Best coating for scratch resistance?

I am not defesive, not sure where you read that - you asked for the best protection. I suggested OCP - the longest lasting hardest finish of all coatings. Unfortunately, it isn't sold to the public.

Opti Coat is an actual clear coat. After 30 days, once OCP is fully cured, you will have a harder finish than the OEM paint. And the good thing is that you only need to do it once. Not every 2 years.

Gloss Coat is a good choice though.

TTBear said:
Thank you for your input, Tomas. I agree - generally, a professional would have better skills in applying a coating. When I mentioned Zaino, it was not with reference to a thin application, but rather, the ability to get complete, uniform coverage, which I find is the most important thing. Apologies - I should have been more clear for you.

No need to get defensive. I GREATLY admire the skills possessed by the detailers on this forum, and have nothing but respect for all of you. However, to automatically assume that NOBODY, apart from a qualified detailer has the skills to apply a coating, is quite frankly, ludicrous. I do apply a coating "properly", as you would emphasize. It really is NOT that difficult, as I'm sure many hobbyist detailers on this or other forums would attest to.

I do not wish to get into an inflammatory diatribe with you, or anyone on this board - I come here for information, and others' input, which is ALL greatly appreciated - including yours, and I thank you for your opinion. It just doesn't really help me with my original question, which was WHICH coating to use, rather than asking for a reprimand regarding having the audacity to even ATTEMPT applying a coating, because surely, I would and could not possibly possess the skills necessary.



I agree - coatings are not for everyone to apply. I am confident in my abilitiy to do it correctly, as you are, in yours. It would be quite erroneous to generalize, and simply state that there is some holy grail, some magical level that one must attain, in order to qualify for coating application, that's all I'm saying.

Could we please get back to my original question? Thanks.
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Thomas Dekany said:
You shouldn't have taken my suggestion to see a pro personally. It isn't you, it is the product. Trust me, even some seasoned pros have issues with applying OCP. It isn't just about putting down a layer and call it a day. How much you put down, how even, how fast you wipe off high spots, how much do you actually wipe off without removing too much product.

You have to respect Optimum enough to trust them why OCP is not a consumer product. Read up on coating threads. See how many complain about "lack of durability" about coatings in general. Never the product, always the installer.
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thanks Thomas. I really didn't take anything personally. I love that you are passionate about what you do. I really was just genuinely curious about how to become accredited, as even though I do have a regular job, I have always had an interest in pursuing detailing further.

I do realize that you guys have amazing skills. That's why I come to this forum! Thanks :)
 
Thomas Dekany said:
You shouldn't have taken my suggestion to see a pro personally. It isn't you, it is the product. Trust me, even some seasoned pros have issues with applying OCP. It isn't just about putting down a layer and call it a day. How much you put down, how even, how fast you wipe off high spots, how much do you actually wipe off without removing too much product.

You have to respect Optimum enough to trust them why OCP is not a consumer product. Read up on coating threads. See how many complain about "lack of durability" about coatings in general. Never the product, always the installer.
Click to expand...

Funny, when I discovered an issue with OCP in early 2011 and informed Dr. G it was clearly the product and (2) 40cc syringes were sent out to me because of it, of course nothing was done about the cars that had already been coated with the defective product.
 
Thomas Dekany said:
I am not defesive, not sure where you read that - you asked for the best protection. I suggested OCP - the longest lasting hardest finish of all coatings. Unfortunately, it isn't sold to the public.

Opti Coat is an actual clear coat. After 30 days, once OCP is fully cured, you will have a harder finish than the OEM paint. And the good thing is that you only need to do it once. Not every 2 years.

Gloss Coat is a good choice though.
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No, he asked what the best coating was for scratch resistance.
 
Thomas Dekany said:
Same difference. Are you not protecting the finish from scratches?

OCP is the answer.
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No, proper washing and drying is the answer.

Prime example right here...

corrected and coated with OCP


And then this OCP after 1 year, still had good gloss, good beading, but....







The above results would have been the same had any of the coatings I've tested been used.
 
