NANOLEX – Nano-protections Presentation and Maintenance
- Products: Si3D, SiShield, Si3D BC, Si3D Matte, Si3D Headlight, Si Finish, Spray Sealant.
- Manufacturers: Nanolex
- Packaging: 30ml and 50ml bottles (Si 3D range), 100ml and 200ml containers (Spray Sealant), 200ml and 750ml (Si Finish).
Description:
A German brand that has existed for years and has an excellent reputation, NANOLEX is best known for its nano-technological protection treatments and in particular its famous Si3D. Today, the range has expanded with several variants depending on the surfaces to be treated.
This article will allow you to discover the breadth of the offering and get an idea of the uses and characteristics of each product.
Si 3D BC: Available in 30ml and 50ml.
Si3D BC is a revolutionary product. Indeed, applying a silicon dioxide-based ceramic treatment is not without risk when dealing with very fragile paint (repainted vehicles, Asian or British paint, etc.) that marks very easily on contact. Si3D BC was developed to counter this problem. It is in fact an inorganic basecoat that reinforces the surface before subsequently applying a ceramic treatment such as Si3D.
As a result, after application, your paint will be much less prone to micro-scratches during application and will offer good resistance to chemical agents.
It is possible to apply 2 coats of Si3D BC or more, to further reinforce the base and limit the micro-scratch effect if the surface requires it. In general, 2 coats are sufficient.
Then, 1h after applying Si3D BC, you can apply Si3D for example for better protection and a hydrophobic effect. Indeed, Si3D BC does not really offer a hydrophobic effect, which does not mean there is no protection!
The advantage of using Si3D BC before applying Si3D is also the increased durability of the latter. You will go from 3 years to approximately 5 years maximum.
The application of Si3D BC is fairly easy. Proceed in the same way as a conventional ceramic treatment with straight-line motions (3–4 passes), but leaving virtually no curing time. You will wipe off the product before it dries, that is to say when it creates micro-bubbles just after application. Check your wiping carefully because once perfectly dry, Si3D BC can only be removed by wet-sanding the surface at 2000 grit!
Application:
- Thoroughly degrease the surface with Nanolex EX beforehand. (A finishing polish is still recommended)
- Apply with Nanolex Application Block and a Nanolex Microfibre Application Cloth suede applicator.
- Pour 5 drops of Si3D BC onto the suede for a surface of approximately 40x40cm.
- Apply in crossed straight-line motions over 3–4 passes until a fine haze appears.
- Carefully wipe off with a short-pile microfibre cloth followed by a second wipe with the suede.
Si3D can be applied after 1h.
Advantages:
- Surface hardness limiting micro-scratching on soft surfaces.
- Very high resistance to chemical agents (inorganic ceramic).
- Increases the durability of the Si3D treatment applied afterwards.
Disadvantages:
- Application and no forgivable mistakes (sanding required to remove the product!).
Our opinion:
A very useful and even essential product when it comes to treating very fragile surfaces that are prone to micro-scratching during the application of a ceramic treatment and its wiping. On the other hand, you will absolutely need to pay attention to the wiping, hence the need for good lighting, because the slightest mistake will not be forgiven once the treatment is well cured: wet sanding required!
Si Shield: Available in 30ml and 50ml.
Si Shield is the latest treatment in the Si range launched by Nanolex. The composition remains based on silicon dioxide (SiO2) but offers unrivalled ease of application for amateurs just starting out with ceramic treatment application.
Indeed, the Si3D range, which is more demanding to apply, requires some knowledge of treatments at the risk of leaving some marks.
Si Shield is much more forgiving in its application. Thus, applying and wiping will be straightforward.
In addition, Si Shield can count on good resistance to chemical agents. Its hydrophobic nature will also greatly facilitate your cleaning.
Durability is also there, with approximately 20,000km depending on driving and storage conditions. Nanolex also announces a hold of up to approximately 20 washes at a car wash with detergent products.
Application:
- Thoroughly degrease the surface with Nanolex EX beforehand. (A finishing polish is still recommended)
- Apply with Nanolex Application Block and a Nanolex Microfibre Application Cloth suede applicator.
- Pour 5 drops of SiShield onto the suede for a surface of approximately 40x40cm.
- Maximum application time of 1 min.
- Carefully wipe off with a short-pile microfibre cloth followed by a second wipe with the suede.
You must leave the treated vehicle for a minimum of 24h dry before potentially exposing it to water.
Advantages:
- Very easy to apply (application, wiping).
- Finish
Disadvantages:
- Durability compared to the Si3D range.
