OptiCoat 2.0?

R

rudyjr

New member
I have been doing some reading about OptiCoat 2.0 and have a few questions. This from what I have read is more of a paint protectant coating from what I have read. How hard is this product to apply properly? How long does this sealant actually last? Is it something that you can reapply from time to time, or do you need to top it with something else. These types of products always worry me that if I do something wrong along the way there is no way to straighten it out. Any information would be appreciated.:dunno:
 
The actual application isn't long and, applied properly, is a wowa product. The prep is what takes time. It is permanent until abraded off so you need to get your paint as perfect as possible prior to application.

Never reapply - cannot be layered.
 
rudyjr said:
I have been doing some reading about OptiCoat 2.0 and have a few questions. This from what I have read is more of a paint protectant coating from what I have read. How hard is this product to apply properly? How long does this sealant actually last? Is it something that you can reapply from time to time, or do you need to top it with something else. These types of products always worry me that if I do something wrong along the way there is no way to straighten it out. Any information would be appreciated.:dunno:
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OC 2.0 is like a super sealant / more permanent Coating. That will help protect your existing finish. But it will seal in your existing finish as well so you will want it to be as perfect as possible before application.

If you have ever used a Wipe on Walk Away (WOWA) sealant you will be able to apply OC. Think Opti-Seal. You simply use a small amount and spread it evenly across the surface making sure there are no high spots. Here is a link to a great article Chad (RaskyR1) did with a video on OC application.
Link: 2011 M3, New Car Prep, Opti-Coat 2.0 Application, Install Appearance Mods – Detailed Image

OC 2.0 permanent coating... Meaning the only way to remove it is abrasion. The claims are 4+ years or more. I would say on the front of a vehicle it will wear faster than say the roof or back bumper. Once it is therr you will need to polish to remove it. APC and stripping soaps will not get the job done.

You can top it if you choose, but the properties of OC will make you wax less durable as the wax will have a hard time adhering to the OC. I have know of some who are using Opti Car Wax to enhance the gloss or look after every few washes. But the nice thing about OC is once it is there you really only need to wash... It is already and will continue to be protected.



mjlinane said:
Never reapply - cannot be layered.
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This is actually incorrect. The new version of OC 2.0 is able to be layered. As per the instructions and comments by Chris @ Optimum Once OC has cured you would "scuff" it with a finishing polish (Think Hyper Polish) and then apply another coat of OC. This will work but it may be overkill and after 3-4 coats you will start to notice some haziness.
 
It's very easy to use. Just do a panel at a time and don't move to the next before you've inspected your work for thick spots that haven't flashed clear. If 95% of the panel has flashed lightly buff the part that hasn't and you're done.

Even if you let a thick spot dry, you can remove it easily with Poli Seal by hand. Try to stop when it the high spot is gone so you don't remove more than is necessary. OC was formulated to have a longer cure time and to be able to be removed a little easier than the pro version.
 
What's the benefit of this product? is it protection or deep shine? Maybe both? I have the Opti Seal which works very well as one of the LSP before I go to wax
 
Beemerboy said:
What's the benefit of this product? is it protection or deep shine? Maybe both? I have the Opti Seal which works very well as one of the LSP before I go to wax
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Lower maintenance and some added scratch resistance were the big sellers for me. Looks great, too.
 
No, that is why you need to get your paint as good as possibly first. There is some "self levelling" but that is a little different.
 
Beemerboy said:
What's the benefit of this product? is it protection or deep shine? Maybe both? I have the Opti Seal which works very well as one of the LSP before I go to wax
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The way I think of it is like an additional layer of Clear Coat of the car. It is "permanent" to the point of having to abrade it off. Also if I am not mistaken the hardness and scratch resistance of OC is greater that most Clear Coat out there today. The reel seller IMO is the protection it offers for daily drivers and customers who don't really take care of their cars.

OC also help is the washing process as it properties make brake dust and dirt much easier to remove.
 