Thomas Dekany said:
Same difference. Are you not protecting the finish from scratches?

OCP is the answer.
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Ceramic Pro is the answer. Just messing with you I have no idea. OP if you have some pro installers in your area of whatever coating why not see if they will sell you the pro version of whichever coating they install. Have them give you some tips how to apply, you can apply to your high standards, you get a quality coating better than the consumer level. Thing is im assuming the pros cant sell it to ya.
 
ughside.gif
 
Oldfordisbetter said:
Rasky, any idea what that car was washed with? Did it go through automatic car wash?
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Owner and his wife said they only used touch-less washes when I showed them the damage, but when he dropped it off for the initial correction and coating it was leaking fluid badly and had to go into service right after it left my shop. It's a 2005 Phaeton so I'm sure it was at the shop for a while. ;)
 
The scratch resistance of any coating is minimal at best... end of story. Everyone will have an opinion, so it is hard to take anyone's comment as truth as we are all likely biased by one thing or another. If you're set on using a coating, I would recommend trying several out until you find one that suits your needs. Unfortunately coatings are becoming as plentiful as waxes... and if you've ever read a thread that starts with "what is the best wax....." then you know how that goes.

My suggestions would be to eliminate touching the car as much as possible.... to me this means careful washing with plush mitt and plenty of shampoo using as little pressure as possible, then rinse with DI water and do not towel dry. Blow out water from cracks and crevices if that is needed.

Have you considered using a product that fills in light imperfections to maintain the surface in between major detailing sessions. You do not want to get into the habit of correcting the car every other week. I'd recommend something like HD Express, CG EZ Creme, or similar for some filling.

Sometimes maintaining perfection is just too risky, so you've got to seek alternative methods (filling) although it may seem 'wrong'
 
zmcgovern45 said:
The scratch resistance of any coating is minimal at best... end of story. Everyone will have an opinion, so it is hard to take anyone's comment as truth as we are all likely biased by one thing or another. If you're set on using a coating, I would recommend trying several out until you find one that suits your needs. Unfortunately coatings are becoming as plentiful as waxes... and if you've ever read a thread that starts with "what is the best wax....." then you know how that goes.

My suggestions would be to eliminate touching the car as much as possible.... to me this means careful washing with plush mitt and plenty of shampoo using as little pressure as possible, then rinse with DI water and do not towel dry. Blow out water from cracks and crevices if that is needed.

Have you considered using a product that fills in light imperfections to maintain the surface in between major detailing sessions. You do not want to get into the habit of correcting the car every other week. I'd recommend something like HD Express, CG EZ Creme, or similar for some filling.

Sometimes maintaining perfection is just too risky, so you've got to seek alternative methods (filling) although it may seem 'wrong'
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Thanks Zach. I agree. I guess maybe I should have worded it as "which coating goes on the thickest, such that any scratches are mostly limited to the coating rather than the clear coat", but yes, you're absolutely correct - I don't anticipate that any coating is going to give my car a bullet proof finish.

I am intrigued by your suggestion of a filler. (Even though I AM cringing even as I type the word "filler", :stick ) I'll give it a whirl for one driving season (I'll save the CQuartz for my wife's SUV :) ) As I said, I think I could maybe improve on my wash techniques - at any rate, I think I will just have to accept the fact that with this paint, I am working to minimize damage, rather than prevent it.



Thanks for all of the useful information and suggestions, everyone. Your help, as always, is so very much appreciated.
 
TTBear said:
Thanks Zach. I agree. I guess maybe I should have worded it as "which coating goes on the thickest, such that any scratches are mostly limited to the coating rather than the clear coat", but yes, you're absolutely correct - I don't anticipate that any coating is going to give my car a bullet proof finish.

I am intrigued by your suggestion of a filler. (Even though I AM cringing even as I type the word "filler", :stick ) I'll give it a whirl for one driving season (I'll save the CQuartz for my wife's SUV :) ) As I said, I think I could maybe improve on my wash techniques - at any rate, I think I will just have to accept the fact that with this paint, I am working to minimize damage, rather than prevent it.



