Application

Directions for use.

Three products. One simple rhythm — clean surface, thin pass, dry buff. Pick a product to jump straight to its steps.

From the bottle

Congratulations.

If you’re reading this, you received one of our new upgraded pump bottles with QR access to directions and information.

After months of testing, we found a bottle system that delivers approximately 3× more product per pump with a more robust internal mechanism — smoother flow, less pumping friction, and a more uniform application every time. The upgrade is for ease of use, consistency, and overall performance.

The bottle may look different than some of the photos or videos you’ve seen — that’s the newer and improved version. We hope you enjoy the upgrade and appreciate being among the first to receive it.

01Base coat

Hydro Silk

Gloss. Hydrophobic. Non-permanent.

Chemical 404 is a non-permanent, high-performance coating system engineered for high gloss, strong hydrophobic performance and surface smoothing. It forms a thin, flexible, breathable layer that enhances the surface without locking it into a rigid structure.

Surface preparation

Minimum

Clean surface.

Recommended

Wash thoroughly · Decontaminate with a fine clay bar · Polish (optional) for maximum clarity.

Application steps

  1. Prime the applicator

    Apply at least two full pumps directly onto the applicator pad before you start. This prevents the pad from absorbing your first dose and ensures even distribution from the first stroke. Critical.

  2. Pre-dab the surface

    Work in ~2.5 ft × 2.5 ft sections. Place ~5 small dabs across the panel before spreading. This is the single most important step — it prevents high spots and uneven application.

  3. Spread evenly

    Use a circular or cross-hatch motion. Move from dab to dab and maintain a thin, uniform film. Thin and even beats thick every time.

Coverage guide

  • Hood

    2–3 pumps

  • Roof

    3–4 pumps

  • Doors

    1–2 per panel

  • Fenders / Bumper

    ~1 pump

  • Trunk

    ~2 pumps

One bottle covers up to ~4 vehicles when used paint-only (wax-style). Treating glass, trim and other surfaces too will reduce per-vehicle coverage.

Working windows

  • Dwell

    ~30 min

    Before buffing

  • Section

    2.5 ft²

    Per working area

  • No water

    8 hrs

    Stay dry

  • No wash

    3 days

    Full cure window

Removal & care

  • Buff off with a clean microfiber towel, light pressure.
  • Flip the towel frequently to a clean side.
  • Keep dry for 8 hours · do not wash for 3 days.
  • Maintain with 404 Detailer between applications.

Compatible surfaces

  • Paint & clear coat
  • Gel coat
  • Glass
  • Plastics & trim
  • Vinyl wraps
  • Rubber
  • Metals
  • Most wood

02Replenishment

404 Topcoat

The replenishment layer.

Restores hydrophobic performance and reinforces the siloxane base. Use over Chemical 404 to extend its lifespan, or as a standalone hydrophobic layer on paint, ceramic, gel coat, wraps and PPF.

Steps

  1. Prep the surface

    Apply to a clean, cool surface. Remove heavy contamination first and make sure the panel is fully dry.

  2. Mist on, lightly

    A light mist onto the panel — or onto a clean microfiber towel — is all you need. Less is more.

  3. Spread evenly

    Work across a small section. Keep the film thin and uniform; one pass is enough.

  4. Level and buff

    Immediately level and buff with a clean, dry microfiber towel. Do not let the product dry before wiping.

  5. Section by section

    Stay in shade, avoid hot panels and direct sun, and move methodically across the vehicle.

Working windows

  • Conditions

    Shade

    Avoid hot panels & direct sun

  • No water

    8 hrs

    After application

  • No wash

    72 hrs

    Full cure window

  • Reapply

    3–6 mo

    3–4 mo for max performance

Aftercare

  • 404 Detailer may be used after 24 hours for light touch-ups or show prep.
  • Wash only with pH-neutral soap.
  • Maintain with 404 Detailer to enhance gloss, hydrophobic performance and UV protection.

Compatible surfaces

  • Paint / clear coat
  • Gel coat
  • Ceramic coatings
  • Wraps & PPF
  • Chemical 404

03Maintenance

404 Detailer

Clean. Enhance. Protect. Maintain.

A multi-purpose maintenance fluid for waterless wash, drying aid, detail spray and interior care. Built to preserve — not override — the surface underneath.

Surface guidelines

Safe on light to moderate contamination. Do not use on heavy debris you can feel by hand, or visible buildup from 10+ feet away (mud, sand, heavy grit). On heavily soiled surfaces, wash first.

Four ways to use it

  • Use case 01

    Detail spray

    Best forRecently washed surfaces, light dust, fingerprints, final finish work, glass.

    1. Lightly mist onto surface or microfiber towel.
    2. Spread evenly across the area.
    3. Buff to a streak-free, even finish.

    No dwell time needed. Safe and effective on glass — leaves a clean, even finish.

  • Use case 02

    Waterless wash

    Best forLight to moderate dirt, road film, dust.

    1. Apply a liberal amount to fully wet the surface.
    2. Allow product to dwell briefly to encapsulate contamination.
    3. Wipe in one direction with a folded microfiber, minimal pressure.
    4. Flip the towel frequently to a clean side.
    5. Perform a final buff with a clean, dry towel.

    Dwell is required to lubricate under contamination. Do not press — let the product do the work.

  • Use case 03

    Drying aid

    Best forAfter washing, while the surface is still wet.

    1. Leave the surface wet after rinsing.
    2. Lightly mist onto the wet panel (not the towel).
    3. Dry using a plush drying towel.
    4. Final light buff if needed.

    Improves drying lubrication. Less necessary over Chemical 404, but fully compatible.

  • Use case 04

    Interior detailer

    Best forPlastics, vinyl, interior trim.

    1. Spray onto the microfiber towel (not directly on the surface).
    2. Wipe evenly across the surface.
    3. Lightly level if needed.

    Restores a matte/satin finish and adds a UV-protective layer. No greasy residue, no artificial gloss.

Working windows

  • Conditions

    Shade

    Avoid hot surfaces & sun

  • Frequency

    Weekly safe

    Typical 3–6 weeks

  • Coverage

    Variable

    Light = finish · Heavy = wash

Surface behavior

  • Leaves a breathable, non-greasy protective film.
  • Reduces future soiling and improves cleanability.
  • Enhances gloss, slickness and surface uniformity.

Compatible surfaces

  • Paint / clear coat
  • Gel coat
  • Ceramic coatings
  • Chemical 404
  • 404 Topcoat
  • Wraps & PPF
  • Glass
  • Interior plastics & vinyl

Start here

Base coat first.
Topcoat keeps it going.

Hydro Silk lays the system down. Topcoat and Detailer keep it performing.

Shop Hydro SilkHow it works