Paint Correction and Opti Coat Pro
#21
Here is a detailed write-up by a Toronto area detailer who has done over 700 Opti-Coat applications.
This should answer most questions as to what will be or should be done by your detailer if you proceed with the treatment.
GTA In Detail - Professional Automotive Detailing in The Greater Toronto Area
Elsewhere on his website, he makes this note:
Please note, Opti Coat Professional is not the same as Opti Coat 2.0 (the consumer version), until recently it provided a thicker coat, however in Setepmber 2013 Optimum further distinguished it from 2.0 by requiring a primer polish which contains a catalyst that allows Opti Coat Professional to provide an even thicker, more scratch resistant, more chemically resistant and glossier coat. We only use Opti Coat Professional. Also, we do not offer ala carte services, so our price always includes Opti Coat Pro on the inner barrels of your wheels (as well as the faces) and Opti Glass on all glass surfaces; these services are often an add on but here at GTA In Detail we make sure to do it right the first time, with no hidden charges.
This should answer most questions as to what will be or should be done by your detailer if you proceed with the treatment.
GTA In Detail - Professional Automotive Detailing in The Greater Toronto Area
Elsewhere on his website, he makes this note:
Please note, Opti Coat Professional is not the same as Opti Coat 2.0 (the consumer version), until recently it provided a thicker coat, however in Setepmber 2013 Optimum further distinguished it from 2.0 by requiring a primer polish which contains a catalyst that allows Opti Coat Professional to provide an even thicker, more scratch resistant, more chemically resistant and glossier coat. We only use Opti Coat Professional. Also, we do not offer ala carte services, so our price always includes Opti Coat Pro on the inner barrels of your wheels (as well as the faces) and Opti Glass on all glass surfaces; these services are often an add on but here at GTA In Detail we make sure to do it right the first time, with no hidden charges.
Last edited by ndy.boyd; 12-31-2013 at 09:58 AM.
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MaximA (12-31-2013)
#22
#23
As Richzak mentioned I had Opticoat Pro applied by when I first bought my XKR. Spent like $850 and detailer spent about 20 hours in my garage on prep, polish, application etc. I am sure it s a good product but it fell short of my expectations.
I maintained it with only microfiber as well. I think a dealer washed it and introduced just a few fine scratches. This was so disappointing to me that I had them get their detailer next door to dealership which supposedly did all of their Bentleys and had them buff and re-polish. Perhaps I should have left the stupid new scratches alone. That said I don't believe that a product lauded this much should have been so easily reversed by a single wash by a dealer. Even if they don't use all use microfiber its a towel. If the product can't resist a single non-microfiber towel drying how can it possible be called scratch resistant (yes I know there is a difference between scratch resistant and scratch proof).
Anyhow, I'm about to have the car redone by a pro while I have my wheel centers refinished. I'm on the fence about the extra expense of Opticoat.
I maintained it with only microfiber as well. I think a dealer washed it and introduced just a few fine scratches. This was so disappointing to me that I had them get their detailer next door to dealership which supposedly did all of their Bentleys and had them buff and re-polish. Perhaps I should have left the stupid new scratches alone. That said I don't believe that a product lauded this much should have been so easily reversed by a single wash by a dealer. Even if they don't use all use microfiber its a towel. If the product can't resist a single non-microfiber towel drying how can it possible be called scratch resistant (yes I know there is a difference between scratch resistant and scratch proof).
Anyhow, I'm about to have the car redone by a pro while I have my wheel centers refinished. I'm on the fence about the extra expense of Opticoat.
#24
Beautiful detail work. Seeing how most of the members are near OCD when it comes to washing, polishing, waxing and sealing their cars--I'd have to wonder if the cost outweighs the benefit. Don't get me wrong I LOVE AN AWESOME DETAIL, and at one point it was my bread and butter. I think it all comes down to cost and maintenance of such an application, experience of each member in detailing, how much you value your time and cost of like chemicals. I personally, notice I said personally, think that if you are stay on a regular wash, polish, wax, glaze, seal regimen--you can save a few pennies and avoid the steep cost. If you are purchasing a new car with little lot time, this would be a perfect investment as long as you understand that you need to maintain it and it's not "perfect or self maintaining". With all great products there will be risks to damage--know your risks, without faulting the detailer or the company. One reason I stepped out of the detailing arena is because I spent more time correcting after care issues for customer service satisfaction and enjoyed the art of detailing less and less.
Thank you Detail John for providing pictures and chiming in as a professional and not pushing a product. As you stated word of mouth is the best advertisement for any business.
For those who are interested in paint correction--head to the salvage yard, find yourself a good old door with enough clear coat remaining, purchase the products you'd like to use, some good lights, along with a good polisher and have at it! Trust me, taping off the car can take an hour or so for a novice. I'd also advise against any novice in attempting paint correction as you can cost yourself a quick $10k paint job!
