Opti Coat for radomes

G

glen e

Retired Geezer
The topsides of an offshore boat is sprinkled with antennas for the electronics; Radar, GPS, Sirius and Nexrad Weather. They are all plastic and weather fast - although 303 keeps them in good shape, they go dull fast. So what to do?

make the gloss permanent with Opti-coat 2.0...

Just did my Radome and antennas this afternoon with great results - Ultimate compound first to get the gloss, then Opti coat. No more matte finish, no more waxing:
eeb89d28.jpg
 
I thought OC only gave minimal gloss and would only bond to a clean surface. That means the plastic would have to be pretty glossy beforehand.

didn't know UC would do such a good job on plastic. Makes you wonder if plast X is a redundant product...
 
this dome was redone about 2 months ago with a cutting pad and UC..today's UC just knocked off some of the light oxidation that was there - it was a good surface to start - but now it will stay that way...my intent of the post...but yes, UC is killer for hard plastic....I have done 5 antennas now and all have come back from the dead to showroom gloss...The "tire wet" is ISP 30/70 to clean the dome before starting...
 
Come on, Glen, you just bought a new antennae and put some Tire Wet on there. :)

Great info! I love 303 as well, but nice to know there is an option to keep it looking new for longer.

Thanks for sharing!
 
glen e said:
how long would you say the protection will last, Chris?
Click to expand...

In theory, it should prevent oxidation and last until removed...but I'm not aware of any long term marine applications. I have applied it to a few houseboats, but have since given the maintenence to my detailing partner, so I'm not sure how they are holding up.
 
I use my tire wet bottle for IPA as well. Love the sprayer. Once I am low on sealants, Opti-Coat is going in my cart.
 
Very happy with results - followed up today with nav lights, handles/latches, speaker grilles (14)......and vhf antenna.
 
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