OptiVAN Testing and Proof

When comparing caravan ceramic coatings, paint protection and surface protection products, testing matters.

It is easy for any product to claim gloss, shine, hydrophobic performance or long-term protection. What matters is whether the product has been assessed under controlled testing conditions and whether those results can be explained clearly to the customer.

OptiVAN Graphene Ceramic Surface Protection is part of Protection Brands’ advanced graphene ceramic coating technology, developed for caravans, campers, RVs and motorhomes. The technology behind the system has been tested across a range of technical performance areas, including pencil hardness, film thickness, adhesion, abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, UV and weathering stability, colour stability and salt spray exposure.

These tests help show that OptiVAN is not simply a cosmetic shine product. It is a professional surface protection system designed to help protect suitable treated surfaces from real-world exposure, touring conditions and everyday environmental contamination.

Performance depends on correct surface preparation, professional application, suitable surface condition and ongoing care. Warranty terms and conditions apply.

Testing Summary

Product	Test Area	Test Method / Standard	Report / Laboratory	Result Summary	What It Means for You
OptiVAN Graphene Ceramic Surface Coating Best for	Pencil Hardness	KS M ISO 15184:2012	KOTITI Testing & Research Institute, Test Report No. 82224021100456	OVER 9H pencil hardness	Supports the coating’s ability to resist light surface marking, fine scratches, wash-related marring and surface wear under controlled test conditions.
OptiVAN 2nd Step Surface Finisher	Pencil Hardness	KS M ISO 15184:2012	KOTITI Testing & Research Institute, Test Report No. 82224021100456	2H hardness result	Confirms the second-step finisher also forms a measurable finished layer. The finisher is not the primary hardness layer; it is designed to complete the system, assist curing, enhance gloss, improve surface feel and support hydrophobic behaviour.
OptiVAN Graphene Ceramic Surface Coating	Film Thickness	ISO 2808	KCL / Korea Conformity Laboratories	9 microns	Confirms the coating forms a real, measurable protective layer over the treated surface rather than acting like a temporary shine product.
OptiVAN Graphene Ceramic Surface Coating	Adhesion / Cross-Cut	ISO 2409	KCL / Korea Conformity Laboratories	Cross-cut rating 0	Supports strong bonding to the treated surface, which is important for coating stability, durability and long-term performance.
OptiVAN Graphene Ceramic Surface Coating	Abrasion Resistance	ISO 5470	KCL / Korea Conformity Laboratories	2 mg material loss	Shows low material loss under repeated friction, supporting resistance to surface wear from washing, wiping and everyday contact.
OptiVAN Graphene Ceramic Surface Coating	Chemical / Liquid Resistance	ISO 2812	KCL / Korea Conformity Laboratories	168-hour immersion with no cracking, blistering or peeling across alkaline solution, ethanol and acid exposure	Supports resistance against chemical and environmental contamination, including acidic and alkaline exposure.
OptiVAN Graphene Ceramic Surface Coating	Accelerated Weathering / UV	ISO 16474	KCL / Korea Conformity Laboratories	No cracking or blistering after extended exposure	Supports coating stability under simulated UV, heat and moisture exposure.
OptiVAN Graphene Ceramic Surface Coating	Colour Stability	ΔE colour measurement	KCL / Korea Conformity Laboratories	Colour change ΔE 0.8	Supports colour stability and helps explain resistance to visible fading, discolouration and surface degradation.
OptiVAN Graphene Ceramic Surface Coating	Salt Spray / Corrosive Environment	KS D 9502	KCL / Korea Conformity Laboratories	Passed 168-hour salt spray exposure	Supports performance in harsh environmental conditions, including coastal air, salt exposure and moisture-heavy environments.

9H+ Pencil Hardness Testing 2H Second-Step Finisher Testing Film Thickness Abrasion resistance test Cross-Cut Adhesion Testing Chemical and Liquid Resistance Testing Accelerated Weathering and UV Testing Colour Stability Testing Salt Spray and Harsh Environment Testing

9H+ Pencil Hardness Testing

OptiVAN Graphene Ceramic Surface Protection is positioned as a 9H+ graphene ceramic system because the coating technology has been independently tested to achieve Over 9H pencil hardness under KS M ISO 15184:2012.

The KOTITI Testing & Research Institute report tested the OptiVAN Graphene Ceramic coating samples using the pencil hardness method. The test report recorded both tested samples as achieving Over 9H.

