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BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > Technical Forums > Cosmetic Maintenance: Wash, Wax, Detailing, Repairs > Opti-coat myself or let the pros to do it?
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      03-23-2013, 03:13 AM   #1
m2michael23
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Opti-coat myself or let the pros to do it?

Hey guys, what do think?
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      03-23-2013, 05:29 AM   #2
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If you got the equipment for it why not .. =) More experienced detailers can manage this with ease.
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      03-23-2013, 07:39 AM   #3
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I have applied some sealants myself with pretty good results. If you look at some application videos for Opticoat on Youtube it looks fairly straightforward. I plan on doing it myself.
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      03-23-2013, 07:53 AM   #4
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prep with a professional detailer, opticoat yourself
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      03-23-2013, 10:12 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by m2michael23 View Post
Hey guys, what do think?
I'm lazy. I work too much during the week and want to relax on the weekend. I suggest professional.
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      03-23-2013, 10:48 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by m2michael23
Hey guys, what do think?
If you enjoy doing this stuff and know what you are doing I say go for it! If you mess up you can always have a detailer do it the next time.
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      03-24-2013, 07:58 AM   #7
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Originally Posted by SwnSng View Post
If you enjoy doing this stuff and know what you are doing I say go for it! If you mess up you can always have a detailer do it the next time.
and cost double re prepping and re opticoating..
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      03-24-2013, 12:39 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by newbmwuser View Post
and cost double re prepping and re opticoating..
This. If there are high points in the Opti-Coat application after its cured, you can't just wipe it off. The panel would have to be polished to remove the Opti-Coat, then reapplied. A normal wax or sealant can be applied by anyone, but as for Opti-Coat, I think it's better to have a pro do it.
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      03-24-2013, 10:37 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by eclipsisNA View Post
This. If there are high points in the Opti-Coat application after its cured, you can't just wipe it off. The panel would have to be polished to remove the Opti-Coat, then reapplied. A normal wax or sealant can be applied by anyone, but as for Opti-Coat, I think it's better to have a pro do it.
I suggest to the OP, test on something before you apply to your new ride. I'm sorry but I think you may be overrating the skill it takes to be a detailer . Follow directions, practice and ANYONE can do it.

It's not rocket science as much as professional detailers want you to believe it to be
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      03-24-2013, 11:25 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by SwnSng View Post
I suggest to the OP, test on something before you apply to your new ride. I'm sorry but I think you may be overrating the skill it takes to be a detailer . Follow directions, practice and ANYONE can do it.

It's not rocket science as much as professional detailers want you to believe it to be
I never implied such a thing. Detailing is one of the easiest skills on the planet to learn, but if you don't have the pre-existing knowledge to correct paint properly, it's fairly easy to screw up an Opti-Coat application and then be left with a finish you can't fix on your own. Feel comfortable with polishing your paint? Then by all means you should give Opti-Coat a try and if you mess it up, you're always able to fix it with polish.

Don't confuse helpful advice for bragging.
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      03-25-2013, 10:29 AM   #11
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Applying Opti-Coat itself isn't difficult. Yes, you have to knock-down the high points, but really, unless you're completely useless, you'd be able to do it.

The harder part is the prep. You need to make your paint perfect prior to Opti-Coat. Anything underneath will be sealed in permanently. If you're comfortable with the techniques involved, knowing how to handle different issues (holograms vs swirls vs scratches etc), and the products needed to remedy those situations, then by all means have at it.

If you're not so sure, then better to have a pro do it. I myself am pretty comfortable detailing and polishing, yet I had a pro do my BMW. I'm doing my wife's CR-V myself because she's a lot less picky if I mess something up a bit
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      03-25-2013, 11:03 AM   #12
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Again, doing a correct prep job would probably the hardest part (correction, alcohol wipe down, and etc). If you're not 100%, just have a pro do it and save yourself the headache.

Edit: i heard that 22ple is much easier to use than Opti-coat.

Last edited by Handozizle; 03-25-2013 at 11:14 AM..
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      03-25-2013, 12:10 PM   #13
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If you don't do it right, the BOOGIE MAN is going to come and get you--The sky will literally FALL right on top of you. One thing i've learned from these boards and forums in general is that it's never as easy as people say or as difficult.

If you like this sort of stuff and want to do it yourself; do your research have the correct tools/resources and get the job done. You will be very satisfied that you did it yourself and probably save some change in the short and long run.

If you prefer to just pay someone to do it for $400-500 bucks then go for it-- I personally think that's a huge amount of money for something you can do yourself but hey to each their own.
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      03-25-2013, 12:22 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OC40 View Post
I'm lazy. I work too much during the week and want to relax on the weekend. I suggest professional.
+1 Just got it done yesterday from a professional...he spent 4 hours on it with Prep...no way I was going to do that and the car came out looking AMAZING!!!!
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      03-25-2013, 12:26 PM   #15
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Originally Posted by nick1212 View Post
+1 Just got it done yesterday from a professional...he spent 4 hours on it with Prep...no way I was going to do that and the car came out looking AMAZING!!!!
Congrats! Pics please.
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      03-25-2013, 12:37 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OC40 View Post
I'm lazy. I work too much during the week and want to relax on the weekend. I suggest professional.
+1 Just got it done yesterday from a professional...he spent 4 hours on it with Prep...no way I was going to do that and the car came out looking AMAZING!!!!
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      03-25-2013, 12:38 PM   #17
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Originally Posted by SwnSng View Post
Congrats! Pics please.
Will post some in the next couple of days. Didnt get a chance last night.
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      03-25-2013, 12:45 PM   #18
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Not to thread jack but I have two detailers willing to opti-coat. Ones giving me a price of 175 plus 10 a wheel. The other is straight up 450 but is asking to keep my car from friday-sunday(is this normal?). What does opti-coat from a pro usually run?
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      03-25-2013, 02:06 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by numba1guju View Post
Not to thread jack but I have two detailers willing to opti-coat. Ones giving me a price of 175 plus 10 a wheel. The other is straight up 450 but is asking to keep my car from friday-sunday(is this normal?). What does opti-coat from a pro usually run?
I got quoted for 399 with no warranty. Also he asks for another 400 for detailing the car. I don't know any other can do this job in the Phoenix area besides him. That's y I m lost.
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      03-25-2013, 02:14 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by numba1guju
Not to thread jack but I have two detailers willing to opti-coat. Ones giving me a price of 175 plus 10 a wheel. The other is straight up 450 but is asking to keep my car from friday-sunday(is this normal?). What does opti-coat from a pro usually run?
It takes 24 hours to cure. Find out more info from both of them and ask what their process is prior to opti coating. If the more expensive one offers some light polishing i would go for it. 175 seems low for a quality job but he might just be starting out.

Call and find out. It never hurts to ask.

Edit: you are gujurati. You will definitely go with the cheaper one haha
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      03-25-2013, 03:12 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by m2michael23 View Post
I got quoted for 399 with no warranty. Also he asks for another 400 for detailing the car. I don't know any other can do this job in the Phoenix area besides him. That's y I m lost.
WOW 800 bucks! This guy puts plumbers to shame. That's a set of tires right there.
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      03-25-2013, 03:25 PM   #22
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WOW 800 bucks! This guy puts plumbers to shame. That's a set of tires right there.
I know. How much did you pay for the opti coat? With deteailing?
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