paint protection

[TDot]

Has anybody had any personal experience with, or personally seen before and after...(months/years after) examples of, opti-coat 2.0 by optimum or ceramicoat by ppg on an entire car? Ceramicoat makes the clear coat for Benz, and opti-coat is said to be "lifetime". They are said to not just be simple gloss, but actually protect the car against scuffs. Just doing research because I plan on doing one of them. If you have any knowledge on them, what's the average price?

[EniGmA1987]

Never heard of it, but sounds like it is the same or similar to just another clear coat on the car to me. I protect my paint by doing a quality wax job once a month, and clay bar and polish quarterly. IMO the best way to protect your car's paint is to take care of it, not just wipe on a coat of something and forget about it forever.

[TDot]

I would almost agree with you with "just another clear coat" until I experienced infinite's clear coat. that's when I understood everybody's paint and clear coat is not the same (this car scratches too easily...I don't even let people breathe on my car because of that, I'm paranoid)...which is why from what i understand infiniti upgraded their paint/clear coat in 09.
its not just about shiny and general weather protection I'm looking for, I'm looking for all around protection. I know its not going to protect against something like being keyed, but it will help against road debris, people leaning against the car, cleaning off hardened bird cap and such.
Its suppose to be a hardening layer that's thicker than clear coat.
the "lifetime" gloss is just a great plus. I clean every 1.5-2 weeks, polish monthly....aside from winter.

[Partysan7]

Well actually its a great product many on AG forums swear by it. But remember if you go with opti coat 2.0 you will most likely ( depending on your paints condition) have to do paint correction. It will lock in all swirls and defects. It works as another layer of clear coat/ sealant deffinetly lot harder and scratch/swirl resistant than our clear . They are on the softer side. Its like 60 bucks a small bottle from AG but should be handled professionally after correction. I have only read reviews the longest someone had it was 2 years ( still measured by paint gauge) nobody yet had came back with longer results, so who knows how long it will really last. Looks great on paint nice dripping wet and slick. Deffinetly worth it!

[SmoovC]

For the ultimate in protection:

http://www.genesisowners.com/hyundai-ge ... ostcount=1

[Larz]

All of these products sound great but Partysan makes a valid point. These products will only seal in the current condition of your paint. Because I clay bar and polish my car prior to waxing, there are hardly any swirls anywhere. Adding these products won't hide what's there - it will make sure whatever is there ... stays there.
My clay bar, polish, and wax won't hide the few marks that are still visible, but at least they will diminish slightly each time I do my car. With these products, those marks are sealed in forever.

[shockwave20]

I would almost agree with you with "just another clear coat" until I experienced infinite's clear coat. that's when I understood everybody's paint and clear coat is not the same (this car scratches too easily...I don't even let people breathe on my car because of that, I'm paranoid)...which is why from what i understand infiniti upgraded their paint/clear coat in 09.
its not just about shiny and general weather protection I'm looking for, I'm looking for all around protection. I know its not going to protect against something like being keyed, but it will help against road debris, people leaning against the car, cleaning off hardened bird cap and such.
Its suppose to be a hardening layer that's thicker than clear coat.
the "lifetime" gloss is just a great plus. I clean every 1.5-2 weeks, polish monthly....aside from winter.

Im the worst when it comes to my car. I wash when rain water touch it. I don't drive it in the rain and I don't drive it in the snow, even though I bought the x model for the snow. Every time I wash it I seem to find a scratch. When I saw some light scratches at the top I suspect It was coming from my car cover.