The testing parameters included:

test method: KS M ISO 15184:2012

test speed: 100 mm/min

test angle: 45 degrees

test length: 10 mm

applied weight: 750 g

result: Over 9H

What does 9H+ mean?

9H+ refers to pencil hardness testing language commonly used in ceramic coating and surface protection testing.

In this test, pencils of increasing hardness are used to assess the coating’s resistance to marking or deformation. The standard scale progresses through softer grades and up to 9H, which is the highest standard pencil hardness point used in the test.

Because the coating achieved Over 9H, it exceeded the highest pencil hardness level measured by that test method. That is why OptiVAN uses the term 9H+.

What does 9H+ mean for you?

For caravan, camper, RV and motorhome owners, 9H+ helps support the coating’s resistance to light surface marking, fine scratches, swirl marks and general surface wear under controlled test conditions.

It does not mean the surface is scratch-proof, stone-chip-proof or damage-proof.

Heavy impacts, stone chips, deep scratches, sharp objects, poor washing methods and abrasive cleaning can still damage the coating or the surface underneath. For physical impact protection, OptiVAN Paint Protection Film is the more suitable option.

2H Second-Step Finisher Testing

OptiVAN is not just a single-step coating. It is a two-stage professional graphene ceramic system.

The first stage is the graphene ceramic protective treatment. This is the main protective layer and is the component associated with the 9H+ hardness result.

The second stage is the surface finisher, also referred to as the Energiser or activator stage. This second-step finisher is designed to complete the system, assist final curing, enhance surface feel, improve gloss, support hydrophobic behaviour and improve the final delivery presentation.

The second-step finisher has also been tested separately, with a 2H hardness result.

This is important because the finisher is not intended to replace the primary 9H+ graphene ceramic layer. Its role is different. It is designed to refine and complete the treated surface after the main coating has been applied.

What does the 2H finisher result mean?

The 2H result confirms that the second-step finisher forms a measurable finished surface layer while maintaining the surface characteristics needed for gloss, feel, slickness and hydrophobic performance.

In simple terms:

the graphene ceramic layer provides the main protective coating

the second-step finisher completes and enhances the system

the two products work together as a professional two-stage treatment

This is one of the reasons OptiVAN is different from standard single-step ceramic coatings.

Film thickness

Film Thickness Testing

Film thickness testing measures the thickness of the coating layer applied to the surface.

The Protection Brands graphene ceramic coating system has recorded an approximate film thickness of 9 microns under controlled testing.

Why film thickness matters

Film thickness is important because it helps confirm that the product forms a real, measurable protective layer.

Temporary products such as waxes and basic surface dressings may improve shine or water behaviour for a short period, but they do not create the same type of durable, measurable protective coating layer.

For customers, film thickness helps explain that OptiVAN is not simply adding gloss. It is adding a professional graphene ceramic barrier over suitable treated surfaces.

Abrasion resistance test

Abrasion resistance testing measures how much material is lost when the coating is exposed to repeated friction.

The Protection Brands graphene ceramic coating system recorded 2 mg material loss under abrasion resistance testing.

Why abrasion resistance matters

Caravans are not treated gently.

They are washed, wiped, towed, exposed to dust, cleaned after trips, brushed against during campsite use and regularly exposed to road grime and outdoor contaminants.

Abrasion resistance testing helps show how the coating performs when exposed to repeated surface contact.

For customers, this means OptiVAN is designed to help resist everyday surface wear from normal maintenance and touring use, provided the correct care instructions are followed.

Cross-Cut Adhesion Testing

Adhesion testing measures how well the coating bonds to the treated surface.

The Protection Brands graphene ceramic coating system achieved a cross-cut rating of 0 under ISO 2409 testing.

Why adhesion matters

A coating is only effective if it bonds properly to the surface.

Poor adhesion can lead to coating instability, premature deterioration or coating failure. Strong adhesion supports long-term durability and helps the coating remain stable on the treated surface when properly applied and maintained.

For caravan, camper, RV and motorhome owners, this matters because recreational vehicles are exposed to vibration, heat, UV, washing, road grime, dust, moisture and long periods of outdoor storage.

A strong coating bond is essential for real-world use.

Chemical and Liquid Resistance Testing

Chemical and liquid resistance testing measures how the coating reacts when exposed to different liquids and chemical environments.

