Nissan 370Z Forum

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-   -   Optimum Opti-Coat (http://www.the370z.com/detailing-washing-waxing-cosmetic-maintenance-repair/33655-optimum-opti-coat.html)

KravMaga 03-25-2011 07:56 AM

Optimum Opti-Coat
 
Optimum Opti-Coat 2.0 Permanent Paint Coating FREE BONUS

Might try this on Xterra b4 Z gets here. Anyone have experience with this or similar products? I use their polishes and like them a lot...interesting product though. Don't know if this is new on the market because I don't get a chance to detail in the winter except interiors.

Forrest 03-26-2011 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KravMaga (Post 1010656)
Optimum Opti-Coat 2.0 Permanent Paint Coating FREE BONUS

Might try this on Xterra b4 Z gets here. Anyone have experience with this or similar products? I use their polishes and like them a lot...interesting product though. Don't know if this is new on the market because I don't get a chance to detail in the winter except interiors.

I have not tried it but I want to so bad.

Jordo! 03-26-2011 10:44 PM

I dunno... it has that "too good to be true" vibe... never heard of it.

Armonster 03-27-2011 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordo! (Post 1013740)
I dunno... it has that "too good to be true" vibe... never heard of it.

Thinking the same thing. Anyone have more info?

Xan 03-27-2011 02:23 AM

It's the consumer version of Opti-guard.

It gives you 30 minutes of curing time vs 2 to 5 on the Opti-guard

You have to make sure your paint is the way you want it before applying it, because it has no fillers. But basically it does what it says...

Forrest 03-28-2011 03:03 AM

Can I get a Junkman opinion on this product?

christian370z 03-28-2011 10:29 AM

If any of you have doubts of this product, this is a must read:



http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-det...st-review.html

Armonster 03-28-2011 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by christian370z (Post 1016483)
If any of you have doubts of this product, this is a must read:



http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-det...st-review.html

Wow.

NXTAZEE 03-29-2011 07:25 PM

This product is the real deal. Lots have used it over on Autopia where I have been a member for many years. Professional detailers there who I respect are using it with fantastic results. I have a bunch on order for my customers as well. For our Z's it's the perfect solution for soft clear coats. Opti-coat 2 is harder than most clear coats and is permanent as the resin and pre polymers cross link with your clear to form a permanent bond with your paint. It measures 2-5 microns thick, about 100x thicker than a sealant. I am very exited about this product. Dr. G at OPT has been developing this for many years. Any way I will post my personal impressions when I have done my 370 in the next week or so.

Forrest 03-31-2011 09:19 AM

Ill be waiting. I think I will be using it also.

Armonster 03-31-2011 10:32 AM

I'm getting this applied in a week and a half. I will let you all know how it goes. Thanks to NXTAZEE for helping me find a good detailer in ATL and also confirming with Optimum that opti-coat can be applied over a clear bra.

NXTAZEE 04-08-2011 09:35 PM

Ok, I applied Opti-coat 2 on the Z today. Initial impressions are very good. Application was very easy, just like Opti-seal. Prep is extensive and "VERY" important. If you are not experienced at machine polishing, best take it to a pro and get the job done right. After that, stripping the paint of any oils, sealants, silicons etc. is crucial in order to get a proper bond. It looks very glossy and reflective, and apparently gets even better as it hardens. I will be doing the rims tomorrow. I removed the wheels, put the snows on, and cleaned them extensively in prep for the Opti-coat 2. I'm looking forward to taking the hose to the paint to see the beading.

Armonster 04-08-2011 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NXTAZEE (Post 1042977)
Ok, I applied Opti-coat 2 on the Z today. Initial impressions are very good. Application was very easy, just like Opti-seal. Prep is extensive and "VERY" important. If you are not experienced at machine polishing, best take it to a pro and get the job done right. After that, stripping the paint of any oils, sealants, silicons etc. is crucial in order to get a proper bond. It looks very glossy and reflective, and apparently gets even better as it hardens. I will be doing the rims tomorrow. I removed the wheels, put the snows on, and cleaned them extensively in prep for the Opti-coat 2. I'm looking forward to taking the hose to the paint to see the beading.

