| picus |
07-27-2012 11:36 PM |
Quote:
Originally Posted by jarviz
(Post 343242)
I got my car opti-coated but was wondering if there is a way to tell - not that I'm questioning the installers.
How can I tell if it's still there over time? Does it feel different than the reg paint? I heard that opti-coat can be scrubbed off during washing or even rocks.
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Heya. I've applied OC to ~100 cars now over 4 years; generally speaking the easiest way to tell is beading after it's clean. The "after" part is important since when the surface is dirty it won't bead. As an example, I live on a dirt road and after ~3 days the lower part of my car won't bead. After a simple wash it beads like nuts. OC should always have some sort of beading even if it's indistinct. If you're noticing panels that aren't beading/sheeting try to clean them well (a good wash and maybe ab apc or ironx); if OC is still there the beading should return.
Feel is another way, but that can be tough since OC can pick up contamination.
RE: scrubbed off... I first applied OC to my fathers car just over four years ago. He is horrible at maintaining it (go dad), he will basically go touchless or wash himself (poorly), or occasionally go through a soft cloth. The car is parked outdoors. I washed it ~4 weeks ago and aside from some water spots on the roof it was still beading as well as when I applied OC. I am not saying you couldn't abrade OC off (you can, I have), but it takes quite a bit of abrasion. Via washes/rocks/etc I think it would take quite a long time, like 5+ years. Luckily even if it is removed somehow it can be re-applied fairly easily if you have experience with it. Of the ~100 cars I've applied to none have had issues with degradation, but if they were to I would just re-apply free of charge. |
