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Applied Opti-Coat 2.0 to my paint

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by The Critic, Sep 24, 2013.

  1. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    I just finished applying Opti-Coat 2.0 to my 2011. Although my car had been well-maintained with a coat of paint sealant every 6-8 weeks, I decided to upgrade to a permanent paint coating in order to reduce maintenance. The Opti-Coat 2.0 product is designed to be a permanent coating that can only be removed with an aggressive compound - it cannot be chemically removed.

    Prior to applying the coating, the paint was thoroughly washed, de-contaminated and given a one-step polish. I would have done a two-step correction on certain areas, but I was trying to preserve as much of the clearcoat as possible. Overall, I attained between 60-80% correction on most panels so I am fairly satisfied with the improvement. The total time spent was about 11 hours.

    What was done:

    - Wheel faces and barrels were cleaned with Eagle One Aluminum Wheel Cleaner
    - Initial car wash was done with Meguiars Gold Class, grit-guard and P&S Wash Mitt
    - Nanoskin Auto Scrub Wash Mitt (med-grade) was used to remove the bonded contaminants
    - Iron-X Paste was used for the removal of embedded iron deposits
    - Polish was done using a Flex 3401XRG and HD Polish. Uber Green, LC Orange and Meguiars Yellow polishing pads were used.
    - Final wash was done by soaking the entire car in Optimum Power Clean (diluted 1:1) to remove any polishing oils leftover in order to allow for proper bonding of Opti-Coat 2.0.
    - Opti-Coat 2.0 was applied to all painted surfaces
    - Menzerna Power Lock was applied to the clear bra
    - Tires were dressed with Optimum Opti-Bond

    Here are some pictures that were taken with my iPhone. I do not have another camera so I apologize for the lack of detail.

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    On this particular panel, it came out near-perfect after several passes with HD Polish:

    [​IMG]

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    So far, I have only found one high spot from my application of the Opti-Coat 2.0. Hopefully I won't find too many more. Dealing with high spots is the most challenging part of the application process.

    I will post some pictures of the water beading once I wash the car in a week or two.
     
    #1 The Critic, Sep 24, 2013
    fotomoto, F8L, edthefox5 and 1 other person like this.
  2. 2k1Toaster

    2k1Toaster Brand New Prius Batteries

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    Looks great. Definitely something to consider doing to a new car.
     
    #2 2k1Toaster, Sep 24, 2013
  3. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    I did mine about 6 months ago and it is still beading like it did at the beginning. Quite frankly, this stuff is amazing. It doesn't have the slick feel like a waxed/sealed car but the water just keeps on beading. I still follow up each hand wash with a spray detailer just for added gloss.

    I've already got a second syringe of opticoat 2.0 ready to go once my Prius v comes in in a few weeks.

    Oh, and their opti-glass, while pricey, works quite well too. Yes, it's just like rain-x, but it lasts far longer without having to use the rain-x stuff in your washer fluid to reapply every so often. I did this 6 months ago as well and with nothing else used but plain blue cheap washer fluid it's still going strong. They claim about a year out of it.
     
    #3 Paradox, Sep 24, 2013
    The Critic likes this.
  4. DadofHedgehog

    DadofHedgehog Active Member

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    +1 on both products. Clay-barring helps greatly as prep.
     
    #4 DadofHedgehog, Sep 24, 2013
  5. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    That's beautiful Critic. I have a syringe also but cannot find anyone to apply it. May do it myself. Apprehensive about that as it can't be fixed easily if you mess it up.
     
    #5 edthefox5, Sep 24, 2013
  6. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    I'm also around the 6+month time frame with similar results. I power spray (1600psi)/hand wash on average about every two weeks so its had quite a workout.


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    Really makes the tri-coat POP.

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    I applied mine when the paint was about 6 weeks old. Three hand washes, clay bar, fine scratch remover, didn't need a polish, 3M wax remover, and then the opti-coat 2.0

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    I even did the side windows and all trim since I had some left over. It's not recommended to apply on windshields as the wipers will eventually rub it off.

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    Thumbs up!
     
    #6 fotomoto, Sep 24, 2013
    F8L likes this.
  7. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    My color is very similar to yours and it certainly does make it pop, its just amazing. Using Chemical Guys Hybrid V7 spray sealant/quick detailer REALLY makes it look unbelievable in person and the slickness it adds, just wow... Worth the extra 5 minutes after drying to use it IMO.

    Did you do your rims as well? I did the rims and it is still going strong on there as well. The brake dust come off much less effortlessly with the Opticoat on there as well.
     
    #7 Paradox, Sep 24, 2013
  8. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    No, I didn't have enough left to do the wheels; would have been tough too getting to all those spokes unlike your 5 spoke design. Because of the pad compound and regen braking (97% lifetime score on the brake coach), I don't get any buildup on them other than dirt.
     
    #8 fotomoto, Sep 24, 2013
  9. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    I hear ya' and although I had about 1/3 of a syringe left I can see how you'd use it up, I mean it looks like there is more paint to have to cover on your ride and doing all those spokes on your rims would be a pain...

    My rims are 5 spoke but they're not the 'standard' Volt rims, I went with the sport ones. Many don't like them but we know what opinions are like lol.

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    #9 Paradox, Sep 24, 2013
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