Opti-Coat review

[Justin Fox]

I've never been a fan of the concept of paying the premium for a new car, then being shoved into the little room with a sales person trying to drill you for even more cash for paint protection.

The outcome of this heated discussion (http://www.vwgolf.net.au/showthread.php?5265-Tint-Paint-leather-protection) got me a deal to review the Opti-Coat product on my own car.

"Opti-Coat is not a nano particle, it is rather a pre-polymer that cross links and forms a continuous film on the surfaces it is applied to, similar to a single component isocyanate that forms a clear coat finish. Opti-Coat also reacts with the substrate that it is applied to so it will not delaminate. Nano particles are sub micron particles that are created by controlled reactions or by breaking down larger particles. They do not react or form bonds.

As far as the durability of Opti-Coat, it is similar to urethane clears. It will not wash away or break down, however, you can polish it over time ! The hardness starts at 6-7 but will increase over time to 9H as it is exposed to heat. Coat is based on a resin pre-polymer that we manufacture and once it is applied, it cross links and reacts with urethane and other clear coat paints. Opti-Coat has better chemical resistance, scratch & mar resistance, and release properties than any automotive coating in use. This coating like a regular clear coat lasts indefinitely unless it is removed by polishing, sanding, or paint removers.”

Although there's a consumer grade of this product on the market I'm told that the professional grade is much better in every way so with help from Joel at Optimum Car Care (http://www.optimumcarcare.com.au/) we organised to have Dave from Reflect Effect (http://www.reflecteffect.com.au/)to come and apply Opti-Coat to my carbon bonnet. A pretty good idea as carbon parts aren't cheap and I've seen many faded carbon bonnets over the years (gel coats don't seem to last very long).

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6070/6074284905_046c03f296_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6072/6074825586_c462a73463_o.jpg
Dave first cleaned my bonnet, which wasn't too bad apart from some water stains.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6185/6074285427_75943e35a6_o.jpg
This 40cc syringe had $200 worth of Opti-Coat in it.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6188/6074285685_edd81ac3bf_o.jpg
Applying the Opti-Coat. Dave told me that the Opti-Coat he was using (unavailable for everyday consumers) dries up a lot quicker, giving you much less time to work it right.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6184/6074286011_4dbe0aa269_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6082/6074286389_f714e8d036_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6067/6074286787_954cb7fd2d_o.jpg
All done. I was instructed to keep the car dry for 24hrs whilst the Opti-Coat hardened.

My car gets parked in a car port outside, which explains why it's always dirty. I live by the beach so it's often covered in salt. I'll be sure to report back with updates on how it goes over time.


Related Links:
Optimum Car Care: http://www.optimumcarcare.com.au
Reflect Effect: http://www.reflecteffect.com.au
Initial Discussion Thread: http://www.vwgolf.net.au/showthread.php?5265-Tint-Paint-leather-protection

[Pharkus]

Delete this post if you want to keep this uncluttered. But I am going in for Opti-Coat TONIGHT and have been right royally pissing off my best mate with regards to my phobia about letting other people touch my car. I even went to the extent of giving it a preparatory wash last night after work (this took me 2 hours in the dark then a further 1 hour in the garage under lights to make sure I hadn't missed anything).

Absolutely anal, fastidious and pedantically OCD in every way, I will provide a response to how well Opti-Coat performs from MY perspective. Looking forward to picking it up on Saturday.

I will have to say that pictures posted of details are not worth an actual look at the quality of the paintwork in person. Mario from Eurogloss said that my car was in top nick and couldn't believe it is almost 4 years old. It has a few slight swirlmarks that I can see but he couldn't on the day that he inspected it. That is why you have to look at the paintwork in person and cannot always take pictures (look at all the GTG pics that I have taken and tell me that the cars don't look shiny).

[Kazzae]

Looks really good. Faded Carbon fiber bits destroy the look. Hope this works well

[Romp]

looks great JF - ive still gotta find time to get my whole car done!

btw - what wipers do you have installed there? the rubbers dont look like the oem?

