Opti-Coat vs. Cquartz Finest vs 22ple?
#16
Hopefully I did not come off as upset with my previous post... it has been an industry misnomer than Opti-Coat is the "end all, be all" in terms of protection when the reality is that OC has the same potential of failing as any other coating in my experience, it is just marketed less conservatively in that they use the word 'permanent' which makes people assume it is nearly bulletproof and "better" than everything else. I was just trying to explain the facts and perhaps try to get people to look past the word 'permanent' and the longer warranty.
As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm going to go with CQuartz on my GS, but I'm going to give 22ple a try on my wife's CX-5. Same detailer for both and the upkeep for both will be roughly the same since I do all the washing. Timing wise, it'll be tough to get the CX-5 in before the end of the year so I'll save comparisons for the new year.
Thanks again!
Edit: 1 more question. How often should I hit it with the CarPro Reload and/or the Iron X?
Last edited by Allen K; 12-16-14 at 07:03 AM.
#17
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (13)
Get the CarPro Hydro2 which is very similar to CarPro Reload but so much easier to apply, you can spray it on, and rinse it off without any buffing. That is it
I think Iron X, 1 to 2 times a year to decontaminate the iron particles.
CarPro Hydro2 or Reload every 2-3 months for additional gloss, slickness, and protection.
And Quick Detailer as drying aid every wash, I recommend 303 Speed Detailer and FK 425. These two make the paint super slick, and glossy. 303 is famous for its sun blocking ability.
Get it from Zach, he sells these items.
I think Iron X, 1 to 2 times a year to decontaminate the iron particles.
CarPro Hydro2 or Reload every 2-3 months for additional gloss, slickness, and protection.
And Quick Detailer as drying aid every wash, I recommend 303 Speed Detailer and FK 425. These two make the paint super slick, and glossy. 303 is famous for its sun blocking ability.
Get it from Zach, he sells these items.
#18
Auto Detailing Master
iTrader: (2)
Appreciate all the details Zach! Not upset, just passionate
As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm going to go with CQuartz on my GS, but I'm going to give 22ple a try on my wife's CX-5. Same detailer for both and the upkeep for both will be roughly the same since I do all the washing. Timing wise, it'll be tough to get the CX-5 in before the end of the year so I'll save comparisons for the new year.
Thanks again!
Edit: 1 more question. How often should I hit it with the CarPro Reload and/or the Iron X?
As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm going to go with CQuartz on my GS, but I'm going to give 22ple a try on my wife's CX-5. Same detailer for both and the upkeep for both will be roughly the same since I do all the washing. Timing wise, it'll be tough to get the CX-5 in before the end of the year so I'll save comparisons for the new year.
Thanks again!
Edit: 1 more question. How often should I hit it with the CarPro Reload and/or the Iron X?
You cannot use Reload too much... simple as that. You don't need to use it at all, but it is so quick and easy you'll probably find yourself using it regularly. If you intend to use it rather frequently, I'd suggest diluting it 1:1 with distilled water to cut down on product cost and to make the product a bit more user friendly.
IronX should be used as needed. I usually recommend 1-2 times each year for coated vehicles. As always, it is very important to remember to only use IronX in the shade when the vehicle is cool to the touch. Do not allow the product to dry on the surface, and rinse very well afterwards.
Let me know if you've got any other questions.
-Zach
#19
Really appreciate all of the responses guys! Yup, going with Greg over @ Signature. I'm dropping the car off after work tonight and I'll bombard him with more questions Probably going to have to add to my detailing stash with some Chemical Guys (snow foam) and CarPro (hydro2/reload) stuff.
#21
Auto Detailing Master
iTrader: (2)
Really appreciate all of the responses guys! Yup, going with Greg over @ Signature. I'm dropping the car off after work tonight and I'll bombard him with more questions Probably going to have to add to my detailing stash with some Chemical Guys (snow foam) and CarPro (hydro2/reload) stuff.
-Zach McGovern
#27
Just got my wife's CX-5 back from Greg and I have to say I'm a little bit jealous. The 22ple makes the blue in her Mazda really pop. Probably a case of her just having a more interesting color, but it really does look good. I'll take and post some pics tomorrow, but it's going to be interesting to see how they wear compared to one another
#28
Auto Detailing Master
iTrader: (2)
Just got my wife's CX-5 back from Greg and I have to say I'm a little bit jealous. The 22ple makes the blue in her Mazda really pop. Probably a case of her just having a more interesting color, but it really does look good. I'll take and post some pics tomorrow, but it's going to be interesting to see how they wear compared to one another
Assuming your cars are kept in similar environments and maintained the same, this will be a great test. I've done the same test on my car vs my wife's car and Finest beaded better for longer (which isn't a big deal), but both look great 2 years later.
#29
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (13)
Just got my wife's CX-5 back from Greg and I have to say I'm a little bit jealous. The 22ple makes the blue in her Mazda really pop. Probably a case of her just having a more interesting color, but it really does look good. I'll take and post some pics tomorrow, but it's going to be interesting to see how they wear compared to one another
#30
Auto Detailing Master
iTrader: (2)
Isn't that weird? I experience the same thing. My 2006 IS350 in dark blue color looks glossier and shinier than my 2012 IS250 in pearl white and both of them have same coating. However, the dark blue one always get dirty and dusty quicker and so much harder to keep clean.
This is the same reason darker paint looks better when it has been cleaned compared to white paint. Dark paint is much more reflective/glossy under normal daylight conditions, and therefore looks amazing when there is no dirt on the surface, but when there is dirt on the surface the paint looses its luster and it is very noticeable, where the white (or lighter colored paint) does not show the dramatic change in appearance as easily because it does not appear as glossy even when it is clean.