Need some automotive advice

[Fuzz AI]

I know there probably a few car enthusiasts on the forum and I'm looking for some advice re paint protection. I'm wondering if anyone has had any experience using a product called Opti-Guard? (consumer grade version is called Opti-Coat)

It's a ceramic clear coat, similar to the one Merc use, that has a "life time" guarantee. I'm a little sceptical (okay, that's a lie, I'm really sceptical) about the guarantee, but there's no caveats like having yearly inspections or using their products to wash the car to avoid voiding the warranty. Reviews I've read seem to be pretty positive, but I'd like to get the straight skinny from my fellow BOTL.

[ramon_cojones]

avoid at all cost

[Fuzz AI]

avoid at all cost

Any reason why?

[Fuzz AI]

The dealership doesn't bother with after sales paint protection, tint, leather protection, etc. The coupe was detailed by the dealer with the usual waxing , but I want to protect the paintwork with a sealant. The salesman suggested I look at Opti-Guard as that is what he used on his personal vehicle.

[sblevit]

Why not use a clear wrap if your concerned about the paint. I've done it on my Maserati and it worked great. Really protects against scratches and scrapes.

[Fuzz AI]

Had the 3M Stone Guard on my Saab 9-3 and I'll never go that way again. While it looks great when it is new, it looks like utter crud after a few years, and that's with me looking after it. Any water beads will will marr the film over time (forget leaving it parked in the sun after a brief rain shower) and it really doesn't work against mutant bird droppings. Coped one on the bonnet (partly on the film and on the paintwork), washed it off within 1 hour, but by that time it had already eaten into the film. The sealant I had on the paintwork stood up to the dropping far better. Didn't leave any visible marks.

[jay8354]

Man, what is the problem these days when your mate can't even pickup the phone or email you about his car.

Mate, come over and we can talk!

[audio1der]

Sounds too good to be true.

There are too many good sealants out there (Klasse, Poorboys, Zaino...) which work VERY effectively with only a yearly application.

Warning- the product a dealer's detailer uses contains many fillers. your paint may well not be in the pristine condition you beleive it is, which is important prior to appying a quality sealant.

[lostsoulcamero]

Spend the money on a yearly detail a full detail

[Tan1801]

I assume this is from Optimum car care products?

If so, I would say go for it. I used to use Optimum Car Wax, and it was awesome even though it was a spray on.

I wouldn't trust it for a 'lifetime guarantee' though. I would say it would need a yearly coat, at most I would leave it for 2 years before a re-coat.

EDIT:

Actually thinking about it, I am thinking about opti-seal.

I've used it and its good. Not sure about the coat/guard though.

I have been quite happy with the Optimum products.

So yearly I would clay bar, cleanse the paintwork, polish, and seal.

[El Presidente]

Had the 3M Stone Guard on my Saab 9-3 and I'll never go that way again. While it looks great when it is new, it looks like utter crud after a few years,

...that was the car Fuzz

[Fuzz AI]

Man, what is the problem these days when your mate can't even pickup the phone or email you about his car.

Mate, come over and we can talk!

Sorry dude, totally forgot. I'll give Matt a cal right away!

[Fuzz AI]

...that was the car Fuzz

and me too, but that's not the point...

[Fuzz AI]

I assume this is from Optimum car care products?

If so, I would say go for it. I used to use Optimum Car Wax, and it was awesome even though it was a spray on.

I wouldn't trust it for a 'lifetime guarantee' though. I would say it would need a yearly coat, at most I would leave it for 2 years before a re-coat.

EDIT:

Actually thinking about it, I am thinking about opti-seal.

I've used it and its good. Not sure about the coat/guard though.

I have been quite happy with the Optimum products.

So yearly I would clay bar, cleanse the paintwork, polish, and seal.

It actually is one of their products. Opti-Coat is the consumer grade product and Opti-Guard is for professional detailers only.

Thanks for the advice guys, looks like I need to do a bit more research. I'll probably go for the Opti-Guard in the end as it does appear to be a very good product. I'll still do a yearly clay bar and wax, but I wanted something a bit more durable underneath.

[Tan1801]

It actually is one of their products. Opti-Coat is the consumer grade product and Opti-Guard is for professional detailers only.

Thanks for the advice guys, looks like I need to do a bit more research. I'll probably go for the Opti-Guard in the end as it does appear to be a very good product. I'll still do a yearly clay bar and wax, but I wanted something a bit more durable underneath.

hmmm........just reading around about it, seems like most places require you to go back to them for a yearly service on the Opti-Guard.

Also you should confirm with them that a clay bar (assuming you clay bar yearly) won't remove the Opti-Guard.

I think ZAS car detailing are the distributors of Opti-Guard in Australia (although they don't sell it to the general public)

[ZinZan]

I use similar protective tint, you'll have to change it yearly. It helps a lot with the chip and stone marks.