[Justin Fox]

Not sure re-wipers?!

[BenR]

I'd be interested in hearing more. My car is black and if I can get something like this onto it event at a cost then I think it'd be worth it.

Whats the damage Justin?

[Riley]

I had it done Ben. Works a treat IMHO. No problems and car is sooo easy to clean, which we have to do with black cars. Not sure of prices your side of the country.

[Pharkus]

I'd be interested in hearing more. My car is black and if I can get something like this onto it event at a cost then I think it'd be worth it.

Whats the damage Justin?

My package of more cleaning product just arrived tonight. However, I have dinner, so will just rinse the microfibre cloths (out with the old in with the new). Tomorrow night will get home and do a quick rinse and apply the spray on wax and gloss enhancer. Stay tuned for my thoughts on what this is like.


I had it done Ben. Works a treat IMHO. No problems and car is sooo easy to clean, which we have to do with black cars. Not sure of prices your side of the country.

I look forward to trying out on my own car.

Peeps in Melbourne can probably see the actual results on Friday 9th

[Daneel]

I'm having my car opti-coated in a few weeks by Dave (from reflect effect) so I'll be posting my experiences as well..

[Daneel]

Opti-coat is on the car and looking+feeling fantastic. As Justin is doing, I'll report back on how it all goes. For the record, I purchased the warranty as well, which for a used car is 5 years replacement, excluding including labour costs.

*edit - Thanks for the correction on the warranty terms, Joel - glad to know my cover is even better than I thought!

[CSR]

So is that 5 years replacement warranty on what..the opticoat itself?
How much can that cost..Labour would cost more surely?

[Pharkus]

I've had mine on now for the better part of 3 weeks. The finish feels tacky when you get it back and this is after the time it takes to allow it to "cure". However, I then went and purchased the spray on wax and gloss enhancer and after application the paint feels SOOOOOOOOOOOOO SMOOTH!

Apologies I was unable to make the last Melbourne GTG for peeps to get a look at it.

I did pick up some dust and other contaminants over the weeks driving it around. However all of this came off with a normal hose set to stream! Didn't even need to use my gerni. After sheeting water off it and driving for a blow dry, the paintwork came up like it had just been detailed. The guys at service said that if they could wind the odometer back close to zero my car would have been considered new from the outside!

[Gti Dave]

So how much does this cost in Melbourne if you guys don't mind me asking?

[Pharkus]

So how much does this cost in Melbourne if you guys don't mind me asking?

PM me

[OPT]

For the record, I purchased the warranty as well, which for a used car is 5 years replacement, excluding labour costs.

That's not correct mate. Any warranty claim includes all costs.

It is damage outside of the warranty that doesn't include labour. That is for example, you brush wash your car and want the swirls in the coating removed. We will remove the coating and reapply. The portion you pay for is the labour involved to remove the coating.

We will be updating the warranty for this product soon to an improved version with better cover and better terms.

The original warranty does not include cover against bird droppings for example. The new one will.

The original warranty requires the annual service for all vehicles. The new warranty will be a straight 5 years cover, no compulsory services. Only the extended lifetime warranty will require the compulsory services.

All current agreements will have the option of switching over to the new terms.

For those wondering why we didn't do this cover in the first place - being a relatively new product (for us) at the time, we constructed the terms of the warranty to be well below the manufacturers claims.

Now that the product has had time to prove itself, we are stepping up the cover.

[Gti Dave]

PM me

Your inbox is full mate.

[Daneel]

That's not correct mate. Any warranty claim includes all costs.

It is damage outside of the warranty that doesn't include labour. That is for example, you brush wash your car and want the swirls in the coating removed. We will remove the coating and reapply. The portion you pay for is the labour involved to remove the coating.
...

Thanks for the correction Joel, good to know! I've also updated my above post so there's no confusion around it - wouldn't want anyone accidentally reading the wrong info, especially from another forum member.

