My Opti-coat 2.0 impressions/questions

[RaskyR1]

Boy, it sure seemed like applied a lot of product. It look like it was going on quite thick.

For the sake of the video and seeing it flash it was a little heavy. You can still hear the pad squeaking a little so it's not that excessive. I average about 7-8cc per car doing paint, glass, and wheels. After the first panel only a drop or two is needed.

 

[Chris Thomas]

Chris,



Suit yourself mate, but sometimes a little lateral thinking can pay off big time.

One thing that is bloody obvious is that the existing videos aren’t doing it for new users.

Sportscarhiatus is a good example because if ever there was someone that has read every thread there is on Opti-Coat then he is that guy and he still failed first up and is still wondering why he failed.

Obviously there is no substitute for actually trying and developing a successful technique, but you guys need to find an easier way to educate users in how to apply Opti-Coat, because not all users have the patience or knowledge to experiment with technique. You tell them that Opti-Coat is permanent, so quite rightly they are concerned that they could stuff up their paint if they get it wrong. What’s the result? A whole bunch of fence sitters that continue to procrastinate about using Opti-Coat because they think it is just too hard.

As an example, take another look at Corey’s video. It was apparent to me when I saw his technique for applying Opti-Coat that using that method (straight lines) was going to cause considerable streaking. I’m assuming that Corey followed the C.Quartz instructions, because there were next to no instructions with his order of Opti-Coat, so he assumed what was ok for C.Quartz would probably be ok for Opti-Coat.

Do you really want threads running to 4 pages in less than 24 hours every time a new guy attempts to use Opti-Coat and screws up?

If you don’t want to do that video, then talk to Dr. G and suggest that he does a deal with Mike Phillips to do a professional presentation on the usage of Opti-Coat. I’m sure you would agree that your 5 minute demonstration video is not exactly a quality production. The lack of instructions or video is ultimately going to cost sales, when you should be selling bucket loads of this stuff.

The product is revolutionary but it is not going to just sell itself without professional marketing. A professionally produced instructional video would go a long way to correcting the miscomprehensions that now exist on this and other forums.

Apologies for being so blunt but I believe if you discuss the above with Dr. G, then Optimum Polymer Technologies should be able to come up with something that addresses these usage issues.

No video production by any spokesman will impart any skill without practice. When the product was offered as pro only, it was because there is a learning curve to application. Obviously, our customers wanted the protection without the expense of a pro so we made a modified version. By your logic, a properly produced video could magically impart all the knowledge that even pros had to practice a few times to perfect. I'm sorry, but that's ridiculous. I have said many times that application is being over thought. It really is just wiping it on and evening out thick spots after the surrounding area goes clear. There is no need to wipe in circles, or keep going over it, or going slow, or any other idea that may come into your head about how to make it "better." It is what it is...my favorite part in The Last Samurai is when the young samurai tells Tom Cruise he has too many minds. When he doesn't think so much about it, he does his best. Just wipe it on with good coverage and knock down the high spots. Even if I were there to instruct you in person it would take a couple of panels for you to get it down...so I'm not sure why anyone would ever expect to watch a video and be able to do the first panel flawlessly. Corey found his groove, sportscarhiatus found what works for him, and every one who uses it will have it by the third panel. Maybe one day we can just plug in and learn skills like portrayed in the Matrix films, but for now nothing imparts wisdom like experience.

It's also nieve to assume that Dr G and I haven't spoken about videos. We have, it's just not necessary and I certainly don't think an application video would get anyone off the fence. I've also never heard of a what not to do video for any product. More time detailing and less time watching videos pays better and is a helluva better teacher.

 

[silverfox]

Any product takes practice. Whether you are using a DA or rotary polisher to applying a new product to your paint. I watched every video on swirl removing but honestly until I tackled the problem myself I wasn't going to learn.