Thanks for all of the useful information and suggestions, everyone. Your help, as always, is so very much appreciated.
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That statement is true for all of us... perfection is a goal that is rarely obtained in the world of detailing, and if it is obtained, it usually comes with much risk.

Proper maintenance goes a long way to help preserve the hard work we spend removing defects, but over time every car will need to be polished again regardless of how careful we are while washing/drying.

Bottom line... you've got a killer collection of cars. Sounds like you already know how to keep them looking better than 99% of the rest of the cars on the road, so now you should enjoy driving the heck out of that lambo!
 
zmcgovern45 said:
That statement is true for all of us... perfection is a goal that is rarely obtained in the world of detailing, and if it is obtained, it usually comes with much risk.

Proper maintenance goes a long way to help preserve the hard work we spend removing defects, but over time every car will need to be polished again regardless of how careful we are while washing/drying.

Bottom line... you've got a killer collection of cars. Sounds like you already know how to keep them looking better than 99% of the rest of the cars on the road, so now you should enjoy driving the heck out of that lambo!
Click to expand...

Years ago Steve from PB told me that no way could I keep a car "perfect". "even if it were museum it would get dusty"
 
RaskyR1 said:
No, proper washing and drying is the answer.

Prime example right here...

corrected and coated with OCP


And then this OCP after 1 year, still had good gloss, good beading, but....







The above results would have been the same had any of the coatings I've tested been used.
Click to expand...

Lolz. You must not have installed it correctly.

For whatever reason, it seems coatings do little to anything to prevent scratches. Best thing you can do is clean the car using all the precautions discussed here.
 
zmcgovern45 said:
That statement is true for all of us... perfection is a goal that is rarely obtained in the world of detailing, and if it is obtained, it usually comes with much risk.

Proper maintenance goes a long way to help preserve the hard work we spend removing defects, but over time every car will need to be polished again regardless of how careful we are while washing/drying.

Bottom line... you've got a killer collection of cars. Sounds like you already know how to keep them looking better than 99% of the rest of the cars on the road, so now you should enjoy driving the heck out of that lambo!
Click to expand...

Ronkh said:
Years ago Steve from PB told me that no way could I keep a car "perfect". "even if it were museum it would get dusty"
Click to expand...


Thanks guys. THIS is also why I come here. Information gleaned from you guys always imparts not only what to do, but what NOT to do, and what to expect, realistically. It's gaining knowledge from others' experience, that goes the longest way, I think.

Cheers!!

:bigups
 
RaskyR1 said:
Funny, when I discovered an issue with OCP in early 2011 and informed Dr. G it was clearly the product and (2) 40cc syringes were sent out to me because of it, of course nothing was done about the cars that had already been coated with the defective product.
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Thank you for helping making Opti Coat the great product that it is.
 
RaskyR1 said:
No, he asked what the best coating was for scratch resistance.
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Opti Coat IS the best scratch resistant coating. Right?

Opti-Coat Pro is a ceramic clear coating warrantied for up to 5 years[SUP]1 [/SUP]with superior resistance to scratching (9H), chemical etching, fading due to UV, and provides outstanding release properties
The Opti-Coat Pro pre-polymer cross links, and forms a continuous protective film on the painted surface it is applied to, similar to a single component isocyanate that forms a clear coat finish.
Opti-Coat Pro has better chemical resistance, scratch & mar resistance, and release properties than any automotive paint coating in use. It provides permanent protection for all modern factory paints and can also be used to protect metal and hard plastic surfaces.
Click to expand...
 
Oldfordisbetter said:
Ceramic Pro is the answer. Just messing with you I have no idea. OP if you have some pro installers in your area of whatever coating why not see if they will sell you the pro version of whichever coating they install. Have them give you some tips how to apply, you can apply to your high standards, you get a quality coating better than the consumer level. Thing is im assuming the pros cant sell it to ya.
Click to expand...

One would loose their privilege to be an installer for OCP if one were to "sell" it.
 
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