Awesome, great to hear! Opti-coat is going on mine tomorrow after a full prep by JC. Hope it looks as good on black. Let us know what happens when/if you try to wax it. I have been using Optimum Car Wax recently because its so easy to use, but I wonder if it will even stick to the opti-coat.

NXTAZEE 04-09-2011 12:07 AM

Thats great Armon. I'm sure it will be totally awesome. No, nothing will stick to the surface after Opti-Coat. You will be wasting money tying to top it. Let me know how every thing works out for you.


Quote:

Originally Posted by Armonster (Post 1043246)
Awesome, great to hear! Opti-coat is going on mine tomorrow after a full prep by JC. Hope it looks as good on black. Let us know what happens when/if you try to wax it. I have been using Optimum Car Wax recently because its so easy to use, but I wonder if it will even stick to the opti-coat.


Forrest 04-09-2011 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NXTAZEE (Post 1042977)
Ok, I applied Opti-coat 2 on the Z today. Initial impressions are very good. Application was very easy, just like Opti-seal. Prep is extensive and "VERY" important. If you are not experienced at machine polishing, best take it to a pro and get the job done right. After that, stripping the paint of any oils, sealants, silicons etc. is crucial in order to get a proper bond. It looks very glossy and reflective, and apparently gets even better as it hardens. I will be doing the rims tomorrow. I removed the wheels, put the snows on, and cleaned them extensively in prep for the Opti-coat 2. I'm looking forward to taking the hose to the paint to see the beading.

I am no machine expert at polishing but I do a okay job for a nub.

Only thing you said that threw me off is if I polish my car via machine, how would I have sealants left on it?

NXTAZEE 04-09-2011 08:38 AM

If you polish your car, by hand or machine, there will be oils left from the polish. These need to be removed before Opti-Coating. If no polishing was done you still need to strip the paint of any possible sealants, waxes etc. that would cause bonding issues.



Quote:

Originally Posted by Forrest (Post 1043375)
I am no machine expert at polishing but I do a okay job for a nub.

Only thing you said that threw me off is if I polish my car via machine, how would I have sealants left on it?


KravMaga 04-09-2011 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NXTAZEE (Post 1043480)
If you polish your car, by hand or machine, there will be oils left from the polish. These need to be removed before Opti-Coating. If no polishing was done you still need to strip the paint of any possible sealants, waxes etc. that would cause bonding issues.

I take it u just strip it off with rubbing alcohol? I have a porter cable. Do I need something more qgressive like the flex or a rotary? Got any pics or write up of application? Thanks for the info!

NXTAZEE 04-09-2011 09:44 PM

A Porter Cable is just fine. For people with less experience it's the best choice. I still use it most of the time by the way. Always do the least abrasive method for paint correction, so start with a fine polish and polishing pad and move up from there.


Opti-Coat is based on a resin pre-polymer and once it is applied, it cross links and reacts with urethane and other clear coat paints to form a permanent film. Opti-Coat has better chemical resistance, scratch & mar resistance, and release properties than any automotive coating in use. Like a regular clear coat, Opti Coat lasts indefinitely unless it is removed by polishing, sanding, or paint removers.

DIRECTIONS
1. Remove defects to your satisfaction
2. Clean surface to remove all polishing oils, waxes, and silicone.
3. Prime the applicator by making an X across the pad. Only a few drops will be needed for each subsequent panel.
4. Wipe Opti-Coat on a single panel at a time in a thin layer using several directions for even coverage.
5. Inspect the panel with adequate lighting withing 5-10 minutes looking for any thick areas that have not flashed away to clear.
6. Use applicator or paint safe microfiber to even out (no pressure)any spots where you see streaks. This step is key, as any spots not leveled will have to be abrasively repaired is allowed to cure. Panels will feel a bit tacky and will be self -leveling during cure time, so avoid any unnecessary touching, wiping, or contact to produce the best results.
7. Repeat steps 1-6 for each panel where application is desired.

NOTE: Take care to get complete coverage in your initial application as Opti Coat CANNOT be layered.



