[timbocool]

Being somewhat of a car fanatic I do my best to keep my car looking as nice as possible I have done some research and decided to get my car opti-coated to help preserve the paint. Having it done tomorrow at a Boston area detailer that was ranked #9 in the US by Autoweek a few years back - so fingers crossed.

 

[andre12dbsi]

Good luck. Let us know how it goes.

 

[J233]

Being somewhat of a car fanatic I do my best to keep my car looking as nice as possible I have done some research and decided to get my car opti-coated to help preserve the paint. Having it done tomorrow at a Boston area detailer that was ranked #9 in the US by Autoweek a few years back - so fingers crossed.

What does opti-coated mean ? Is it pricey ?

 

[Esrever]

I'm pretty sure that is a coat that protects your paint job from scratches and dirt. Not sure on the price though.

 

[TeeElX]

It's a paint protector that acts like a clear coat and just like clear coat it's a permanent product. All imperfections if not already taken care of get locked in

 

[J233]

I see, thx !

 

[timbocool]

What does opti-coated mean ? Is it pricey ?

Opti-coat is an aftermarket hard ceramic coating that acts as a barrier for your clear coat. It has a 5 year warranty, is hydrophobic (sheds water easily) resists dirt and scratches, never requires waxing and acts as a sacrificial layer so that the paint is preserved. It is approximately 2 microns thick (100 times thicker than car wax) It is not a replacement for clear bra and the paint can still get stone chips. The most critical piece to this puzzle is the paint must be perfect before applying so the paint must be "corrected" before application which means claying and buffing by a top notch detailer that is approved by Optimum. A quick google search will give you plenty of info. You would think a new car would not need buffing, but my car had some spots from the factory that had been poorly buffed and most car dealers do a fairly poor job washing and prepping prior to delivery. Typical costs are $350 - $400 for paint prep and another $350 to apply the opti-coat.

 

[Summest]

Having it done tomorrow at a Boston area detailer that was ranked #9 in the US by Autoweek a few years back - so fingers crossed.

...

Opti-coat is an aftermarket hard ceramic coating that acts as a barrier for your clear coat.

How did it turn out?

 

[timbocool]

Picking it up later today. It is supposed to cure before getting wet and it started raining last night. The detailer told me he has space and will keep it inside out of the rain to allow the cure time.

 

[PleasantRidger]

Opti-coat is an aftermarket hard ceramic coating that acts as a barrier for your clear coat. It has a 5 year warranty, is hydrophobic (sheds water easily) resists dirt and scratches, never requires waxing and acts as a sacrificial layer so that the paint is preserved. It is approximately 2 microns thick (100 times thicker than car wax) It is not a replacement for clear bra and the paint can still get stone chips. The most critical piece to this puzzle is the paint must be perfect before applying so the paint must be "corrected" before application which means claying and buffing by a top notch detailer that is approved by Optimum. A quick google search will give you plenty of info. You would think a new car would not need buffing, but my car had some spots from the factory that had been poorly buffed and most car dealers do a fairly poor job washing and prepping prior to delivery. Typical costs are $350 - $400 for paint prep and another $350 to apply the opti-coat.

Is this product similar to Polysteel Gold? I had Polysteel applied to my Lexus CT and was very satisfied with the results. The finish doesn't need frequent washes and it still looks like a new car after 38,000 Michigan miles. When I ordered my TLX, I was pleased to see that my dealer offered the product and decided to have it installed on my new TLX when it finally gets built.

 

[timbocool]

Is this product similar to Polysteel Gold? I had Polysteel applied to my Lexus CT and was very satisfied with the results. The finish doesn't need frequent washes and it still looks like a new car after 38,000 Michigan miles. When I ordered my TLX, I was pleased to see that my dealer offered the product and decided to have it installed on my new TLX when it finally gets built.

I am not familiar with Polysteel but it may be similar. The products that seem to be popular at the high end detailers near me are opti-coat, Cquartz and 22ple. The opti-coat came out fantastic and adds depth to the paint. The brown metallic in the black copper is definitely more visible. Time will tell on the durability.

 

[willy18]

I am not familiar with Polysteel but it may be similar. The products that seem to be popular at the high end detailers near me are opti-coat, Cquartz and 22ple. The opti-coat came out fantastic and adds depth to the paint. The brown metallic in the black copper is definitely more visible. Time will tell on the durability.

Do you have any pics?

 

[timbocool]

Hi willy18 - no pics yet, I am being extra careful (probably overkill) about letting this cure. I was able to sneak it home and in the garage between rain events here in the Boston area. Luckily I can use my daughter's car while she is away at college. If the sun ever comes back out I will post some pics.

 

[HAx5]

I'd love to see photos. I used a similar coating on my1990 Navajo Red Accord; it looked great and no need for wax. Sounds like Boston and Toronto are getting the same weather gloom though...

I also suspect the technology has changed, so 'similar' is the wrong word. I think it was a PermaShine product way back then...

 

[crownr0yal]

LOVE Opti-coat! I can't wait to get mine done. Looks like yours was expensive though. When I had my brand new Elantra done back in November of 2012, it was $350 total. My guy washed, detailed, did the clay bar and paint correction, then applied the Opti-Coat. My car looked better than the day I took delivery. Can't wait to see pics of yours!

 

[timbocool]

Still waiting to do pics, I don't think we have seen the sun since August in the Boston area. I was out running errands the other day and parked at the far reaches of civilization, like I usually do, near some bushes at the back of the parking lot. It was overcast but I figured what the heck I'll take a picture, pulled out the iphone and a bird pooped on my hood. Nice!!! Let's just say I don't have a lens cloth for my glasses in the car anymore.

 

[BehaviorQueen]

I called an Opti-coat dealer in the DC area. He said it would cost $699 (a "special price" reduced from $799) and that they were a mobile service...they come to me. That sounds strange to me, but I don't know. Is opti-coat best applied in a shop under controlled conditions?

I still am awaiting delivery of the car, but exploring options...

Thanks!

 

[timbocool]

I called an Opti-coat dealer in the DC area. He said it would cost $699 (a "special price" reduced from $799) and that they were a mobile service...they come to me. That sounds strange to me, but I don't know. Is opti-coat best applied in a shop under controlled conditions?

I still am awaiting delivery of the car, but exploring options...

Thanks!

I would be a little concerned with the mobile service for two reasons, the controlled conditions like you mentioned but also most good detailers will use halogen lights to look for paint flaws. My car had quite a few bad buff areas from the factory. Not sure if he would bring a portable light source with him. Does seem like a fair price though.

 

[timbocool]

Being somewhat of a car fanatic I do my best to keep my car looking as nice as possible I have done some research and decided to get my car opti-coated to help preserve the paint. Having it done tomorrow at a Boston area detailer that was ranked #9 in the US by Autoweek a few years back - so fingers crossed.

Sun was out, car is clean - pictures finally.

 

[Summest]

Sun was out, car is clean - pictures finally.

Thanks! That's the way BCP should always look.

How did the coating go? Are you happy with the outcome?