[Pharkus]

Pics of my car post application of Opti-Coat. I am very satisfied with the product.

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/6231/img6099r.jpg

http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/3826/img6103g.jpg

http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/1951/img6107v.jpg

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/2372/img6111b.jpg

[Stalker]

Looks schmick! :D

[Romp]

shiny! .. need moar low:)

[GregoInc]

I've had mine on now for the better part of 3 weeks

Yeah 3 weeks without one picture to show for it. Remember the golden rule, put some pics up or it didn't happen!! LOL

[Pharkus]

Yeah 3 weeks without one picture to show for it. Remember the golden rule, put some pics up or it didn't happen!! LOL

Been busy =) pics are now up on previous page.

Exam this weekend.

[mick888]

Yeah 3 weeks without one picture to show for it. Remember the golden rule, put some pics up or it didn't happen!! LOL

yulp show us your pics!! lol

[bluefrog]

another example of Mario's fine work - describing him as a perfectionist is an understatement

http://www.free-imagehosting.com/out.php/i9072_IMG2148a.jpg

.. although opti coat looks sublime and almost waxed straight after a thorough wash, the best thing about it imo is how the car looks while it's dirty, ie. the car can be covered in dust but still looks like it's just had a wash. Second best thing about it is just how easy it is to wash when you actually get around to it : )

[omgolf]

After applying the Opti-Coat yesterday at Reflect Effect, it rained today!!! :( I hope it had enough time for the coating to be harden. Good chance to test tho - will wait until sunny to take better pics...

Great job, Dave! :)

http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/6130/photo5101132606pm.jpg

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/4648/photo6101163753pm.jpg

[bluefrog]

Patrick I was told it needs at least 24 hours to cure without rain, possibly more. Mario was horrified when I told him I didn't have a garage for the first few crucial day/s .. had to leave it at his workshop over the weekend to be sure.

[omgolf]

Patrick I was told it needs at least 24 hours to cure without rain, possibly more. Mario was horrified when I told him I didn't have a garage for the first few crucial day/s .. had to leave it at his workshop over the weekend to be sure.

Now I am horrified O.o ... I did park my car in the garage last night and I had to work on customer site today so I have no choice but driving it.
Dave told me that it takes 12 hours to dry tho... still a bit worried OMG

[bluefrog]

yeah give him a call and find out for sure ... I may just be full of sh1t or memory failing or possibly a combination of both even, it could have been 12 hours, so sorry if I've panicked you for no reason.

(edit) ps. feel free to biatch-slap me ; )

[omgolf]

yeah give him a call and find out for sure ... I may just be full of sh1t or memory failing or possibly a combination of both even, it could have been 12 hours, so sorry if I've panicked you for no reason.

no worries mate I am fine with that :)
btw your black Octavia with black wheels is gorgeous :D

[bluefrog]

thanks, tho at this stage that pic is just an 'artists impression' .. car arrives late this month and the sexy black G2's will go on mid-November. Might leave it 12 months before I get opti-coat put on the Octavia however, cause I now know that with just a few hours work the detailers can get it looking better than new anyway (ie. what they call 'paint correction').

[Pharkus]

When I had mine done, Mario just held the car to enable it to have adequate curing time in his work shop. Regardless it stayed in my garage for a week afterwards to make sure, then I washed it and applied 2 coats of the quick wax and another of the gloss enhancer.

[DaveXR8]

Now I am horrified O.o ... I did park my car in the garage last night and I had to work on customer site today so I have no choice but driving it.
Dave told me that it takes 12 hours to dry tho... still a bit worried OMG

I find that it is fine if Opti-coat has had at least 12 hours to cure but it is recommended not to do a wash on it for at least 24 hours.

When I first tested the product on my own car I actually only let it cure for 3 hours before I hit it with the pressure cleaner and the coating is still performing till this day.

