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  • Labocosmetica Dilution Guide - Get Every Ratio Right

    Every Labocosmetica concentrate, mixed correctly. Ratios below are organised by category and colour-coded to each product's pH, so you can see acidic, neutral and alkaline chemistry at a glance before it touches your paint.

    The pH scale
    012345 67891011 121314
    Acidic (0–6) Neutral (7) Alkaline (8–14)

    Not sure why a pH 3 acid and a pH 5 acid aren't roughly the same strength? We've written up why one pH point matters more than it looks, with worked examples using these exact products.

    Washing

    pH11 · Alkaline
    1:10 – 1:20
    Foam cannon, standard dirt

    Reservoir mix for regular contamination. Thick clinging foam gives it time to emulsify road film.

    1:5 – 1:10
    Foam cannon, heavy contamination

    Farm dust, post-road-trip grime. Richer mix for stronger alkaline lift.

    1:10 – 1:20
    Pump sprayer pre-wash

    Panel by panel, 2–3 minute dwell, rinse before it dries.

    Alkaline reminder: never let it dry on paint, and keep it off hot panels or out of direct sun.
    pH3 · Acidic
    1:20 – 1:50
    Routine contact wash

    Grit-guard bucket. Dwell, rinse, move to the next panel.

    1:5 – 1:10
    Decontamination wash

    For iron-fallout-prone cars. Acid decon during the wash step, often replacing a separate iron remover.

    1:10 – 1:15
    Foam cannon pre-wash (acid alt)

    Useful for neutralising leftover alkaline residue from a prior stage.

    Good to know: VDA-certified as safe even undiluted, but it's still an acid. Keep it out of direct sun and off hot panels.
    pH7.5 · Neutral
    1:1500
    Standard maintenance wash

    One teaspoon in a 10-litre bucket. That's the correct ratio, not a typo.

    1:1000
    Heavier contact wash

    Dirtier car or more foam preferred. Still an extremely dilute mix.

    1:100 – 1:200
    Foam lance rinse-and-go

    Reservoir mix for a quick foam-and-rinse wash.

    Good to know: coating, sealant and PPF-safe at every dilution. The 1:1500 ratio reflects concentration, not a safety compromise.
    Neutral
    1:150
    Maintenance wash on coated paint

    The sweet spot for a coating-booster effect on already-sealed paint.

    1:100
    First application on bare paint

    Stronger mix deposits a fresh siloxane layer.

    1:50 – 1:100
    Foam lance coating refresh

    Reservoir mix for a quick top-up between full washes.

    Good to know: going stronger than 1:150 for maintenance doesn't improve bonding, it just uses more product.
    pH11.5 · Alkaline
    RTU
    All use cases

    Spray on a dry vehicle bottom to top, dwell 60 seconds, then rinse thoroughly from bottom to top.

    Good to know: DryShield technology keeps it active even if it starts to look dry, no dilution needed.
    pH11.5 · Alkaline
    1:20
    Second prewash with a mitt

    For heavily bonded film, used as a stronger second pass after the standard prewash.

    Mist
    Pump sprayer

    Applied as a fine mist (not a foam), 3–6 minute dwell, never let it dry, rinse from bottom to top.

    Good to know: Works in tandem with RENOVA as Labocosmetica's 2pH+ decontamination cycle.
    pH2 · Acidic
    1:50
    Manual bucket wash

    20ml per litre, wash top to bottom with a high-lubrication mitt, rinse and dry.

    1:10
    Intensive localised treatment

    100ml per litre on affected areas, dwell up to 60 seconds, rinse immediately.

    1:200
    Maintenance shampoo for PPF

    5ml per litre on an already-wet surface, applied with a wash mitt.

    1:5
    Booster on microfibre mitt

    200ml per litre, poured directly onto the mitt for a stronger pass.

    1:5
    Degreasing spray, wheels & critical areas

    200ml per litre, agitate with a soft wheel brush, rinse thoroughly.

    Good to know: The acidic counterpart to LIBERA, designed to work into PPF's porous structure rather than just the surface.
    pH2 · Acidic
    1:100
    Maintenance wash

    Standard bucket wash ratio for regularly maintained matte and wrapped surfaces.

    1:80
    Medium dirty vehicles

    A slightly stronger mix for more contamination.

    1:60
    Very dirty vehicles

    Strongest bucket-wash ratio, still safe on matte finishes.

    Good to know: Co-developed with Lamborghini specifically for matte and wrapped surfaces, leaves up to 2 weeks of UV protection.
    pH10.8 · Alkaline
    1:5
    Heavy dirt

    Strongest mix for heavily contaminated vehicles.

    1:10
    Moderate dirt

    Standard contamination level.

    1:20
    Light dirt

    Lightly soiled vehicles.

    1:50
    PPF and white cars

    Gentlest mix, for film protection and preventing yellowing on white paint.

