Gtechniq EXO vs. Opticoat (first post!)

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DoninDEN

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I'm trying to decide which sealant to use and am looking at Gtechniq EXO and Opticoat. Has anyone used or seen both side by side? What are the pros and cons of both? Is C1 more like Opticoat than EXO?

What is the difference between C1, C1.5 and EXO? I am having a hard time differentiating between these products?

Does EXO give more shine/gloss than Opticoat?

Is Opticoat more durable than EXO/C1/C1.5?

Thanks!

Don
 
Since this is your first post...


Welcome to AutogeekOnline! :welcome:



What are you working on?

That is, what are you trying to protect? Show car? Daily driver? Cargo Van?

Is it brand new or does it need some paint polishing attention before you "coat" it?


:)
 
Opti Coat is a ceramic (non organic) clear coating formed as silicon carbide. It is very hard, looks very clean, and is permanent like your factory clear in that it has to be abraded to be removed. Due to its strong bond and non pourous properties it is very resistant to acids and chemical etching, provides excellent water and dirt shedding, and will not wear away from normal maintanence. Opti Coat is also proudly made in the USA. Sorry if that sounds like a commercial, but when comparing Opti Coat to other coatings, look up silicon carbide vs silicon oxide and/or silicon dioxide and study a bit on organic/ceramic durabilies and properties.
 
I'm working on a daily driver 911 and a LX570 SUV. The LX is exposed to the elements and the 911 is garaged.
 
Welcome to ago...yes, c1 is more like opticoat. I can't speak for opticoat as I have never used it, but I have Exo on my dd and its 6 months old on a car that sits outside year round and still beading like day 1. It's pricey, but worth it in my opinion. With both these coatings, you have to keep in mind that the prep is the key. If the surface isn't prepped properly and you don't follow the instructions per coating, you won't get the results and durability that are claimed. For example, Exo requires the surface it's being applied to to be at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit at the time of application. Also, be sure to chemically strip the surface before its applied.
 
Ryry11 said:
Welcome to ago...yes, c1 is more like opticoat. I can't speak for opticoat as I have never used it, but I have Exo on my dd and its 6 months old on a car that sits outside year round and still beading like day 1. It's pricey, but worth it in my opinion. With both these coatings, you have to keep in mind that the prep is the key. If the surface isn't prepped properly and you don't follow the instructions per coating, you won't get the results and durability that are claimed. For example, Exo requires the surface it's being applied to to be at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit at the time of application. Also, be sure to chemically strip the surface before its applied.
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What did you use to strip the surface? What is the gloss like? Autogeek had a kit at one time with the surface temp reader, but I don't see it anymore.
 
can you use opti coat or EXO on the hood only? I find my hood and front fender catch most of the damage from rock chips, etc.. sorry to partly high jack..
 
DEXTERITY said:
can you use opti coat or EXO on the hood only? I find my hood and front fender catch most of the damage from rock chips, etc.. sorry to partly high jack..
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Sure you could, but neither one of these products is designed to prevent rock chips. While they both offer extended protection from the elements neither is a barrier for physical damage.
 
DEXTERITY said:
can you use opti coat or EXO on the hood only? I find my hood and front fender catch most of the damage from rock chips, etc.. sorry to partly high jack..
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You can use it on only half a door if you like. :haha:
 
I have experience with opticoat. The increase in hardness refers to marring from washing. It will add a little margin for error but does not replace good technique or good products. It is not going to help with stone chips.

The prep is a lot of work but the application is fairly easy. The product is top shelf in my humble opinion.
 
Rayaz said:
I have experience with opticoat. The increase in hardness refers to marring from washing. It will add a little margin for error but does not replace good technique or good products. It is not going to help with stone chips.

The prep is a lot of work but the application is fairly easy. The product is top shelf in my humble opinion.
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thanks, figured it may soften the blow a little bit.. I guess it's just helpful for marring.. oh well. maybe someone should invent something for rock chips and dead bugs besides a bra :)
 
Welcome to AGO! Thanks for sharing the information Chris.
 
I have only used Opti-Coat so I can only tell about it, all I have to say it works like it should be. I have made post in regard to that showing a 3 years + opti-coated car.
 
DoninDEN said:
What did you use to strip the surface? What is the gloss like? Autogeek had a kit at one time with the surface temp reader, but I don't see it anymore.
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Well I picked up Exo right when ag started carrying it, and at the time they didn't carry the gtechniq panel wipe, so I used wurths clean solve. Must have worked fine because Exo is holding up great. If I were you I'd just go with gtechniqs panel wipe as that's what is recommend by gtechniq. As for gloss, it's great. Super glossy, super slick, very impressive.
 
opti-coat is a far thicker film build, is "TRULY" chemical resistant and will be on your car for longer.

Gtechniq EXO is a thinner coating, does not offer enhanced marring resistance, and can be removed fairly easily with alkaline cleaners. (make sure your customers dont go to the carwash!)

the real benefits of using Gtechniq EXO is that it sheds water, dirt and oil better than opti-coat, looks a lot better IMO (gloss), and has a smoother to touch feel (I've learned to stop caring about that though).

Both have their place. I personally would use Opti-coat as a base coat, then top it with EXO. Although theres cheaper alternatives. ie: topping with Sonax Polymer net shield , which is extremely alkaline resistant, and has water behavior very similar to EXO. and also is under 30 dollars for a can which will do you atleast 3 cars.
 
mg6045 said:
opti-coat is a far thicker film build, is "TRULY" chemical resistant and will be on your car for longer.

Gtechniq EXO is a thinner coating, does not offer enhanced marring resistance, and can be removed fairly easily with alkaline cleaners. (make sure your customers dont go to the carwash!)

the real benefits of using Gtechniq EXO is that it sheds water, dirt and oil better than opti-coat, looks a lot better IMO (gloss), and has a smoother to touch feel (I've learned to stop caring about that though).

Both have their place. I personally would use Opti-coat as a base coat, then top it with EXO. Although theres cheaper alternatives. ie: topping with Sonax Polymer net shield , which is extremely alkaline resistant, and has water behavior very similar to EXO. and also is under 30 dollars for a can which will do you atleast 3 cars.
Click to expand...

I'm thinking C1 then EXO on the 911 and Opticoat on the LX570.

Do you think C1 will hold up as well as Opticoat?

Do you think C1 will look better than Opticoat after EXO is applied?

Thanks!:pc7424:
 
Any new reviews for EXO now that its been out for a little longer?
 
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