It took me two panels to figure out the best way to apply Opti Coat. It took me two cars to figure out machine polishing. I agree that a professional video regarding this thread is not going to sell more product. But I also will say that the notion of applying this product is a piece of cake is not correct either. It's not for anybody who's never done it before. I will repeat that nobody should do this for the first time an anything but a daily beater. It's the best advice I could give.

 

[toddj]

No video production by any spokesman will impart any skill without practice. When the product was offered as pro only, it was because there is a learning curve to application. Obviously, our customers wanted the protection without the expense of a pro so we made a modified version. By your logic, a properly produced video could magically impart all the knowledge that even pros had to practice a few times to perfect. I'm sorry, but that's ridiculous. I have said many times that application is being over thought. It really is just wiping it on and evening out thick spots after the surrounding area goes clear. There is no need to wipe in circles, or keep going over it, or going slow, or any other idea that may come into your head about how to make it "better." It is what it is...my favorite part in The Last Samurai is when the young samurai tells Tom Cruise he has too many minds. When he doesn't think so much about it, he does his best. Just wipe it on with good coverage and knock down the high spots. Even if I were there to instruct you in person it would take a couple of panels for you to get it down...so I'm not sure why anyone would ever expect to watch a video and be able to do the first panel flawlessly. Corey found his groove, sportscarhiatus found what works for him, and every one who uses it will have it by the third panel. Maybe one day we can just plug in and learn skills like portrayed in the Matrix films, but for now nothing imparts wisdom like experience.

It's also nieve to assume that Dr G and I haven't spoken about videos. We have, it's just not necessary and I certainly don't think an application video would get anyone off the fence. I've also never heard of a what not to do video for any product. More time detailing and less time watching videos pays better and is a helluva better teacher.

Bravo Chris. gmck just needs to try it. It's like Rotary polishing or selecting a compound. It's just a matter of experience and trial/error.

And, polishing with a Rotary can do much more damage than Opti-Coat can do

 

[sportscarhiatus]

No video production by any spokesman will impart any skill without practice. When the product was offered as pro only, it was because there is a learning curve to application. Obviously, our customers wanted the protection without the expense of a pro so we made a modified version. By your logic, a properly produced video could magically impart all the knowledge that even pros had to practice a few times to perfect. I'm sorry, but that's ridiculous. I have said many times that application is being over thought. It really is just wiping it on and evening out thick spots after the surrounding area goes clear. There is no need to wipe in circles, or keep going over it, or going slow, or any other idea that may come into your head about how to make it "better." It is what it is...my favorite part in The Last Samurai is when the young samurai tells Tom Cruise he has too many minds. When he doesn't think so much about it, he does his best. Just wipe it on with good coverage and knock down the high spots. Even if I were there to instruct you in person it would take a couple of panels for you to get it down...so I'm not sure why anyone would ever expect to watch a video and be able to do the first panel flawlessly. Corey found his groove, sportscarhiatus found what works for him, and every one who uses it will have it by the third panel. Maybe one day we can just plug in and learn skills like portrayed in the Matrix films, but for now nothing imparts wisdom like experience.

It's also nieve to assume that Dr G and I haven't spoken about videos. We have, it's just not necessary and I certainly don't think an application video would get anyone off the fence. I've also never heard of a what not to do video for any product. More time detailing and less time watching videos pays better and is a helluva better teacher.

Thanks Chris. I must agree with you with your points. I have watched and re-watched all the videos and read and re-read all the how-to's on how to apply OC 2.0. I was fairly confident, but still, nothing taught me how to apply it better than trial and error. And I wasn't really worried if I applied it wrong, because I knew I could just buff it off anyways... chances are high that whoever gets OC probably has some experience with a DA or rotary.

But yes, in the end, I found what technique worked for me and I'm sticking to it. Another video would still be nice for inexperienced folks, but I don't believe it is necessary.

Any product takes practice. Whether you are using a DA or rotary polisher to applying a new product to your paint. I watched every video on swirl removing but honestly until I tackled the problem myself I wasn't going to learn.

