Opti-Coat Pro

[TheWorstKind]

I went and had Opti-Coat Pro installed on my truck over the past week. Opti-Coat Pro is, basically, a ceramic clear coat to protect the factory clear coat. The intentions, for me, are to protect the appearance of the truck, to make it shiny, and to make basic cleaning maintenance (wash and wax) easy. I know it is a Power Wagon, and, hence, will see off-road duty, meaning scratches and dings are bound to happen. However, why not do the best I can to protect my massive financial investment as much as possible. And, after all, it is my Power Wagon, so if I want to baby it, I get to!

It is, obviously, waaaaaaay to early for me to evaluate the coating to see if it delivers the marketing claims made by the manufacturer. Here is what I can say, right now: It is very shiny, indeed. I also spend five minutes removing bug guts from yesterday's 200 mile drive - it was very easy.

Stay tuned for updates.

[Malleus]

Right on, I think when the paint dies on this from scratches, I am going to do a wrap. DID SOMEONE SAY CAMO!!?

[Ducky's Dad]

Not much info on their website. Can't find tech data sheets, MSDS, application instructions, or ordering info. Seems that this stuff is usually a dealer add-on or sold by detailers. Assuming it is applied by hand with a pad, rather than sprayed like a clear coat? Any info on how they prep the vehicle or how they apply and finish the stuff? Typical cost for a big truck? Thanks.

[Stickman]

Adeluca73 did this to his wagon and he loves it, I'd do it to mine if they had a dealer for it closer to me.

[adeluca73]

Yes, I did have it done to mine about 14 months ago. It is not a dealer add-on or some upsell at the dealership, you have to actually go to a certified opti-pro coat dealer and have it installed. The prep and paint correction process is quite extensive: wash, clay bar, paint correction, ph wash to remove all chemicals & waxes & heat dry. It's applied w/ a spray gun like you'd use for air brushing. It's a permanent ceramic coat that is 100x thicker than any polymer wax or nano polish (which have to be reapplied annually), so you never have to wax or polish again (can if you want), this is a permanent clear coat which takes 30 days to fully cure. I just had my 1st annual warranty inspection last week & the dealer noted some tar or goo spots that ate through the coating, so they did the whole process again on my truck under warranty.

[TheWorstKind]

Opti-Coat Pro is, indeed, applied by a manufacturer certified detailer. There is a version available to the general public. I opted for the detailer installed version. There was only one dealer within 100 miles of me. Prep prior to application of the Opti-Coat Pro was extensive. It included washing, Iron-X treatment, washing, claying, polishing, Opti-Coat Pro Primer, before the final product was applied.

[trevor78]

pricing???

[TheWorstKind]

It cost me $800.00. Initial quote from detailer was $1800.00. I expected it to be expensive because of the prep work involved, the size of the vehicle, as well as all the surfaces I wanted coated - I had all chrome, steel, and trim pieces treated with Opti-Coat Pro, along with the paint, and I had given myself an upper limit of $1000.00. adeluca73 got a great deal, a deal I knew I would not be able to match - he paid just under $400.00!

[leo72987]

It cost me $800.00. Initial quote from detailer was $1800.00. I expected it to be expensive because of the prep work involved, the size of the vehicle, as well as all the surfaces I wanted coated - I had all chrome, steel, and trim pieces treated with Opti-Coat Pro, along with the paint, and I had given myself an upper limit of $1000.00. adeluca73 got a great deal, a deal I knew I would not be able to match - he paid just under $400.00!

Please keep us updated with how well it holds up in the woods against brush and what not lol. If it really does the job it advertises I say it's def worth it. Hell I know my rig is an 2005 but I probably would have invested in this if I knew about it lol. To late now.. Now she has scratches all over

[adeluca73]

Prices have gone up due to Optimum enforcing MAP pricing now. I paid $395 + $100 for the warranty. I just referred a friend with a Volvo XC70 to have it done a few weeks ago and the same installer company charged $595, the PW would be $695 today. Still a great add on (better to get it when the vehicle is almost off the lot new), and does a good job protecting the paint, will permanently bead water, and reduces the need to spend all that time waxing and polishing.

