How protective coatings are applied (continued)
Diamondbrite
Diamondbrite Ceramic is an ultra-hard, high-gloss paint protectant, guaranteed against paint fading, deterioration of the gloss finish and even bird muck, so long as it’s removed as soon as possible (terms and conditions apply).
“Once applied, you will never have to polish your caravan again,” claims marketing director Lance Boseley.
Diamondbrite is a two-stage process. Stage One fills the pores in the caravan panel surface, then Stage Two adds a hard protective shell with a high-lustre finish.
Diamondbrite recommends treating your protected caravan with its specially formulated Conserver product every one to three months, depending on the miles covered. This will help to preserve the protection that Diamondbrite offers.
To maintain your guarantee, you must register your Diamondbrite treatment within 14 days of application. diamondbrite.co.uk
Paintseal
Paintseal’s protector is a liquid-glass ceramic coating called Gen-3. It’s only applied by the company’s own specialist technicians, and a single application is guaranteed for five years on new vehicles and for three years on vehicles over six months old ( because they are likely to have already been waxed or shampooed).
In reality, Paintseal says it should last much longer, and doesn’t require topping up or conserver treatments.
“If any customer ever does have a problem, we’ll inspect the vehicle and correct any issues as appropriate,” says Lisa Bradbury, co-founder and owner of Paintseal. “If anyone offers you a lifetime guarantee, it’s a good idea to clarify how they’re defining a lifetime,” she adds.
Paintseal’s Ceramic Glasscoat is a polysiloxane, which provides excellent weathering attributes (so keeps its shine for longer) and offers resistance to UV rays and heat. It also displays exceptional resistance to abrasion, corrosion and chemical attack, minimising dirt pick-up.
“We do apply Gen-3 to caravan wheels, but we don’t put it on acrylic caravan windows,” says Lisa. “We’ve lived and breathed paint protection for 35 years, so we know what works best.”
To protect the fabrics, furnishings and carpets inside a caravan, Paintseal uses a spray-on, hypoallergenic, non- CFC, PTFE formula. paintsealdirect.com
Pricing
The complete Paintseal Ceramic Gen-3 treatment (Glasscoat exterior and Teflon interior) costs £ 499 for a single-axle caravan and £599 for a twin-axle. The carpet protection treatment is £50 extra.
Diamondbrite treatments will typically be priced at £ 499 for single-axle caravans and £599 for twin-axle models.
Both companies provide free aftercare packs, with specialist products to clean and protect their ceramic finishes.
Thanks to Downtide Caravans & Leisure in Norwich, Norfolk (www.downtide.com), for help in demonstrating the treatments