Search

Search our shop

The Complete Guide to FEYNLAB

The Complete Guide to FEYNLAB Ceramic Coatings

FEYNLAB is a nanotechnology-driven ceramic coating brand out of the USA, developed by Oxford-trained scientists and used across automotive, marine and aerospace applications. This guide covers every FEYNLAB product we stock — which coating suits your paint, wheels, PPF or vinyl wrap, how to prep and apply it properly, and how to maintain it once it's on.

Last updated: July 2026. We keep this guide current as FEYNLAB updates its range.

What Is FEYNLAB?

FEYNLAB is a nanotechnology company developing coatings for automotive, marine and aerospace surfaces, founded by scientists trained at institutions including Oxford University. Every FEYNLAB coating is engineered to bond at a molecular level with the surface it's applied to, rather than simply sitting on top of it like a wax or sealant.

The range spans from an easy wipe-on/wipe-off DIY coating right through to professional-only, multi-year installer-grade coatings — plus dedicated products for wheels, calipers, PPF, vinyl wraps, matte paint, glass, tyres and interior surfaces.

Why Choose FEYNLAB?

FEYNLAB's coatings are built around what they call the "Lotus Effect" — mimicking the ultra-hydrophobic, self-cleaning properties of a lotus leaf at a nano level. Water beads up, picks up dirt and rolls straight off, which keeps the surface cleaner for longer and makes maintenance washes faster and easier.

Genuine Nanotechnology

The formula penetrates further into the existing surface structure than a typical ceramic coating, forming a stronger, more durable bond.

A Coating For Every Surface

Dedicated products for paint, matte finishes, PPF and vinyl, wheels and calipers, glass, tyres, trim and interior — not a one-size-fits-all bottle.

DIY Through To Professional Grade

Start with the wipe-on/wipe-off Ceramic Lite as a first-time DIYer, or step up to the professional-installed Ceramic V3, Ultra V3 or Industrial range for multi-year protection.

Why Buy FEYNLAB From Detailing Shed?

Genuine Stock, Fast Dispatch

Same-day dispatch before 12pm AEST from our Australian warehouse — genuine FEYNLAB stock, not grey imports.

Real Application Experience

We apply and recommend FEYNLAB coatings ourselves, in real Australian conditions — not just off a spec sheet. That means knowing how our climate changes the process: shortening dwell times on humid days, coating indoors when a southern winter morning is too cold to cure properly, and talking you through prep and aftercare for your specific paint, wrap or wheel finish.

Right Coating For Your Situation

Not sure whether you need Ceramic Lite or a professional-installed coating? Send us the details of your car and what you're trying to achieve and we'll point you at the right product.

Which FEYNLAB Coating Is Right For You?

Match your situation to a coating — full detail further down if you want it.

First time applying a ceramic coating yourself

Ceramic Lite →

Want the simplest possible DIY application

Ceramic Push To Start →

Matte paint, satin wrap or matte PPF

Matte Ceramic →

Full gloss PPF or vinyl wrap

PPF & Vinyl Ceramic V3 →

Wheels and calipers copping brake dust and heat

Ceramic Wheel & Caliper →

Want a multi-year, professionally installed coating

See Professional Range →

Who Shouldn't Buy This

Being upfront about the limits of each product saves you a wasted purchase

Ceramic Lite Isn't Right For You If...

You want 5-year, professional-grade protection — look at Ceramic Ultra V3 instead. You don't want to polish or correct the paint first — a coating locks in existing swirls, so correct first. Or you're coating a commercial fleet — Industrial V2 is built for that.

PPF & Vinyl Ceramic Isn't Right For You If...

Your car has standard gloss paint, not a wrap or PPF — use Ceramic Lite or Push To Start instead. It's also not the pick if you haven't tested it on your specific film first, since compatibility varies between manufacturers.

A DIY Coating Isn't Right For You If...

You want a warrantied, professionally verified install, or you simply don't have the time, space or conditions to do a full correction and coating properly. In that case, a professional-installed coating is the better call.

