My first Opti-coat experience....

[RaskyR1]

Why would one use a CarPro applicator to apply an Optimum product - when, Optimum makes an exact applicator designed for this purpose that costs like $7?

I dunno. No wonder why people have issues with coatings. Just get the right stuff designed for the right job. It's really the easiest way - in detailing - and in life in general.

I actually couldn't stand the Opti-Coat applicator (grey and blue one) and I even prefer the yellow foam over it. I use the CarPro applicators as well.

 

[swanicyouth]

I actually couldn't stand the Opti-Coat applicator (grey and blue one) and I even prefer the yellow foam over it. I use the CarPro applicators as well.

Maybe they changed them. Mine is black and grey.

 

[RaskyR1]

Maybe they changed them. Mine is black and grey.

They actually have 3 of them so maybe I'll give one of the others a shot. I ordered the blue/grey as it was listed as the "paint safe" applicator and the others were multi-surface.

 

[Rayaz]

I did my 6th car about 3 weeks ago, a 2014 335i in estoril blue. This was my first try with Lake Country coating applicators and they rock. Much better control and easier to get an even application.

My first try was a similar experience. So much so that I called Optimum. A few hours later, Dr. G called me back and calmed me down. As long as the area is covered, thickness is of no benefit. Thicker is not better and neither is layering, assuming the coverage is there. I used about 4cc on a Honda CRV and that was over 2 years ago. It's dark grey and it sits in the Arizona sun a lot. Still washes up like the day I did it. The key, in my opinion, is to use good light and system (top to bottom, one panel at a time etc.) to be certain everything is covered. I even use a head lamp for this step. I can see it go on wet and flash almost immediately. You can even it out with the towel or applicator.

I laid it on thick for the 335 and policed up the high spots with the micro fiber within 2 minutes and still only used 5cc. Door jambs, under hood, trunk, everything just 5cc! I've gotten 3 vehicles out of each of 3 tubes so waste is not really an issue. It's cheaper than wax by quite a margin if you look at the benefits and longevity. The yellow foam pad works fine but the LC applicator is easier on my poor old tired hands (the prep kicks my butt) and even coverage is better by a mile. It saved me having to mark the pad so I didn't forget which section I was using.

I'm sure you did fine. It's easier than we make ourselves think by doing what we do best; trying for perfection...:xyxthumbs:

 

[The Enforcer]

Thanks a lot Ryaz. We had some snow here today and I was stuck at home, so I coated the top of my Camaro using a method I saw on youtube. You take a disposable glove (nitrile, latex, etc...I used nitrile) and place the crappy yellow application INSIDE the glove. Now, take a disposable blue shop towel and wrap this AROUND the glove. The towel holds the coating but it doesn't allow it to soak into the pad because the glove (waterproof) is between the two.

I was able to get MUCH better coverage doing it this way, and I'd say 95% of the coating made its way to the paint instead of getting permanently soaked up by the pad (again the glove wont allow the coating to ever soak into the pad).

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yyo_-UA8yM4]Opti-Coat Application Methods - YouTube[/video]

NOW....after the coatig has cured for 12 hrs...it doesn't have near the slickness of a tradition sealant or wax. Should it? And if not...what would be the best bet to get that slickness back...just a spray carnauba?

 

[zmcgovern45]

NOW....after the coating has cured for 12 hrs...it doesn't have near the slickness of a tradition sealant or wax. Should it? And if not...what would be the best bet to get that slickness back...just a spray carnauba?

That is what opti-coat is known for... a non-slick finish.

If this bothers you, top it with something like CarPro Reload, HydrO2, or similar.

 

[Rayaz]

Carnauba is expensive and since it won't last for more than a few weeks, probably not worth it. I use Duragloss Aquawax. Just spritz it on while the car is still wet and dry as usual. Very slick and nice shine. I buy it by the gallon since I care for 5 opticoated cars. Come to think of it, mine is the only one in the fleet without opticoat. Oh well, gotta have someplace to use up the waxes and sprays.

Coatings rarely look as good as carnauba but that is not the point. Coatings are much easier to take care of. Washing faster, bugs come right off, sprinklers are shrugged off without water spots, birds can do what birds do. Now that most of my cars are coated, they hardly ever bomb us. They must know?

Welcome by the way. There are great people on here and many make their living doing this (not me). I have yet to see a problem someone can't solve and the pros give away trade secrets like you were a relative.

