Sorry...I don't have many pictures to post but I wanted to share my experience with a new 2012 VW Jetta GLI.
This car was my first to use Opti-Coat 2.0. As such, the Meguiars MF system was not going to work. I guess I could have used my WG products but I was not sure it was the right product mix for the sealer. After some forum feedback (special thanks BobbyG and mjlinane), I decided on getting some alternative products in my arsenal. Thanks Autogeek for carrying Menzerna as well as a lot of other great products!
I got a 2012 VW Jetta GLI (black). It had just over 900 miles on the odometer. The paint was black but it was already scratched. I think I need some tips on how to get good scratch photos. I got about 20 and they all turned out bad.
The car had been to the dealer 2x since bought...both times washed by the dealership. The last visit resulted in some severe scratches. Also, after the snow had finally melted from the roadways, the owner took the car to a car wash. He watched the employees pull a broom out of a bucket and wash down the car before sending it through the car wash. Needless to say, many of the scratches on the car looked to be a result of that car wash. I kindly suggested he not take the car there ever again! The next two pics are the only 'decent' scratch photos I got worth posting.
another view
Basically, the whole car was scratched like the photos...except for the passenger side...which had tree sap and the back was covered in a sandy substance which did not come off until I clay'd it using Optimum Clay Bar/Lubricant (great stuff!)
I ended up having to use Menzerna Power Gloss with yellow and orange pads. I moved on to Menzerna Power Gloss with orange pad. By this point, the paint was looking really good. I was amazed at how long I could work the product. I then finished off the process using Menzerna Super Finish with a grey pad. At this point, it was squeaky and super smooth.
I know there are a lot of products out there to clean the car before sealing. I have come to like Klean Strip Prep-All. Using Prep-All with a MF, I wipe down the entire car after using an air compressor to blow the car off.
I think I was a bit over-cautious, I spent a lot of time reading the forums and watched this video several times...
Opti-Coat 2.0 application.wmv - YouTube
A few quick comments about "priming" the pad. Regardless of using a suede mf or the yellow applicator, a few drops did not seem to be enough to prime the pad. I ended up doing the hood 2x because I was not convinced the pad put adequate coverage at the beginning. Also, because I was a bit paranoid about high-spots, I did a very light pass over the section with a MF after applying. Any high-spots were blended in and I did not seem to have any problems at all. Doing the wheels was a bit more meticulous. Nonetheless, I think the process went well. I don't think applying Opti-coat is hard. To ensure quality results, I took my time....and now....the final results.
a very happy owner!!!
This car was my first to use Opti-Coat 2.0. As such, the Meguiars MF system was not going to work. I guess I could have used my WG products but I was not sure it was the right product mix for the sealer. After some forum feedback (special thanks BobbyG and mjlinane), I decided on getting some alternative products in my arsenal. Thanks Autogeek for carrying Menzerna as well as a lot of other great products!
I got a 2012 VW Jetta GLI (black). It had just over 900 miles on the odometer. The paint was black but it was already scratched. I think I need some tips on how to get good scratch photos. I got about 20 and they all turned out bad.
The car had been to the dealer 2x since bought...both times washed by the dealership. The last visit resulted in some severe scratches. Also, after the snow had finally melted from the roadways, the owner took the car to a car wash. He watched the employees pull a broom out of a bucket and wash down the car before sending it through the car wash. Needless to say, many of the scratches on the car looked to be a result of that car wash. I kindly suggested he not take the car there ever again! The next two pics are the only 'decent' scratch photos I got worth posting.
another view
Basically, the whole car was scratched like the photos...except for the passenger side...which had tree sap and the back was covered in a sandy substance which did not come off until I clay'd it using Optimum Clay Bar/Lubricant (great stuff!)
I ended up having to use Menzerna Power Gloss with yellow and orange pads. I moved on to Menzerna Power Gloss with orange pad. By this point, the paint was looking really good. I was amazed at how long I could work the product. I then finished off the process using Menzerna Super Finish with a grey pad. At this point, it was squeaky and super smooth.
I know there are a lot of products out there to clean the car before sealing. I have come to like Klean Strip Prep-All. Using Prep-All with a MF, I wipe down the entire car after using an air compressor to blow the car off.
I think I was a bit over-cautious, I spent a lot of time reading the forums and watched this video several times...
Opti-Coat 2.0 application.wmv - YouTube
A few quick comments about "priming" the pad. Regardless of using a suede mf or the yellow applicator, a few drops did not seem to be enough to prime the pad. I ended up doing the hood 2x because I was not convinced the pad put adequate coverage at the beginning. Also, because I was a bit paranoid about high-spots, I did a very light pass over the section with a MF after applying. Any high-spots were blended in and I did not seem to have any problems at all. Doing the wheels was a bit more meticulous. Nonetheless, I think the process went well. I don't think applying Opti-coat is hard. To ensure quality results, I took my time....and now....the final results.
a very happy owner!!!
