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BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > Technical Forums > Cosmetic Maintenance: Wash, Wax, Detailing, Repairs > Why don't more people do Opticoat or CQuartz?
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      03-30-2015, 12:08 PM   #1
bobbydigital
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Why don't more people do Opticoat or CQuartz?

As I read more about protecting my upcoming 435 GC, even though it's a lease, it seems like a no brainier to protect with either OptiCoat or Cquartz. Not only will it protect it better but make my life easier for washing.

I'm wondering why the majority of people aren't doing either of these? Is it because you don't feel it's worth it or not as good as some other option? I see a lot of you sealing and waxing regularly with alternative (not as long lasting) products.

I'm legitimately asking to learn more. Educate away!
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      03-30-2015, 12:12 PM   #2
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As someone who does not have it, the only reason I don't is because 1) I didn't know about it and 2) I don't know who in my area does this. At this point it could be too late, since the car is coming up to its 1 year anniversary. But I wish I did have it.
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      03-30-2015, 12:13 PM   #3
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Usually these are applied by professional detailers for a few hundred dollars. I'm sure they're not that hard to apply with a little learning but they can be tricky to apply. You can end up with a lot of streaking and hazing that's almost impossible to remove. I'm leasing too and I don't feel it's worth it since I know I'm returning. BMW is pretty lenient on what kind of damage is allowable on return and it's mostly dents and scratches they care about not minor paint imperfections. If you really want to protect the car a clear bra will be more cost effective as most of the damage from driving comes from rock chips on the front bumper and hood. Neither of those coatings will protect from rock chips and road hazards.
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      03-30-2015, 12:15 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fronzdan
As someone who does not have it, the only reason I don't is because 1) I didn't know about it and 2) I don't know who in my area does this. At this point it could be too late, since the car is coming up to its 1 year anniversary. But I wish I did have it.
It's not too late. You just need to make sure you do paint correction and get it fully detailed before you apply them.
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      03-30-2015, 03:59 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bobbydigital
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fronzdan
As someone who does not have it, the only reason I don't is because 1) I didn't know about it and 2) I don't know who in my area does this. At this point it could be too late, since the car is coming up to its 1 year anniversary. But I wish I did have it.
It's not too late. You just need to make sure you do paint correction and get it fully detailed before you apply them.
+1

It can be done at any point, the car just needs a thorough detail first.
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      03-30-2015, 08:19 PM   #6
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I'm getting Opti-coat Pro done on my car after I take delivery tomorrow

Sure it costs a few hundred bucks but in my opinion, it'll save me time and cost in the long run since I plan to keep the car for a long time. (10+ years, hopefully)
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      03-30-2015, 08:22 PM   #7
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And for the record I'm still undecided which to go with once my 435 GC arrives. Seems like Big advantage of opticoat is that it's permanent but Cquartz Finest has deeper gloss on dark cars (but only lasts max 2 years).
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      03-30-2015, 08:47 PM   #8
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Not worth it to me. I had it done on the CTS-V and the Yukon and it did me no good. Plus, I'm a life long Zainite, and those products aren't compatible with Zaino Bros polishes.
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      03-31-2015, 11:31 AM   #9
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I use Gtechniq C1 and it makes washing the car so much easier. It can be applied by just us normal folks too.
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      03-31-2015, 02:24 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tboooe
I use Gtechniq C1 and it makes washing the car so much easier. It can be applied by just us normal folks too.
Coincidentally, I've just been reading great things about the gtechniq C1.

If I go that route, I guess I just need to find a detail shop that uses it so they can prep my paint and correct defects then apply it. Then I can apply it myself ongoing.

How long does it last for you? Why did you choose it over opticoat or Cquartz?
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      04-01-2015, 01:10 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fronzdan View Post
As someone who does not have it, the only reason I don't is because 1) I didn't know about it and 2) I don't know who in my area does this. At this point it could be too late, since the car is coming up to its 1 year anniversary. But I wish I did have it.

