[sbourne]

Just had a professional detail shop (not the dealership) apply Opti Coat to my entire car, wheels, etc. (Helps a lot when you want to control brake dust.) Absolutely brilliant shine that protects. I saw a demo at SEMA a few years ago where they poured latex paint on a hood covered with Opti Coat and the paint wiped right off. This is expensive and needs to be applied correctly but when you get it done right nothing makes your car look better.

I'd share pics but there's no way a photo can do it justice. Also note if you ever want something like this do it AFTER you install XPEL or other protective coatings because if you use the Opti Coat first it has to be removed and re-applyed after the XPEL because the XPEL won't stick to it.

Well worth the expense (IMO) because my hot red Camaro looks better than new.

[Glen e]

Lots of us have used coatings, just search a bit. Its a great alternative to "washing and waxing"....

[sbourne]

Originally Posted by Glen e

Lots of us have used coatings, just search a bit. Its a great alternative to "washing and waxing"....

Not sure why I need to search that - merely wanted to express my opinion.

[MCatucci]

Does washing and waxing/sealing offer similar protection if you do it often enough or does the Opti-Coat really raise the level of protection? For me detailing is sort of like a hobby and I enjoy it very much. I'd be torn to get this if it means I cannot get out there on the weekend and work on the car trying to make it look better than the last effort. Crystal Seal has really raised the level for me and makes my car look like a show piece. By the way, thank you Glen for that recommendation! I'm under the impression with Opti-Coat I would no longer be able to use that product.

[cleoent]

Originally Posted by MCatucci

Does washing and waxing/sealing offer similar protection if you do it often enough or does the Opti-Coat really raise the level of protection? For me detailing is sort of like a hobby and I enjoy it very much. I'd be torn to get this if it means I cannot get out there on the weekend and work on the car trying to make it look better than the last effort. Crystal Seal has really raised the level for me and makes my car look like a show piece. By the way, thank you Glen for that recommendation! I'm under the impression with Opti-Coat I would no longer be able to use that product.

You'd be correct. If you enjoy the sealing/waxing process, coatings are not for you as a coating replaces that.

Some coatings, like opticoat, can actually have a carnuba wax on top, but most (including IMO opticoat) dont need it. Some actually will void the warranty, or implicitly state NOT to use a wax over them.