The detailing industry is a never ending chase for gloss, shine, easy of use and hydrophobicity and the 1.0 versions of Labocosmetica HPC met all these expectations already. So why did Labocosmetica decide to perfect an already incredibly popular coating?
Believe it or not, development of HPC 2.0 started over 2 years ago in 2022 and after many rounds of testing has been released mid 2024, creating a buzz immediately.
Did you know that in 2023 and 2024, we road-tested HPC 2.0 in various conditions across continents, including in Ireland’s famously unpredictable weather, to really put its durability to the test.
What Makes Labocosmetica HPC 2.0 Special?
Labocosmetica HPC 2.0 is a two-year/30k km ceramic coating that promises slickness, gloss, and excellent hydrophobic properties. This is thanks to the new formulation based on hybrid polysiloxane that has found its way into the detailing world. What really drew us in was the promise of easy application and superior performance, even in tough environments. Labocosmetica also offers a more durable HPC Pro option for certified professionals, but for DIY enthusiasts and pros alike, HPC 2.0 provides a solid balance between usability and performance.
The real test, however, was how it performed under real-world conditions, especially in Ireland. Over 2023 and 2024, we applied HPC 2.0 on four different cars and drove them through a variety of harsh weather environments—rain, wind, and road salt—typical of the Irish climate. Not only that, but the coating has also been tested across different continents, including the monsoon of Asia, harsh winters in Canada and Scandinavia and the heat in the middle east. Despite all of this, the product continued to deliver, showing just how durable and reliable it is.
The Importance of Prep and Polishing for Perfection
As with all ceramic coatings, it is important that the bodywork is decontaminated and polished. Degreased the surface with a high quality panel wipe, such as Labocosmetica Veritas, is vital to ensure the coating bonds to the paintwork.
Applying Labocosmetica HPC 2.0
Now for the star of the show: the Labocosmetica HPC 2.0 application. One of the most appealing aspects of HPC 2.0 is how easy it is to apply. Whether you’re a professional or just a car enthusiast, you’ll find it user-friendly. After shaking the bottle well, a small amount is applied onto the provided applicator cloth pad and spread evenly across the car’s surface.
The application process is smooth, and the coating doesn’t flash too quickly, allowing working at a comfortable pace. It’s really like applying a carnauba wax. The best part? It’s extremely forgiving. Even if you leave it on longer than recommended it remains easy to wipe off. This is a huge plus for both beginners and experienced detailers and ensures the HPC 2.0 can be used in almost all circumstances including outside.
The Results – Shine and Hydrophobicity
Immediately after buffing off the coating, the gloss is truly breathtaking - paint looks deeper and even older vehicles gain a “wet look” finish that turns heads. HPC 2.0 can also be applied to vinyl wraps, PPF as well as any exterior plastic trim pieces to protect them not only from dirt and grime but also UV-A and UV-B rays.
What is really impressive, are the hydrophobic properties. Water beads and sheets off the surface effortlessly, and after driving through rain, the coating made cleaning the car a breeze. In the months following application, cars stayed cleaner for longer, with dirt and grime finding it harder to stick. This is a major selling point for ceramic coatings like HPC 2.0 - it significantly reduces the time and effort needed for maintenance washes.
Long-Term Durability in Irish Weather
As mentioned, we tested HPC 2.0 over an extended period on four cars in different conditions, including the notoriously challenging Irish weather. From heavy rain to road salt and windy conditions, the coating performed exceptionally well. Even after enduring months of harsh environmental exposure, the water beading and shine remained intact. The cars we tested still look great, and I haven’t noticed any deterioration in the coating’s hydrophobic properties or gloss, especially after using Labocosmetica’s 3pH maintenance wash process with Primus snow foam, Purifica and Semper shampoo.What’s remarkable is that no additional toppers are required—thanks to Labocosmetica’s own 3pH maintenance wash process, HPC 2.0 retains its hydrophobicity and shine without the need for extra products.
This kind of long-term durability is exactly what you want from a ceramic coating. It’s one thing to look good immediately after application, but Labocosmetica HPC 2.0 continues to provide protection and shine months down the line, which really justifies its price point.
Why Labocosmetica HPC 2.0 Stands Out
One of the key innovations behind HPC 2.0 is its PFAS-free and VOC-compliant formulation. This means it’s safer for both the environment and the user, without sacrificing performance. In a world where eco-friendliness is becoming increasingly important, it’s great to see a brand like Labocosmetica making a commitment to safety and sustainability.
What’s more, the product’s ability to perform under varying conditions across different continents sets it apart from competitors. The fact that it can withstand the cold, wet weather of Ireland and continue performing in other extreme environments speaks volumes about its durability and flexibility.
Final Verdict – Is It Worth It?
After putting Labocosmetica HPC 2.0 through its paces over several months, we can confidently say that Labocosmetica HPC 2.0 is well worth the investment. It’s easy to apply, provides a stunning gloss, and offers impressive hydrophobic properties that make maintenance a breeze. Most importantly, its durability has been proven in real-world conditions across different continents, including Ireland, where it stood up to the harsh weather.
At less than €80, it’s a solid investment for anyone looking for a ceramic coating that’s user-friendly, long-lasting, and environmentally conscious. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a car enthusiast looking to protect your vehicle, Labocosmetica HPC 2.0 delivers on its promises. An even better finish with higher durability offer the Labocosmetica SAM and HPC 2.0, offering double the durability with the same easy of use.