My Guide on How to Apply Opti-Coat

**Sirslap2** · 03-09-2002, 11:56 PM

Can you get Dawn in Canada?

If so where?

FWIW I am in Calgary.

TIA

**Lemonxxs** · 03-10-2002, 12:12 AM

Maybe a grocery store?

**Sirslap2** · 03-10-2002, 01:28 AM

You are hilarious.

Fool.

Now if anyone has ever actually purchased it please let me know a little more specifically.

**Michael H** · 03-10-2002, 03:50 PM

Do you really need Dawn? While many on this board use Dawn, it is not necessary (nor in my view particularly desirable). A good paint cleaner will remove wax and clean the paint better than Dawn.

Holly Marie · 03-10-2002, 04:23 PM

Listen to Guess My Name... you <strong class=`bbc`>buy[/b] it in a grocery store... we`ve <strong class=`bbc`>all[/b] purchased it there a few times in our lives.

**Redcar GUY** · 03-10-2002, 04:31 PM

<blockquote class=`ipsBlockquote` >

<em class=`bbc`>Originally posted by Deemo [/i]
<strong class=`bbc`>You are hilarious.
Fool.
[/b]</blockquote>
I must be a fool to

I found some at Marsh

**C. Charles Hahn** · 03-10-2002, 04:58 PM

how about you just go on vacation to the USA, stock up, and go home :p

**Sirslap2** · 03-10-2002, 07:16 PM

Marsh??

What the hell is Marsh?

Which is basically my point. That helps a whole bunch . Thanks.

Can you even read - C-A-N-A-D-A.

I thought I was posting in Autopia University where people who are trying to get on the learning curve can get help.

I didn`t realize it was a board for people to troll and leave smart *** useless remarks like 90% here except for Micheal.

The reason I asked is:

1. I realize any good one will do but Dawn seems to be recommended so go for the best.

2. Most stores stock only certain brands and exclude others on purpose due to licencing agreements.

3. I don`t even know if it exists north of the 49th but thought someone could point me in the right direction so I didn`t have to go running around a variety of "grocery store".

Silly me.

**Redcar GUY** · 03-10-2002, 07:34 PM

Some of us here have never been to Canada sorry. I wasnt trying to be Smart, just telling where I got my Dawn at? I dont think you are going to get may answers with the way you are acting>? We will try to help as much as we can but you cant call someone a "fool" and expect everyone to jump up and help>? can you>?

If I were you I would look at stores that carry any type of dish soaps and cleaners..... that is all the advice that I can give seeing that I have never been up there. sorry

Also easy on the 4 letter words THX

**Sirslap2** · 03-10-2002, 09:30 PM

OK. Let`s kiss and make up.

The question was meant for anyone in Canada - it was simple and I expected a simple answer.

The most frustrating thing about living here (other than it being -20 degrees right now) is that the best detailing products are very difficult to acquire here.

I am quite busy so any time saving I can get helps that is why I just wanted to know what store here might carry it.

It is not as straight forward or as simple as it sounds.

Most stores here try to carry thier own brands and eliminate the competition by restricting choice.

Welcome to my life as a detailing freak in Canada.:sosad

**BillNorth** · 03-11-2002, 08:27 PM

Canadian Tire sells blue dawn. I know, I`ve actually bought it. I have it sitting here in my house.

**paco** · 03-12-2002, 08:10 AM

Canadian Tire, Shopper`s Drug Mart, Many dollar bin stores, many local convience stores etc.

I doubt you find the original formula but the new concentration blue version is more than acceptable - just remember a little goes a long way with the concentrated version.

Paco

**imported_Intermezzo** · 03-13-2002, 07:07 PM

Damn, you guys crack me up!

My wife is from Canada but grew up overseas. She didn`t know what Dawn was until I started becoming a detailing geek (she doesn`t watch much TV....nor is she very domesticated).

Canadian Tire`s a pretty cool place. Amazing all the stuff they sell.

**peppy** · 03-14-2002, 10:58 AM

good luck.

**Deep Gloss** · 03-26-2011, 09:23 AM

With the release and subsequent excitement over the consumer release of Opti-Coat I thought I would share the observations/tips/thoughts I have on application of the product.

Paint Prep:

? Polish the paint to your preference/criteria. Much like adding a clear bra, the swirls present in your paint will be ?locked in? and Opti-Coat will have to be removed (by abrasion) to remedy the swirls.
? Thoroughly cleanse all areas that are to have the product applied of all wax/polish/sealant etc. To do so (at the recommendation of Chris at Optimum) I used Optimum Power Clean (3:1 dilution)

At this point your vehicles paint will be polished to perfection (or to your acceptance criteria) and all areas you wish to apply the product will be stripped clean and ready for Opti-Coat application

Using the Syringe:

? The product comes in a syringe with a black cap on it. The black cap is a twist off cap.
? The product also comes with a blue tip that can be put on the syringe after you remove the black cap. NOTE: I did not use this blue tip.
? Instead of using the supplied blue tip, I simply screwed off the black cap and VERY gently depressed the plunger of the syringe to allow drops of product to dispense.
? I have found that to do an average sized sedans paint and wheels I use approximately 12cc?s

Application Tools:

? Syringe
? Yellow foam pad
? Proper lighting (this is key to successful results as the product is so clear)

Application:

? Do one panel at a time ? I do not know if this still hold true with the consumer version as you now have 30 minutes before the product cures BUT with the pro version setting so quickly I only do 1 panel at a time. I suppose when using the consumer version you should remain cognizant of the time and how long the product has been on the panel to ensure you do not exhaust your 30 minutes before you get back to the panel to remove the ?high spots?
? When applying go in a up and down motion to cover the section and then an side to side motion over the same section area to ensure thorough coverage.
? You do not need to be heavy handed with the product. If you barely see it going on you are using enough product - You will see the small streaks (for lack of a better word) showing you that the product is there
? The ?streaks? will disappear as the product flashes off and it will become clear, you will not see the product on the paint as it will become optically clear in areas that were not over applied.
? After the allotted time (2-5 minutes for pro version / 30 minutes for consumer version) if you still see streaks or damp spots that is what people are calling ?high spots?. Gently go over these areas with either your applicator or a soft micro fiber towel. I would call this a light ?swipe? and not a ?wipe off? motion. The intent is to remove just enough product to allow it to the flash off on its own.

Note: This is where proper lighting comes into play. Without good lighting you will not be able to properly see the ?high spots?. I cannot stress enough how important good lighting is for this.

? Let product cure
? Enjoy the shine!

Closing comments: I, like many of you asked a TON of questions before using the product. My standard operating procedure is to ask all questions before starting a process so that when I am doing the job I am armed with all information to tackle any potential issues.

After actually using the product I was (and still am) amazed at how easy the product is to use. It is essentially identical to Opti-Seal. It is by far one of the easiest products I have ever used - while my pre-application questions did help to give me a sense of confidence I realized that with the ease of application most of my apprehension was in vain.

I have all confidence that if you follow the above guidelines with patience, meaning do not rush through the process you will have a very successful Opti-Coat application.

This is what has worked for me and I hope it helps with questions people may be having regarding the product.