    Good to know: Dissolves organic contamination (traffic film, insects, exhaust residue) ahead of a rinseless or waterless wash.
    pH3 · Acidic
    1:5
    Heavy dirt

    Strongest mix for heavy mineral and limescale contamination.

    1:10
    Moderate dirt

    Standard contamination level.

    1:50
    Ceramic coating rejuvenation

    Gentle mix to lift buildup that's dulling an existing coating's hydrophobics.

    Good to know: The acidic counterpart to PRELUDIO Alkaline, targets mineral and limescale deposits an alkaline or neutral presoak can't shift.
    pH7 · Neutral
    1:250
    Rinseless wash

    20ml per 5 litres of water, in a grit-guard bucket. Mist onto the panel, dwell up to 2 minutes, wash with a mitt from the bucket.

    1:100
    Waterless wash

    10ml per litre, sprayed directly and wiped off.

    1:100
    Drying aid

    10ml per litre, used as a lubricating spray while drying.

    Good to know: Never let it dry on the panel, and wash microfibres used with it separately to avoid streaking residue elsewhere.

    Decontamination

    pH5.5 · Acidic
    Neat – 1:2
    Wheel decontamination, heavy iron

    Apply to cool wheels, wait for the colour change, agitate with a soft brush, rinse.

    1:3 – 1:4
    Paint decontamination, standard iron fallout

    Spray bottle, panel by panel, on cool paint. Rinse before it dries.

    Neat – 1:2
    Wheel arches and undertrays

    3–5 minute dwell, agitate, rinse.

    Critical: never in direct sun or on hot surfaces, never let it dry. The colour change tells you the reaction is done.
    pH2 · Acidic
    Neat
    Spot treatment, light mineral staining

    Applied directly on a clean microfibre, worked in circular motions, 2–3 minute dwell, rinse.

    Neat – 1:5
    Panel-level bonded limescale

    On a wet microfibre mitt, one panel at a time, then rinse.

    1:3
    Windscreen mineral-stain removal

    Spray bottle, 2–3 minute dwell, agitate, rinse.

    1:5
    Light or delicate paint

    Start at the most dilute ratio and test on a hidden area first.

    Not water-based
    1:3 – 1:5
    Removal of polish residue

    Degreases before coating or sealant application and highlights swirls hiding under old product.

    1:1
    Spot test phase

    Diluted mix for testing on a small area first.

    Neat
    Removing high spots (up to 24 hours post-application)

    Lets you strip a coating high spot and redo the application.

    Good to know: Never use on hot surfaces or single-stage/direct-gloss paint without care, and don't let it dry on the panel.

    Clay, PPF & Film Preparation

    pH7 · Neutral
    1:5
    Clay blocks, firmest clay

    Generous lubrication for blocks.

    1:10
    Clay bars, standard

    Standard agitation lubrication.

    1:10 – 1:15
    Clay towels and mitts

    Gentler agitation, less product needed.

    1:15
    PPF decontamination

    Formulated to be safe on PPF adhesives.

    1:20
    Tinted window film

    Most dilute ratio for the most delicate substrate.

    Interior Cleaners

    pH10 · Alkaline
    1:15
    Quick-clean spray, plastics & dashboards

    Spray and wipe with a clean microfibre.

    1:7
    Injection-extraction on fabric

    Stronger mix for machine-assisted deep cleaning.

    1:15 – 1:20
    Leather quick-clean

    Gentler ratio for leather surfaces.

    pH2.3 · Acidic
    1:10
    Standard fabric stain removal

    Spray bottle. Lifted deposits become visible as they release.

    1:5
    Heavy mineral-residue stains

    Localised spot treatment, wipe immediately.

    Good to know: safe on fabric, carbon, leather and Alcantara at the stated ratios. Neutralise with a damp microfibre afterwards.
    pH11 · Alkaline
    1:4 – 1:8
    Engine bay cleaning

    Stronger end for heavily soiled bays. Cover sensitive electrical components first.

    1:5 – 1:10
    Wheel arches and undertrays

    Agitate contaminated zones with a stiff brush.

    1:10 – 1:15
    Insect removal, bumpers & windscreens

    30–60 second dwell, wipe before it dries.

    1:10
    Tyres and contaminated exterior plastics

    Apply with a tyre or detail brush, rinse.

    1:15 – 1:20
    Interior fabric and Alcantara, heavy soiling

    Apply lightly, agitate, wipe with a clean damp microfibre.

    1:10 – 1:30
    Steam or injection-extraction machine

    Follow the machine manufacturer's guidance within this range.

    Leather Care

    pH10.5 · Alkaline
    Ready to use
    Standard routine cleaning

    Spray directly, work in with a soft brush, wipe with a clean damp microfibre.