The reason I was considering this is that Subaru Foresters are known to have pretty easy to scratch clear coat. I try to take real good care of my vehicles but things happen. Since the Forester is my DD I want to try to keep it nice. I was just worried about my abilities to put this stuff on and not screw it up. I may just stick with the paint sealant
 
TroyScherer said:
The way I think of it is like an additional layer of Clear Coat of the car. It is "permanent" to the point of having to abrade it off. Also if I am not mistaken the hardness and scratch resistance of OC is greater that most Clear Coat out there today. The reel seller IMO is the protection it offers for daily drivers and customers who don't really take care of their cars.

OC also help is the washing process as it properties make brake dust and dirt much easier to remove.
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Troy, Have you had much experience with this product? Are you happy with the long term durability of it?
 
It's not hard at all to apply. People seem to feel scared but once you try it you will find it really is simple. I did my wheels first to test application. Once I did the second wheel I was a ok with the application and I wasn't as worried about it
 
I see that Chris has answered the questions at hand so I won't try to act smart I'll just add the experience I have had. I find it very easy to use. I had success and no issues on the first application. Just follow the directions and you will be fine. The only issue I encountered was on a single stage car, I made a smear mark which dried in the paint but easily came off with polish. I simply reapplied to that area and have no issues. I have used it on wheels and love it for plastic headlights. I have not topped it with anything yet as I found no need. If you're on the edge of a decision, I say try it.
 
rudyjr said:
The reason I was considering this is that Subaru Foresters are known to have pretty easy to scratch clear coat. I try to take real good care of my vehicles but things happen. Since the Forester is my DD I want to try to keep it nice. I was just worried about my abilities to put this stuff on and not screw it up. I may just stick with the paint sealant
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Alot of people have turned to it for DD just like yourself. Do some reading and take your time when you put it on and you will be fine. It was a first time for everyone at some point. The 2.0 is a reformulation to be more consumer friendly.
 
My favorite attributes of OC are:

  • Readily sheds away dirt
  • Attract less dust so it stays cleaner longer
  • Reduced marring
  • Not needing to wax my DD ever again.
  • Hydrophobic properties (See video below)

it also give the paint a nice "glassy look" IMO

This is my car after an ONR wash last weekend...it was coated back in August.
20120108-_MG_6287.jpg


20120108-_MG_6290.jpg




Opti-Guard Hydrophobic properties.wmv - YouTube
 
rudyjr said:
Troy, Have you had much experience with this product? Are you happy with the long term durability of it?
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My experience is limited compared to Chad (Rasky). At this point I have only done my wheels as my black truck was backed into just before I was planning on doing it. The application in my opinion is straight forward and easy as long as you pay attention and double check yourself. Once I do my truck and everything goes smoothly I will offer it to customers. I have already had a few requests after they saw how CQuartz looked and reacted to dirt and water. I feel that OC is superior to CQ due to the durability factor.

As far as durability IMO it is to early to tell. There are a few torture testes out there and regular testing showing amazing durability. There is one on AGO where they only coated half the car and did a year plus test on it before the vehicle was traded in (Company Car). In the testing he only used Dawn to wash the car weekly and there was no degradation to the OC...
 
RaskyR1 said:
My favorite attributes of OC are:

  • Readily sheds away dirt
  • Attract less dust so it stays cleaner longer
  • Reduced marring
  • Not needing to wax my DD ever again.
  • Hydrophobic properties (See video below)
it also give the paint a nice "glassy look" IMO

This is my car after an ONR wash last weekend...it was coated back in August.
20120108-_MG_6287.jpg


20120108-_MG_6290.jpg




Opti-Guard Hydrophobic properties.wmv - YouTube
Click to expand...


Well I must admit that really looks good. It will be inyteresting to see how well it holds up through the winter. Thanks for posting the pics and the link, good info.
 
I have never tried Opticoat but think that I will give it a shot soon. Can you apply it with the Porter Cable or do you just apply it by hand?
 
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