Longevity and "look" of Opti-Coat

Guitarist302008 said:
I have had some areas with OC where the spots wouldn't come off, so I had to do a very light polish pass to remove them... that I don't like.
Click to expand...

Next time use an acidic wash. OC is impervious to chemicals and won't thin out the coating like polishing does.



BTW, I've never had spotting on OC that can't be removed without polishing...and we have seriously hard water. After several months, the hose nozzle gets clogged with mineral buildup.



I also agree that OC looks a bit sterile, esp compared to the other option I offer my clients - HD Nitro. But for those who want a *no-maintenance* paint protection, I offer OC and we're both happy with the results.
 
Alfisti said:
Next time use an acidic wash. OC is impervious to chemicals and won't thin out the coating like polishing does.



BTW, I've never had spotting on OC that can't be removed without polishing...and we have seriously hard water. After several months, the hose nozzle gets clogged with mineral buildup.



I also agree that OC looks a bit sterile, esp compared to the other option I offer my clients - HD Nitro. But for those who want a *no-maintenance* paint protection, I offer OC and we're both happy with the results.
Click to expand...



I have some bonded contamination I need to address and have been wondering how ABC would affect it. I have heard folks say it shouldn't but I'm still a bit apprehensive. Any personal experiences in this regard?
 
Kean said:
I have some bonded contamination I need to address and have been wondering how ABC would affect it. I have heard folks say it shouldn't but I'm still a bit apprehensive. Any personal experiences in this regard?
Click to expand...



I wouldn't be worried about the paint as much as I was any rubber trim and such.
 
Guitarist302008 said:
I wouldn't be worried about the paint as much as I was any rubber trim and such.
Click to expand...



I'm not worried about the effect of ABC on the OEM finish, trim, etc. I have confidence the product is safe for this sort of application when used properly (barring any possible issues with sensitive/previously compromised components in certain scenarios which you should always be watchful for when using products like this).



To clarify, my question was in response to Alfisti’s remark about OC being impervious to chemicals. I wanted to know how ABC (if at all) would affect OC. ….and if anyone has personal experience with the two.
 
Kean said:
I'm not worried about the effect of ABC on the OEM finish, trim, etc. I have confidence the product is safe for this sort of application when used properly (barring any possible issues with sensitive/previously compromised components in certain scenarios which you should always be watchful for when using products like this).



To clarify, my question was in response to Alfisti’s remark about OC being impervious to chemicals. I wanted to know how ABC (if at all) would affect OC. ….and if anyone has personal experience with the two.
Click to expand...





Oh I see... well I wish I could help you with that in the experience department, but the most harsh thing i've probably used on my OC was just adam's APC.. which IMO isn't really that harsh.
 
by the way, what about the citrus wash that you get from lowes or something like that? It's not a car wash, it's a degreaser... could that be used to really clean off the OC easier? Or maybe just get it more clean that a typical car shampoo?
 
Kean said:
I have some bonded contamination I need to address and have been wondering how ABC would affect it. I have heard folks say it shouldn't but I'm still a bit apprehensive. Any personal experiences in this regard?
Click to expand...

I haven't used the ABC system per se, but have used strong wheel cleaner to remove insects with no negative effects.



Also, I believe Optimum have been testing OC for many years with regular tunnel washes which can be very harsh.



Plus I've used body solvent on it without problems. So I think you should be ok.
 
Guitarist302008 said:
by the way, what about the citrus wash that you get from lowes or something like that? It's not a car wash, it's a degreaser... could that be used to really clean off the OC easier? Or maybe just get it more clean that a typical car shampoo?
Click to expand...

I have used products like Chemical Guys CWC at it highest dilution on my wife's OC'd car for extra cleaning power to help tackle nasty road grime (like what you get during a first rain). It never phased the layer of OC as far as I can tell.
 
Alfisti said:
I haven't used the ABC system per se, but have used strong wheel cleaner to remove insects with no negative effects.



Also, I believe Optimum have been testing OC for many years with regular tunnel washes which can be very harsh.



