Q: What makes Tribos different to other products out there?
A: Well, a number of things. Here are some brief examples:
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UV resistance
Our polymers contain UV reflectors and absorbers that protect against solar radiation. These ingredients are largely unique to our product and contribute significantly to the cost. Of course, other products claim to ‘protect against UV” but in our testing we have found this not to be 100% true! Often, the product itself is quite UV-resistant, but in fact lets UV pass right through to the paint or gelcoat underneath, in the same way a glass window isn’t damaged by the sun, but the furniture behind it fades. Our special inhibitors actually reflect the majority of the UV and dissipate the rest as harmless heat. See the full facts in our Technical Centre
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Longevity
Our barrier products have been extensively tested for long life with conditions of high humidity and strong UV. We evaluate our polymers with field testing as well as accelerated weathering, using standard testing methods – see the full facts in our Technical Centre – so unlike other products, we actually know what ‘life’ to expect from our Tribos polymer barrier in a particular environment.
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Application quality control
Our application process involves multi-step quality control. We initially measure the condition of a surface to judge the minimum amount of polishing required to bring it up to the standard required for a successful Tribos application. We measure gloss (gu) according to ISO 2813 – see the full facts in our Technical Centre. This means our application is of a uniformly high standard in all areas, not just the easy-to-reach places!
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Gloss which feels great and is easy to clean
Our polymers give a fabulously glossy look and feel. Just run your hand over a treated surface to see what we mean; and the best news? Just a wash-down is all it needs – that’s when you’ll really appreciate how smooth the Tribos surface feels – lovely!
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Product depth
There’s more to Tribos than just the polymer barrier products. The application techniques are specially developed, as are the Tribos-compatible cutting compounds and the silicone-free, low-oil swirl removers that are so essential for 100% polymer adhesion.
Q: Does the Tribos barrier protect against acid rain?
A: Yes
The polymer is completely water repellent and therefore stops any water – including acid rain – reaching the actual substrate (paint or gelcoat) at all. Traditional waxes and silicone oils can be dissolved by acid rain and cause the characteristic black streaks. You will not see this on a Tribosfinish!
Q: Who’s behind the chemical technology in Tribos products?
A: From the very beginning, we have insisted on the best possible raw materials and chemical ingredients for this revolutionary system.
That’s why Tribos barrier products are manufactured with specially developed polymers and hi-tech ingredients from world leading industry specialists and our polishes use precision technical alumina
In summary, All our products are made – without compromise – to a standard, not down to a price that will make it look attractive to accountants and retailers! They are thoroughly researched, tested and expertly applied to ensure they actually work – and deliver what we promise!
Q: Why, if gelcoats are waterproof, is it necessary to be hydrophobic?
A: Well, for two reasons:
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As gelcoat ages, the surface develops scratches, nicks and cracks and it is into these faults that sea water will find its way.
As this water evaporates, salt crystals grow within the cavities it leaves behind. Salt crystals are surprisingly sharp, jagged things and they work away like a sharp tool with incredible force and pressure, to expand the cavity. The effect may be very small individually, but, with time and ceaseless cycles of wetting and drying, the problem areas expand, resulting in general wear, degradation and even damage to the integrity of the gelcoat; to say nothing of the faded, jaded, dull-looking surface that your pride and joy presents to the world!
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Acid rain, especially prevalent around European waters, is particularly damaging, as it contains particles of sulphuric and nitric acid.
Gelcoats consist of a polyester or polyurethane resin plus a ‘filler’ which is used as a cost-effective way to increase the strength of the structure. Many different fillers are used, but calcium carbonate (limestone, omyacarb) and similar soluble compounds are the most common. Unfortunately, these fillers will simply dissolve if they come into contact with acid rain. When new, the filler is protected by the ‘waterproof’ polyester outer shell (gelcoat) but as the gelcoat ages and UV gradually breaks it down, the filler becomes exposed, resulting in porous cavities. And let’s not forget that our friendly salt crystals have been working away too, forming even more cavities for the acid rain to get into! These cavities club together to promote further degradation, chalking and fading – and before long, the surface is a disaster area.
Tribos to the rescue! Specifically designed to restore faded and damaged gelcoat, its specialist polymers provide that vital water-repellent barrier to prevent such damage happening again – or on a new surface, to prevent it ever happening in the first place!
GLASS TREATMENT FAQS
Q: Will Tribos Glass Treatment add to the safety of my vehicle?
From studies conducted at the world famous UMTRI in the United States, treatment of windscreens with such a product will improve reaction times on average by over a second – which may be the difference between a near miss and an accident.
Q: Are all windscreen washer additives compatible with the Tribos Glass Treatment?
The best additive is our Tribos low alkaline washer additive but our treatment is compatible with all low alkaline washer additives.
Q: How long will my Tribos Glass Treatment last?
On all but the windscreen the treatment will last between service intervals. On the windscreen the wiper blades act like a slow sandpaper and break down the treatment, so the answer depends upon how much driving is done with the windscreen wipers on. We believe that with average rainfall and average mileage the Tribos treatment will last several months.
Q: Can I top up the hard working areas where the wipers are active?
You can top up the areas ultimately broken down by your wipers by using the products and instructions supplied in your Tribos boot pack. We recommend a further professional glass treatment every 12 months or normal service interval.