It took me two panels to figure out the best way to apply Opti Coat. It took me two cars to figure out machine polishing. I agree that a professional video regarding this thread is not going to sell more product. But I also will say that the notion of applying this product is a piece of cake is not correct either. It's not for anybody who's never done it before. I will repeat that nobody should do this for the first time an anything but a daily beater. It's the best advice I could give.

I would consider myself pretty experienced with applications of WOWA sealants and the like... but yes, OC was still very different. I went in confident it would be a breeze, but still, even I was humbled by it...EPIC FAIL!!! lol... I have to admit, OC is still very different from OS or UPGP. It applies the same yes, sorta.... but it's less forgiving than the previous two. The previous two mentioned, you could over apply, but still go back and smooth out/even out very easily. For OC, you have to be SUPER QUICK. And I mean super quick...... or it's on there, streaks and all, and then you have to whip out your buffer to get that smoothened out.

In addition, using it on a daily beater car is a MUST. I also do NOT recommend this for first time users on their garage queens or show cars. I have no intentions of using this on my Z.... just my 11 year old Civic and MAYBE my Odyssey minivan

Bravo Chris. gmck just needs to try it. It's like Rotary polishing or selecting a compound. It's just a matter of experience and trial/error.

And, polishing with a Rotary can do much more damage than Opti-Coat can do

gmck has already tried it. He's had these forum exchanges with me and Chris for some time now, also on Optimum's forum. He has had experience with applying it numerous times, and is merely exchanging his thoughts and ideas on how he did (how he made it work for him) and how he is suggesting to Chris of putting up more videos, etc etc. to help out inexperienced users.

That's ok though... it's just a healthy exchange of opinions and suggestions. We keep it civil and respectful.

 

[slimnib]

I am not a pro. I do not want to buy a product and waste it leaning how it works. If the manfacturer wants me to experiment in order to learn how to use it let them sent me some free samples.

After reading all the exchanges on the thread, I have decided to keep far way from these types of products.

Also the response by the manfacturer, was not what I would considered customer friendly

 

[sportscarhiatus]

I am not a pro. I do not want to buy a product and waste it leaning how it works. If the manfacturer wants me to experiment in order to learn how to use it let them sent me some free samples.

After reading all the exchanges on the thread, I have decided to keep far way from these types of products.

Also the response by the manfacturer, was not what I would considered customer friendly

Slim... please don't overreact to all these discussions on this thread. I am not a pro either, nor do I advertise for Optimum, etc....

Bottomline, OC is not necessarily DIFFICULT to use, it's just "different". Just like when we first learned how to use a DA. Learning curves.

Also, don't worry about "wasting" product. Even after I had to redo a few panels, I still only used FOUR CC's total, on an entire car. For $60 bucks for 20cc's, for PERMANENT coverage??? that is a STEAL.

Again, the benefits OC gives, IMO, is worth the little bit of trial and error. I know I only have it on my car for 4 days, but I am already very very impressed by it. Also, look at other folks who have had it on their cars for almost a year if not more.

As far as Chris's response, please cut him some slack. There have been NUMEROUS threads on this new product. And Chris has spent HOURS upon HOURS responding to the SAME questions over and over again. I have to admit even I was guilty of asking him some questions he saw before. Optimum makes some great products just like many of our other favorites (Pinnacle, Wolfgang, Menzerna, Meguiar's, etc). At least Optimum has taken the time to actually respond to various customers in open forums like these..... at times, even Dr. G has responded.

So again, I urge you to change your point of view a little bit, and be willing to try new products because you never know what breakthrough products lurk just around the corner.

 

[CEE DOG]

Slim... please don't overreact to all these discussions on this thread. I am not a pro either, nor do I advertise for Optimum, etc....

Bottomline, OC is not necessarily DIFFICULT to use, it's just "different". Just like when we first learned how to use a DA. Learning curves.

Also, don't worry about "wasting" product. Even after I had to redo a few panels, I still only used FOUR CC's total, on an entire car. For $60 bucks for 20cc's, for PERMANENT coverage??? that is a STEAL.

