TRIBOS is a liquid polymer coating that forms an incredibly durable protective skin over the protected surface. Because of the unique chemical compound the coating cures to form an extremely thin (0.5 microns) transparent layer that is not only durable but flexible as well, which is a clear advantage over ceramic coatings that may fracture and requires grinding to remove. The TRIBOS polymer chemically bonds to the surface keeping it in place far longer than waxes and other polymer coatings.

There are hundreds of polishes, waxes and other protective coatings on the market, none of them offer the durability that TRIBOS can, waxes simply wash off and other products may cause long-term surface damage. TRIBOS acts differently from other protective coatings.

When cured (given 48 hours from completion of application) the TRIBOS polymer creates an extremely smooth surface that increases gloss and improves depth of colour, and while it is not a permanent coating, it typically lasts up to 5 years (tested in a marine environment as well as for automotive cars in regular city driving in Southeast Asian and Western European road conditions. In areas where there is high amounts of external wind-borne abrasion, such as dust and sandstorms in the desert environment, TRIBOS will provide protection, albeit at a reduced rate, however the coatings should last at least 2 to 3 years depending on the conditions under which has been applied.

Washing and maintaining your TRIBOS coated vehicle is simple – just a water-wash flush with clean water is all that is needed. No detergents or anything else is required while the polymer is in effect. It is recommended to go to your TRIBOS center about once every two to three years for a maintenance checkup.

The Chemistry:

TRIBOS is classed as a ‘soft’ sacrificial coating. It is chemically, amino methoxy functional polydimethylsiloxane, -­‐OSiR1R2R’Y where R1 is a methyl group, the other is a proprietary side chain, and Y is an amine. This is also a UV resistant Si-­‐O-­‐Si-­‐ backbone. When spread thin during application the product absorbs and incorporates a water molecule from the air forming an elastomeric network. This is very thin and bonds to the surface through mechanical interference.

TRIBOS has a very similar feel and properties to stiff silicone rubber which is commonly used in kitchen implements and medical tubing. It is resilient, glossy, flexible, hydrophobic, reforms after abrasion and is UV stable. The high molecular weight of the final elastomer also assists with paintability – meaning that the molecule lays down very easily on the coated surface.

The TRIBIOS layer is intended to be very thin, the thickness can be increased by increasing the viscosity (and hence film thickness) but the best brightness and durability we have found at the current formulation – being typically less than 5 molecules thick.

The TRIBOS Paint Coating on your automotive paint is intended to be sacrificial, meaning it is not a permanent coating, and any adhering dirt naturally will take a small patch of the polymer with it. For this reason it must be reapplied periodically – typically ever 4 to 5 years.

TRIBOS is not classed as a ‘hard coating’, of the sort often sold based on PHPS or organic resins. These are often UV curable. Hard coatings suffer from several issues, namely differential expansion coefficients with respect to the underlying substrate resulting in cracking, C to C bonds tend to be degraded by UV resulting in chalking/ yellowing.

Because of the chemistry and complexity of the TRIBOS system, it has to be professionally applied by trained and qualified personnel using our tried and tested methodology to achieve the desired results and durability. TRIBOS Coatings are not recommended for self-application. Application of TRIBOS paint coatings requires a thorough surface preparation using our Zero-Swirl prep followed by the polymer application. Without the proper preparation, the Coating may not fully adhere to the surface, and if there are any surface defects, the polymer will simply cover the defect, but not add any benefits to the defect below.

Disclaimer: The TRIBOS Paint coating will not adhere to plastic, only painted surfaces. It will not restore oxidized and damaged paint, and does not cure scratched surfaces. It is non-permanent and the durability is linked to how well it has been applied according to our set procedures which will activate the polymerization process, as well as the driving environment. Users of TRIBOS are encouraged to have regular coating maintenance (approximately every 2-years) to ensure that the coating remains in optimum condition.