Coatings Galore!

Flatlander

Flatlander

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I have tried several "permanent" or "semi-permanent" coatings and have some thoughts that might help someone.

The coatings I have tried are:
  • Opti-Coat
  • Dodo Juice Supernatural Infinity Paint Sealant
  • Gtechniq C1
  • Cquartz
  • Cquartz UK Edition
I have not tried EXO/EXOv2, Hardbody or 22PLE.

As far as ease of application I would rank them as Opti-Coat (easiest) followed by C1 then Cquartz/UK and finally Dodo (difficult).

For durability I would rank them with Opti-coat (most durable) followed by Dodo, then C1 and least durable as Cquartz. (This is MY experience here in ND with the salt and cold)

For looks I have to give it to C1 followed very closely by Dodo and Cquartz as a tie and Opti-coat last. Don't get me wrong, Opti-coat looks great it just doesn't quite have the depth and shine of the others.

I have found Opti-coat to be VERY soft and tends to collect a lot of wash-induced marring. Sometimes even a MF will scratch. No biggie, that's what it's there for right? The C1 and Dodo, however seem to be much more resistant to marring and hairline scratches. The Cquartz is as well but not like the other two.

Overall, I'd give the nod to C1. What a great product. Easy to apply, looks great and very scratch resistant IME. I really like the others but C1 is the winner for me. Now on to EXOv2!
 
Good info!
You gotta try ur self some 22ple, its easier than waxing LoL It almost feels like cheating :D not to mention that the gloss is stunning!

e31.jpg
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I'm not sure about the durability of the C1. My understanding is "up to 24 months". Don't quote me on that. I find that these coatings are a joy to use. I have had my BMW for a year and have taken off the coatings (opti-coat) I placed a year ago on almost every panel. They tend to get beat up with the road salt/cinders that is the North Dakota winter. The nice thing is that every time I polish off the coating, the beautiful, untouched paint lies underneath; as good as new. I don't have to eat the clear coat every time I polish out the panels. THAT is the best thing about the coatings in my opinion. Not having to wax is a bonus. Actually I wish I could top the coatings reliably b/c I love to fiddle with different products.
 
BlackHawk said:
Good info!
You gotta try ur self some 22ple, its easier than waxing LoL It almost feels like cheating :D not to mention that the gloss is stunning!

e31.jpg
[/IMG]
Click to expand...

Sweet shine on the Eclipse! I'll have to try that 22PLE! Is it easy to apply? And how is the durability?
 
My favorite is C1 for paint and OC for wheels.

C1 on metallic colors is unbelievable and OC on wheels works better than anything I've used.
 
I tried Using c1 few months back.
And no matter how hard I try, it just kept smearing when I buff with my mf towel?

Can u describe how u applied C1?
 
EvolutionDetail said:
I tried Using c1 few months back.
And no matter how hard I try, it just kept smearing when I buff with my mf towel?

Can u describe how u applied C1?
Click to expand...

I got the same thing when I applied Dodo and CQuartz. With C1 I use gentle pressure with a clean short-nap MF or a suede MF. I turn to a new section very frequently. After using 8 sides on on one MF sometimes I go to a second. The goal is to "wipe it off". The longer you let it sit, the harder you have to push. With CQuartz I really leaned on a suede MF to "buff off" the excess product. I find with C1 I don't have to push so hard. Hope that helps.
- Mike
 
How long do u wait before buffing off?
Like put it on and immediately buff off?

I got my C1 in a trade, it was already open. So im not sure if it was still good.
But i did try waiting 1 mintue - just apply and buff.
It still didnt work....
 
Flatlander said:
Sweet shine on the Eclipse! I'll have to try that 22PLE! Is it easy to apply? And how is the durability?
Click to expand...

Like i said the application and removal is easier than waxing LoL
As far as durability, I can't say, but the beading and sheeting is like nothing I've seen before!!
 
Thanks for the info Mike! I may just go back to coatings... But I really enjoy waxing!!
 
Flatlander said:
Re: "Coatings Galore"!

^^^:iagree:^^^
Click to expand...
Flatlander said:
The coatings I have tried are:
Opti-Coat
Dodo Juice Supernatural Infinity Paint Sealant
Gtechniq C1
Cquartz
Cquartz UK Edition

I have not tried EXO/EXOv2, Hardbody or 22PLE.

Thanks for your 'Coating-reviews'. :xyxthumbs:
Click to expand...

And just think:
This listing just barely begins to "scratch" the surface of currently
available "Coatings"...With, undoubtedly, a multitude to follow.

:)

Bob
 
I used the Opti-Coat 2.0 and it was very easy to use. I thought the shine was good but the texture didn't feel like freshly waxed surfaces usually do. I used Permanon Car Supershine Platinum (Permanon's Silicium 14Si electro-statically bonds and fill microscopic pores and pits that naturally occur in solid materials) which really worked nicely and improved both shine and feel.
 
Crispy said:
Permanon's Silicium 14Si electro-statically bonds and fill microscopic pores and pits that naturally occur in solid materials
Click to expand...

Gosh, someone's been on the happy marketing juice!!!
 
Opticoat, once you get a hang of the process is a breeze and the easiest to apply.

My current vote however is C1, topped with EXOv2.

C1 does really seem to give the hardness and the MF suede applicator turned hard like a piece of thin cardboard. C1 gloss is very impressive as well.

But you add EXOv2 on top and the gloss intensifies and the slickness and water beading is just ridiculous. My car stays much cleaner and I notice this after a rain it cleans the dirt off - not completely but you can tell it's doing as advertised.

It's been now about 5 or so weeks since topped with EXOv2 after 12 curing of C1 and the surface is still very very slick and smooth.

Gtechniq is a winner.

FYI - i've also used CQuartz UK and 22PLE which are very good but i'm on my Gtech kick now
 
Update: Just topped the C1 that was on some of the panels with the new EXOv2. The application process was NOT easy but I got it done. The shine is REALLY nice and slicker than C1 by itself. It hasn't even cured yet so I don't know about beading or dust repellant properties. The cQuartz UK is hold up well but I feel like it really needs a refresh with CarPro ReLoad every other week or so. The Opti coat is a dream. Nice stuff.
- Mike
 
Yeah, EXOv2 is easy but you have to be a bit quick with app / remove. You can get some leftover spots or a kind of haze that's hard to buff off.

So basically wipe on and wipe off, don't let it sit.
 
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