I was a bit too eager to see how it would bead...lol....:lol:

[GregoInc]

then I washed it and applied 2 coats of the quick wax and another of the gloss enhancer.

Crap, I was going to do that... forgot all about it. What products did you use?

[omgolf]

I find that it is fine if Opti-coat has had at least 12 hours to cure but it is recommended not to do a wash on it for at least 24 hours.

Does driving 80km/h in heavy rain count as a wash?? :|

[bluefrog]

Does driving 80km/h in heavy rain count as a wash?? :|

not unless you're drifting ; )

hey John did you get the products sent to you after warranty registration? if so, which ones?? I only received the gloss enhancer ; (

[Pharkus]

Crap, I was going to do that... forgot all about it. What products did you use?

The Optimum Quick Wax spray and the Optimum Gloss Enhancer. Bought in bulk.


not unless you're drifting ; )

hey John did you get the products sent to you after warranty registration? if so, which ones?? I only received the gloss enhancer ; (

No I haven't got anything yet. Will chase Mario for it, will be getting the Gloss Enhancer as I have plenty of car wash and massive amount of wax.

[OPT]

What Dave said is correct guys. 12 hours is the magic number before getting it wet.

The biggest thing is avoiding washing. Not because it will remove the coating, but because it hasn't completely hardened yet.

[omgolf]

What Dave said is correct guys. 12 hours is the magic number before getting it wet.

The biggest thing is avoiding washing. Not because it will remove the coating, but because it hasn't completely hardened yet.

I remembered it started to rain after 24 hours when Dave has finished the job...
I presume the screen wipers weren't removing the coating by then =.=

[omgolf]

So easy to clean now - just a high pressure spray without soap and it's glossy enough! LOVE IT! :D

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/4466/golfafteropticoat.jpg

[bluefrog]

ooh la la, nice work Patrick, looks like a #^$# mirror!

get yourself some foaming wash and foam lance, still easy to do, but will cut down on the gradual build-up of contaminants (crap still builds up on the OC clear coat)

[omgolf]

get yourself some foaming wash and foam lance, still easy to do, but will cut down on the gradual build-up of contaminants (crap still builds up on the OC clear coat)

thanks for the tips Todd :)

[GregoInc]

hey John did you get the products sent to you after warranty registration? if so, which ones?? I only received the gloss enhancer ; (

I didn't receive anything... so consider yourself lucky you at least received something. I guess my paperwork got lost, or it was all a dream that Mario applied the product?

[GregoInc]

Bought in bulk.

Are you able to share the bulk supplier?

[cavinsoo]

I'm sorry. I've read a lot and I'm still confused. There are so many information out there and some of them are conflicting. I've a few questions if you guys do not mind answering:

1. Does Opti-Coat give a permanent gloss and shine?
2. Do I need to wax an Opti-Coated car a couple of times a year to have that brilliant shine/gloss effect?

[Pharkus]

I'm sorry. I've read a lot and I'm still confused. There are so many information out there and some of them are conflicting. I've a few questions if you guys do not mind answering:

1. Does Opti-Coat give a permanent gloss and shine?
2. Do I need to wax an Opti-Coated car a couple of times a year to have that brilliant shine/gloss effect?

1. In my personal opinion, my car with Opti-Coat "looks" a lot shinier and cleaner with it on. Only because it IS cleaner and this is because it is easier to clean. This means that you will still have to put in some elbow grease to keep your car clean. No two ifs and buts about it, but Opti-Coat does definitely make that a lot easier to do from my personal experience.

2. Yes you can apply wax or another type of last stage product on top to give an even deeper shine etc. But this totally up to you. I have stuck with the quick wax spray and gloss enhancer.

