Protecting New Paint

[Mr_Bob]

I had mine done a few weeks after delivery
My main concern was bird droppings ruining the paint as I live in a heavily treed area
I don't expect it to protect from chips, but for the price of venture shield I figured I could almost afford a respray

Immediately I noticed a deeper colour in the paint, the reflection was less silver and more blue
I've just used optimum polish (spray bottle and wipe off) as recommended by Dave
Took me 15min to do the whole car.

It sheds water beautifully so it stays clean longer, was still beading nicely before I repolished it

I'd do it again for sure

[Corey_R]

Hey Mr_Bob. You were probably the first person I know who had the Opti-seal applied, way back in December. It's great that it's still bead nicely after 6 months. How have you found it in relation to swirls and fine scratches from general washing?

[markwid]

I had Opticoat done about 1 month now. Honestly don't know the science part of it. Seems to work fine. Easier to wash for a start, for a lazy person like me. Beads water nicely, nice shine to it. It is not that much money to part with so if it is really not as advertised, lesson learnt and cest la vie.

Not wasting anymore thought about it.

[Rob_R]

Opti-coat, Chemistry: Ceramic-Silicone Carbide clear resin coating. (Silicone carbide is but one Non-oxide ceramic highly used in many products that require near diamond hardness and excellent corrosion resistance and etc. etc.)

[Mr_Bob]

Hey Mr_Bob. You were probably the first person I know who had the Opti-seal applied, way back in December. It's great that it's still bead nicely after 6 months. How have you found it in relation to swirls and fine scratches from general washing?

I thought i noticed some superfine scratches one day, but couldn't get the angle right to inspect closer....haven't noticed them since
possibly were there before the opticoat as i did wash it a couple of times before it was applied.

Have only used a lambswool mit, and 2 bucket method, thanks to excessive research whilst waiting for the car to arrive

[Corey_R]

I'd suggest changing to a microfibre washmit. I used lambswool and the two bucket method on my Black Pearl Polo GTI, and it still swirled up the paint mighty fine! argh! When I took the car to get a professional paint restoration detailing done, the response was effectively "Well duh, lambswool is way too harsh of a fibre to use on your car. Only a company with great marketted would sell such a thing" (i.e. Meguiars, lol). I've since purchased both the Mint and Aquatouch microfibre mits from CCP, and whilst they're not as "full bodied" as the Meguiars Lambswool wash mitt, they seem to be doing a great job on my R.

[ralp2dam]

I'd suggest changing to a microfibre washmit. I used lambswool and the two bucket method on my Black Pearl Polo GTI, and it still swirled up the paint mighty fine! argh! When I took the car to get a professional paint restoration detailing done, the response was effectively "Well duh, lambswool is way too harsh of a fibre to use on your car. Only a company with great marketted would sell such a thing" (i.e. Meguiars, lol). I've since purchased both the Mint and Aquatouch microfibre mits from CCP, and whilst they're not as "full bodied" as the Meguiars Lambswool wash mitt, they seem to be doing a great job on my R.

Wow I thought the lambswool would be better then the microfibre. I was looking at purchasing the CCP dodo juice wash mit;

http://www.carcareproducts.com.au/product/dodo_juice/supernatural_wash_mitt

Would anyone recommend this product over a microfibre one or vice versa?

[brad]

i use this one

Car Care Products / Mint / Car Accessories / Brushes & Mitts / Microfibre Plush Wash Mitt

visually unstimulating & it doesn't seem plush compared to lambswool but it does a better job.

[ralp2dam]

i use this one

Car Care Products / Mint / Car Accessories / Brushes & Mitts / Microfibre Plush Wash Mitt

visually unstimulating & it doesn't seem plush compared to lambswool but it does a better job.

Thanks brad. Does anyone else have any opinions?

[Corey_R]

Wow I thought the lambswool would be better then the microfibre. I was looking at purchasing the CCP dodo juice wash mit;

Car Care Products / Dodo Juice / Car Accessories / Brushes & Mitts / Supernatural Wash Mitt

Would anyone recommend this product over a microfibre one or vice versa?

I don't know about whether the Dodo Juice wash mitt is better than microfibre or not (though, everyone says microfibre is the way to go these days), but it's made from Merino wool, and from what I've read, it'll soak up a regular 10L bucket in no time, making it a bit wasteful of your car wash shampoo etc (as you'll need a 20L bucket of solution instead of 10L).

i use this one

Car Care Products / Mint / Car Accessories / Brushes & Mitts / Microfibre Plush Wash Mitt

visually unstimulating & it doesn't seem plush compared to lambswool but it does a better job.

I have one of them as well. I quite like it, but I prefer the Aquatouch one.

Thanks brad. Does anyone else have any opinions?

Aquatouch Ultra Microfibre Mitt

I prefer that one over the Mint one. My girlfriend prefers the Mint one! You need two anyway (one for your wheels etc). So just buy both, use both on your paintwork to start with and see which one you like most, and then demote the one you don't like to cleaning your wheels and chrome pipes etc.

[ralp2dam]

I don't know about whether the Dodo Juice wash mitt is better than microfibre or not (though, everyone says microfibre is the way to go these days), but it's made from Merino wool, and from what I've read, it'll soak up a regular 10L bucket in no time, making it a bit wasteful of your car wash shampoo etc (as you'll need a 20L bucket of solution instead of 10L).




I have one of them as well. I quite like it, but I prefer the Aquatouch one.



Aquatouch Ultra Microfibre Mitt

I prefer that one over the Mint one. My girlfriend prefers the Mint one! You need two anyway (one for your wheels etc). So just buy both, use both on your paintwork to start with and see which one you like most, and then demote the one you don't like to cleaning your wheels and chrome pipes etc.

Thanks for your advice. I think I'll go down the microfibre path based on your comment. Additionally I have heard & read elsewhere too that the merino mitt does drink the car wash and it's expensive enough as it is.

Is there any reason you prefer the aquatouch mitt over the mint one? Saying that I will buy both anyway.

[Corey_R]

It feels a little more plush than the other one, and its elastic is tighter. It's much longer than my hand is though, but still workable. The mint was is still fine, and you may decide you like it better.

[ralp2dam]

It feels a little more plush than the other one, and its elastic is tighter. It's much longer than my hand is though, but still workable. The mint was is still fine, and you may decide you like it better.

Cheers, I'll give them both a whirl.

[shakespeare]

Hey guys,

Been away this week, so missed most of the stuff here, but to those interested...

I've had the Optimum Opti-Coat applied 2 days after I picked up my R and have to say that after every wash since it still looks better than when I got it from the dealer! From memory my detailer applied 2 coats and all I have done to maintain this in the last 6 months is wash regularly with the Optimum recommended wash and apply the spray polish every 3rd or so wash. Water beads beautifully and I am very satisfied with the end result. I'll wash it tomorrow and post up some pics of the water beading etc

Cheers
Chris

[shakespeare]

Some pics when wet!

Bonnet




Roof