Contents
Phase Analysis: Wet Stage Rain Exposure
Mechanism: During application and the first 1-90 minutes, the coating exists in a molten silicate-polymer blend (e.g., Trimethylolpropane Tris(3-mercaptopropionate)). Rainwater introduced at 50 minutes disrupts cross-linking with the surface’s hydroxyl groups.
Chemical Impact: Undiluted Ka Ceramic Pro requires 1 hour for evaporation. Rainwater before this time dilutes silicate siloxane chains, weakening adhesion (esp. on dark metallic paint).
Surfactants in contaminated rainwater (e.g., urban environments with low pH or hydrocarbons) can create esterification imbalances. This may lead to micro-marring where surfactants “wick” underlying paint defects to the surface.
pH Sensitivity: Acidic rain (pH <5.5) can etch semi-reactive silicate precursors before bonding with the surface, reducing film density. Neutral or alkaline rain (pH 7–9) is less damaging but still risks premature rinse-off before polymerization starts.
Fish Eyes/Bald Spots: Expected if rainwater contains hard water minerals (Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺), which fail to dissolve in Ka Ceram’s formulation and leave voids where water adheres to the surface (not repelled). This may appear as irregular hydrophobic zones within 24 hours.
Wet Stage Recovery Steps
| Step | Action Details | Tools Required |
|---|---|---|
| Step 0: Assess Contamination | ||
| 1 | Use Tyger Nap water grit removal pad or Auto Mayhem Brush cloth within 1–5 minutes of rainwater exposure. Spray with a wetting lube (e.g., Blade G-3 Wetting Lube) to safely dissolve surface water without damaging the coating. | Ka Ceramic Pro Towel-Thinner + pH-neutral water (e.g., distilled H₂O) |
| 2 | Immediate microfiber toweling with CarPro Superclan 99.9 Hybrid Towel at a 90-degree angle, using a light, one-directional motion to avoid scratching. If stains remain from contaminants, apply a blunt-index test with 0.3um pad to check paint depth. | Soft lambswool drying towels, pH-neutral app (Blade PF-30 Neutral) |
| Step 1: Reapply Slurry | ||
| 3 | Blot-dry the surface completely. Reapply Kai’s Actives by hand using a ½-moon stencil (full body coats). Ensure good ventilation but avoid direct UV exposure—some silicate-based coatings cure via moisture and light, and can brown if always kept wet. | Application knife or micro-applicator gloves for precise coverage |
| 4 | Use a KA Towel-Thinner at 70% moisture to redose 50% thicker in the affected area. This compensates for the dilution and ensures strong bonding. Leave this redose untouched for 90 minutes minimum. | Micro-applicator gloves, distillate only |
Curing Phase Protocol
Timeline:
Ka Ceramic Pro recommends >105 hours for full cross-linking. At 68°F, the coating reaches semi-cure at 12 hours and full hydrophobicity at 72 hours. Rain during “Post-Redose” stages can trap OH groups in polymer chains.
Moisture (rainwater) during semi-cure will delay film density, especially if the coating is still in a gel-like hydrophilic adhesion phase. Use a Docuterm pH test strip to quickly evaluate surface wetness pH after cleaning for potential integration risk.
Fixtures & Techniques:
If marring appears after rain but before full cure, use a Dual-Action Polisher (RPM: 3,000–4,500) with a microfiber pad to gently rub in the “tie-in” technique—this reactivates the top layer and allows siloxane to rebond.
Inscription Area = 20–30 square feet. Use lightly coated microfiber applicator (not razor-dry) to touch up a 10% overlay. Outside the 72h window? Full recoat in the issue zone.
Tool Table: Curing Phase Contingencies
| If Textured Haze Remains | Solutions | Timeframe Post-Rain |
|---|---|---|
| Mild haze | ||
| Apply 1–2 drops of Blade Grate UV Block (not wax) to neutralize microscopic water spots and prevent oxidation before the coating fully firms. | Apply immediately; full cure = 89–63 hours | |
| Severe Baldness | ||
| Remove bond-aggressive rain residues first with DAM Paste. Then use a 0.3µ or 0.6µ pad with syringed mixed solution to rebond the patch to the surface. | Preferred after 24–72 hours of rain exposure | |
Post-Cure Rain Safety Statement
Assessment: After 10 days on a non-ironed surface, rain is considered “safe” in most environments. However, if the coating was applied to lacquered or iron-rich areas without underlayers, deionized or reverse osmosis (RO) water is best.
Long-Term Rain Simplified:
Verdict: Safe if pH is neutral (6–8) and deionized. Not safe if high Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) >300ppm or pH <5.5.
Pro Tip: For surfaces with Ka plastic weaves, use a pH-4+ ceramic taper for intensive bonding post-rain. For stain removal in rainy environments, Blade PF-30 Neutral is preferred for maintaining durashine/weathering rating (WHR) >5 years when followed up with ceramic silane boosters like Blade Grate.
pH Clean Regimen:
| Product | Application | Neutralises |
|---|---|---|
| Blade PF-30 Neutral | Immediately after rain | Hard water, alkali contaminants |
| Muc-Off Surface Shampoo | Cleaning stage, pre- or post-cure | Deionises surface, removes acid etch |
Brand-Specific Warnings and Preventive Measures
Cross-Linking Formula (Simplified):
Ka Ceramic Pro Slurry → Siloxane molecules form a 3D mesh (somewhat like Si–O–Si connectivity in their hexagonal grid formation) during polycondensation. Rainwater at 50 minutes inhibits forming a full grid, leading to weak 2D-3D boundaries (that elongate during occupations over 72h).
