BudgetPlan1
Active member
Finally got around to giving this a go on (yes, another) 2019 Ford Race Red Transit Connect van...at least this one was a bit smaller than the regular Transits we get. While I woulda loved to do the `ultimate` application of Zipang + Miyabi + Zipang, even my fiscal alarm went off at the prospect of dumping $750 in coatings on a fleet vehicle regardless of curiosity. While generally, if ISM Coat is any indicator, can get 2 layers outta 30ml, because of the roof and no windows of this van, that wasn`t gonna happen. So I skipped the highly impractical `ultimate Zipang/Miyabi/Zipang sandwich` and went with the merely marginally impractical middle ground of a base coat of Miyabi + Zipang on top....topped with Overcoat of course.
I used the Autofiber Coating Saver Microfiber Coating Sponge for both Miyabi and Zipang and like the Cquartz UK 3 and 22ple VXPRO2 applications, they worked very well. Miyabi was it`s typically mindless application, apply to 2 panels, remove after 5-6 minutes at about 70 degrees F.
Zipang application was a bit different as recommendations are to apply evenly in a single direction, no cross hatch to insure complete coverage so have to pay a bit more attention to make sure everything is covered. It was ready for removal in 3-5 minutes, a little tacky on removal but nothing special. Definitely a short nap towel deal, however, and I used 300gsm/350gsm for initial removal and leveling and then a final buff with a 400-450gsm. Just for grins on one panel I did do cross hatch in a small area and in addition to getting some texture in the application, the crosshatch pass seemed to dry out the applied coating prematurely making for a somewhat draggy applicator feel. I think perhaps a microsuede applicator would allow for more even coverage as a `thick even layer` is what is recommended. Any small ridges left by the texture of the microfiber applicator were easily leveled during removal though so who knows?
It`s a somewhat `thick` product on application, much like ISM Coat, almost a thin, syrup type of deal. Regardless it all went well, a relatively easy product to use. The look is ISM-ish, the Zipang toned down a bit of the overt reflectivity of Miyabi and gave the surface a deeper richness while still maintaining nice gloss. It looks `rich` in the way that Gtechniq CSL looked rich on this paint shade....very classy. I imagine the Overcoat will lend a nice touch of gloss, will see tomorrow.
As for what *might* make Zipang special, that is the self-healing claims, will wait a week or 2 and then give that a go in some very inconspicuous areas like lower rocker panels. I don`t expect it to be miraculous in any way shape or form but if it has the ability to self-heal light swirls from a less-than-perfect drying towels, that`ll be good enough for me. Pricey, yes, but will solve a potential issue on black cars that will otherwise make it thru 2 years without re-doing. Of course, that depends on if Zipang has the legs that the normal Miyabi + ISM coat has show on my personal car since application 20 months/34k miles ago.
Another red van...well, except for the 100 square feet of black plastic trim...geez Ford.
Since I had just a tiny bit of leftovers, pulled a heavily used van in this morning, CarPro ClearCut on microfiber, Sonax Perfect Finish on yellow Rupes and then the `ultimate` Zipang application of Zipang + Miyabi + Zipang. I`ll have no issues taking various items to this hood to test the limits of the claimed self-healing. As an aside, this was the van that I did the side-by-side of HydroSilex, 22ple VS1 and Kami Overcoat (with CanCoat-only dividing lines) on last year. Back before we could draw any lasting conclusions from that escapade, the hood got covered by something (I`d guess paint overspray). Had to clay the ever-loving life out of it before taking the Rupes 15 to it this morning but I could still see the CanCoat dividing lines on the hood; they weren`t really slick or beading or anything but they were still plainly visible. Dunno what that means but it did raise an eyebrow...regardless, it`ll make a nice `who cares` test panel:
I used the Autofiber Coating Saver Microfiber Coating Sponge for both Miyabi and Zipang and like the Cquartz UK 3 and 22ple VXPRO2 applications, they worked very well. Miyabi was it`s typically mindless application, apply to 2 panels, remove after 5-6 minutes at about 70 degrees F.
Zipang application was a bit different as recommendations are to apply evenly in a single direction, no cross hatch to insure complete coverage so have to pay a bit more attention to make sure everything is covered. It was ready for removal in 3-5 minutes, a little tacky on removal but nothing special. Definitely a short nap towel deal, however, and I used 300gsm/350gsm for initial removal and leveling and then a final buff with a 400-450gsm. Just for grins on one panel I did do cross hatch in a small area and in addition to getting some texture in the application, the crosshatch pass seemed to dry out the applied coating prematurely making for a somewhat draggy applicator feel. I think perhaps a microsuede applicator would allow for more even coverage as a `thick even layer` is what is recommended. Any small ridges left by the texture of the microfiber applicator were easily leveled during removal though so who knows?
It`s a somewhat `thick` product on application, much like ISM Coat, almost a thin, syrup type of deal. Regardless it all went well, a relatively easy product to use. The look is ISM-ish, the Zipang toned down a bit of the overt reflectivity of Miyabi and gave the surface a deeper richness while still maintaining nice gloss. It looks `rich` in the way that Gtechniq CSL looked rich on this paint shade....very classy. I imagine the Overcoat will lend a nice touch of gloss, will see tomorrow.
As for what *might* make Zipang special, that is the self-healing claims, will wait a week or 2 and then give that a go in some very inconspicuous areas like lower rocker panels. I don`t expect it to be miraculous in any way shape or form but if it has the ability to self-heal light swirls from a less-than-perfect drying towels, that`ll be good enough for me. Pricey, yes, but will solve a potential issue on black cars that will otherwise make it thru 2 years without re-doing. Of course, that depends on if Zipang has the legs that the normal Miyabi + ISM coat has show on my personal car since application 20 months/34k miles ago.
Another red van...well, except for the 100 square feet of black plastic trim...geez Ford.
Since I had just a tiny bit of leftovers, pulled a heavily used van in this morning, CarPro ClearCut on microfiber, Sonax Perfect Finish on yellow Rupes and then the `ultimate` Zipang application of Zipang + Miyabi + Zipang. I`ll have no issues taking various items to this hood to test the limits of the claimed self-healing. As an aside, this was the van that I did the side-by-side of HydroSilex, 22ple VS1 and Kami Overcoat (with CanCoat-only dividing lines) on last year. Back before we could draw any lasting conclusions from that escapade, the hood got covered by something (I`d guess paint overspray). Had to clay the ever-loving life out of it before taking the Rupes 15 to it this morning but I could still see the CanCoat dividing lines on the hood; they weren`t really slick or beading or anything but they were still plainly visible. Dunno what that means but it did raise an eyebrow...regardless, it`ll make a nice `who cares` test panel:
