A few years ago I got some of the very first Opti-Coat Pro direct from Dr G at Optimum. I did my old Saab convertible and after 2.5 years the stuff was still going strong when I sold the car. It was amazing on the wheels as they would simply wash 99% clean just with a good blast from my Kranzle. I put the rest away and never used it but stumbled across the syringes the other day when sorting some old detailing stuff out. TBH I wasnt sure how the stuff would be after 4 years in a dark box, but it was still clear liquid and I was told they'd be OK. I chickened out of using it on the paint as I remember the application process was quite tricky with the old pro version samples, and it took 2 of us a day to properly decon and polish the car and another day to coat it and dry it - so I thought I'd try it on my new wheels.... No way I want to be washing these damn things every week as they are going to be a right PITA to keep clean without a really good coating on them!

 

Wheels had only done 1 journey of 400 miles so the process was G3 Detox wash, BH Auto Wheel cleaner, more washing and a IPA wipedown. Then it was an early start to apply the OC today so it has a minimum 16 hrs warm dry cure time. Stuff is still fiddly to apply and the new OC 2.0 is much much easier to use thankfully, but the finished result was worth the effort. 

 

IMG_4706 by Bigpikle, on Flickr

 

The flake pop on the painted areas is amazing and by coincidence is the same colour as the paintwork. I also hope the coating protects the polished facings better than just the OEM clear.

 

IMG_4707 by Bigpikle, on Flickr

 

Then I decided to do the wheels on our 4yr old CR-V. Took 3 hits of wheel cleaner to get all the pitting and marks out but after a wash and IPA wipedown it was easy to get these coated. They really shine out again now. 

 

IMG_4708 by Bigpikle, on Flickr

 

Now I've got the hang of it again I think I might properly polish the CR-V and coat the ridiculously soft paint for some extra protection. Might even splash out for the OC 2.0 to make it a little simpler.

Very nice results. The L&K wheels you have are very similar to the anapurnas I had on my previous yeti, nightmare to keep clean so very good idea to protect them early on.

I've just done my yeti L&K alloys the origamis they are two tone inserts also a nightmare to keep clean, I used armoral wheel protectant which is an aerosol easy spray on. And I have to say it set like a second skin you could actually chip away a layer, but luckily it sets rock hard.

Maybe you could give that a try next time.

By the way the Honda wheels also look smashing!!

Thanks for the write up.

thanks - TBH  I havent always kept up with the detailing on the Honda and the worst effect of that was the wheels. They became quite pitted with brake dust building in the hollows behind the arms. The revelation has been Bilt Hamber Auto Wheels - a couple of hits of that has removed 99% of the build up with just a good rub with a MF cloth. Much better performing and less harsh than AS Smart Wheels and doesnt leave you feeling like you've been breathing in nasty chemicals after you use it either!

 

I've always used FK1000p on wheels and had good results, and it performans as good as a coating for a few weeks if you put 2 coats on, but I know this stuff lasts >2 years of year round mileage, and these wheels will come off in winter as I've got some steel winter wheels already (and they've been coated as well).

 

2 coats of Opti-Seal and a spray with Optimum Car Wax has left the paintwork looking stunning as well, although I did need to burnish a wing and door to get rid of a few very slight holograms from the factory....

 

IMG_4699 by Bigpikle, on Flickr

thanks - TBH I havent always kept up with the detailing on the Honda and the worst effect of that was the wheels. They became quite pitted with brake dust building in the hollows behind the arms. The revelation has been Bilt Hamber Auto Wheels - a couple of hits of that has removed 99% of the build up with just a good rub with a MF cloth. Much better performing and less harsh than AS Smart Wheels and doesnt leave you feeling like you've been breathing in nasty chemicals after you use it either!

I've always used FK1000p on wheels and had good results, and it performans as good as a coating for a few weeks if you put 2 coats on, but I know this stuff lasts >2 years of year round mileage, and these wheels will come off in winter as I've got some steel winter wheels already (and they've been coated as well).

2 coats of Opti-Seal and a spray with Optimum Car Wax has left the paintwork looking stunning as well, although I did need to burnish a wing and door to get rid of a few very slight holograms from the factory....

IMG_4699 by Bigpikle, on Flickr

The car looks absolutely stunning! Well done.

Lovely colour, I'm annoyed that my L&K didn't come with colour coded mirrors as yours has, mine came with silver wing mirrors, would have preferred body coloured.

You clearly know what your doing, I'd be very proud of that finish.

cheers - was taught by some of the best in the UK and have worked on some very exotic stuff in the past - never going to top the Veyron we did  - sadly the pics are not online any more though :(

Edited 25 July, 201411 yr by Bigpikle

cheers - was taught by some of the best in the UK and have worked on some very exotic stuff in the past - never going to top the Veyron we did - sadly the pics are not online any more though :(

It must have been amazing to work on one I've never even seen one in the flesh

found a pic of it in another write up we did on a Brabus C63s - the owner came by in it to say hello.  

found a pic of it in another write up we did on a Brabus C63s - the owner came by in it to say hello.

Very very nice.

Great work

Ive used Optiseal a lot in the past but not recently and found it simple to apply and gives great results

I now have CC Platinum Ceramic Wheel seal and really cant fault it...Similar stuff I think

Great to see someone looking after their car as much I strive to

RE: Honda Paint...Yes really soft and only needs a finishing pad and something like Scholl S40 polish

Chris - Havent used the CC stuff but I suspect it might be similar in that its a coating? Opti Coat is a permanent coating that is designed for paint primarily but works brilliantly on wheels as well. There are lots of different coatings around now though and many use different technologies, but they do offer some excellent advantages for ease of car care. 

 

If you love to tinker every weekend they may not be you but if you want great protection and looks and want to be able to get the full detailed look in a few minutes then I reckon they win hands down. 

Edited 26 July, 201411 yr by Bigpikle

Yes...if you're not into regular cleaning, then this is for you....like all ceramic sealers

I prefer to use them on alloys where they really pay for themselves, because nobody really wants to clean wheels!!