Quote:

Originally Posted by KravMaga (Post 1043544)
I take it u just strip it off with rubbing alcohol? I have a porter cable. Do I need something more qgressive like the flex or a rotary? Got any pics or write up of application? Thanks for the info!


Forrest 04-10-2011 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NXTAZEE (Post 1044539)
A Porter Cable is just fine. For people with less experience it's the best choice. I still use it most of the time by the way. Always do the least abrasive method for paint correction, so start with a fine polish and polishing pad and move up from there.


Opti-Coat is based on a resin pre-polymer and once it is applied, it cross links and reacts with urethane and other clear coat paints to form a permanent film. Opti-Coat has better chemical resistance, scratch & mar resistance, and release properties than any automotive coating in use. Like a regular clear coat, Opti Coat lasts indefinitely unless it is removed by polishing, sanding, or paint removers.

DIRECTIONS
1. Remove defects to your satisfaction
2. Clean surface to remove all polishing oils, waxes, and silicone.
3. Prime the applicator by making an X across the pad. Only a few drops will be needed for each subsequent panel.
4. Wipe Opti-Coat on a single panel at a time in a thin layer using several directions for even coverage.
5. Inspect the panel with adequate lighting withing 5-10 minutes looking for any thick areas that have not flashed away to clear.
6. Use applicator or paint safe microfiber to even out (no pressure)any spots where you see streaks. This step is key, as any spots not leveled will have to be abrasively repaired is allowed to cure. Panels will feel a bit tacky and will be self -leveling during cure time, so avoid any unnecessary touching, wiping, or contact to produce the best results.
7. Repeat steps 1-6 for each panel where application is desired.

NOTE: Take care to get complete coverage in your initial application as Opti Coat CANNOT be layered.

Why do you think it cant be layered? Are you going to put wax on top of your opti coat just for the hell of it?

How thick do you think the coat is when you apply it? Like the device that tests clear coat thickness. Did you do a before and after?

NXTAZEE 04-10-2011 09:47 AM

For more info on Opti-Coat you can go on their forum and check it out(Optimumforums). Look under the heading Opti-Coat 2. On this forum you get to personally speak with the manufacturer. Every possible question has already been asked and answered there. For anyone with questions about this product, I recommend you check it out.




Quote:

Originally Posted by Forrest (Post 1044765)
Why do you think it cant be layered? Are you going to put wax on top of your opti coat just for the hell of it?

How thick do you think the coat is when you apply it? Like the device that tests clear coat thickness. Did you do a before and after?


FricFrac 04-13-2011 04:58 PM

Wow this looks amazing! Nicola said it looks like a sheet of glass on the car and said to make sure the 300ZX gets the same treatment :) Can't wait!

Junkman2008 04-14-2011 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forrest (Post 1016087)
Can I get a Junkman opinion on this product?

I've never used it Forrest so I cannot comment as to how good it is.

Prosport Gauges 04-14-2011 02:03 PM

I use opti-seal and that last for a while.... kind of nervous to try this but i may try it on the BMW first.

Armonster 04-14-2011 02:07 PM

I had the full prep work and opti-coat application done Monday. I'm going to give it a wash this weekend and give some opinions at that point.

NXTAZEE 04-14-2011 02:32 PM

Nice. So how does it look? On my Carbon Silver it took a couple of days to get real glossy.


Quote:

Originally Posted by Armonster (Post 1053841)
I had the full prep work and opti-coat application done Monday. I'm going to give it a wash this weekend and give some opinions at that point.


Armonster 04-14-2011 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NXTAZEE (Post 1053890)
Nice. So how does it look? On my Carbon Silver it took a couple of days to get real glossy.

The first day it didn't look too great, honestly. It looked like the car was missing a coat of sealant/wax. But after about 3 days it started looking really glossy and smooth. That's why I'm holding off on the review until I can take a closer look this weekend.

NXTAZEE 04-14-2011 11:43 PM

I look forward to your review. Did you get the car the same day it was Opti-Coated? If you did I can understand why it didn't look it's best. I really like how the clear bra looks now, OC made a nice improvement to it. When I did my rims I took them off and coated them inside and out, that should pay off big time. I did a measurement of the OC and found it to be 4-5 microns. Thats rather substantial and should give some great protection. Remember that it takes several weeks to harden completely, so I wouldn't hand wash for a couple of weeks.