The Protection Brands graphene ceramic coating system was tested under ISO 2812 and exposed to a 168-hour immersion process across alkaline solution, ethanol and acid exposure.

The result recorded:

no cracking

no blistering

no peeling

Why chemical resistance matters

This is highly relevant for caravan owners.

Caravans, campers, RVs and motorhomes are exposed to a wide range of environmental and chemical contaminants, including:

bird droppings

bat droppings

bug splatter

tree sap

road grime

red dust

cleaning residue

coastal contamination

mineral deposits

acidic and alkaline exposure

Chemical resistance testing helps support the coating’s ability to resist breakdown when exposed to harsh contaminants under controlled conditions.

It does not mean contaminants can be left on the surface indefinitely. Bird droppings, bat droppings, bug splatter, tree sap, water spots and other contamination should still be removed as soon as possible.

Accelerated Weathering and UV Testing

Accelerated weathering testing measures how the coating performs when exposed to simulated UV, heat and moisture cycles.

The OptiVAN graphene ceramic coating system was tested under ISO 16474 and recorded no cracking or blistering after extended exposure.

Why UV and weathering testing matters

Australia is one of the harshest environments in the world for caravans, campers, RVs and motorhomes.

Vehicles are often exposed to:

intense UV

high heat

outdoor storage

moisture

rain

wind

coastal air

long-distance touring conditions

Accelerated weathering testing helps show how the coating remains stable when exposed to simulated environmental stress.

For customers, this supports OptiVAN’s purpose: helping protect suitable treated surfaces against fading, oxidation, loss of gloss and long-term weather-related deterioration.

Colour Stability Testing

Colour stability testing measures whether a coating contributes to visible colour change over time.

The OptiVAN graphene ceramic coating system recorded a colour change result of ΔE 0.8.

Why colour stability matters

A low colour-change result supports the coating’s ability to maintain the appearance of the treated surface under testing conditions.

For customers, this matters because one of the main reasons to protect a caravan is to help preserve its appearance, gloss, colour depth and or visual condition over time.

Colour stability testing supports protection against visible fading, discolouration and weather-related surface degradation.

Salt Spray and Harsh Environment Testing

Salt spray testing measures how a coating performs in a corrosive environment.

The OptiVAN graphene ceramic coating system passed a 168-hour salt spray test under KS D 9502.

Why salt spray testing matters

Many caravan owners travel near beaches, store their caravans close to the coast or tow through wet and humid environments.

Coastal air and salt exposure can contribute to long-term surface deterioration, staining, corrosion risk and environmental build-up.

Salt spray testing helps support the coating’s suitability for harsh environmental exposure, including coastal and moisture-heavy conditions.

This does not replace regular cleaning. Salt build-up should still be washed from treated surfaces regularly, especially after coastal travel or beachside storage.

Why This Testing Matters for Caravan Owners

The best caravan ceramic coating should be judged on more than water beading or shine.

A true caravan protection system should be able to demonstrate performance across multiple areas, including hardness, adhesion, wear resistance, chemical resistance, UV stability, weathering stability and harsh-environment exposure.

That matters because caravans, campers, RVs and motorhomes are different from cars.

They have larger surface areas, more horizontal exposure, mixed materials, roof surfaces, decals, checker plate, windows, skylights, solar panels, lights and hard interior surfaces. They are also exposed to long-distance touring, outdoor storage, coastal air, red dust, insects, rain, heat and UV.

OptiVAN Graphene Ceramic Surface Protection is designed around these real-world conditions.

It is engineered for real life, real roads and real Australian conditions.

What Testing Does Not Mean

Testing provides important proof, but it is important to understand what it does and does not mean.

OptiVAN Graphene Ceramic Surface Protection does not make a caravan, camper, RV or motorhome:

scratch-proof
stone-chip-proof
impact-proof
maintenance-free
immune to poor washing
immune to harsh chemicals
immune to deep scratches or abrasions
immune to neglected contaminants

The coating is designed to help protect suitable treated surfaces and make maintenance easier. It still needs to be cared for correctly.

For physical impact protection, such as stone chips, road debris and high-impact towing zones, OptiVAN Paint Protection Film (PPF) should be considered in addition to the OptiVAN Graphene Ceramic Surface Protection.

Get in touch

Should you have any questions or would like more information on the OptiVAN range, please do not hesitate to Contact us.