3M paint sealant VS opti-coat

[denverizzles]

Does anyone know what the difference is? Which would you prefer? I can't seem to find a opti-coat detailer in chicago, but have found one that does the 3M paint sealant.

PLEASE HELP!

[denverizzles]

Originally Posted by Mirror Detailing

3m crap is not even in the same zip code, state, country, continent, hemisphere, planet, etc. as Opti-Coat.

Can you explain the main differences? From what I've researched, opti-coat is permanent and 3M is a wax that must be reapplied.

If I were to choose opti-coat would I still need to wax?

Someone really needs to sticky WTF opti-coat is VS wax, especially for the car cleaning noobs such as myself.

[denverizzles]

Just to be clear; is this the correct product?

http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-opti-coat.html

[jarviz]

My understanding is that Opti-coat is kind of like a permanent wax and keeps the dirt off longer and keeps the car shiny, so you won't necessarily need to wax afterwards, when you do wash. Opti-coat doesn't protect against paint chips, scratches, or rocks. etc

3M i believe protects against paint chips and scratches, it basically protects the paint from damage.

I got both done.

[denverizzles]

Originally Posted by jarviz

My understanding is that Opti-coat is kind of like a permanent wax and keeps the dirt off longer and keeps the car shiny, so you won't necessarily need to wax afterwards, when you do wash. Opti-coat doesn't protect against paint chips, scratches, or rocks. etc

3M i believe protects against paint chips and scratches, it basically protects the paint from damage.

I got both done.

which did you apply first? opti-coat or 3M?

[ayau]

you can imagine opticoat as another layer of clear coat that's more durable than OEM clear coats. the only way to remove it is to polish it off.

you'll want a clean surface before applying opticoat to your car's paint. this includes removing all existing wax/sealants.

after opticoat has been applied, you can still wax/seal the car but they won't 'stick' to the opticoat very well. this means that wax/sealants will wear off sooner. the good thing about this is that it makes it harder for dirt to stick to your car's paint.

[Filipino Royale]

Originally Posted by jarviz

My understanding is that Opti-coat is kind of like a permanent wax and keeps the dirt off longer and keeps the car shiny, so you won't necessarily need to wax afterwards, when you do wash. Opti-coat doesn't protect against paint chips, scratches, or rocks. etc

3M i believe protects against paint chips and scratches, it basically protects the paint from damage.

I got both done.

Care to share where have yours done?

[jarviz]

Originally Posted by denverizzles

which did you apply first? opti-coat or 3M?

You have to do the clear bra first then the opticoat... if you apply the opti-coat first, the clear bra won't stick

[jarviz]

Originally Posted by Filipino Royale

Care to share where have yours done?

Just noticed you're from NY - detailersdomain in NJ - those guys did awesome work. If you call them them Jarvis with the FRS referred you. I was just there last week so they should still remember me, hopefully haha.

[911fanatic]

Originally Posted by jarviz

My understanding is that Opti-coat is kind of like a permanent wax and keeps the dirt off longer and keeps the car shiny, so you won't necessarily need to wax afterwards, when you do wash. Opti-coat doesn't protect against paint chips, scratches, or rocks. etc

3M i believe protects against paint chips and scratches, it basically protects the paint from damage.

I got both done.

Opti Coat, once cured, is very hard and resistant to scratching. When I say resistant to scratching, I mean from from washing and drying, not from say driving your car into a hedge! The Opti Coat is a permanent sealant. Once applied, the only way to remove it is with abrasion ( polishing ). 3M pain sealant is just that. It will protect the paint from UV damage for 3-4 months before needing re application. There is no paint sealant made that will stop rock chips or scratches. That is where clear bras come in.

Originally Posted by jarviz

You have to do the clear bra first then the opticoat... if you apply the opti-coat first, the clear bra won't stick

Not true. The clear bra will indeed stick to the Opti Coat. I just talked to the guys at Optimum today on this as I have an FRS coming in for Opti Coat on Friday and the client wants to clear bra after as well.