Liz and John booked their new Lexus NX350 into AutoFX WA for our new-car preparation and two-layer OPTiX FMJ ceramic coating service.
In this case, Lexus had delivered the vehicle in excellent condition. We regularly find washing marks, polishing haze, water spots and other defects on new vehicles, but this NX350 was one of the better dealer-delivered cars we have inspected.
That made the preparation relatively straightforward. The Lexus still required proper washing, decontamination and a light finishing polish, but there was no reason to perform unnecessary heavy correction on paint that was already in very good condition.
Preparing the new Lexus for ceramic coating
The NX350 was first cleaned using snow foam followed by a careful two-bucket hand wash. The two-bucket method helps keep removed dirt separate from the clean wash solution, reducing the chance of dragging contamination back across the paint.
We then carried out the necessary paint decontamination to remove residue that normal washing may leave behind. Even a new vehicle can collect contamination during transport, storage and dealership preparation.
After washing and rinsing, the Lexus was blow-dried. This helped remove trapped water from the mirrors, badges, panel gaps and trim before polishing and coating began.
Sensitive edges, rubber seals and adjoining trim were then carefully taped. This protected those areas from accidental machine contact and reduced the chance of polish residue becoming trapped against textured surfaces.
A light single-stage finishing polish
Because the dealer-delivered finish was already very good, the Lexus only required a quick single-stage finishing polish.
This was not an aggressive paint correction process. The objective was to refine the finish, reduce light surface marring and create a clean, consistent surface before applying the coating.
New paint should always be inspected before deciding how much polishing is required. Performing unnecessary correction removes more clear coat without providing a worthwhile benefit. On this Lexus, a gentle finishing stage was the appropriate preparation.
This is why our paint enhancement process is adjusted to suit the condition of the actual vehicle instead of applying the same correction procedure to every car.
Two layers of OPTiX FMJ ceramic coating
After polishing, the paint was thoroughly cleaned to remove polishing oils and residue. We then applied two layers of OPTiX FMJ graphene-enhanced ceramic coating.
FMJ uses a SiO2 coating foundation combined with reduced graphene oxide. It is designed to form a strong bond with the prepared surface, producing a tough exterior and a noticeably slick finish.
FMJ is also a demanding coating to install. Its strong bonding behaviour can make it feel sticky during application, so it requires controlled application, careful levelling and suitable lighting.
Fresh microfibre cloths rated at no less than 350 GSM were used for levelling and removing coating residue. Clean and suitable cloths are important because a contaminated, rough or overloaded towel can interfere with the finish.
We allow a minimum of two hours between FMJ layers. Where workshop scheduling permits, we normally leave the first layer overnight before applying the second. This gives the first layer time to establish a stable foundation rather than rushing the complete coating system.
A single layer of FMJ provides approximately three years of protection under suitable conditions. The two-layer system applied to Liz and John’s Lexus is our approximately six-year FMJ option. Actual performance still depends on how the vehicle is used, stored, washed and maintained.
OPTiX OP888 versus FMJ
AutoFX WA currently offers two main ceramic coating choices: OPTiX OP888 and OPTiX FMJ. Both require properly cleaned and prepared paint, but they suit slightly different requirements.
OPTiX OP888
OP888 is our practical SiO2 ceramic coating with approximately three years of expected durability. It provides strong water behaviour, easier cleaning and useful protection without requiring the more involved two-layer FMJ installation.
OPTiX FMJ
FMJ is our heavier-duty graphene-enhanced option. It has a strong bonding character, a tough exterior and a particularly slick finish that remains noticeable through repeated washing when maintained correctly.
One layer of FMJ is also an approximately three-year option, while two properly installed layers provide our approximately six-year system. For Liz and John’s new Lexus, the two-layer FMJ package was selected for longer-term protection.
The most suitable choice is not automatically the coating with the longest stated durability. It depends on the vehicle, how it is used, where it is parked, the owner’s washing habits and how long they intend to keep it.
A straightforward new-car protection service
This Lexus demonstrates how a new-car coating service should work when the vehicle arrives with a genuinely good dealer-delivered finish.
There was no need to invent defects or sell Liz and John an excessive paint correction package. The NX350 needed careful washing, decontamination, taping and a light finishing polish before the two FMJ layers were installed.
The preparation created the clean and refined finish. The coating was then applied to protect it and make normal washing and maintenance more manageable.
Learn more about our new-car ceramic coating packages in Perth, or request a quotation for your vehicle.
AutoFX WA is located in O’Connor and services customers from Fremantle, Melville, Cockburn, Cottesloe and surrounding Perth areas.