Again, the benefits OC gives, IMO, is worth the little bit of trial and error. I know I only have it on my car for 4 days, but I am already very very impressed by it. Also, look at other folks who have had it on their cars for almost a year if not more.

As far as Chris's response, please cut him some slack. There have been NUMEROUS threads on this new product. And Chris has spent HOURS upon HOURS responding to the SAME questions over and over again. I have to admit even I was guilty of asking him some questions he saw before. Optimum makes some great products just like many of our other favorites (Pinnacle, Wolfgang, Menzerna, Meguiar's, etc). At least Optimum has taken the time to actually respond to various customers in open forums like these..... at times, even Dr. G has responded.

So again, I urge you to change your point of view a little bit, and be willing to try new products because you never know what breakthrough products lurk just around the corner.

Extremely well said! :iagree:

But not to discount Slim... In all honesty Slim is right about the tone but based on all of my dealings with Dr. G and Chris I wouldn't take offense to it. Chris is frustrated (for the reasons just mentioned) and it comes through in his writing but he doesn't intend to sound the way it's coming off. When you put as much effort as he has into something and get negative comments it's hard to remain objective. It's like someone telling you your child is ugly.

The point on how accessible Dr. G makes himself is a HUGE point and he is one of the most fact based non bs people I have met in the industry. Being the actual engineer of the product rather than a sales man is something special and anybody who has dealt with him has a high opinion of him and the products he creates.

 

[Chris Thomas]

I am not a pro. I do not want to buy a product and waste it leaning how it works. If the manfacturer wants me to experiment in order to learn how to use it let them sent me some free samples.

After reading all the exchanges on the thread, I have decided to keep far way from these types of products.

Also the response by the manfacturer, was not what I would considered customer friendly

If you were wanting to try the product, but don't feel comfortable...all you have to do is find an installer. After all, this product was pro only for the last 3-4 years. Also, no one is asking you to experiment. I don't mean to oversimplify, but someone not only had to show you how to dress, cook, drive, etc at some point, but you also had to practice it and coating application is no different. I consider a two-three panel learning curve pretty darn good for this type of product...but, granted: it ain't for everyone and we don't market it as such.

As far as turning you off by my exchange with gmck, you'd just have to know him and our conversation history. I never come off that blunt with someone I haven't spoken to before. He and I are just blunt with each other and actually I appreciate his candor and I hope he does mine. He seems to me to be no nonsense, so I respond in like manner.

 

[gmck]

Chris,

By your logic, a properly produced video could magically impart all the knowledge that even pros had to practice a few times to perfect. I'm sorry, but that's ridiculous.

Ridiculous!! - sorry to disagree. I would have thought that a professional instructional video could convey just a tad more information than the single instruction found on the Opti-Coat syringe “Apply to a foam pad and wipe on exterior automotive surfaces”.

I have to say I don’t understand why OPT and Dr. G wouldn’t be prepared to make a professional video with Mike Phillips when you consider that that Dr. G did exactly that with Mike Phillips for both Optimum Hyper Compound and Optimum Hyper Polish.

I find it difficult to follow the logic that it was deemed necessary to instruct about the usage of OHC and OHP, but not for the usage of Opti-Coat. Automotive polishes have been around for a 100 years and therefore I doubt that the usual audience actually needed much guidance in the use of those two products. Opti-Coat, a truly revolutionary new product on the other hand has been around for 5 minutes, yet you seem to consider it unnecessary to instruct in its usage.

This forum, your own forum and other forums all contain many threads that indicate that Opti-Coat is difficult/tricky (you choose the word) to apply. Therefore common sense would indicate that the product needs instructional help.

I think the video count is now at 4. Detail Fest, your video, Garry Deans and Raskys. However for various reasons none of them could be considered professional, nor do most of them discuss the potential problems a new user could encounter. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure most here appreciated the effort you and the other guys have put in to produce the videos, but in my opinion they still totally miss the mark when it comes to a new user. Rasky’s is perhaps the best because his lighting setup did at least reveal the streaking/flashing of the product. However Rasky is a man of very few words and therefore the viewer is left to contemplate what the streaking is about. None of the videos discuss or demonstrate the consequence of incorrect usage.