Ceramic Coating Range

Every FEYNLAB ceramic coating we stock, compared

Product Size Durability Best For
Ceramic Lite 40ml 1+ year First-time DIY coating, most exterior surfaces
Ceramic Push To Start 40ml 1+ year Same coating as Ceramic Lite, simpler two-part application box
Matte Ceramic Coating 30ml 3 years Matte paint, satin wraps, matte PPF
PPF & Vinyl Ceramic V3 30ml 1 year Gloss/self-healing PPF and vinyl wraps
Ceramic Wheel & Caliper 30ml 1 year Wheels and calipers — 70% solids for heat and brake dust
Overcoat V3 30ml Boosts base coat Extra gloss and hydrophobics over any FEYNLAB coating
Ceramic By Paul Dalton 30ml Signature ceramic Enthusiast-tier signature coating
Ceramic V3 30ml Multi-year, professional-grade Professional installation — higher solids, extreme UV/chemical/scratch resistance
Ceramic Ultra V3 True 5 Year Coating Professional installation only — FEYNLAB's flagship coating
Industrial V2 275ml / 1L Heavy-duty, professional-grade Professional/fleet and industrial applications

Compare Coatings

Ceramic Lite vs Push To Start

Feature Ceramic Lite Ceramic Push To Start
Application Wipe-on/wipe-off from a single bottle Same coating, in a simplified two-part measuring format
Ease of use Easy Easiest — designed to remove the guesswork
Gloss High High
Durability 1+ year 1+ year
Size 40ml 40ml
Best For Enthusiasts comfortable measuring product themselves Beginners wanting the simplest possible process

DIY vs Professional

Feature DIY Coatings Professional Coatings
Products Ceramic Lite, Push To Start, Matte Ceramic, PPF & Vinyl Ceramic, Wheel & Caliper Ceramic V3, Ceramic Ultra V3, Industrial V2
Installation Applied yourself at home Installed by a FEYNLAB Certified Installer
Durability 1–3 years depending on product Multi-year, up to Ultra V3's "True 5 Year Coating"
Availability Sold direct to consumers Trade accounts only
Best For First-time coaters, budget-conscious owners Owners wanting maximum durability and a professional finish

Matte, PPF & Wheel Protection

Surface-specific coatings, explained

Matte Ceramic Coating

Engineered specifically for matte paint, vinyl and PPF. Provides durable protection and hydrophobicity without adding gloss or altering the matte finish — a common mistake with coatings not designed for matte surfaces. Rated for 3 years of durability.

PPF & Vinyl Ceramic V3

Protects the porous surface of vinyl wraps and self-healing paint protection film. Adds water spot resistance and increased UVA/UVB protection, enhances gloss on gloss PPF while leaving matte vinyl and PPF with their dulled appearance intact. Always test on a small area first — FEYNLAB can't guarantee compatibility with every film on the market.

Ceramic Wheel & Caliper

A thick, 70% solids nano coating built for the daily beating wheels take from brake dust, heat and road contamination. Turns wheel cleaning into a wipe-down instead of a scrub. Infrared curing is required for full performance — a heat lamp bringing the surface to 60°C for 15 minutes.

Overcoat V3

A top coat that goes over any FEYNLAB base coating to maximise hydrophobicity and self-cleaning performance. Not a standalone coating — pairs with Ceramic Lite, Matte Ceramic, PPF & Vinyl Ceramic or Wheel & Caliper for extra gloss and easier maintenance.

Prep & Polishing

Correct the paint before you coat it

A ceramic coating locks in whatever condition the paint is in when you apply it — swirls and defects included. If the paint needs correcting, do it before coating, not after.

A50 Super Heavy Cutting Compound

The heaviest cut in the FEYNLAB polishing range, for removing serious defects, oxidation and heavy swirling before a coating goes on.

Shop →

A500 Medium Cut Polish

A medium-cut step for moderate swirls and holograms, refining the finish after a heavier compound or as a standalone polish on lightly marked paint.

Shop →

A1000 Fine Finishing Polish

The final finishing step — removes any remaining micro-marring and buffer trails, and brings up maximum gloss immediately before Panel Prep and coating.

