Question 1

What is Permanon?

Accepted Answer

Permanon™ primarily contains Silicium, also known as pure monomolecular silicon  (not to be confused with Silicone). Silicium, with the abbreviation Si14 in the periodic table of elements, is a natural product and is, after H2O, the most frequently occurring element on earth. Silicium is found in sand and glass as well as in the human body. Even in the medical field, Silicium in used in the research and development of new medicines. Permanon products with Silicium do not undergo any chemical reaction with the material to be coated. Through a complex procedure, it was developed to create a static attractive force on all surfaces without damaging the surface materials. It is engineered to the nano-level (one-billionth of a meter) resulting in microscopic platelets of Silicium which are suspended in water to be spray-applied and statically bonded to virtually any hard surface. All hard surfaces naturally have a negative electrostatic charge. Permanon has a positive charge. When Permanon is applied to a hard surface, the microscopic platelets of Silicium instantly bond with and fill the nano-pores and micro-structure of the surface creating a barrier of protection where even bacteria cannot get a foothold. At the nano-level this static bond is very strong.  Once attached, it seals the surface making it hydrophobic.  The water mixed with Permanon is simply the carrier and all that is left behind to be wiped away.
​
Permanon is a water-based surface protection solution that is non-flammable, non-toxic, solvent-free and biodegradable. It is an extremely effective water repellant, resistant to nearly all acids, alkaline solutions and solvents, and protects surfaces from Ultra Violet (UV) radiation.

Permanon is offered in concentrate to be mixed with water. This technology allows for the rapid application of a transparent, durable, UV-resistant coating safe for all solid indoor and outdoor surfaces.
 
An article that provides a more indepth review of Permanon can be found at the bottom of this page.

Question 2

What can I treat with Permanon?

Accepted Answer

Any hard surface can be treated including: clear coats, gel coats, fiberglass, plastics, metals, painted or varnished wood, glass, FRP and polished stone to name a few. Permanon works at the nano level and will offer no protection on fabric, suede or other porous surfaces.

Question 3

How long will the treatment last?

Accepted Answer

The only way to remove Permanon is by abrasion or with a cleaner that has an alkalinity level of pH 11.5 or higher.  If neither is present, then Permanon will remain on the surface indefinitely.
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The presence and level of particle impacts from regular vehicle use plays a significant role in the longevity of the treatment. Because every vehicle can be subjected to a wide variety of environmental factors, it is nearly impossible to nail down a firm time frame for how long the treatment will last. However, we can generalize that most daily drivers on clean city roads could go as much as 6-9 months before a maintenance application is required.  For a best-case scenario, such as a showroom car/boat, Permanon will remain on the surface indefinitely.  A worst case scenario where a vehicle/vessel is operated in a dirty/abrasive environment, maintenance applications may be required as often as every 1-3 months.
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To determine how often your vehicle/vessel may require maintenance applications for the area where you operate, simply watch the water beading/sheeting after your regular washes.  If the water is still beading up nicely or sheets away quickly, then the protection is still in place. However, when the water beading begins to lay flat, or the water does not sheet away quickly and shows signs of surface drag, then that is your indicator that it is time for a maintenance application. Re-apply Permanon at a maintenance concentration of 3-5% after a wash down to restore any gaps in the protection (3% for clear coats, and 5% for gel coats and fiberglass).
 
Cleaning between applications is simple. Wash with a car/boat detergent (Dawn dish detergent works well too), rinse, and wipe dry with a Microfiber cloth.

Question 4

Will Permanon protect against acid rain?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Permanon is resistant to acids/alkaline of pH 1-10. Here's a pH chart for reference: 
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Question 5

How much Permanon will I need to treat my vehicle/vessel?

Accepted Answer

Only a 3-5% mix with water is required for most scenarios. A 10% mix is reserved for first time applications on boats and RV's with a gel coat or fiberglass finish. Higher ratios can be achieved with Permanon Yacht, but is reserved for old gel coats or surfaces that are sensitive to prolonged exposure to UV radiation.
 
The image below is an area coverage chart based on 5% and 10% mix ratios.

​In general, when sprayed properly with a fine-mist applicator, one 32 oz spray bottle of mixed product will cover approximately two mid-sized sedans. A one gallon container of mixed product will cover approximately two trailer trucks or three full-size RV's.​

NOTE: These coverage area estimates are based on a proper "misted" application.  These values can vary from user to user and cannot be guaranteed.  Also, Permanon cannot adhere to itself and therefore cannot be "layered".  Over-applying Permanon will result in wasted product.
 
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Question 6

How much mixed product can I make with the concentrate?

Accepted Answer

100 ml Permanon Concentrate:
Makes 2 liters at a 5% mix with water.
Makes 1 liter at a 10% mix with water.
 