Even if I were there to instruct you in person it would take a couple of panels for you to get it down...so I'm not sure why anyone would ever expect to watch a video and be able to do the first panel flawlessly

I consider a two-three panel learning curve pretty darn good for this type of product...

I do agree that anyone using Opti-Coat for the first time will probably get it right by the third panel. However, that is the problem. Do you really expect the new user to have to go through the stuff up of the first or second panel as most new users seem to experience? Sportscarhiatus in this thread stated “Disgusted and annoyed, since there is no way I am living with those streaks...” No sane manufacturer of any product would like to observe comments such as those about their product, especially when such a simple solution as a video demonstrating the correct usage and discussion of potential problems would completely eliminate the potential screw up.

Mike Phillips is an extremely skillful presenter as well as being an expert in matters relating to automotive detailing. I’d feel very confident in his ability, in conjunction with Dr G to produce a video that truly demonstrates just how easy Opti-Coat is to apply correctly.

I feel a disclaimer is necessary to my comments because obviously some users here have totally misinterpreted my remarks. I’m a very satisfied user of Opti-Coat. I’ve now completed many flawless Opti-Coat applications and have no application concerns. I believe that Opti-Coat is all that it claims to be and would highly recommend it to any of the fence sitters out there.

To anyone who has any concerns about Chris’s attitude to my comments – please forget it. I feel for the guy because these Opti-Coat discussions are enough to cause anyone some frustration.

 

[RaskyR1]

My original intention was to do a
voice over on the video but I simply do not have the time right now. Had this thread not been started I likely wouldn't have posted it at all.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[sportscarhiatus]

My original intention was to do a
voice over on the video but I simply do not have the time right now. Had this thread not been started I likely wouldn't have posted it at all.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I guess that's a big thanks to ME?!?!?!? Im the MAN

LOL... I kid I kid.... thanks for the vids, Rasky. Those will help out a lot of the forum members.

 

[Chris Thomas]

I do agree that anyone using Opti-Coat for the first time will probably get it right by the third panel. However, that is the problem. Do you really expect the new user to have to go through the stuff up of the first or second panel as most new users seem to experience? Sportscarhiatus in this thread stated “Disgusted and annoyed, since there is no way I am living with those streaks...” No sane manufacturer of any product would like to observe comments such as those about their product, especially when such a simple solution as a video demonstrating the correct usage and discussion of potential problems would completely eliminate the potential screw up.

To anyone who has any concerns about Chris’s attitude to my comments – please forget it. I feel for the guy because these Opti-Coat discussions are enough to cause anyone some frustration.

First we're not selling it OTC at Autozone and second we do not recommend anyone to buy it that does not have the ability to machine polish in case they need to repair. So there is no need create instructions and video productions to accommodate entry level enthusiasts. I do agree that Mike would do a great job with a video, but those videos aren't just for instruction. They have aired on TV and I'm not sure Opticoat would be appropriate for that audience.

You have Optiguard anyway, the instruction are more in depth on all new shipments of Opticoat 2.0 and are readily available on the Optimum forums and I've already explained that the over site was due to a debut deadline at Detailfest.

And, just to add to what gmck said about my replies to him. I have a habit of personality mirroring and I know I can be direct with him because he is direct with me. And in the end, if we disagree, we can still move forward with no hard feelings. I can assure you all that I am not frustrated by your questions, even the repeat ones, and will always do my best to help. We've all had jobs we don't like, but this is certainly not one of those. I love detailing, teaching, and helping anyone who wants to learn something I happen to know about.

 

[sportscarhiatus]

Oc update!!!

OC has been on the car now for 5 days. It's been through 2 rainfalls now, and today's rainfall was torrential. It has been raining non-stop since yesterday afternoon.