Shop →

Maintenance & Aftercare

Wash right, and the coating lasts

Ordinary shampoos and waxes can strip the hydrophobic layer off a ceramic coating over time. FEYNLAB's own wash and detailer range is formulated to clean without leaving residue, so the coating keeps performing.

Pure Wash

Coating-safe car shampoo formulated to clean without stripping ceramic coating performance. The everyday wash for a coated car.

Shop →

Pure Rinseless

A rinseless wash for when hose access is limited — same coating-safe formulation as Pure Wash, in a single-bucket, low-water method.

Shop →

Detailer V3

Spray-and-wipe hybrid ceramic detailer combining nanotechnology with quick-detailer ease. Use as a drying aid, a quick top-up between washes, or as a stand-alone light coating. Durability around 3 months.

Shop →

Panel Prep 500ml

The essential pre-coating step — strips all polish oils and residue from the surface so any FEYNLAB coating bonds properly. Wait at least 10 minutes after using Panel Prep before applying a coating.

Shop →

Frequency What to do
Weekly Wash with Pure Wash (hose available) or Pure Rinseless (low-water)
Monthly Top up hydrophobics and gloss with a Detailer V3 wipe-down
Every 6 months Decontaminate to remove bonded dust, brake dust and iron particles before they compromise the coating
Yearly Inspect the coating's water behaviour and gloss, and consider an Overcoat V3 refresh if beading has slowed down

Trim, Glass & Tyre Care

The finishing details

Plastic V2

Trim restorer and protectant for faded plastic and rubber trim. Durability around 1 year.

Shop →

Plastic Black Ultra

A deeper, richer black finish for badly faded trim, with roughly a year's durability. Coat trim pieces before applying any paint or glass coating nearby, and keep other coatings off unapproved plastic surfaces.

Shop →

Glass Cleaner

Removes water spots and residue from glass, leaving a clean surface ready for a glass coating if you're applying one.

Shop →

Black Velvet Tire Sealant

Tyre dressing and sealant giving a rich black finish with roughly 6 months of protection against UV fading and browning.

Shop →

Tire & Wheel Cleaner

Dedicated cleaner for lifting brake dust and grime off wheels and tyres before coating or dressing. Currently sold out — check back or contact us for stock.

View product →

Interior Cleaner

All-purpose interior cleaner for plastics, vinyl and hard surfaces inside the cabin.

Shop →

Kits & Bundles

Ready-made bundles

Car Care Maintenance Kit

A bundle of FEYNLAB's core maintenance products for keeping a coated car looking its best between full details.

Shop →

Window Coating Kit

A professional-tier glass coating kit. Requires a trade login to view pricing — get in touch about trade access.

Professional Range

A step above the DIY coatings, FEYNLAB's professional-tier products are sold to trade accounts only and typically applied by a trained installer.

Ceramic V3

The professional-grade coating platform — higher solids for extreme UV, chemical and scratch resistance with unmatched gloss and self-cleaning properties. Currently sold out on our site, with more stock on the way — check the product page for the latest availability.

View product →

Ceramic Ultra V3

FEYNLAB's flagship coating — marketed as the "True 5 Year Coating." Professional installation only.

View product →

Industrial V2

A professional-use coating built for heavier-duty industrial and fleet applications.

View product →

If you'd like one of these coatings professionally installed, or you run a detailing business and want trade access, fill out the FEYNLAB Certified Installer Application Form.

How To Apply a FEYNLAB Coating

The general process — always check the specific product's instructions

  1. Wash. Thoroughly wash the surface with Pure Wash or Pure Rinseless to remove all surface contamination.
  2. Decontaminate. Clay bar or chemically decontaminate if there's bonded contamination or embedded iron.
  3. Correct if needed. Polish out swirls or defects with A50, A500 or A1000 — a coating locks in whatever finish is underneath it.
  4. Panel Prep. Wipe down with Panel Prep to strip all polish oils. Wait at least 10 minutes before coating.
  5. Apply the coating. Work panel by panel in a well-lit, ventilated area between 10–30°C. Apply in a cross-hatch pattern and wipe off once the coating is around 75% dry, or "rainbowing" like an oil sheen.
  6. Cure. Avoid water for 24 hours and avoid washing for 7 days. Follow the specific product's cure window — this varies by coating.
  7. Optional: Overcoat. Apply Overcoat V3 over the cured base coating for extra gloss and hydrophobics.
  8. Maintain. Wash regularly with Pure Wash or Pure Rinseless, and top up with Detailer V3 between washes.
Heads up: Humidity and temperature both affect cure and dwell times — higher humidity cures a coating faster, so shorten dwell times above about 75% humidity. Always check the specific product's instructions before applying.