Quote:

Originally Posted by Armonster (Post 1054033)
The first day it didn't look too great, honestly. It looked like the car was missing a coat of sealant/wax. But after about 3 days it started looking really glossy and smooth. That's why I'm holding off on the review until I can take a closer look this weekend.


Armonster 05-13-2011 08:33 PM

It has been over a month since I had opti-coat applied, so I'm due for a more detailed review. Overall, I am happy with the results. But I am still waiting to see how it performs over the long term.

Having fully hardened, the opti-coat looks very glossy now. Almost like a thin sheet of glass over the paint. However, I wouldn't say that the color is "deep" like with some waxes. This is just my personal opinion, though, and I'm no expert.

The beading is very impressive. Earlier this week it was misting very lightly outside. In the 5 minutes before getting to the interstate, my hood was covered in miniature little water droplets. As you all know, smaller droplets are less willing to roll off the paint. However, as soon as I got above 40mph on the highway, all of the droplets instantly gelled and literally flew right off the hood. It was amazing.

My only skepticism is with the supposed hardness. After getting home from that drive, I pulled out some quick detailer and a cobra guzzler towel to get rid of any water spots. For some reason I had trouble getting the water spots out (as an aside, I'm interested in any input on this issue). And when I flipped my microfiber towel over a second time and started to wipe, I heard this horrible high-pitched scraping sound against the paint. I lifted up the towel and found a nice scratch that I guess was caused by something in the towel. I was pretty pissed, having just washed the towel and not let it touch any surface aside from other clean microfiber towels.

So I pulled out the optimum spray polish and my softest hand applicator, and the scratch came out with very minimal effort. What I don't understand is how a scratch that is deep enough to feel with your finger can come out so easily if the opti-coat is really as hard and protective as claimed. I would still use the opti-coat even if it was as soft as the OEM clear coat, because extra protection is always better, but I just wonder how hard it really is.

So in conclusion, I'm fairly pleased with the look and very impressed with the beading ability. We will see how the durability issue progresses, but I don't feel as "indestructible" as I was originally hoping.

I'll update again in the future if any of these opinions change. For those of you that also have opti-coat, give us your updates as well!

Junkman2008 05-15-2011 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Armonster (Post 1109681)
... What I don't understand is how a scratch that is deep enough to feel with your finger can come out so easily if the opti-coat is really as hard and protective as claimed?

Inquiry minds would also like to know. :confused:

NXTAZEE 05-15-2011 02:56 AM

Armon, I can't comment on the hardness just yet, but will do my own testing very soon. I know Chris from Optimum said he needed the Hyper spray with an Orange pad to knock it down enough to reapply it to a panel. I needed to use 106 FA with a black pad the day after application to get through the OC. Also, I have tried Optimum Finish polish on a microfiber rag to remove some excess OC the following day without any success. I would think after a month it should be pretty hard. I will let you know soon. I have washed my car a couple of times now since the OC has been applied and I can tell you it's a dream to wash it now. Nothing sticks anymore. Every once in a while I get these little yellow pine needle like objects stuck to my paint. After washing I have to polish, and sometimes wet sand, the etching out from these things. I noticed the other day I had two more of these on the paint. To my delight they just came right off when I washed the car with no etching left behind either. And nothing sticks to the rims anymore either.

Armonster 05-27-2011 02:28 PM

Another update:

It has been two weeks since my last wash, and the car was getting a bit dirty. I drove through really heavy rain and hail (!) last night and the beading was much better than any wax I have seen. I parked it in the garage and left it overnight, and this morning the paint was immaculate. I'm not sure I even need to wash it this weekend. Very cool.

NXTAZEE 05-27-2011 05:23 PM

Very nice. I'm glad you are liking it. On a side note, I rubbed the paint with an old dirty microfiber rag with one spray of QD to see what would happen. Nothing happened to the paint at all. This would have marred the original paint quite a bit. So I know it is much harder than the oem paint.




