Ok all... for those of you who don't know much about Opti-coat (OC) I have started this thread to discuss it. There are several members here who have done their own cars already as well as myself. Subaru and Japanese car paint has a notorious problem of very soft and thin paint. Partially because of their laws about emissions over there from what I understand, but whatever the reason, this stuff is excellent to add to the paint to give it some extra hardness and protection. Other members can chime in with their experiences as well.
I am in no way affiliated with Optimum, nor do I work for any company (other than working as a detailer on my own) so I have no sponsors or anything of the sort.
Claims that Optimum makes:
1. A layer of OC 2.0 is appoximately 2 microns thick (about 100 layers of your average wax)
2. Once fully cured OC hardness is at a level 9h hardness
3. OC is scratch resistant (not scratch proof!)
4. OC is claimed to be a permanent coating... it's not, but with care you can get 2 years or more out of it.
5. Waxes and sealants will not stick well to OC. I spoke with someone from Optimum and his response about what would last longer than other products was Optimum's Opti-seal (I have never tried it). They claimed it to last 2-3 months on OC if one wanted added slickness.
6. OC will spot fairly badly, with city water, hard water, etc etc dry the car IMMEDIATELY after washing.
7. As I read from an interview with one of the higher ups at Optimum... it is said that Opti-coat does not break down under most extreme heat, so it may be used on wheels, exhausts (which one member here has done) brake calipers, underhood plastics, wheel well plastics or metals, outside plastics around mirrors, between pillars, etc.
8. ANY area that is to be coated MUST be cleaned thoroughly with a mixture of alcohol and water. (I used 50/50 but less alcohol can be used) You can also add 1-2 small drops of standard dish soap to ensure all oils are cleaned from the area to be done.
9. OC is not a slick finish once fully cured and not a beauty type of product, but a nice clean car always brings out good looks from it IMO.
10. OC will not stick to itself once cured (also from the same interview with Optimum I read). It is claimed however that a slight polishing will rough it up enough to add a layer to it.
11. The only ways of getting OC off of your finish are a full polish, sanding, or special chemical removal.
12. To get the best look, either get your car fully polished and paint straight and looking the way you want before adding OC, so you can have that look "locked" in, or do the car when it's brand new... make sure you look it over well and be certain you are happy with how the paint looks prior to adding OC.
As I said, several other members have done their cars and can also chime in with their experience. With this type of paint being so easily chipped and scratched I highly do recommend this product.
I am in no way affiliated with Optimum, nor do I work for any company (other than working as a detailer on my own) so I have no sponsors or anything of the sort.
Claims that Optimum makes:
1. A layer of OC 2.0 is appoximately 2 microns thick (about 100 layers of your average wax)
2. Once fully cured OC hardness is at a level 9h hardness
3. OC is scratch resistant (not scratch proof!)
4. OC is claimed to be a permanent coating... it's not, but with care you can get 2 years or more out of it.
5. Waxes and sealants will not stick well to OC. I spoke with someone from Optimum and his response about what would last longer than other products was Optimum's Opti-seal (I have never tried it). They claimed it to last 2-3 months on OC if one wanted added slickness.
6. OC will spot fairly badly, with city water, hard water, etc etc dry the car IMMEDIATELY after washing.
7. As I read from an interview with one of the higher ups at Optimum... it is said that Opti-coat does not break down under most extreme heat, so it may be used on wheels, exhausts (which one member here has done) brake calipers, underhood plastics, wheel well plastics or metals, outside plastics around mirrors, between pillars, etc.
8. ANY area that is to be coated MUST be cleaned thoroughly with a mixture of alcohol and water. (I used 50/50 but less alcohol can be used) You can also add 1-2 small drops of standard dish soap to ensure all oils are cleaned from the area to be done.
9. OC is not a slick finish once fully cured and not a beauty type of product, but a nice clean car always brings out good looks from it IMO.
10. OC will not stick to itself once cured (also from the same interview with Optimum I read). It is claimed however that a slight polishing will rough it up enough to add a layer to it.
11. The only ways of getting OC off of your finish are a full polish, sanding, or special chemical removal.
12. To get the best look, either get your car fully polished and paint straight and looking the way you want before adding OC, so you can have that look "locked" in, or do the car when it's brand new... make sure you look it over well and be certain you are happy with how the paint looks prior to adding OC.
As I said, several other members have done their cars and can also chime in with their experience. With this type of paint being so easily chipped and scratched I highly do recommend this product.