Australian Climate Advice

Our conditions are harder on a coating than most manufacturers design for

Coastal Areas

Salt spray accelerates water spotting and corrosion on wheels, trim and exposed metal. Wash more often than you would inland, and Ceramic Wheel & Caliper's heat and contamination resistance is worth the extra step on a coastal car.

Queensland & Tropical Humidity

FEYNLAB's own guidance is clear: the higher the humidity, the faster a coating cures. Above roughly 75% humidity, work smaller sections and shorten your dwell and wipe times, or you'll be fighting the coating as it sets before you can level it.

Southern Winters

Coatings are formulated to cure between 10–30°C. Cold Melbourne or Canberra mornings can fall outside that window — coat indoors or in a heated space over the cooler months rather than in an unheated garage or outdoors.

Dust & Inland Regions

Fine dust and bonded contamination are common away from the coast. Clay or chemically decontaminate before coating — trapping grit under a coating leaves it there for the life of the coating.

UV, Nationwide

Australia's UV load is exactly what a ceramic coating and Overcoat V3 are built to fight, but a coating isn't a substitute for parking in the shade where you can — it reduces UV degradation, it doesn't eliminate it.

Common Ceramic Coating Mistakes

The same handful of mistakes account for most failed or patchy applications

  1. Applying in direct sun or on a hot panel. The coating flashes too fast to level properly, leading to high spots and streaking.
  2. Using too much product per section. Excess product is harder to wipe off evenly and increases the risk of high spots.
  3. Waiting too long before wiping off. Once a coating fully cures on the surface it becomes very difficult to remove and can haze.
  4. Skipping Panel Prep. Leftover polish oils or wax stop the coating from bonding properly, no matter how good the coating is.
  5. Washing or driving in wet conditions too soon. Most FEYNLAB coatings need at least 24 hours before any water exposure and 7 days before a wash with chemicals.
  6. Ignoring humidity. High humidity speeds up cure time significantly — using a dry-climate dwell time on a humid day is a common cause of botched applications.
  7. Coating over old wax, sealant or polish oils. Any prior product on the surface needs to be stripped with Panel Prep first, or the new coating won't bond.

Which FEYNLAB Coating Is Right For You?

Whether you're protecting a brand-new vehicle, restoring an older car, coating PPF or looking for long-term ceramic protection, FEYNLAB has a solution for almost every surface. If you're unsure which product best suits your vehicle, contact the Detailing Shed team and we'll help you choose the right coating.

FAQ

Common questions

What's the difference between Ceramic Lite and Ceramic V3?

Ceramic Lite is FEYNLAB's DIY-friendly entry coating — simple wipe-on/wipe-off application, around 1+ years of durability, and sold direct to consumers. Ceramic V3 and Ceramic Ultra V3 are higher-solids, professional-grade coatings offering stronger UV, chemical and scratch resistance with longer durability, typically applied by a trained installer.

Can I apply FEYNLAB myself or do I need a professional?

Ceramic Lite, Push To Start, Matte Ceramic, PPF & Vinyl Ceramic and Ceramic Wheel & Caliper are all designed for DIY application if you follow the prep and application steps carefully. Ceramic V3, Ceramic Ultra V3 and Industrial V2 are sold to trade accounts and are intended for professional installation.

Do I need to polish before applying a ceramic coating?

If the paint has swirls, scratches or oxidation, yes — a ceramic coating locks in whatever condition the surface is in underneath it. Use A50, A500 or A1000 to correct the paint, then Panel Prep to strip the polish oils before coating.

