Opti-Coat 2.0
OPT
Optimum Polymer Technologies
OPT
Optimum Polymer Technologies
I am sure there are several how to posts, and videos on Opti-Coat, but this is my How-to, and pricing guide so that your customers are happy with the job and price.
What is Opti-Coat?: (OPT)
OPT is an advanced ceramic based polymer that acts as another, harder layer of clear coat. It cures harder and is more resistant to marring and swirl marks.
Acid Rain, Bird bombs, and light sand abrasions are also thwarted by this product.
**That does not mean your paint in invincible**
The Hydrophobic nature of OPT, allows for dirt to just wash off, and it hardly sticks to the surface.
It can be used on virtually every single surface of the exterior of the vehicle, making this one of the most versatile products on the market!
Best of all, Its a permanent coatng, it never errodes or washes off. Its resistant to acid based chemicals, and degreasers.
Prep work?
Prep work includes wash/clay bar/ iron-x decontamination spray/ compound/ polish/ glaze/ IPA spray and wipe.
Not every car will need this work, but the paint has to be 110% perfect or the OPT will seal the defects in perminently, or until you polish the OPT off and start over. This process is where is get expensive for the customer.
The prep work should be done on a hourly basis. $40-$60 an hour is the average rate. Charge them for the product cost $60-$80. Set a price based on how long it takes for specific vehicles. Give the customer a set price based on a comfortable time you can complete the job.
If you want to charge a flat rate then have an idea of how long it takes, so you can gauges a proper price, so that your not loosing money.
These are rough estimates, and prices vary based on your rate.
Coupe- 6 hours
Sedan- 7 hours
Truck Reg cab- 6 hours
Truck Extended- 7 hours
Truck Crew- 8 hours
Passenger Van-8 hours
Utility Van- 9 hours
I have seen prices all the way from $400-$800 for the complete job.
What do I charge?
At a rate of $50/hour I take these steps to complete the job.
**Note I only charge hourly for Opticoating because it requires a lot of work in order to apply it.
Step 1: Wash vehicle with a degreasing soap, spray with Iron-X to dissolve iron particulates in the paint.
Step2: Clay Bar with clay lube, or a light degreaser to remove wax, tar, bugs, and any contaminants in the paint. Affirm the panels are smooth with no catches or rough spots.
Step 3: Dry, and Measure paint 6 places on each panel with a digital paint gauge. Get an average per panel so you know what kind of work can be done safely.
Step 4: Assess paint, is it bad? medium? or good? Will get away with a polish or compound job or will you have to wet sand scratches out?
Step 5: Asses body condition, any PDR spots? sell the service to remove the dents around the whole car for a flat educated rate.
Step 6: Tape all trim, windows, plastics, and seams. Begin Wet sanding/Compounding, polishing, or Swirl removal process.
Step 7: Remove any chemicals with IPA or body shop safe cleaner spray. Apply liberally and clean thoroughly.
Step 8: Working one panel at a time inspect with a sun gun or UV working light, make sure all imperfections have been worked out.
Step 9: Grab the yellow pad provided, make and X with the product, smear it around to prep the pad. (Each subsequent application only requires a few dots of chemical) Apply to one panel at a time, wait until it falshes (5 minutes) and wipe any streaks clean. If you dont wipe it down with a clean microfiber towel, the high spots will cure that way and look awful.
Step 10: Continue one panel at a time until you have completed the vehicle. Allow for 12 hours of curing time before applying an optional secondary coat. 1 20ml Syringe should last two cars or two coats.
**Note- Surface will be tacky and grab the rag as you level the streaks and high spots down, this is NORMAL in the first half hour. Avoid touching it with anything for 24 hours, allow product to cure, or you will have OPT failure.
To take care of the OPT, you can wax it , but you will have difficulty getting it to stick because the hydrophobic nature of the OPT. Regular rinse and two bucket hand washes every week will keep the car new looking.
What is Opti-Coat?: (OPT)
OPT is an advanced ceramic based polymer that acts as another, harder layer of clear coat. It cures harder and is more resistant to marring and swirl marks.
Acid Rain, Bird bombs, and light sand abrasions are also thwarted by this product.
**That does not mean your paint in invincible**
The Hydrophobic nature of OPT, allows for dirt to just wash off, and it hardly sticks to the surface.
It can be used on virtually every single surface of the exterior of the vehicle, making this one of the most versatile products on the market!
Best of all, Its a permanent coatng, it never errodes or washes off. Its resistant to acid based chemicals, and degreasers.
Prep work?
Prep work includes wash/clay bar/ iron-x decontamination spray/ compound/ polish/ glaze/ IPA spray and wipe.
Not every car will need this work, but the paint has to be 110% perfect or the OPT will seal the defects in perminently, or until you polish the OPT off and start over. This process is where is get expensive for the customer.
The prep work should be done on a hourly basis. $40-$60 an hour is the average rate. Charge them for the product cost $60-$80. Set a price based on how long it takes for specific vehicles. Give the customer a set price based on a comfortable time you can complete the job.
If you want to charge a flat rate then have an idea of how long it takes, so you can gauges a proper price, so that your not loosing money.
These are rough estimates, and prices vary based on your rate.
Coupe- 6 hours
Sedan- 7 hours
Truck Reg cab- 6 hours
Truck Extended- 7 hours
Truck Crew- 8 hours
Passenger Van-8 hours
Utility Van- 9 hours
I have seen prices all the way from $400-$800 for the complete job.
What do I charge?
At a rate of $50/hour I take these steps to complete the job.
**Note I only charge hourly for Opticoating because it requires a lot of work in order to apply it.
Step 1: Wash vehicle with a degreasing soap, spray with Iron-X to dissolve iron particulates in the paint.
Step2: Clay Bar with clay lube, or a light degreaser to remove wax, tar, bugs, and any contaminants in the paint. Affirm the panels are smooth with no catches or rough spots.
Step 3: Dry, and Measure paint 6 places on each panel with a digital paint gauge. Get an average per panel so you know what kind of work can be done safely.
Step 4: Assess paint, is it bad? medium? or good? Will get away with a polish or compound job or will you have to wet sand scratches out?
Step 5: Asses body condition, any PDR spots? sell the service to remove the dents around the whole car for a flat educated rate.
Step 6: Tape all trim, windows, plastics, and seams. Begin Wet sanding/Compounding, polishing, or Swirl removal process.
Step 7: Remove any chemicals with IPA or body shop safe cleaner spray. Apply liberally and clean thoroughly.
Step 8: Working one panel at a time inspect with a sun gun or UV working light, make sure all imperfections have been worked out.
Step 9: Grab the yellow pad provided, make and X with the product, smear it around to prep the pad. (Each subsequent application only requires a few dots of chemical) Apply to one panel at a time, wait until it falshes (5 minutes) and wipe any streaks clean. If you dont wipe it down with a clean microfiber towel, the high spots will cure that way and look awful.
Step 10: Continue one panel at a time until you have completed the vehicle. Allow for 12 hours of curing time before applying an optional secondary coat. 1 20ml Syringe should last two cars or two coats.
**Note- Surface will be tacky and grab the rag as you level the streaks and high spots down, this is NORMAL in the first half hour. Avoid touching it with anything for 24 hours, allow product to cure, or you will have OPT failure.
To take care of the OPT, you can wax it , but you will have difficulty getting it to stick because the hydrophobic nature of the OPT. Regular rinse and two bucket hand washes every week will keep the car new looking.