The better boston area detailers do. I don't have it yet but will likely have it opticoated when I get the car detailed this month.
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      04-02-2015, 06:44 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pheerix View Post
Usually these are applied by professional detailers for a few hundred dollars. I'm sure they're not that hard to apply with a little learning but they can be tricky to apply. You can end up with a lot of streaking and hazing that's almost impossible to remove. I'm leasing too and I don't feel it's worth it since I know I'm returning. BMW is pretty lenient on what kind of damage is allowable on return and it's mostly dents and scratches they care about not minor paint imperfections. If you really want to protect the car a clear bra will be more cost effective as most of the damage from driving comes from rock chips on the front bumper and hood. Neither of those coatings will protect from rock chips and road hazards.
+1

Opticoat or Cquartz coat, ceramic coating , whatever you want to call it will set you back $700. This is because the specialist will insist on doing a full detail before applying the stuff. Yes, even a brand new car will be detailed prior to the coating.

In my opinon this is not worth the price. I would spend the money on a clear bra instead.
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      04-02-2015, 08:32 AM   #13
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I guess some of us just think that the paint on a $50K car ought to be fit for purpose. Crazy, right?
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      04-02-2015, 10:26 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pheerix
Usually these are applied by professional detailers for a few hundred dollars. I'm sure they're not that hard to apply with a little learning but they can be tricky to apply. You can end up with a lot of streaking and hazing that's almost impossible to remove. I'm leasing too and I don't feel it's worth it since I know I'm returning. BMW is pretty lenient on what kind of damage is allowable on return and it's mostly dents and scratches they care about not minor paint imperfections. If you really want to protect the car a clear bra will be more cost effective as most of the damage from driving comes from rock chips on the front bumper and hood. Neither of those coatings will protect from rock chips and road hazards.
The reason I'm considering doing it is not necessarily to protect the paint for the lease return but rather to have a great looking car that is easy to maintain.

My understanding is that it's both easier to clean and easier to make look great.

I figure $700-1000 is worth it to avoid multiple details throughout the 3 year lease since I can do it once at the beginning and just maintain myself with washes and quick detail spray.
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      04-02-2015, 11:45 AM   #15
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Personally I think if you wash with good technique i.e. do it yourself and not go to gas station car washes you can keep a new car looking great for the life of a lease. Just use a easy to use spray wax after each wash and good to go. I can live with a few hairline scratches and swirl marks here and there.
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      04-02-2015, 12:37 PM   #16
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      04-02-2015, 04:30 PM   #17
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So I tried GTechniq C1 and GTechniq EXO v2 and applied myself.

It set me back $110, plus a total of 2-3 hours labour (after paint correction of course)

My observations:

-3X more expensive if you get it done by detailer, you can buy the set yourself and apply it
-Not any better protecting your paint against swirls and scratches
-Yes, it does bead well, but to certain extent, can be achieved by multiple layers of high quality nanowax like AutoGlym HD wax
-Not as "Glossy" and "Deep" look compared to Menzerna Power Lock, Einszett 1Glanz, or AutoGlym HD wax
-Dirt does not come off any better than any nanowax
-Expensive $$$
-Time consuming to apply
-"durable" and "scratchproof" marketing gimmick lingo, you can scratch your car easily
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      04-04-2015, 10:02 AM   #18
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I think its too expensive to just last two years. Money can be spent elsewhere.
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      04-05-2015, 01:08 AM   #19
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I'm a control freak and I would never consider paying someone that much money for something I could do myself. So the professional version that only pro detailers can get (has a much faster flash time) was out of the question for me.

With that said, I also know earlier this year (or late last), they discontinued the enthusiast version of OG, and made it more expensive (or gave you less) and the warranty was also less. That was pretty much the nail in the coffin for me.

Knowing a little also about the exacting business requirements that they put on their professional detailing customers as far as minimum requirements of how many applications they needed to do a month (or something similar) in order to qualify to stay as an OG rep left a little bit of a bitter taste in my mouth that made me look elsewhere.

I'm sure its still an ok product, but all this other shenanigans was just a little too much for me ...
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      04-05-2015, 02:28 AM   #20
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I bought cquartz after a few recommendations which comes with the applicators and reload detailer etc for £40, bought an autoglym paint decontaminate product as car was brand new or you clay bar and polish first if you need to, took me 4 hours end to end to wash, dry and to apply two coats of cquartz and reload. Finish is brilliant and 2 months in the rain water falls off the car and easy to wash. Still enough left for another couple of coats, expect to do again in a year but let's see.
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      04-06-2015, 11:27 AM   #21
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I like waxing my car own my own?
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      04-06-2015, 04:46 PM   #22
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I had to top my opti-coat with Sonax Polymer Net Shield to prevent water spots every time it rained.
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