How long does FEYNLAB ceramic coating last?

It depends on the product. Ceramic Lite and Push To Start are rated 1+ years, PPF & Vinyl Ceramic and Ceramic Wheel & Caliper are rated 1 year, and Matte Ceramic is rated 3 years. Ceramic Ultra V3, professionally installed, is FEYNLAB's "True 5 Year Coating." Durability depends on maintenance, so washing with Pure Wash or Pure Rinseless helps it last the full rated period.

Can I use FEYNLAB on matte paint or PPF?

Yes, but use the right product. Matte Ceramic Coating is specifically formulated to protect matte paint, vinyl and PPF without adding gloss or altering the matte finish. PPF & Vinyl Ceramic V3 is the pick for gloss PPF and vinyl wraps. Always test on a small area first, since FEYNLAB can't guarantee compatibility with every film on the market.

What's Overcoat V3 and do I need it?

Overcoat V3 is a top coat applied over an already-cured FEYNLAB base coating to boost hydrophobics, gloss and self-cleaning performance. It's optional — the base coating works fine on its own — but it's worth adding if you want the extra slickness and easier maintenance.

How much FEYNLAB coating do I need for one car?

A 40ml bottle of Ceramic Lite or Push To Start is enough for one mid-sized vehicle. Larger vehicles, multiple layers, or first-time applicators who use more product to be safe may need a second bottle.

Do I need to apply more than one layer?

Follow the layering instructions on your specific product — some FEYNLAB coatings are single-layer, others benefit from a second layer for extra durability. Check the bottle or product page before assuming, since over-applying layers doesn't necessarily add more protection and can affect levelling.

Does FEYNLAB need to be cured with an infrared (IR) lamp?

No. FEYNLAB coatings are designed to cure at ambient temperature between 10–30°C without IR curing. Some professional installers use IR lamps to speed up turnaround, but it isn't required for the coating to bond and perform correctly.

What surfaces can FEYNLAB coatings be applied to?

Depending on the product, FEYNLAB coatings are approved for paint, PPF, vinyl wraps, wheels, calipers, glass, plastic trim and matte finishes. Check the specific product's approved-surfaces list before applying — a coating built for paint isn't always the right choice for matte or wrapped panels.

How soon can I wash my car after coating?

As a general rule, avoid water contact for at least 24 hours and avoid washing with chemicals for 7 days after application, to give the coating time to fully cure. Check your specific product's instructions, since cure windows vary slightly by product.

Will FEYNLAB stop rock chips or scratches?

No. A ceramic coating adds scratch and chemical resistance and makes the surface easier to clean, but it's not a substitute for paint protection film against stone chips. For that level of protection, PPF underneath a ceramic coating is the combination to look at.

Do I need gloves or a respirator to apply FEYNLAB?

Yes — wear nitrile gloves when applying any ceramic coating, and work in a well-ventilated area. A respirator is recommended for professional installers coating multiple vehicles or working in an enclosed bay for extended periods.

What's the shelf life of an unopened FEYNLAB coating?

Keep bottles sealed, upright and out of direct heat or sunlight until you're ready to use them. Once opened, use the product within the timeframe noted on the bottle, since ceramic coatings can begin to cure or thicken once exposed to air.

I noticed a high spot after coating — can I fix it?

If caught early, a high spot can sometimes be buffed out with a coating-safe remover before it fully cures. Once fully cured, removing a high spot usually means polishing it back and reapplying the coating to that section. Working in smaller sections and wiping promptly is the best way to avoid this in the first place.

Can I use regular car wax or sealant over a FEYNLAB coating?

You don't need to, and it isn't recommended. Waxes and sealants sit on top of a ceramic coating rather than bonding with it, and can interfere with the coating's hydrophobic performance. Use Detailer V3 or Overcoat V3 to maintain and boost the coating instead.

Is FEYNLAB safe on all paint colours, including black?

Yes. FEYNLAB coatings are clear and don't alter paint colour. On dark colours like black, correcting swirls and scratches with A50, A500 or A1000 before coating matters more, since imperfections are more visible under the coating's added gloss.