500 ml Permanon Concentrate:
Makes 10 liters at a 5% mix with water.
Makes 5 liters at a 10% mix with water.

1 Liter Permanon Concentrate:
Makes 20 liters at a 5% mix with water.
Makes 10 liters at a 10% mix with water.

Permanon is sold in concentrate for significant savings.  Only a 3-5% mix is required for most scenarios. A 10% mix is reserved for first time applications on boats and RV's with a gel coat or fiberglass finish. Higher ratios can only be achieved with Permanon Yacht Supershine and is reserved for old gel coats or surfaces that are sensitive to prolonged exposure to UV radiation.

Question 7

How and why do I mix 3%, 5%, or 10% of Permanon with water?

Accepted Answer

If you don't have one of our 30 or 50 ml graduated measuring cups (provided with every order), then you could also use the 30 ml measuring cup that comes with most children's liquid medicine.
 
Mixing to the following standard ratios is simple:

10% - Pour 100 mL of Permanon into a 32 oz or 1 liter spray bottle, then fill the rest of the way with clean water, shake to mix.
- Used for a 1st time application on Gel Coat or fiberglass surfaces (most boats and RV's).

5% - Pour 50 mL of Permanon into a 32 oz or 1 liter spray bottle, then fill the rest of the way with clean water, shake to mix.
- Used for maintenance applications on Gel Coat or fiberglass surfaces (most boats and RV's).
- Used for a 1st time application on clear coat surfaces (cars, trucks, motorcycles, aircraft).
- Used to maintain household surfaces (stone countertops, sinks, and faucets, etc.)

3%  - Pour 30 mL of Permanon into a 32 oz or 1 liter spray bottle, then fill the rest of the way with clean water, shake to mix.
- Used for maintenance applications on clear coat surfaces (cars, trucks, motorcycles, aircraft).
- Used for glass surfaces.
 
Another way to get the correct ratio's is by parts:
10% is 1-part Permanon to 9 parts water.
5% is 1-part Permanon to 19 parts water.
3% is 1-part Permanon to 32 parts water.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

1. Distilled/purified water is recommended to reduce the likelihood of hard-water spotting. Clear tap water can be used so long as the surface is dried with a lint-free cloth immediately after application. Keep in mind that all public water contains minerals that can create water spots if left to dry in the sun. Proper application and drying techniques will insure optimal results.

2. Permanon Yacht Supershine can be mixed and applied successfully without harming the finish at any ratio all the way up to full concentrate. Full concentrate is typically reserved for surfaces that are very sensitive to UV radiation from the sun, such as varnished wood. Otherwise, the standard mix ratios described above are all that is required.

3. Permanon PSI+14 Silver/Gold must NEVER be mixed to any ratio over 10%. Any ratio over 10% can result in variations of streaking in the finish.

Question 8

How do I apply Permanon?

Accepted Answer

The short answer:
1.) Clean the surface thoroughly**.
2.) Mix Permanon concentrate with water at a 3%, 5%, or 10% ratio.
3.) Apply to the surface with a sprayer (nozzle set to mist) evenly from the top down.
4.) Dry immediately with a microfiber cloth.
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** For new vehicles/vessels, the surface only needs to be cleaned and free of wax prior to the application of Permanon. The same is true of used vehicles/vessels, but if the surface is dull or oxidized, then it will require polishing to restore the gloss prior to the application of Permanon.
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To avoid water spotting or application inconsistencies, do NOT apply Permanon in direct sun-light or on a hot surface.
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A full Application & Maintenance Instruction guide is included with every order of Permanon. A PDF copy of the document can also be downloaded by clicking on the link at the bottom of this page.

Question 9

How do I clean my vehicle/vessel after applying Permanon?

Accepted Answer

1.) Rinse the surface.
2.) Use a car/boat detergent (Dawn dish detergent works well too) in your wash water. Do not use soaps as they can leave behind a film/residue that can interfere with Permanon.
3.) Wash thoroughly with a non-abrasive cloth (e.g. microfiber).
4.) Rinse
5.) Dry
 
TIP: If possible, do not wash under direct sun light or on a hot surface to avoid water spotting. If this is unavoidable, then wash small sections at a time and dry immediately.

Question 10

Is it safe to apply Permanon over a wax treated surface?

Accepted Answer

Yes it is safe, but never recommended. Permanon will adhere to the wax and ultimately fail when the wax fails.
​
If a layer of wax has been applied within the last 3-4 months, then it must be removed with a non-abrasive wax remover prior to the application of Permanon. If your vehicle/vessel has not been waxed in more than 3-4 months, then a thorough wash with an appropriate car/boat detergent should remove any remaining wax residue.

Question 11

What is the shelf life of Permanon?

