Optimum Opti-Lens Headlight Coating - What YOU Should Know
- Thread starter Nick McKees37
- Start date
Folks, here are some answers from Dr. G about opti-lens:
1. Is 10ml sized for one car pair of headlights?
A: 10 ml is enough for 5-10 sets of headlight depending on how thick you apply it.
2. Is there a shelf life to the product, i.e does it expire?
A: Opti-Lens has an indefinite shelf life as long as it is not exposed to moisture.
3. How much durability can be expected with a single application of Opti-Lens to an outdoor vehicle daily driver, brand new, stock/OEM lens?
A: Opti-Lens bonds permanently to lens and can only be removed by polishing.
4. If the main goal is to prevent the yellowing from ever occuring, would you layer the product, or re-apply every x months?
A: Some headlights are very prone to yellowing. You can layer Opti-Lens Coating to get a thicker film build and greater UV protection in those cases.
5. Can a client tell that opti-lens is on the car, or not - how does one tell - by feel, look, or beading for instance? And can one discern that opti-lens is degrading?
A. You can tell by the feel, the ease of cleaning, and clarity of the lens over time.
6. Is it optically clear?
A: Yes
7. Does IPA remove Opti-Lens? If I had to remove Opti-Lens what chemical product would do it?
A: IPA does not remove this coating. In order to remove Opti-Lens Coating, you would need to use a paint removers or by abrasion.
Thank you!
1. Is 10ml sized for one car pair of headlights?
A: 10 ml is enough for 5-10 sets of headlight depending on how thick you apply it.
2. Is there a shelf life to the product, i.e does it expire?
A: Opti-Lens has an indefinite shelf life as long as it is not exposed to moisture.
3. How much durability can be expected with a single application of Opti-Lens to an outdoor vehicle daily driver, brand new, stock/OEM lens?
A: Opti-Lens bonds permanently to lens and can only be removed by polishing.
4. If the main goal is to prevent the yellowing from ever occuring, would you layer the product, or re-apply every x months?
A: Some headlights are very prone to yellowing. You can layer Opti-Lens Coating to get a thicker film build and greater UV protection in those cases.
5. Can a client tell that opti-lens is on the car, or not - how does one tell - by feel, look, or beading for instance? And can one discern that opti-lens is degrading?
A. You can tell by the feel, the ease of cleaning, and clarity of the lens over time.
6. Is it optically clear?
A: Yes
7. Does IPA remove Opti-Lens? If I had to remove Opti-Lens what chemical product would do it?
A: IPA does not remove this coating. In order to remove Opti-Lens Coating, you would need to use a paint removers or by abrasion.
Thank you!
Chris Thomas
Optimum Guru
- Dec 21, 2007
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Polish is the minimum prep. Yes you can layer.
Setec Astronomy
Well-known member
- Aug 31, 2010
- 17,051
- 1,346
If you already have Opti-Coat 2.0 on a lens, does it need to be removed? Or just a light polish? As far as Opti-Lens layering, is there a window for that? It has been mentioned that OC 2.0 has a rather long curing time (months) and that it can only be layered before it is fully cured. So is there some sort of min/max time after Opti-Lens application that the layering must occur?
I'm not asking this stuff to be a jerk, I'm thinking of real world. I have a set of headlights that I sanded the failed factory coating off of. I applied Opti-Coat 2.0, and after 9-12 months they start to yellow. Last time this happened I applied M105/205 and recoated. So maybe Opti-Lens is going to last 2-3 times that long...I would want to reapply before the yellowing occurs, after 2 years can I do a light polish and recoat? Or does it have to be layered/recoated before it is fully cured? Which means you'd have to go back over it pretty soon after the original application.
I'm also guessing you will give us your standard scolding
about that these products are permanent and layering isn't doing much for us. 
FUNX650
New member
- Dec 1, 2010
- 21,057
- 1
Hi miltonlin...:welcome:...to AGO.
The way I look at it:
The more 'Opti-Lens-information' the better...BUT:
If I may so ask...
-From whence does the above Opti-Lens information come from.
-Are you a "credentialed", or an "accredited" spokesperson for Optimum Polymer Technologies.
(Emphasis on quotation marks)
Thanks.
Thanks for the information Chris!
Bob
The responses came from Dr. G e-mail to me. I originally posed the questions in optimum forum but did not get a response. Then in e-mailing optimum, I got e-mail response.
Even though I have tried and still use many Optimum products, I'm in no way affiliated with Optimum. Little frustrating by the lack of information out there for Opti-Lens as usually a google search will do, but there really isn't much information out probably due to the newness. I was delighted to share this info in a thread as I received it.
Take it for what it is of course.
Even though I have tried and still use many Optimum products, I'm in no way affiliated with Optimum. Little frustrating by the lack of information out there for Opti-Lens as usually a google search will do, but there really isn't much information out probably due to the newness. I was delighted to share this info in a thread as I received it.
Take it for what it is of course.
Do you recommend polishing even if there is no discoloration? Info so, any specific polish recommended?
