I definitely messed up my opti application- I obviously put it on too heavy and ended up with a lot of hazing streaks (used the entire 20cc for the crew cab). However, I even used it on the plastic dash / door panels / center console and other interior plastic trim so that is one reason I used so much product.
It was my "noob" mistake as I thought I was applying thin, and it looked like it flashed clear, but I made the mistake of not using a flashlight to really "see" if it left a haze as I went. I also did not use a MF to light wipe each panel as I went, I used the applicator to gently knock down any heavy areas that did not initially flash clear. I assumed that if it flashed clear, it was actually clear. it is not.
After I was done, I went back around and used a flashlight and saw hazing everywhere. The hood came out the best and only had a couple of small haze areas. most hazing was on side panels. I used a MF towel to buff off haze and I seem to have gotten most of it out. The opti was not tacky at this point (about an hour had passed) but I had to rub quite hard to get haze off. That was my only option at that point since I was out of opti and I did not want to let it cure with the haze.
Should I re-apply another round of opti, or just hit the surface with some 3M fine-cut or polish compound on any remaining haze?
To anyone else new using the opti, it needs to definitely go on thinner than you think and you definitely need a flashlight to check each panel as you go. I made the mistake of getting my "instructions" from a youtube video showing an Opti guy applying the product to panels and not doing a light buff or checking the panel with a flashlight as he went.
I shot the video as a supplement to the directions, not in place of the directions. I had plenty of light and didn't need a flashlight as I was working outside. You will note that I was checking the bumper from every angel before moving to the next area. My preferred method is to not use a microfiber unless necessary as touching the coating as it drys or soon after results in hazing just like getting stroke marks in paint if you keep touching it. One point I always emphasize is that you are wiping in on, not rubbing it in. You don't want to keep going over it and you certainly don't want to rub it hard to try and remove it or the haze. You'd be better off to let it harden and use a light polish to repair it. As long as you don't get too aggressive, you shouldn't need to reapply as you're only trying to polish off the excess.
Here is the "instruction" video I was referring to. If this person does work for Optimum, them perhaps this should be reviewed and removed if inaccurate.
OptiCoatApp.AVI - YouTube
Note there is nothing stated about wiping with a MF cloth as you go, using a flashlight to check, potential for hazing, etc. The video in this forum thread would definitely seem to be the right way to do it.
Optimum's Permanent Paint Coating is here!
Opti-Coat is based on a resin pre-polymer that we manufacture and once it is applied, it cross links and reacts with urethane and other clear coat paints to form a permanent film. Opti-Coat has better chemical resistance, scratch & mar resistance, and release properties than any automotive coating in use. Like a regular clear coat, Opti Coat lasts indefinitely unless it is removed by polishing, sanding, or paint removers.
DIRECTIONS
1. Remove defects to your satisfaction
2. Clean surface to remove all polishing oils, waxes, and silicone.
3. Prime the applicator by making an X across the pad. Only a few drops will be needed for each subsequent panel.
4. Wipe Opti-Coat on a single panel at a time in a thin layer using several directions for even coverage.
5. Inspect the panel with adequate lighting within 5-10 minutes looking for any thick areas that have not flashed away to clear.
6. Use applicator or paint safe microfiber to even out (no pressure)any spots where you see streaks. This step is key, as any spots not leveled will have to be abrasively repaired is allowed to cure. Panels will feel a bit tacky and will be self -leveling during cure time, so avoid any unnecessary touching, wiping, or contact to produce the best results.
7. Repeat steps 1-6 for each panel where application is desired.
NOTE: Our new version can be layered.
This is printed on the label, note directions 4-5-6. I'm sorry the video wasnt helpful, but as I said earlier: the video was a supplement to the directions and never intended to replace them. Direction #3 should have let you know you were using too much before you ran out. This is a perfect example of user error. With a product of this nature, it's best to "read the directions", know what to look for, and maybe even start with a single panel before slopping 20 cc's on a single vehicle and rubbing it as it cured.
A last comment about using a microfiber to wipe off "excess". I don't usually have to use a microfiber because I don't apply "excess". If you use only a few drops per panel as directed, with practice you won't need to wipe off excess either. The more is better mentality is counterproductive with many Optimum products, especially the coating. You can contact me
[email protected] if you need assistance or further directions on fixing your application.
Also, regarding your application to interior surfaces. We do not recommend this product for use on interior surfaces. If you had good results, most likely the surfaces inside that particular vehicle are hard. This is not typical so any application to interiors is at your own risk. We are developing an interior coating, but that's exactly why it's taking so long...multiple surfaces at various flexibilities.