[TheWorstKind]

It cost me $800.00. Initial quote from detailer was $1800.00. I expected it to be expensive because of the prep work involved, the size of the vehicle, as well as all the surfaces I wanted coated - I had all chrome, steel, and trim pieces treated with Opti-Coat Pro, along with the paint, and I had given myself an upper limit of $1000.00. adeluca73 got a great deal, a deal I knew I would not be able to match - he paid just under $400.00!

Please keep us updated with how well it holds up in the woods against brush and what not lol. If it really does the job it advertises I say it's def worth it. Hell I know my rig is an 2005 but I probably would have invested in this if I knew about it lol. To late now.. Now she has scratches all over

I don't think the Opti-Coat Pro will help with preventing pin-striping from bushes/brush/tree branches/etc. If it does, well, best money I ever spent!

[Will]

Too late for me. Haha

[fbenross]

Is it too late for mine??? boy, you guys bought the wrong truck...

[whitey]

Hey TheWorstKind do you want to go offroading at Uwharrie National forrest on the 14th of November? Test out that coating? We could do before and after pics. I think it would be about a 3.5 hour drive for you. We've got a few Power Wagons in the area I could invite too.

[TheWorstKind]

Thanks for the invite, I think.... , but I think I'll pass.

I know I bought a Power Wagon, but, at this point, I am not that interested in scratching it up. I am actually planning on doing more expeditionary driving out west than the woodsy trails we have here on the east coast. Additionally, it is closer to 5 - 5.5 hours for me to get to the Uwharrie National Forrest - that is still a bit too far for me at this point after my recent shoulder surgery.

We shall see how long this honeymoon (babying phase) between the truck and me lasts....

[fbenross]

Unless your Expedition never leaves the Blacktop, your truck will look like mine..That's all I do out here.
Sage Brush is murder on the paint !! This spot (pict) in Nevada was brutal on the paint.

[Low_Sky]

Oh yeah, if you want to "explore" out west you can kiss your paint goodbye. Sage brush and pinion will make real short work of it. Might as well get it over with on your own terms


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[TheWorstKind]

I'm crying already, seeing that picture....

[Mr.Smith]

That's how they're supposed to be driven.

[whitey]

If the picture freaks you out, wait till you hear what it sounds like! lmao You learn to ignore it after a few rough trail rides. You should get used to the idea of a few dents too if/when you get out on the trail.

[azracer]

I carry a pair of leveraged hing loppers and a machete. I still have a few scratches but I work hard to avoid them.

I also use bypasses in areas that I know are a bit too tight or have a very tough break over angle for a long full size truck. So far I have only hit one rock that I wish I had not. I misjudged the dip and the rock combination and came down hard on my Carli front diff skid plate. It was a hell of a smack that left a noticeable gouge in the bottom. I like to take care of my stuff and not abuse it too much but I also like the challenge and concentration that is required to navigate without damage.

Yes I know it is inevitable but I plan to do my best to avoid a big ouch if I can. I suspect it will be me or some other driver on city streets to cause a collision and do the damage I fear.

[fbenross]

We all want to avoid the big hit. Were talking paint scratching here. Whitey is right, that screeching sound going down the side of the truck is hard to take the first few times. But the payoff is seeing cool old stuff.

[TheWorstKind]

Life is all about the choices we get to make. Something like "Is the experience worth the anguish?!?"

[azracer]

We all want to avoid the big hit. Were talking paint scratching here. Whitey is right, that screeching sound going down the side of the truck is hard to take the first few times. But the payoff is seeing cool old stuff.

Yup truer words could not have to be spoken.

Mine isn't even broken in yet. Still new in my eyes LOL!



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[TwinStick]

Ben, are those ancient, petrified breasts from a giant alien ???