Our opinion:
An excellent value for money for those starting out with ceramic treatment application. Durability is also very respectable and will suit mainly vehicles that are driven infrequently throughout the year. A wise choice!
Si 3D: Available in 30ml, 50ml and a complete 30ml kit.
Si3D is without doubt the flagship product of the range. Present for years, this nano treatment based on silicon dioxide not only protects treated surfaces but improves the finish by enhancing the depth of the colour (visible on dark shades).
The degree of gloss once applied and cured will be very noticeably improved.
In addition, the formulation of Si3D gives it excellent resistance to chemical agents, bird droppings, iron particle contamination, salt attacks and UV.
Offering a durability of at least 2 years even on "daily-drivers", Si3D will be an absolute weapon for everyday driving.
Also, once the full curing has taken place after 5–7 days, it can only be removed by machine polishing with a compound.
The application of Si3D is completely different from a conventional ceramic treatment. Indeed, in the case of this product, you will need to work on small sections with very little product. A few drops are enough. Also, you will need to apply it and "work" it until the haze disappears without needing to wipe it off. This is precisely where all the difference and above all the difficulty of application lies.
A very good light source is therefore needed to properly visualise the film during application and work it sufficiently (3–4 passes in a criss-cross motion until the haze disappears). Slightly unsettling at first but you get used to it fairly quickly.
No mistakes are allowed because otherwise wiping with the MF will be complicated and you will have to restart the process (clean with EX within the hour following application and redo the application).
Application:
- Thoroughly degrease the surface with Nanolex EX beforehand. (A finishing polish is still recommended)
- Apply with Nanolex Application Block and a Nanolex Microfibre Application Cloth suede applicator.
- Pour a maximum of 3 drops of Si3D onto the suede for a surface of approximately 40x40cm. Reduce the number of drops depending on the size of the area being treated.
- Work the product in crossed straight-line motions (criss-cross) until the haze has completely disappeared. If needed, go over it with a microfibre cloth for a perfect finish.
You must leave the treated vehicle for a minimum of 24h dry before potentially exposing it to water.
Advantages:
- Excellent chemical resistance.
- Finish.
- Durability.
Disadvantages:
- Delicate application.
Our opinion:
An excellent long-lasting treatment. Si3D has proven itself over many years. Its resistance to all kinds of external contaminants and its gloss level make it a benchmark.
However, this product requires a very rigorous application with excellent lighting, which may not suit beginners (it is better to go for Si Shield in that case).
Si 3D Headlight: Available in 30ml.
Si3D Headlight has the same composition as Si3D with a few differences. Indeed, the former is only applied to polycarbonate and acrylic parts such as front and rear lights.
It was developed to prevent surface oxidation of these materials (visible by the appearance of a dull, yellowish haze). It will create an invisible but durable protective film resistant to UV as well as chemical agents.
Si3D Headlight can also be suitable for other materials such as raw plastics, where Si3D would not be appropriate. Always test on a small area beforehand.
Application:
- Thoroughly degrease the surface with Nanolex EX beforehand.
- Apply with Nanolex Application Block and a Nanolex Microfibre Application Cloth suede applicator.
- Pour a maximum of 3 drops of Si3D Headlight onto the suede for a complete headlight. Reduce the number of drops depending on the surface area of the headlight to be treated.
- Work the product in crossed straight-line motions (criss-cross) until the haze has completely disappeared. If needed, go over it with a microfibre cloth for a perfect finish.
You must leave the treated surfaces for a minimum of 12h dry before exposing them to water. Do not wash the car for the first 3 days following application.
Advantages:
- Excellent chemical and UV resistance.
- Durability.
Disadvantages:
- Price?
Our opinion:
An essential product to protect your polycarbonate or acrylic elements as these will otherwise inevitably oxidise (due to the material). Prevention is therefore better than cure. Si3D Headlight should be applied once the headlight restoration has been carried out in order to protect them and prevent the phenomenon from occurring again.
A fairly straightforward product to apply in that the surfaces are quite small so there is little risk, but make sure to work the product sufficiently to avoid any residual marks.
Si3D Matte: Available in 30ml.
The difficulty with matte finishes is not altering that matte appearance, precisely, by applying protective treatments that are initially intended to enhance the gloss level of the paint.
It is with this in mind that Nanolex developed Si3D Matte: to preserve the matte appearance of the vehicle while ensuring good protection.
Just like Si3D, it is a nano-technological treatment that will therefore offer excellent protection, particularly against chemical aggressions (alkaline or acid products that would dull the matte finish, bird droppings, etc.).