Accepted Answer

Permanon concentrate has a shelf life of at least two (2) years provided it is stored in a temperature stable environment (40°F to 105°F), out of direct sunlight, and in its original container.
​
Mix only what you need for any given job because once Permanon is diluted with water the shelf life drops to 1-4 weeks depending on the clarity of the water. If mixing with tap water the solution will usually last 1-2 weeks, versus distilled/purified water which can last up to four (4) weeks.
 
Do not store Permanon (concentrate or mixed) in any area where temperatures can fall below 40°F, or rise above 105°F. If Permanon is allowed to freeze or over-heat, the Permanon particles will clump together rendering the product useless.

Question 12

Why are Permanon products sold in metric sizes?

Accepted Answer

Permanon is bottled in metric sizes because it is manufactured in Germany. Here is a metric-to-standard conversion chart for all of the available bottle sizes:
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100 ml = 3.38 oz
500 ml = 16.90 oz
1 liter (1,000 ml) = 33.81 oz (1.05 quarts)
5 liter (5,000 ml) = 169.07 oz (1.32 gallons)

Question 13

What is the difference between Permanon PSI+14 Silver/Gold and Permanon Yacht Supershine?

Accepted Answer

The short answer:

Permanon Yacht Supershine is formulated to seal all fiberglass or Gelcoat surfaces on watercraft or RV's. It's specifically formulated for sweet or salt water environments and can be mixed to any ratio all the way up to full concentrate.

Permanon PSI+14 Silver Line is formulated for the clear coats on most cars or trucks, but is also an excellent sealant for any other hard, non-porous surface (e.g. dashboards, trim, windows, rims, household fixtures and appliances, etc). It can also be applied to boats/yachts, but should never be mixed to any ratio over 10%.

Permanon PSI+14 Gold Line is very similar to the Silver option except that it has been improved to provide a 6% gloss enhancement over Silver with greater endurance. This option is typically used on high-end vehicles that are meticulously polished and maintained. Like Silver, it should never be mixed to any ratio over 10%.
 
The long-er answer:

Permanon PSI+14 Silver/Gold contains the highest concentration of Silicium (14Si) in any of the Permanon products. It offers the highest level of protection, but should never be mixed to any concentration over 10% as higher concentrations can cause varying degrees of streaking in the finish.
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Permanon Yacht contains a very high level of Silicium, but is also formulated to allow for any concentration up to 100%. While any concentration of any Permanon product will provide excellent UV protection, a 100% concentrate application of Permanon Yacht Supershine will provide the maximum level of UV protection. This is ideal for varnished/coated wood and any other topside surfaces that are extremely sensitive to prolonged exposure to the sun's UV radiation.
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A note from the manufacturer about 100% concentrate applications:
The following information applies to Permanon Yacht Supershine ONLY. The manufacturer of Permanon explains the reason why a 100% concentration application works even though waste is suggested when re-treating a Permanon coated surface:
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”When Permanon is applied neat (100% concentrate), it is wiped in with a lint-free cloth, this way the Si14 particles are crushed together and do adhere as they are nano-sized. Any physical wiping of neat Permanon rather than just spraying and rinsing will result in "crushing" the particles together. If a full 100% concentrate is sprayed on and rinsed off before wiping, then the excess particles will not bond to each other due to the plus - plus charge repellence.”
​
Based on this information, for maximum UV protection on surfaces that are sensitive to UV radiation, spray Permanon at full strength (100% concentrate), then wipe the treated surface with a Microfiber or other lint-free cloth to “crush and bond the Silicium” into a stronger, more effective layer of protection. Then dry immediately.
NOTE: 100% concentrate applications are reserved for only those surfaces that are extremely sensitive to prolonged exposure to UV radiation.

Question 14

Can I use Permanon PSI+14 Silver/Gold on my boat, or Permanon Yacht on my car?

Accepted Answer

Technically, yes.  Keeping in mind the information provided in the previous answer (above), both products can be used very effectively on both land-based and water-based vehicles. However, best results are achieved by choosing the formula that is most appropriate for the environment where it's meant to protect.

Question 15

How do I remove Permanon?

Accepted Answer

The only way to remove Permanon is by abrasion or a high pH cleaner with a pH of 11.5 or higher such as Fantastik.
 
An example of intentional abrasion to remove Permanon is the use of a high speed buffer with buffing compound.
 
High pH cleaners should be applied undiluted, stand for 2-3 minutes, then washed away immediately.

Question 16

Do you have MSDS/SDS documents available for your products?

Accepted Answer

SDS documents are linked at the bottom of this page. Click on the icon labeled for the SDS you want to download.

Question 17

How do I purchase Permanon in countries outside of the United States?

Accepted Answer

The manufacturer's website links to other Permanon dealers around the world.
Click on the following link, then select your region of the world:
https://www.permanon.com/en/shop-dealers (https://www.permanon.com/en/shop-dealers)