Quote:

Originally Posted by Armonster (Post 1136668)
Another update:

It has been two weeks since my last wash, and the car was getting a bit dirty. I drove through really heavy rain and hail (!) last night and the beading was much better than any wax I have seen. I parked it in the garage and left it overnight, and this morning the paint was immaculate. I'm not sure I even need to wash it this weekend. Very cool.


Forrest 05-28-2011 03:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NXTAZEE (Post 1137076)
Very nice. I'm glad you are liking it. On a side note, I rubbed the paint with an old dirty microfiber rag with one spray of QD to see what would happen. Nothing happened to the paint at all. This would have marred the original paint quite a bit. So I know it is much harder than the oem paint.

Have you been able to top it with any thing? From my reading its hard for any thing to bond with it.

dP3NGU1N 05-28-2011 04:30 AM

What happens if you vinyl over something like this since vinyl doesn't exactly use an adhesive adhere? Or would this be an option for those who want a more permanent application to their vinyl to opticoat over it.

kree 05-28-2011 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NXTAZEE (Post 1137076)
Very nice. I'm glad you are liking it. On a side note, I rubbed the paint with an old dirty microfiber rag with one spray of QD to see what would happen. Nothing happened to the paint at all. This would have marred the original paint quite a bit. So I know it is much harder than the oem paint.

From what you are saying, I guess it might be worth it since our paint marrs so easily.

If I remember correctly what I read on autopia awhile back, opticoat does get pretty hard, but I saw pics where people still swirled it like any paint after some time. I had thought "what would be the point with the prospect of potentially applying it wrong and leaving streaks that would need to be buffed out..." But if it actually makes washing the Z without marring it easier, it might be worth it.

Currently I use Optimum Opti-seal and just bought some Collinite 845 to try. I was thinking of using Blackfire Wet Diamond next year after I polish, but if I am brave enough I might use opti-coat2. Please keep us updated as to how your new opti-coating resists swirls over time. :)

Armonster 05-28-2011 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forrest (Post 1137813)
Have you been able to top it with any thing? From my reading its hard for any thing to bond with it.

The only thing I have tried is using Optimum Quick Detailer and Gloss Enhancer. It looks SICK. No need for anything else really.

NXTAZEE 05-28-2011 12:05 PM

There is no reason to top it. Nothing will stick to it for any length of time anyway. It looks great, beads like crazy and releases contaminates. What else could we want.


Quote:

Originally Posted by Forrest (Post 1137813)
Have you been able to top it with any thing? From my reading its hard for any thing to bond with it.


NXTAZEE 05-28-2011 12:14 PM

If you already have the vinyl on, then just put OC over it. If OC is on the car and you want to add some vinyl, then you will need to polish the OC so the vinyl will stick. I have clear bra on my car and have OC over the clear bra as well, to seal it in and protect it for life, or a least until it gets beat up and needs to be replaced.


Quote:

Originally Posted by dP3NGU1N (Post 1137831)
What happens if you vinyl over something like this since vinyl doesn't exactly use an adhesive adhere? Or would this be an option for those who want a more permanent application to their vinyl to opticoat over it.


NXTAZEE 05-28-2011 12:19 PM

If you are already using opti-seal, then you will have no trouble with opti-coat because the application is the same.



Quote:

Originally Posted by kree (Post 1138133)
From what you are saying, I guess it might be worth it since our paint marrs so easily.

If I remember correctly what I read on autopia awhile back, opticoat does get pretty hard, but I saw pics where people still swirled it like any paint after some time. I had thought "what would be the point with the prospect of potentially applying it wrong and leaving streaks that would need to be buffed out..." But if it actually makes washing the Z without marring it easier, it might be worth it.

Currently I use Optimum Opti-seal and just bought some Collinite 845 to try. I was thinking of using Blackfire Wet Diamond next year after I polish, but if I am brave enough I might use opti-coat2. Please keep us updated as to how your new opti-coating resists swirls over time. :)


NXTAZEE 05-28-2011 12:23 PM

For anyone planing on opti-coating their car, I have found using a microfiber covered sponge to work the best. It coats a lot more evenly with this application, but does use a little more product.


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