Thank you Detail John for providing pictures and chiming in as a professional and not pushing a product. As you stated word of mouth is the best advertisement for any business.
For those who are interested in paint correction--head to the salvage yard, find yourself a good old door with enough clear coat remaining, purchase the products you'd like to use, some good lights, along with a good polisher and have at it! Trust me, taping off the car can take an hour or so for a novice. I'd also advise against any novice in attempting paint correction as you can cost yourself a quick $10k paint job!
#25
Confusing number of products
I am to take delivery of my new F type in March (I hope!). I have been trying to research paint and stone chip protection. Does anyone have experience of the Xpel Ultimate or the 3M coating. New Zealand roads always cause stone chipping so prevention of stone chipping is what is most important, above appearance. Opticoat seems to not have stone chip protection??
#26
Its on my wheels and brake calipers and they are spotless after one week of driving.
#27
As Richzak mentioned I had Opticoat Pro applied by when I first bought my XKR. Spent like $850 and detailer spent about 20 hours in my garage on prep, polish, application etc. I am sure it s a good product but it fell short of my expectations.
I maintained it with only microfiber as well. I think a dealer washed it and introduced just a few fine scratches. This was so disappointing to me that I had them get their detailer next door to dealership which supposedly did all of their Bentleys and had them buff and re-polish. Perhaps I should have left the stupid new scratches alone. That said I don't believe that a product lauded this much should have been so easily reversed by a single wash by a dealer. Even if they don't use all use microfiber its a towel. If the product can't resist a single non-microfiber towel drying how can it possible be called scratch resistant (yes I know there is a difference between scratch resistant and scratch proof).
Anyhow, I'm about to have the car redone by a pro while I have my wheel centers refinished. I'm on the fence about the extra expense of Opticoat.
I maintained it with only microfiber as well. I think a dealer washed it and introduced just a few fine scratches. This was so disappointing to me that I had them get their detailer next door to dealership which supposedly did all of their Bentleys and had them buff and re-polish. Perhaps I should have left the stupid new scratches alone. That said I don't believe that a product lauded this much should have been so easily reversed by a single wash by a dealer. Even if they don't use all use microfiber its a towel. If the product can't resist a single non-microfiber towel drying how can it possible be called scratch resistant (yes I know there is a difference between scratch resistant and scratch proof).
Anyhow, I'm about to have the car redone by a pro while I have my wheel centers refinished. I'm on the fence about the extra expense of Opticoat.
#28
Pretty car.
I'm not a textile expert, but from what I've seen not all "microfiber" towels are created equal. Although we love to throw around new-fangled words in our advertising to draw people in. My kitchen tea-towels are "microfiber" but I wouldn't let them within 20 feet of my car.
The microfiber term, from what I can figure, refers to the high surface area, snow-flake like microscopic fibers that cling to whatever they come in contact with: water, dirt, sand, pine needles. Is it the weave that makes the difference?
I'm not a textile expert, but from what I've seen not all "microfiber" towels are created equal. Although we love to throw around new-fangled words in our advertising to draw people in. My kitchen tea-towels are "microfiber" but I wouldn't let them within 20 feet of my car.
The microfiber term, from what I can figure, refers to the high surface area, snow-flake like microscopic fibers that cling to whatever they come in contact with: water, dirt, sand, pine needles. Is it the weave that makes the difference?
#29
#30
Do you have a brand name or location (website) to buy MICROFIBER towels that your pro detailer suggested?
#31
These are the ones he suggested and uses.
Gold Plush Jr. Microfiber Towel, microfiber buffing towel, micro fiber towel
Gold Plush Jr. Microfiber Towel, microfiber buffing towel, micro fiber towel
#34
Chemical Guys (MIC_506_12) 16" x 16" Professional Grade Premium Microfiber Super Towel, (Pack of 12)
$21.88
Amazon.com: Chemical Guys (MIC_506_12) 16" x 16" Professional Grade Premium Microfiber Super Towel, (Pack of 12): Automotive
Great price for 12.........Amazon will ship to Canada just fine and the selection on Amazon USA is much better than the Canadian version. Make sure your address is registered in the Amazon account back end and Amazon will tell you if there is anything that you cant ship back to Canada.
Last edited by richzak; 01-02-2014 at 09:42 PM.
#35
#38
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Optimum-...-/331064710550
http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-opti-coat.html
But there is also the professional detailer that will do it for you.
#39
#40
Here is the link to Advanced detailing My Website
Also keep in mind there is a difference in thickness between Opticoat 2.0 and Opticoat Pro, but the largest hurdle is the correction before its applied. If you want all of the swirl marks, nicks, etc. removed its just easier to give it to a pro.
Also keep in mind there is a difference in thickness between Opticoat 2.0 and Opticoat Pro, but the largest hurdle is the correction before its applied. If you want all of the swirl marks, nicks, etc. removed its just easier to give it to a pro.