1. What is OptiCoat?

OptiCoat Pro is a hard wearing, ceramic clear coat for superior resistance to scratching (9H) and protection from chemical etching due to environmental impacts.

The OptiCoat Pro pre-polymer cross links, and forms a continuous protective film on the painted surface it is applied to, similar to a single component isocyanate that forms a clear coat finish.

OptiCoat Pro has better chemical resistance, scratch & mar resistance, and release properties than any automotive paint coating in use. It provides permanent protection for all modern factory paints and can also be used to protect metal and hard plastic surfaces.

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2. Why choose OptiCoat Pro?

OptiCoat Pro is not a paint protection wax or sealant that will wash away, or break down over time. OptiCoat Pro bonds permanently with the factory coating, protecting the surface indefinitely and will not delaminate.

A single layer of Optimum Clear Coating measures approximately 2 microns in thickness. When compared to other paint protection products, OptiCoat Pro is more than 100 times thicker, with tests showing a wax coating measuring less than 0.02 microns.

This allows OptiCoat Pro to effectively absorb damage that would otherwise affect the factory paint layers. Swirl marks and light scratches are not only decreased by the harder Optimum Ceramic Coating, the factory paint is protected and preserved.

OptiCoat Pro is completely resistant to acidic environmental substances such as bird droppings. Unlike your factory clear coating that can be permanently damaged, OptiCoat Pro will not etch or dissolve when in contact with these substances, and a clean, glossy clear coating is maintained.

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3. What are the benefits of applying OptiCoat Pro?

A Superior Clear Coat Film
OptiCoat Pro will provide the owner with a superior clear coat film and the most advanced paint protection product in the marketplace, that is resistant to chemical etching, and harder than factory clear coatings to reduce swirls and scratches

A Permanent Hydrophobic Surface
OptiCoat Pro will provide the owner with a permanent hydrophobic surface that is easier to clean, and stays cleaner for longer!

Improved Resale Value
By maintaining a quality finish using the Optimum Clear Coating, you'll also maintain a solid resale value when it comes time to upgrade to a new vehicle.

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4. How it works?

OptiCoat Pro works by bonding to your factory clear coating and becoming a permanent part of your vehicles paint system. Just like the clear coat bonds to the base coat, OptiCoat Pro bonds chemically to the clear coat.

Initially, the technician will assess the paint work for defects and contamination. All surface contamination and any necessary defects are removed. Once this stage is complete, the paintwork is prepped and cleaned using an alcohol based cleaner and ready for coating.

The Optimum Clear Coating is mostly self leveling. Any high spots are manually leveled by the technician to produce an even coat. Once complete, the surface is touch dry within 30 minutes.

The Optimum Clear Coating continues to cross-link and harden. Within 12 hours it is resistant to liquids such as water and can be driven as normal by the client. OptiCoat Pro will then continue to harden over the next 30 days as it is exposed to heat.

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5. What makes OptiCoat Pro so different from the rest?

The first significant difference is the chemistry. The manufacturer of OptiCoat Pro was a formulator of urethane clear coats for OEM automotive finishes. Dr Ghodoussi explains in technical terms:

"OptiCoat Pro is a pre-polymer that cross links and forms a continuous film on the surfaces it is applied to, similar to a single component isocyanate that forms a clear coat finish. OptiCoat Pro also reacts with the substrate that it is applied to so it will not delaminate"

"As far as the durability, it is similar to urethane clear coats. It will not wash away or break down, however, you can polish it over time ! The hardness starts at 6-7 but will increase over time to 9H as it is exposed to heat. OptiCoat Pro has better chemical resistance, scratch & mar resistance, and release properties than any automotive coating in use."

Translated so we can all understand that - OptiCoat Pro is not a wax, nano or polymer sealant that will degrade over short periods of time. Or a paint protection product that requires a special "soft wash" or pH neutral shampoo to remain on the surface for any extended period of time. It is a permanent, clear coat finish very similar to your factory clear coat, only harder, and with higher resistance to chemical etching.

The second significant difference is the thickness of the coating. A single layer of OptiCoat Pro measures approximately 2 microns in thickness. Or 100 times thicker than your typical wax or sealant measuring in at 0.02 microns.

What this means to your vehicle is that any damage inflicted on the surface is absorbed by the Optimum Coating. This is particularly significant in relation to scratches and swirls in the paintwork that inevitably build up over time. Not only will the OptiCoat Pro resist damage far better than factory finishes, but the coating itself can eventually be removed and reapplied. Preserving your factory coating, and restoring the vehicle to "better than new" condition.

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6. Does OptiCoat Pro come with a warranty?

OptiCoat Pro may be installed with or without a warranty.
Please visit warranty page for warranty details.

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7. What surfaces can OptiCoat Pro be applied to?

• Painted surfaces

• Headlights and taillights

• Wheels

• Hard plastic

• Chrome and aluminum

 

8. How long does OptiCoat Pro take to cure?

• Dry to the touch after 30 minutes

• Can be exposed to water after one hour

• Hand wash after one week (with proper shampoo)

• Chemical resistant after one to two weeks

• Full hardness after approximately 30- 60 days (temperature dependent)

 

9. What instructions should I give to my dealership?

Please instruct your dealership to remove the plastic on the vehicle so you can inspect it. It is imperative that they not wash, wax, or polish the vehicle, or apply any type of dressings or tire shines. Any waxes or oils on the surface may impair Opti- Coat Pro from bonding properly.