    RTU × 2
    Heavily soiled or neglected leather

    Two applications with separate microfibres. Further dilution isn't recommended.

    Labocosmetica DERMA

    pH4.5 · Acidic
    RTU
    All use cases

    Apply to a soft microfibre pad after cleaning with Derma Cleaner 2.0, work in gently with circular movements, let dry.

    Good to know: Rated for at least 15,000 km of wear and colour-transfer protection, with a 120° hydrophobic contact angle.

    Glass, Trim & Tyre

    Not water-based
    Neat
    All use cases

    Spray onto dry glass, spread with a dry microfibre, remove residue with a second clean cloth. Activates fully around 8 hours after application.

    Good to know: Decontaminate the glass with Energo first if there's limescale, or Veritas if there's wax residue.
    pH8 · Alkaline
    RTU
    All use cases

    Spray directly or onto a microfibre, wipe, then buff dry with a second clean cloth.

    Good to know: Ammonia-free and safe on tinted windows, Alcantara and leather trim near the glass line.
    Not water-based
    Neat
    All use cases

    Clean and dry the tyre first, then apply evenly with a tyre dressing applicator.

    Good to know: Non-greasy gel formula, resists washing and rain better than oil-based dressings.
    pH7 · Neutral
    Neat
    Tyres

    Applied undiluted for maximum protection and finish.

    1:3 – 1:5
    Interior plastics and trim

    Diluted for a lighter, less glossy finish indoors.

    1:1
    Exterior plastic and rubber

    Mid-strength mix for exterior trim, seals and mouldings.

    Good to know: Water-based and solvent-free, roughly 3 months of UV protection per application.
    Not water-based
    Neat
    All use cases

    Apply inside the tip with a medium-soft brush, dwell at least 1 minute per 5,000 km driven, wipe out with a damp microfibre.

    Good to know: Gel consistency clings to the exhaust walls rather than running. Avoid contact with unpainted plastic.

    Sealants & Quick Detailers

    pH7 · Neutral
    1:1
    Summer / hot temperatures

    Diluted mix, sprayed onto a wet panel from 60cm+, wait 5 seconds, rinse.

    Neat
    Winter

    Full strength for colder conditions.

    Good to know: Never let it dry on the panel or apply in direct sun. Up to 3 months of protection.
    Not water-based
    Neat
    All use cases

    Apply to a microfibre applicator, work in, buff with a fresh cloth. Fully cured after 8 hours.

    Good to know: Lasts up to 9 months layered over another coating, or 5 months standalone. Contains no solvents, polymers or alcohols.
    pH4.5 · Acidic
    RTU
    Wet surfaces (drying aid)

    Spray on a still-wet panel, dry product and water together with a microfibre towel.

    RTU
    Dry surfaces

    Spray directly or onto a short-pile microfibre, spread, then finish with a dry long-pile towel.

    Good to know: The 4.5 pH specifically helps prevent hard water spotting during the drying phase.
    pH7 · Neutral
    RTU
    Quick detailer

    Spray onto a short-pile microfibre, spread, finish with a clean dry long-pile towel.

    RTU
    Drying aid

    Spray directly on wet paint, spread with a microfibre drying towel, 2–3 sprays per panel.

    Good to know: Not for use in direct sun or on warm paint. A second layer needs a 24-hour wait; full cure takes 12 hours.

    Working out how much product to use

    The ratio tells you the split between product and water. For a target volume, divide by (ratio + 1) to get the product amount, the rest is water. A few common targets:

    Ratio In a 500ml bottle In a 1L bottle
    1:5 ~83ml product ~167ml product
    1:10 ~45ml product ~91ml product
    1:20 ~24ml product ~48ml product
    Ratio In a 15L bucket In a 20L bucket
    1:100 ~149ml product ~198ml product
    1:400 ~37ml product ~50ml product
    1:800 ~19ml product ~25ml product
    • A cheap syringe or dosing pump beats guesswork for anything stronger than 1:100.
    • For wash-bucket ratios in the hundreds or thousands, weigh the concentrate on kitchen scales rather than trying to measure by eye.
    • Pour water in before product, it disperses the concentrate more evenly than the other way round.

    Handling acids and alkalines safely

    Most of the products on this page sit well away from neutral pH, and heat is what turns that from "effective" into "risky":

    • Sun and hot panels: chemistry speeds up as the surface warms, so a panel in direct sun can react far faster than the same product on a cool one. Work in shade where you can.
    • Dwell time: if a panel starts drying before you've rinsed, mist it with water rather than letting the product sit and concentrate as it evaporates.
    • Skin contact: the stronger acids and alkalines here (Sidero, Energo, Purifica, Primus 2.0, Ductile) are worth gloving up for, especially at low dilution.
    • Unfamiliar paint: single-stage and older or soft clearcoats can react differently to modern factory paint, so patch-test somewhere unseen first.