Paint Preparation:
The most crucial step in applying Aires is surface preparation. While a full corrective buffing process might not be necessary depending on your vehicle condition (swirl marks, scratches, etc.), having a clean, residue-free surface is needed to allow Hero to bond to the paint or other surfaces. Without having a clean, residue-free surface, the coating will not adhere to the surface.
We suggest using our Cleanse Shampoo to help strip any remaining waxes or sealants off the vehicle during your vehicle wash. After you wash the car, conduct a full clay bar process on all the areas where the coating will be applied.
Once you have completed the clay process, spray all the surfaces coated with Fresh, our vehicle paint preparation solution. Wipe off these areas with a soft microfiber towel. Wiping the area will help ensure no residue remains on the surfaces you are going to coat.
If you need to correct your vehicle fully (remove swirl marks, scratches, and others), it is vital to use a product that does not contain any fillers, waxes, sealants, etc. We highly recommend using our Critical Correction and Critical Finish to conduct these steps.
Hand Application:
This product is a micro-thin solution, and you can achieve maximum gloss and duality by using a thicker coat. Unlike most products on the market where thickness does not alter the look or protection, Aires can lose up to 30% gloss and diminish durability with an improper thinner application.
Dispense a liberal amount on a ceramic type of applicator or a foam applicator. You cannot apply this product with any microfiber application. The microfiber towel’s looped style characteristics will remove the product while trying to use it. Create a “picture frame” border and then fill in the middle of the frame with the product. Complete large sections at one time due to the extended drying times. For example: On a full-size pickup truck, you can coat approximately 50% of the vehicle at one time and then wait for the removal process.
Continue the frame type of process while filling in the “frame” with vertical and horizontal stroking movements. This type of application will ensure that you overlap the sections slightly to avoid missing any surface area.
After approximately 20 minutes, Aires will begin to change the appearance, and you will see a darker, “skim coat” look that appears onto the surface. This look is an indication that the coating is ready for complete removal. PLEASE NOTE: Humidity levels and temperature will ALTER drying times. Test a small area first, to determine how much area could be completed before removal is needed!
Remove the coating with a soft microfiber towel. If you accidentally leave the coating on too long and removal is difficult, recoat the area and wipe off in approximately 5 minutes. Unlike traditional ceramic coatings, it is tough to end up with any “high-spots” onto the painted surfaces.
Machine Application:
Aires can be applied with a soft finishing pad when combined on a waxing/finishing machine at a slow-speed setting. Do not apply Aires with a high-speed setting or a rotary style buffer. You should only apply Aires with an orbit/random orbit type of machine. Do not use Aires during a corrective buffing stage. Use Aires as a final protectant.
Apply a generous amount to the buffing pad and place the buffing pad onto the surface. Turn the machine on and begin to spread the coating onto the surface area. Create a picture frame and then fill in the frame using horizontal and vertical movements. After this area is complete, proceed with the same steps throughout the rest of the vehicle.
Durability:
Aires can last 8 years or longer and on clear-coated surfaces and gel-coated surfaces. On other surfaces such as glass, wheels, and metals, longevity can vary between several months to several years, depending on user maintenance and vehicle exposure.
Maintenance:
Aires does not need any maintenance. If hydrophobic properties are lost, we advise you to check the vehicle surface. While Aires protects the surface exceptionally well, certain pollutants can become attached to the surface. These pollutants will not penetrate through Aires but can create a layer on top of the vehicle’s body. Use a clay bar along with a strip wash to remove any of these contaminants. If you want to have the ultimate hydrophobic properties displayed, use Trench Coat when needed. Again, using any toppers is not necessary.
