[VADERZL1]

This is the first black car I have owned and already starting to see swirls and scratches so decided to try and help with the OPTI coat ceramic. The ZL1 1LE will be driven year round unless snow & ice (VW Beetle Winter Soldier). Running Michelin AS 3+ on it for now. Dropped it off last night for clean and paint correction (heavy orange peel on front fenders) then Opti Coat paint and wheels. Looking forward to easier cleaning of brake dust on the wheels. Will provide updates after car is done.
Installed Valentine One and waiting on Red rev match paddle shifters.

[hawk02]

You’ll be very disappointed if you think the Opticoat will prevent scratches and swirls. I have had SIO2 coatings on my last two Camaros and from my experience, the coatings scratch and swirl just about as easy as the factory clear coat.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m a huge fan of SIO2 coatings. They really do make maintaining the paint finish of your vehicle a whole lot easier. But swirl and scratch protection is not one of their strengths.

[Gunkk]

Agreed, but a hood hydrophobic coating will help reduce the amount of dirt that sticks and help make it easier to clean... which will help reduce, but not prevent, swirls.

To prevent swirls, install a self healing film.

[WhyUMad1LE]

Opticoat/some type of coating is a must for a black car!

[hawk02]

Originally Posted by Gunkk

Agreed, but a hood hydrophobic coating will help reduce the amount of dirt that sticks and help make it easier to clean... which will help reduce, but not prevent, swirls.

To prevent swirls, install a self healing film.

+1

[hawk02]

Film over the entire front, side rockers and rear. SIO2 coating over entire car.

[Gunkk]

Originally Posted by hawk02

Film over the entire front, side rockers and rear. SIO2 coating over entire car.

I have Suntek ultra full front, windshield surround, side rockers and lower doors below the body line, and lower quarters at the rear wheels. Gtechniq crystal serum black and Exo on the entire car. Diluted Reload as a QD.

If I was going to do it again, or if I had black... I would film the entire car and just use Exo on the film. The only ceramic would be on the wheels and grille where film won’t work.

[1970judge]

Originally Posted by WhyUMad1LE

Opticoat/some type of coating is a must for a black car!

Were you about to be attacked by Ducks?

[Can'tHave2MuchHP]

Most ceramic coats are a bit harder than factory clear coats, but if you wash and detail with improper habits it will swirl just like the factory coat. (One bucket, no grit guard, old microfibers, old wash pads, cheap microfibers from Walmart, low slick soaps, or heaven forbid a car wash).

Once you get it back from being paint corrected and coated, the finish SHOULD be 100% or 99.9% perfect. The only way you're going to get maintain that is very careful detailing with good methods.

Two bucket hand wash with grit guards and good microfiber wash pads
High GSM microfiber towels not from Wal-Mart, Sam's Club or Costco.
Good quality car shampoo (Adam's, CarPro, etc.)
And much more, but most importantly watchful eye.

Also, your Ceramic Coating is SiO2. It's not going to agree well with products that are not based on that. So DO NOT use your generic spray waxes, detail spray, paste/liquid wax, or even wash & wax (Like Rain-X shampoo etc.) on it as it will negatively effect the coating's natural hydrophobic properties and clarity. There are products geared directly at taking care of ceramic coatings, use those, and none of your typical detail sprays/waxes/shampoos etc.

Since you already said your factory coat is getting some swirling, I'm guessing your processes are going to need to be worked on.

[hawk02]

For washing a black car, the Esoteric sponge is a must.

[SLO]

subd as I was just researching options this morning

[ZedLOne]

I did the ceramic coat myself using GTechniq EXO v3 and CSL Kit. Also had suntek installed. I like using a pressure washer rinse before I wash to knock all fine particles that might scratch or swirl the surface.

[datboi448]

Originally Posted by ZedLOne

I did the ceramic coat myself using GTechniq EXO v3 and CSL Kit. Also had suntek installed. I like using a pressure washer rinse before I wash to knock all fine particles that might scratch or swirl the surface.

may I ask what pressure washer you use? Ive been looking at some but I keep seeing reviews that the ones sold at hardware stores just arent very high quality and have a lot of issues with either failing or parts wearing out to quick.

[ZedLOne]

Originally Posted by datboi448

may I ask what pressure washer you use? Ive been looking at some but I keep seeing reviews that the ones sold at hardware stores just arent very high quality and have a lot of issues with either failing or parts wearing out to quick.

I use this one i got from Lowe's (Greenworks 2000-PSI 1.2-Gallon-GPM Cold Water Electric Pressure Washer) Had about 1 and half yrs no problem so far.