bird dropping will break down over a few days without affecting the coating.

After Washing

Do not wax the coated surfaces, it is unnecessary. In addition, the wax will not bond to the coating. 

Glidecoat Shine & Shield or Hydrophobic Spray & Rinse are the recommended maintenance and aftercare products. Both products are developed to further enhance the shine and protect your ceramic coating. We recommend using one of the above products at least every 3-4 months but can be used as often as you like. 

FAQ

What is a ceramic coating?

A ceramic coating is a liquid polymer coating that is applied by hand. It is applied in liquid form, allowing the coating to fill in microscopic pores on the surface. After curing, the coating bonds with the surface, creating a hard, semi-permanent barrier. Ceramic coatings provide extreme gloss to the surface, giving a glass like look. Ceramics create a hydrophobic surface, preventing salt and other contaminants from penetrating the pores, making maintenance extremely easy while preventing oxidization.

Glidecoat ALPHA is designed to fill in the pores and bond with the surface to create a hard barrier. It enhances the gloss of the surface, while also providing protection 6 to 8 times longer than wax. On the other hand, when a wax is applied, it simply sits on top of the surface, which only provides short term protection. After wax is applied, when washing, the wax begins to deteriorate and come off the surface. In warm climates, wax starts to evaporate at 110°F.

Glidecoat ALPHA has been specifically designed for the marine industry, developed to withstand the harsh marine environment. Many other ceramic coatings were8 originally developed for the automotive industry, then sold into the marine industry, making them ineffective and less durable. Unlike other ceramic coatings, Glidecoat ALPHA does not need to be removed before reapplication, you can layer our product which provides even more protection. Glidecoat ALPHA Graphene Ceramic Coating can be safely and easily applied to your boat, car, RV, motorcycle, plane, or PWC. Apply to virtually any hard surface including, gel coat, single stage paint, clear coat, glass, bare metals, powder coated metals, rims, headlights, plexiglass, engine cowling and more! This versatility simplifies the coating process for users who want to protect multiple surfaces on their boat, or multiple vehicles with just one coating. It is also cost effective because we manufacture our own coating, and it is made in America. 

Nothing is permanent. Ceramic coatings come off through abrasion. The life expectancy of a ceramic coating, is based on a lot of factors, including: storage, seasonal, year-round, exposure to UV, in water, trailered, on a lift, climate to name a few. Following our maintenance program though, will significantly increase the overall performance. In our testing in Southern States, like Florida, ALPHA has shown up to 2 years protection in marine applications and up to 5 years for automotive. 

Unfortunately, ceramic coatings are not a miracle coating. 9 With the right preparation though it will look new or as close to new as you can get given the age and condition of the surface. 

On new surfaces you will get a 10-15% bump in the gloss and shine from factory new. On older vehicles, we have seen readings on a gloss meter (it measures shine by reflecting a light of the surface) go from single digits to north of 90, which is substantial.

Yes. Surface preparation is the most important step prior to applying any ceramic coating. The coating has been designed to enhance and protect the current condition of the surface. If applied over water marks or oxidization, it will lock in these imperfections and make them harder to remove. It is very important to restore the surface, removing any surface imperfections before applying Glidecoat ALPHA.

A normal drop of water contains a certain amount of dirt or minerals. When water evaporates on your boat’s surface, the minerals are left behind, creating visible spots. Detailers and consumers may assume that the hydrophobic quality and shedding angle will eliminate water spotting, since water slides off the coated surface. While it is true that some water will be repelled from the surface, other water droplets will bead and remain on the surface, creating the opportunity for water spotting.

As long as you rinse with clean water and wipe down with a chamois, spots will be eliminated. 

With the infusion of graphene, ALPHA is engineered to cure harder for long-term protection. Independent testing has shown up to 2 years protection in marine applications and up to 5 years for automotive. With the use of Glidecoat Marine Shine and Shield or Hydrophobic Spray & Rinse every 3-4 months, you can increase the life span of your ceramic coating. 

True ceramic coatings will fill the pores on the surface, however small and then bond directly to the surface making it hydrophobic. It does not peel and is only removed through abrasion. 

Once applied, there will be a noticeable difference in the shine of the surface. After application the surface should appear to be uniform and feel smooth to touch. If certain areas are not as shiny, apply an additional coat to ensure the surface is uniform. After the coating has cured (48 hours), a great way to test the surface is to spray the coated area with water. If the product has been applied properly, the water will bead-up on the surface. For best results, we recommend applying a minimum of two coats, three coats on highly sun exposed areas in marine applications.

For best results we recommend applying in temperatures ranging from 50˚F – 90˚F. This temperature range allows for the easiest application. If you are working in direct sunlight with temperatures exceeding 90˚F, apply the coating in small 2 foot sections at a time. The hotter the surface, the quicker the coating flashes. To ensure the surface is uniform, you must buff the coated area with a microfiber towel immediately after applying the coating. Do not apply in the rain, as it will decrease the effectiveness of the product.

You can tell the surface is ready based on how water reacts on the surface. Once water stops beading up on the surface, it is time to reapply. Also, if the surface begins to lose the gloss and shine, this is an indication that Glidecoat ALPHA needs to be reapplied.

Unlike other nano coating products, Glidecoat ALPHA does not need to be removed before reapplication. When reapplying, follow these steps:

  • Wash boat with Glidecoat Nano Wash.
  • Use dual action buffer or rotary buffer to apply Glidecoat Nano Polish.
  • Decontaminate surface with Glidecoat Surface Wipe.
  • Reapply Glidecoat ALPHA.

In most cases, Glidecoat Nano Compound is not required in reapplication of the coating because the surface will not be heavily oxidized. 

Glidecoat ALPHA greatly reduces the time and effort required to maintain your boat. Rinse your boat after each use, this will remove any salt water or scum build up (It is highly recommended to dry or chamois the boat after rinsing to avoid water spots). 

We recommend washing the boat with Glidecoat’s Nano Wash and a soft bristled brush every 2-3 weeks, easily removing surface stains. To increase the life of Glidecoat ALPHA, we recommend the use of Shine & Shield or Hydrophobic Spray & Rinse every 3-4 months to add a sacrificial layer which enhances the protective properties and gloss.

Disclaimer

Glidecoat, a division of Onan Technologies Inc.’s maximum liability for or with respect to any damages of any kind to any person, property or otherwise, caused to any customer or any other person as a result of or with respect to any proven breach of any express or implied warranty with respect to any product; misrepresentation with respect to any product; product error, failure or malfunction; formula, engineering or design error; manufacturing or packaging error; labeling error; product failure to perform; or any other act or omission of any kind whatsoever with respect to any product, shall be limited to the price paid by the customer for the product at the time of original purchase (not including shipping, handling, sales taxes or installation services);and product purchase price refund shall be customer’s only claim or remedy arising therefrom.

IN ADDITION TO AND WITHOUT LIMITATION OF THE FOREGOING, GLIDECOAT SHALL NOT BE LIABLE UNDER ANY RULE OR THEORY OF LAW TO ANY CUSTOMER OR ANY OTHER PERSON FOR (A) INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL,SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES OF ANY KIND,INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF REVENUES, LOSSOF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, OR OTHER ECONOMIC DAMAGES, OR (B) ERRORS MADE IN THE HANDLING,STORAGE OR INSTALLATION OR APPLICATION OF ANY PRODUCT, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER ONAN WAS ADVISED OF, KNEW OR OUGHT TO HAVE KNOWN OF THE POSSIBILITY OR RISK OF SUCH LOSSES OR DAMAGES.