[cavinsoo]

I've found a video. Is it really that good? Hands free, soup free wash?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdyGR0IVgGA

[Pharkus]

I've found a video. Is it really that good? Hands free, soup free wash?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdyGR0IVgGA

Have to say honestly I am not comfortable using my Gerni that close to my cars paintwork (I only have one of the entry level models so it's not that powerful). I rather still use something (MF Mitt, wool mitt etc.) to agitate the dirt from my paintwork regardless. To reiterate again, the time it takes to maintain my car is now significantly reduced.

[GregoInc]

I've found a video. Is it really that good? Hands free, soup free wash?

Too close for my comfort... but in my opinion you shouldn't need to use the pressure washer in that way to remove dirt if you are using the snow foamer.

[spooner18]

Just picked up my car from Dave after the opti coat treatment and car is looking schmick and shinny.....

Excellent service and highly recommend his services to all - in fact i was so pleased with the results i booked my other car for a paint correction in 2 weeks...

Keep up the good work Dave

[markwid]

Opticoat done by Dave nine months in. Still beading nicely after drive in the rain.

http://img.skitch.com/20111208-b9exny46urughcjms13pfc3hfk.jpg

[bluefrog]

just did a simple high-pressure rinse, snow foam, 2nd high-pressure, followed by waffle-weave microfibre dry (pat dry only) ... omg, the results of a spare 20 minutes are astounding - it's like there's a clear liquid covering the paintwork :D :D

[DaveXR8]

Opti-coat definitely makes cleaning a whole lot more easier :D

[Pharkus]

just did a simple high-pressure rinse, snow foam, 2nd high-pressure, followed by waffle-weave microfibre dry (pat dry only) ... omg, the results of a spare 20 minutes are astounding - it's like there's a clear liquid covering the paintwork :D :D

Todd, I still find that you have to agitate the paintwork to get all the dirt off. I usually do the same but add in second snow foam + mitt + rinse. I dry by spraying on the gloss enhancer to the wet car with a waffle weave. Note the stuff you buy off Joel recommends dilution 1 part gloss enhancer to 3 parts water. That way you apply it the same time as drying the car!

[omgolf]

Definitely recommend Opti-coat - and I should have it applied to the wheels as well, as the brake dust is so annoying!
Wheels got dirty few days after wash but the body is still shiny ;)

[Pharkus]

My drivers side passenger door got hit by a falling branch (prob around 2cm in diameter and 40cm long) during the crap weather we have been having. I was travelling at about 70km/h down Whitehorse Road. No where to really avoid it and I could see it fall in slow motion.

Anyway, large "cracking" sound as it made contact with the door. I was pissed as and my wife was trying to calm me down on the rest of the way home. I get out and inspect the car.....not a mark!!! Well I have not really had a truly close look as I haven't washed it since, but NO MARK! Not sure if it is down to the Opti-Coat but seriously it was a massive hit according to the sound it made. I was really surprised.

[keviny]

i really should book my car in.... this shit sounds awesome...hahha

[bluefrog]

I was pissed as and my wife was trying to calm me down on the rest of the way home.

^^ oh to be a fly on the inside of a windscreen .. John I'm having difficulty purging the scene from my head ;)

Mario doesn't call it Opti-Guard for nothing then!! That's one lucky angle mate .. although I can see why, it is some pretty slippery stuff :D

[mick888]

Might be a long shot... but anyone in South West Sydney that has completed the opti coat treatment maybe a few months ago available to catch up a coffee or a beer?

my treat..

just wanted to see the difference between my car paint finish in comparison to Opti Coat..

[Pharkus]

^^ oh to be a fly on the inside of a windscreen .. John I'm having difficulty purging the scene from my head ;)

Mario doesn't call it Opti-Guard for nothing then!! That's one lucky angle mate .. although I can see why, it is some pretty slippery stuff :D

I was about to hop out at the lights just to check things were ok....luckily she pulled me back in.

[mshl1979]

Had my car done yesterday my Dave.

Impressive to say the least.... the cars paintwork is so smooth now.

[mick888]

Just picked up the car from Reflect today.. very impressed with the work.. will be posting a review in a few weeks time...