Plus I've used body solvent on it without problems. So I think you should be ok.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I have used OMS and b&t removers on spots which didn't seem to affect the coating. I just used ABC on my own car today for the first time. .....works well. I'll be trying it on the wife's car in the coming weeks. I also think it will turn out just fine. ......thanks again.
 
Second the PC soak at 3:1.



Also Carpro TRIX worked well on the lower panels on my car that OC didn't bead any longer. After letting TRIX work and then washing off, beading was back to normal.
 
Is opticoat more resistant to swirls than the paint itself?



or does it at least make the paint more resistant to swirls?
 
I really have to question the ones who claim to not see a visual benefit to OC. Most of my clients watch me apply Opti Coat and while after finishing with HD POLISH the paint looks dripping wet, OC adds an additional gloss, that needs to be seen to believe. Thankfully my clients are equally as impressed as I am with the finish Opti Coat leaves behind.
 
How many CC do you put on?



tom p. said:
I think the key to OptiCoat is getting enough applied. I believe that's why I've had issues with it. It's been tough to judge how much I've been getting on the surface...they've generally been light-colored cars.
Click to expand...
 
What one should use depends on what look you are more attracted to. Shiny or glossy. If you want that deep wet look, Optimum would be my choice. (Or better yet, HD CUT/HD POLISH) if shiny, use your Meg's stuff.





_5260040_HDR.jpg by savingspaces33, on Flickr





_5260034_HDR.jpg by savingspaces33, on Flickr





_5230033.jpg by savingspaces33, on Flickr





_5200071_HDR.jpg by savingspaces33, on Flickr





_5170037.jpg by savingspaces33, on Flickr



tguil said:
Thanks so much for the reponses. I guess I'll move into the 21st century and apply Opti-Coat to my white Ram. I've been messin' with wax for over fifty years going back to the days of Cadillac Blue Coral polish and wax. That stuff made Meguiar's #16 child's play. I like the look of immaculate vehicles and know how to make them look that way, but I just as soon go huntin', shoot some archery or read a book. My Ram has two freshly applied coats of Meg's Ulitmate. I'll wait until summer to do the application. Because I'm retired I can take a couple of days to do it right. It has been suggested to do the prep using Optimum Polish II or Optimum Hyper Polish. Think this is a good idea? I already have Meg's Ultimate Polish, Ultimate Compound, #83 and #80 as well as Prep Sol and Iso alcohol. The temperature will probably be in the 80's or when I do the application. Any problem with this?



Tom :cool:
Click to expand...
 
I don't see how one abrasive polish vs. another would have much to do with it having the wet look or the shiny look. I'm not doubting you, but I think it's more about the LSP. A good sealant will get that wet candied look while a wax gives sort of a warmer natural type look IMO of course.
 
We all have opinions. :D However, I am talking from experience as a professional detailer. Plus the look is more about the prep. Yes, every lsp has its own look, but to generalize sealants vs carnauba is silly. You do that due to not having enough experience if you ask me.



PS: you have it backwards. It is waxes that look wet in general. Sealants more shine, but like with most everything in life, its not black or white.



PPS: if polish "A" had the exact same ingredients as polish "B" from 2 different resellers, you would be right about polishes not making a difference. However that is clearly not the case with Meg's vs 3D. Why you would think that different polishes produce identical results, while waxes don't is pretty interesting. I would ask you to read more and post less, so that new members (long after you are gone) after you can get the correct info. After all, that is what this forum is for.



But don't take my word for it. Experiment, instead of assume. :bow



Guitarist302008 said:
I don't see how one abrasive polish vs. another would have much to do with it having the wet look or the shiny look. I'm not doubting you, but I think it's more about the LSP. A good sealant will get that wet candied look while a wax gives sort of a warmer natural type look IMO of course.
Click to expand...
 




I did 2 coats on this BMW. I've done this car every year since 2007. This is the best it's ever looked. I like the stuff a lot. Way better than that equivalent Ultima makes.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top