Anyways, I was delighted driving it in the rain today. Again, my eyes were glued to my hood (yes, I was still keeping my eyes on the road... lol). But I must stick to what I said before, I have never seen water flying/rolling off my hood like that. I really wish I put this stuff on my windshield. I will do that next.

Upon parking, still in the rain, I was able to snap some shots of the trunk and hood to show you the beading.... again, proof that I DO have OC on my paint Im the MAN despite the slightly "different" way of applying (similar to Corey [CEEDOG])... see previous pages for further details.

Needless to say, I am seriously impressed. For a daily driver, this is a definite must. I might have to put this stuff on our minivan.

 

[gmck]

So there is no need create instructions and video productions to accommodate entry level enthusiasts.

Yes that is obvious and not relevant because those users would probably not own a suitable polisher.

The target market for Opti-Coat is exactly the same as the target market for either Optimum Hyper Compound and Optimum Hyper Polish, therefore a video demonstration of the application of Opti-Coat would be equally suitable to the same audience whether that audience is for TV or otherwise. Whoever is interested in the two polishes would also be just as interested in Opti-Coat. If you polish it, you must protect it.

I'm using Opti-Coat 2.0, not Opti-Guard. No other instructions other than the lame instruction on the syringe.

 

[Chris Thomas]

Yes that is obvious and not relevant because those users would probably not own a suitable polisher.

The target market for Opti-Coat is exactly the same as the target market for either Optimum Hyper Compound and Optimum Hyper Polish, therefore a video demonstration of the application of Opti-Coat would be equally suitable to the same audience whether that audience is for TV or otherwise. Whoever is interested in the two polishes would also be just as interested in Opti-Coat. If you polish it, you must protect it.

I'm using Opti-Coat 2.0, not Opti-Guard. No other instructions other than the lame instruction on the syringe.

Well, you are certainly entitled to your opinion. Please accept my apologies for the "lame" packaging and my mistake about which product you were using. Best regards!

 

[CEE DOG]

Re: Oc update!!!

......I can assure you all that I am not frustrated by your questions, even the repeat ones, and will always do my best to help. We've all had jobs we don't like, but this is certainly not one of those. I love detailing, teaching, and helping anyone who wants to learn something I happen to know about.

Chris, my apologies. I shouldn't have assumed or put my nose in on that. That was the way it came off. Sorry about that.

Upon parking, still in the rain, I was able to snap some shots of the trunk and hood to show you the beading....

Nice pics!! OC has some awesome beading and sheeting abilities!! I was looking out the window at work at my Green SL when it was raining a week or two ago and it's crazy! Even when it's raining the beads are super spherical.

 

[LilJayV10]

This is an old thread I know. I found it by searching for opti coat cure times. I OC'd a black Escalade this afternoon and was going to give it back to the owner but it started raining/sleeting and the roads have been salty. I told him I would let it set up over night before driving it in these conditions. Any input on this?

Also, I don't see how putting an "X" on that yellow pad is enough to prime it. When I do just the "X" the pad squeaks/drags till I add, what I think think is a lot, of product to the pad. However when I get done I haven't used very much product at all, about 10cc for just the paint on the Escalade.

I agree there is a learning curve with OC but I have to say, out of all the products I use and things I offer people get most excited about OC. It's the full correction I require before hand they don't like.

 

[quantim0]

Since this just popped up I'll ask my question here vs starting a new thread.

My gf just got a black car and the issue I am most concerned with is waterspot etching. Here in FL during the summer, it will rain every day for a little bit, then go back to baking heat and full sun. That will burn in waterspots on a black car almost immediately. The car is garage kept, but sits outside at work for 8 hrs a day.

Will OC be able to prevent waterspotting on the car during the summer months? From what I have read, the answer seems to be yes, but I haven't seen this addressed specifically.

 

[mackey]

i like OC2.0. only problem is it needs a month to cure to full harness and for the enthusiasts, its hard to wait that month. lol