Good durable protection on a matte finish is strongly recommended given that matte does not allow any decontamination or polishing, so the options for dealing with contaminant marks are very limited. Once again, prevention is better than cure on this demanding finish.
Application:
- Thoroughly degrease the surface with Nanolex EX beforehand.
- Apply with Nanolex Application Block and a Nanolex Microfibre Application Cloth suede applicator.
- Pour a maximum of 5–6 drops of Si3D Matte onto the suede for an area of 40x40cm. Reduce the number of drops depending on the surface area to be treated.
- Work the product in crossed straight-line motions (criss-cross) until the haze has completely disappeared. If needed, go over it with a microfibre cloth for a perfect finish.
You must leave the treated surfaces for a minimum of 12h dry before exposing them to water. Do not wash the car for the first 3 days following application.
Advantages:
- Excellent chemical and UV resistance.
- Beading and sheeting (water evacuation).
- Durable protection essential for matte finishes.
Disadvantages:
- Price?
- Application (virtually no wiping after application, which is quite unsettling).
Our opinion:
An essential product to effectively and durably protect your demanding matte finish. A slightly technical product to apply (just like the Si3D from which it is derived) but which ultimately, after an adaptation period, proves quite straightforward and will promote long-lasting results. Regular maintenance with Matte Final Finish is strongly recommended afterwards.
Spray Sealant: Available in 100ml and 200ml.
A product not very well known in the range yet excellent. It is a sealant with a very simple application and a surprising durability for this type of protection (over 6 months announced or approximately 7,000km).
The advantage of Spray Sealant is that it can be applied to all surfaces without risk: bodywork, rims, plastics, metals, etc.
Ultimately, a low-tech product, yet still offering excellent protection with an incredible hydrophobic effect.
Application:
- Thoroughly degrease the surface with Nanolex EX beforehand. (prior polishing recommended for an optimal surface condition)
- Apply with a microfibre applicator or a simple cotton pad.
- Spray 2–3 "spritzes" onto the applicator and spread in circular motions.
- Curing time of approximately 5–10 min depending on ambient temperature conditions.
- Wipe off with a short-pile microfibre cloth.
Dry to the touch after wiping, and fully cured after 1h.
Advantages:
- Easy to apply (same as carnauba) and to wipe off.
- Beautiful gloss.
- Very silky feel.
- Acceptable durability for a sealant.
Disadvantages:
- Price.
Our opinion:
Spray Sealant deserves to be better known, given how easy its application and wiping are. A product to strongly recommend if you do not wish to venture into applying a much more demanding nano treatment. Finally, the fact that it can be used on all surfaces is a major plus as you can protect your entire car with a single product. A must-have in your Detailer's kit!
Si Finish: Available in 200ml and 750ml.
Maintenance product for your applied nano treatment (Si Shield, Si3D) based on silicon dioxide. It will durably boost the hydrophobic effect and leave a finish similar to the one at the time of treatment application. To be used every 3–4 washes.
Si Finish has the particular advantage of being very easy to apply on the surface and to wipe off.
It will greatly help against water-spotting (dried water droplets) and will provide protection for several weeks as a "stand-alone" (simple application without a ceramic layer).
Can be used on bodywork, rims and plastics on dry and cold surfaces.
Application:
- Thoroughly clean and dry your vehicle.
- Apply directly onto the surface or onto a short-pile microfibre cloth (Black Velvet is ideal, for example).
- Treat areas of 60cm x 60cm maximum.
- Wipe off the product haze thoroughly until you feel the soft touch left behind.
Advantages:
- Easy to apply.
- Beautiful gloss.
- Very silky feel.
- Possible standalone protection.
Disadvantages:
- Price.
Our opinion:
THE essential product for maintaining any Nanolex ceramic treatment. Its application is disarmingly easy and the finish it leaves is incredible. Its multi-surface use is also a major plus. Product consumption is measured, which almost makes it an economical product. Use every 3–4 washes to reinforce its protection.
General conclusion on the Nanolex range:
Nanolex lives up to its reputation for seriousness in the field of nano protection treatments. A complete range for all types of coating and accessibility of the products regardless of the end user's level of experience. All products will deliver satisfaction in terms of finish and durability. The Si3D HD treatment is intentionally not featured in this section nor sold on Maniac-Auto as it is exclusively reserved for approved applicators (its application is indeed very technical).
You will ultimately always find a protection that suits your requirements from Nanolex.
Often high prices, but that is the cost of quality and technical sophistication.