Chris Thomas
Optimum Guru
- Dec 21, 2007
- 1,824
- 0
I'm sorry you didn't get a timely reply on the forum. There is a full description and directions in the store section. Those replies are from Dr. G (the chemist who makes the coatings and CEO of OPT)...so they are dead on. Thanks for sharing the info here. It will be more readily available as time passes.
Yes...if only to microscuff and clean the surface in preparation for the coating. the better your prep, the better your results! Im the MAN
no_mulligan
New member
- Mar 27, 2013
- 3
- 0
What prep needs to done on a new car? Do you even recommend applying on a new car?
POPPAJ
If the "sandblasted look" is what it sounds like... light road rash on the surface... then I would say the coating will help fill/hide it. But if the pitting is bad, don't expect miracles... it's not what it's designed to do and typically I would say the coating doesn't do much to hide defects or enhance the finish. Having said that, it does help, especially if it's layed on thick or multiple coats.
I don't ever inspect my work with lights on, though... so keep that in mind. Who stares at headlights when they are on?
EDIT:
Maybe I'm reading it wrong, but I just noticed it sounds like you are asking about applying the coating and THEN wetsanding it?
If you are going to remove the defects, you would wetsand the lens and compound/polish it out clear. Then apply the coating as a final step. My initial reply was referring to how the coating might help without any sanding/restoration process.
If the "sandblasted look" is what it sounds like... light road rash on the surface... then I would say the coating will help fill/hide it. But if the pitting is bad, don't expect miracles... it's not what it's designed to do and typically I would say the coating doesn't do much to hide defects or enhance the finish. Having said that, it does help, especially if it's layed on thick or multiple coats.
I don't ever inspect my work with lights on, though... so keep that in mind. Who stares at headlights when they are on?
EDIT:
Maybe I'm reading it wrong, but I just noticed it sounds like you are asking about applying the coating and THEN wetsanding it?
If you are going to remove the defects, you would wetsand the lens and compound/polish it out clear. Then apply the coating as a final step. My initial reply was referring to how the coating might help without any sanding/restoration process.
Last edited:
would you be able to apply this to the interior? if not, will there be a interior coating in the future?
as we know the interior plastic panels (i.e. dash) are also bombarded with UV radiation, though not as intensely with today's windshields that have some UV protection but they do become brittle over time from this and the intense heat when parked in the sun for extended periods. would this prevent or slow the degradation process?
i've already OC'd my lenses and contemplating whether to get 303 protectant or if possible, OL instead and use a diluted APC or ONR to wipe clean. though if it adds gloss, as a lens coating may, i'll steer away since i'm not a fan of glossy interiors.
as we know the interior plastic panels (i.e. dash) are also bombarded with UV radiation, though not as intensely with today's windshields that have some UV protection but they do become brittle over time from this and the intense heat when parked in the sun for extended periods. would this prevent or slow the degradation process?
i've already OC'd my lenses and contemplating whether to get 303 protectant or if possible, OL instead and use a diluted APC or ONR to wipe clean. though if it adds gloss, as a lens coating may, i'll steer away since i'm not a fan of glossy interiors.
spiralout462
New member
- Dec 14, 2012
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Setec Astronomy
Well-known member
- Aug 31, 2010
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Let's not forget Wolfgang Cockpit Trim Sealant.
Chris Thomas
Optimum Guru
- Dec 21, 2007
- 1,824
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A new car is the best application for any coating. A optimum Finish or Polish II is the minimum prep.
Did I miss the answer to my question?
Opti-Lens does not fill nor hide; It is pure protection. Prep to your satisfaction before applying. One thing worth noting is that Opti-Lens will prevent yellowing, oxidation, and remain hydrophobic on the "outside" of the lens. Any wear or damage to the inside would still remain.
Opti-Lens can be applied to plastic trim with very good restorative results, but would be too glossy for interior trim (arguably). We currently offer Opti-Guard Leather/Vinyl to professionals for interior applications. It offers protection from contact and transfer with added muting agents to maintain a factory clean appearance.
quiksilver_ben3
New member
- Sep 12, 2012
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GRrrr... So, I did my headlights and it decided to rain. I know, I know. "Didn't I know it was going to rain?":bash:
After reading up on the Optimum forum... found out it's okay to get wet an hour after application. (Not lucky, in my case...)
Also, got an answer to another of my questions.
It can be layered, but is recommended to wait a couple of days.
I Really wish this was listed on the directions or descriptions...
Guess I'll be redoing this in a few days.
After reading up on the Optimum forum... found out it's okay to get wet an hour after application. (Not lucky, in my case...)
Also, got an answer to another of my questions.
It can be layered, but is recommended to wait a couple of days.
I Really wish this was listed on the directions or descriptions...
Guess I'll be redoing this in a few days.
WRXINXS
New member
- Dec 5, 2011
- 1,280
- 0
Should this be done by hand or machine? Would the headlights look hazed after using Optimum Finish Polish on them?
Setec Astronomy
Well-known member
- Aug 31, 2010
- 17,051
- 1,346
I hope Chris doesn't mind me answering for him, but it's not to scuff, just to get a clean surface for bonding. And I hope OFP doesn't leave hazing, why would it? Machine would be easier, but I don't see why you couldn't do it by hand.