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10. Can clear bra/ PPF (paint protection film) be applied on top of OptiCoat Pro?

Yes, paint protection film can be applied over OptiCoat Pro.

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11. Can OptiCoat Pro be applied on fresh paint?

Optimum recommends waiting at least seven days before applying OptiCoat Pro on fresh paint. However, this time period is ultimately determined by the body shop and the type of paint and application process they used.

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12. Do I need any special pH neutral car wash to maintain OptiCoat Pro?

Absolutely not. OptiCoat Pro is not affected by even harsh chemicals let alone any strong car wash or cleaners. 

Be aware of products that claim "up to x amount of years protection" based on washing only with special pH neutral washes. If the protection requires a soft wash to maintain its durability, how can it really be expected to protect your cars finish when it's most needed?

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13. Can I polish OptiCoat Pro?

Yes you can! Unlike other products that will void your warranty, periodic polishing of OptiCoat Pro will actually improve it by removing any embedded contamination. Use only non abrasive polishes. If you are unsure about your polish, speak with your dealer or contact us before using it.

Annual polishing is also a part of your warranty's maintenance plan and will be performed, if required, by your dealer.

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14. Will OptiCoat Pro Prevent Scratches?

No. It won't prevent them completely. But it will provide far superior resistance than any factory coating. It is important to maintain a good washing technique to preserve the coating to its maximum capacity. Should you require assistance, discuss what are the best washing methods with your OptiCoat Pro dealer.

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15. My OptiCoat Pro has been scratched and damaged. What should I do?

Coatings damaged by things such as brushes, abrasive cloths etc. are not covered under warranty. What this means is your dealer, or the distributor cannot be made liable for this damage. However! At your annual service you may elect to have your damaged coating removed via machine. Reapplication of the coating is then free under warranty!

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16. Can I still wax my car?

Yes you can. Although you will find that any additional benefits from your wax will be shorter lived as it will have difficulty bonding to the OptiCoat Pro film and therefore reduce its durability.

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17. What is this ceramic clear coating made from?

Among other ingredients, OptiCoat Pro is based on a material called Carborundum. It is one of the hardest materials in existence, and used to manufacture other products such as ceramic disc brakes and plates in bullet proof vests.

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18. Why do I have to have the coating serviced annually under warranty?

Not everyone cares for their vehicle like you might do. So we cater for the weakest link to ensure the OptiCoat Pro continues to perform to its full potential. An annual service will allow the dealer to clean, and if necessary polish and remove any contamination build up from the coating. This is also an opportunity for the client to have any additional work carried out they wish to request, like removal of old damaged OptiCoat Pro and reapplication.

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19. How much will an OptiCoat Pro service cost?

There will be slight variations from dealer to dealer. You can expect your service costs to be comparable to a basic detail with any additional work charged separately.

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20. What is the difference between Opti Coat Pro and Opti Coat 2.0??

OptiCoat Pro offers more protection against a more varied array of chemicals and contaminants and is a much more concentrated formula. The prepolymer resin used to create OptiCoat Pro is also more expensive and more complicated to manufacture. OptiCoat Pro also ships with a special Primer Polish that prepares the surface for the coating and is not available to non pros. Not to knock OptiCoat 2.0 by any means, but they are not the same at all.

OptiCoat Pro came first and OptiCoat 2.0 is the newer product made specifically for the demand of a consumer version. OptiCoat Pro used to be called "Optimum Coating" (still on the labels)...and was aka "Opti Guard" before that name was set to distinguish the Pro only interior coating.

Neither will "wear" away from washing or with the passing of time. Both would need to be abraded or have a paint remover used on them to be removed. Due to the concentration OptiCoat Pro will be much thicker which can take more damage without penetrating the paint system. Both have their merits....OptiCoat Pro is the Ultimate protection and OptiCoat 2.0 is for the price conscious or the enthusiast. And the look of both can be tuned by topping with any wax or sealant if so desired.

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21. What is a No Rinse Wash?

Optimum No Rinse not just a wash option, it is an active wash technology. The process is not passive like traditional washing where agitating the wash solution carries away dirt while the soap lubricates the surface. This soap and water approach is not as safe as you might think and relies heavily on large amount of rinsing more than the effectiveness or safety of the wash shampoo. And even at double the normal dilution, normal shampoos are mostly providing lubrication alone to try and minimize the potential harm from manual agitation.

GRIME

No Rinse actually emulsifies (separates) grime actively and safely from the surface as you wash. You will sometimes feel this as slimy instead of just wet as ONR breaks down grime to small and edgeless particles. Because the process actively "breaks down" the dirt, it actually can become so small that is absorbed by the fibers of you wash media. At this point, the emulsified dirt is not harmful so when you see the stain...know that it is just No Rinse doing its job.

GRIT

Larger pieces of dirt and sand still get attacked by polymers, but if they resist emulsification the polymers accumulate and encapsulate the particle making it heavier and softening the edges. These larger particles WILL easily release from your wash media and fall quickly to the bottom of you wash bucket.

The dirt that stains your wash media will release with a soap or APC when it comes time to clean it after a wash.