Very nice job.. very shiny.. nice beading..

Pics to come soon weather was crap today..

Also done 1 wheel... will compare when the cars dirty and needs a clean... hopefully the break dust will just fly off with a high pressure wash...

Props to Dave @ Reflect! Recommended!

[Romp]

Did mine on saturday .. See my build thread for pics. Looking good and will give more review next time i wash

[kaanage]

I'll be sure to report back with updates on how it goes over time.
Did Justin ever report back? If so, I couldn't find the post.

[Pharkus]

Did Justin ever report back? If so, I couldn't find the post.

Justin sold his car, so would be hard to comment now. Perhaps the new owner can chime in.

From myself now having had it close to a year:

- Quick maintenance rinse every fortnight or at minimum once a month.
- Full wash at least once a month.
- Use of the OPT gloss enhancer for drying after a wash and then top up with the OPT quick wax.
- Cleaning takes much less time (about 1 hour for a full wash and one coat of the quick wax).
- Car will usually just bead all the water off with a quick drive and dry relatively clean.

I would also have to say that my car is garaged 95% of the time home/work/undercover at shopping centres so rarely sees any weather at all. If it has been rained on the way back home, I will park in the drive and give it a quick rinse with the hose before parking in the garage.

Note: In my opinion you still need to use a mitt to really get all the crap off. I have a gerni and I can say that the boot where most dirty spray off collects still has a film of dirt even after a pressure hose without mitt action. But it doesn't really take that long anyway to use a mitt and I won't wipe my car down if I suspect it has dirt on it.

[markwid]

I noticed that prices for Opticoat at ReflectEffect has gone up a fair bit since I got it done early last year. Hmnn, glad I got mine done.

Medium - Large Car $525.00

[MiLos]

Medium - Large Car $525.00

Sh*t! Seriously? I had mine quoted down here for about $2k when I was originally looking, wasn't willing to pay that at the time.

[Pharkus]

Sh*t! Seriously? I had mine quoted down here for about $2k when I was originally looking, wasn't willing to pay that at the time.

More expensive down here. I was just over the $1k mark.

[markwid]

More expensive down here. I was just over the $1k mark.

Wow, I must have scored a sweet deal last year...I had the bundle to do Opticoat, interior treatment and windows tinting for less than $600.

[DaveXR8]

I noticed that prices for Opticoat at ReflectEffect has gone up a fair bit since I got it done early last year. Hmnn, glad I got mine done.

Medium - Large Car $525.00

Prices have changed since you had yours done as we now coat glass and exterior trims/plastics. Also the warranty is included in the price.


More expensive down here. I was just over the $1k mark.

Im guess that you might of had yours done by Mario which the price includes full paint correction where as the Sydney prices are just for application only.

If we include paint correction as well it would work out to be in the same ball park.

[Detailed]

Im guess that you might of had yours done by Mario which the price includes full paint correction where as the Sydney prices are just for application only.

If we include paint correction as well it would work out to be in the same ball park.

Hey Dave :) greeting fellow DP'er :P.

I think Mario's price is for app only also :S

[markwid]

Prices have changed since you had yours done as we now coat glass and exterior trims/plastics. Also the warranty is included in the price.

Ah, I see. Nevertheless, I am happy with the Opticoat treatment and the tinting is excellent as well.

[Pharkus]

Im guess that you might of had yours done by Mario which the price includes full paint correction where as the Sydney prices are just for application only.

If we include paint correction as well it would work out to be in the same ball park.

The car did look a lot glossier after Mario had it. I am pleased with the result.

[Romp]

Yo Dave - that reminds me - my warranty card never came in the mail - can you hook me up pls? thanks

[DaveXR8]

Yo Dave - that reminds me - my warranty card never came in the mail - can you hook me up pls? thanks

Damn Austpost.

Ill send out another one tomorrow mate.

Sorry about that.

[Romp]

no worries man - ill PM you my address just in case:)