[brianch]

What is everyones thoughts on these permanent/super durable paint coatings? Two most popular being Opti-Coat and CQuartz.

Opti-Coat technically lasts forever and CQuartz lasts about a year or more.

I treat them like wax that lasts a very long time

I believe the OptiCoat is based off some ceramic polymer. CQuartz is some form of sillica.

Both last a very long time and repel dirt like crazy.

 

[LS9SS]

All of these coatings will lock in what the paint looks like in its current state, they do not fill any kind of swirls or scratches. As such they require compounding and polishing the car until the finish is as perfect as possible. Then the paint is cleansed of all oils left over (with an Isopropyl Alcohol wipedown) and the coating is applied making sure to knock down all high spots before it cures.

Opticoat 2.0 is essentially adding a thin layer of permanent protection on top of your clear coat. The user version (Opticoat 2.0) is a little bit thinner compared to the Opticoat PRO that Optimum Polymer Technologies only provides to professional detailers for application.

Professionals best describe Opticoat as a "wearable clear coat". Basically it helps preserve the clear coat on your car as it would "hold" scratches and swirl marks that you could polish out and not wear down your factory clear coat.

Comparing Opticoat and CQuartz, supposedly the CQuartz requires re-application after some time. However, most people prefer the CQuartz for a show car finish look as it adds more depth to the paint when compared to Opticoat.

The drawback to these coatings is since they lack "oils" like a traditional wax/sealant, they tend to water spot easily. Some say that nothing would stick to a coating after being applied, but what most people do after about 90 days or so of applying a coating is they apply an additional sealant over the coating; the most popular being Sonax Polymer Netshield, which makes the water bead up very tightly and greatly reduces the water spotting.

My opinion on the matter is to first learn how to properly maintain the finish of your finish (proper wash techniques to PREVENT scratching and swirling ESPECIALLY with the thin water based clear coat that Holden uses on these cars). Then it would be worthwhile to have your car "corrected" (polished to remove defects) and apply Opticoat 2.0. 90 days after application apply Sonax Polymer Netshield. Do your regular maintenance washes and reapply Sonax Polymer Netshield every 6 months.

The coating and sealant will keep a lot of things from scratching will good washing techniques and will ensure a flawless finish.

You can also apply the Opticoat or CQuartz to the wheels to keep brake dust from doing harm!

 

[alcatraz]

Is this overdoing it though? I would just keep to regular wash and waxing. That way you can fix any scratches that show up and it is much cheaper too. Is this kinda the same as the clear bras for cars?

 

[LS9SS]

Is this overdoing it though? I would just keep to regular wash and waxing. That way you can fix any scratches that show up and it is much cheaper too. Is this kinda the same as the clear bras for cars?

Some people see it as overdoing it, others don't. The ones who don't are the people who strive for a OCD perfect finish all the time and want to preserve it as long as they can.

I will say though that most people who do have a coating on their car are people who pay professional detailers to detail their cars. The others are detailing enthusiasts who don't want keep reapplying waxes/sealants often.

I guess the most probable reason to get a coating is its scratch resistance and the slickness which keeps things from sticking to the paint. The coating is nowhere near as thick or durable as a clear bra and won't prevent rock chipping.

For someone who would rather wash and wax their car themselves, I would not recommend getting a coating. I'd just stick to standard good washing techniques and a good sealant (more durable than a wax). Honestly more people stick to this mantra because a nice wax will give the paint more depth and glow than any coating can IMO.

 

[AdamsPolishes]

I will say though that most people who do have a coating on their car are people who pay professional detailers to detail their cars. The others are detailing enthusiasts who don't want keep reapplying waxes/sealants often.

BINGO!!

In my opinion, coatings are better served for daily driver-type vehicles that see little maintenance or for those who aren't really that passionate about spending quality time with their rides keeping them looking their best.

If you like hanging out in the garage rubbing all over your car, then a coating will take away from some of that quality time.

:cheers:

 

[brianch]

I dont think this is overdoing it

You are protecting your investment

Having scratched up paint lowers the value of your car

Especially considering how many Chevy SS' are black colored.

The Opti Coat in combination with paint protection film / clear bra seem to be the ultimate form of protection for your cars paint.

 

[FSTASNTZ]

I had Opti-coat applied to my 2012 Avalanche this summer. Truck was stored outside, I felt Opti-coat would last longer and save time over waxing every month. Unfortunately the Opti-coat is so slick that the wax would wash off in a hard rain.
I think it is a great solution for an outside vehicle that you want to look decent but do not have time to maintain.
I do not feel it has the optics of a high end wax, like the Dodo Juice Supernatural I use on the SS. The SS lives a different life, in the garage at home and in the garage at work, only exposure is while driving.

 

[fatboy]

I had optimum opti coat applied to my truck when I bought it a year ago. It's been holding up well so far. I was told by the installer that it is optically just as clear as wax if not more.

It's a great option for daily drivers and is a must for black cars.

 

[z51vett]

What are the cost for having opt coat applied.
z51vett
Doug

 

[LS9SS]

Just bumping this with a really good article I found about paint coatings.

The Benefits of a Paint Coating | Ask a Pro Blog

 

[MOTORHEAD188]

Just to let you all know , I had opti coat 2.0 put on my car right after buying it and on thursday a huge gust of wind blew a plastic bumper cover off a semi into the front of our SS at my wife's work , there were 2 marks on the car from it which I was able to rub off with some effort but no damage to the paint . I really think the opti coat saved my paint , money well spent in my opinion .

 

[rjandern]

I cannot imagine a more detailed write up than this. I did opti coat 2.0. Pics are in a thread started by Alex Boyce. This winter has been so crazy that i haven't been able to keep it clean more than hour, so i wont comment on it long term. Yesterday was the first day i cleaned it and it stayed clean for 24 hours and it's still 15 degrees out. Looks great right now.

To have it done by a pro, like Alex, it costs about $700 but it depends on how much has to be done before the application because it will 'lock in' defects beneath it.

 

[FBI AW]

I have done Opti Coat on several vehicles over a year ago and I wash them on a regular basis. Both still have good beading and water sheeting properties still with no other protection added.

Personally I am going with something else different on my SS, not because I don't like Opti Coat. I do, just want to do something different. I have some 22PLE on the way right now and will be doing a light paint correction on my SS before laying down the coating this weekend.

 

[z51vett]

If cost is not high expl maybe the way to go it's permanent guaranteed for 10 yrs.
z51vett
Doug