 

[The Enforcer]

Thanks, I've been posting on Autopia for 5 yrs and never made my way over. I like using Meguiars ultimate spray wax with my washes so I'll just use that. Thanks for confirming this!

 

[Old Tiger]

Maybe they changed them. Mine is black and grey.

Yeah, with a neoprene surface _black) that is much more dense characteristics than the foam side.

 

[Rayaz]

Thanks, I've been posting on Autopia for 5 yrs and never made my way over. I like using Meguiars ultimate spray wax with my washes so I'll just use that. Thanks for confirming this!

I should have know nobody with 5 posts would try and opticoat application. Rookie mistake. Welcome anyway:dblthumb2:

 

[dchristo]

I should have know nobody with 5 posts would try and opticoat application. Rookie mistake. Welcome anyway:dblthumb2:

what does post count have to do with anything ? so, if I post alot on AGO it will make me a better detailer .....lol

 

[Angler]

Thanks a lot Ryaz. We had some snow here today and I was stuck at home, so I coated the top of my Camaro using a method I saw on youtube. You take a disposable glove (nitrile, latex, etc...I used nitrile) and place the crappy yellow application INSIDE the glove. Now, take a disposable blue shop towel and wrap this AROUND the glove. The towel holds the coating but it doesn't allow it to soak into the pad because the glove (waterproof) is between the two.

I was able to get MUCH better coverage doing it this way, and I'd say 95% of the coating made its way to the paint instead of getting permanently soaked up by the pad (again the glove wont allow the coating to ever soak into the pad).

Opti-Coat Application Methods - YouTube

Enforcer, when you say "take a disposable blue shop towel" do you mean those paper ones that come on a roll? Do they not leave lint in the coating?

Thanks.

 

[asalesagent912]

That is what opti-coat is known for... a non-slick finish.

If this bothers you, top it with something like CarPro Reload, HydrO2, or similar.

i am going to try c quartz. does it give u a slick finish? I cant see y someone would put something on that wouldnt give them that finish. but thats just me. i want it to feel smooth. lol

 

[Znig22]

Enforcer, when you say "take a disposable blue shop towel" do you mean those paper ones that come on a roll? Do they not leave lint in the coating?

Thanks.

That raises a good point. I would like to know for sure as well. My thought is the carpro suede pads would be best, I just normally use a quality foam applicator like the one supplied with opti coat.

 

[Rayaz]

what does post count have to do with anything ? so, if I post alot on AGO it will make me a better detailer .....lol

No, post count won't help. I was referring to post count having to do with general experience and the theory that most people wouldn't try an opticoat application in a first attempt at detailing. I was afraid that my response was insulting because I didn't realize he was experienced, just someplace else. My bad...

I saw the YouTube video of the shop towel application too. It looks like it works fine and I don't think the coating is thick enough for the fibers to stick? I'm currently in love with the LC coating applicators because they are easy to control, effective in coating and easy to hold. When I was using the yellow foam, it was hard to keep track of which side and corner I was using and my hand cramped up trying to control the pad. With the applicator, there is no confusion as to which side has the sauce and where it's going to go.

 

[zmcgovern45]

i am going to try c quartz. does it give u a slick finish? I cant see y someone would put something on that wouldnt give them that finish. but thats just me. i want it to feel smooth. lol

I have never used regular CQuartz... UK and finest are slick so the original should be as well.

 

[asalesagent912]

I have never used regular CQuartz... UK and finest are slick so the original should be as well.

ok thanks i was gonna get uk anyway.

 

[mg6045]

why are you being so stingy with application ? you are absolutely underusing the product. You need to really prime the applicator before using it, with like 25 drops of product. when doing so the yellow applicator is a pleasure to use. If its grabbing the paint, there is not enough product on it. Its easier to use ample amounts and follow up with a MF towel after about a minute and level it off.

 

[mg6045]

check out around the 2:30 minute mark of this video. thats how you should prime your applicator. and when applying you should see the product spread out.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8hqXq_II1Y]BMW 435i: new car prep with opti coat and clear film performed by Detailer's Domain - YouTube[/video]

 

[The Enforcer]

why are you being so stingy with application ? you are absolutely underusing the product. You need to really prime the applicator before using it, with like 25 drops of product. when doing so the yellow applicator is a pleasure to use. If its grabbing the paint, there is not enough product on it. Its easier to use ample amounts and follow up with a MF towel after about a minute and level it off.

25 Drops to me a pad? Im sorry I mean no disrespect by this but.### on at sylsyllis