Paint Coating Selection

**AustrianOak82** · 08-07-2015, 07:23 AM

I have done a good amount of reading on paint coatings in the last couple of months. I am ready to pull the trigger on one but I have it narrowed down to about 5. Leaning toward the Opti-gloss. They will primarily be used on my Focus ST (metallic black paint) and my wife's Forester (black paint). I would use it secondarily for my detailing business. I am ready to take the plunge and offer these as part of my services, so I want to get some practice in on our cars first. The wife's car does well with just about any wax/sealant but mine responds much better to caranuaba waxes when it comes to depth of color and that "wet" look. Guessing due to the metallic nature of the paint.

As far as what I am looking for in a coating, here is the list in order of importance:

1. Brings out the dark, wet look that makes black paint worth the hassle
2. Has a very high gloss that doesn't look "plastic" like some of the synthetic sealants
3. Longevity. I am looking for something that I can do once or twice a year. I live in Indiana so we have some pretty rough winters.
4. Ease of application. This plays a role, but not too big of one.
5. Price. Not looking to spend a fortune, so looking for a good value. I would like to be able to do about 3 cars (ours plus a GTO) with my initial investment.

Here are my selections and what I have gathered on them so far:

Blackfire: User friendly, Mike has video on product
CQuartz: Hard to apply, expensive, lasts a while
CQuartz UK: Hard to apply, expensive, lasts a while, darkens paint, my best bet for Indiana winter weather?
Opti-gloss: User friendly, high-gloss
DP: Doesn't last very long

Thoughts? Opinions? Feedback? Thanks!

**Setec Astronomy** · 08-07-2015, 07:54 AM

How come you don't have PBL on the list?

**TuxedoTaurus** · 08-07-2015, 07:58 AM

Originally Posted by Setec Astronomy

How come you don't have PBL on the list?

Not to sound snide, just inquisitive.

Why should PBL be considered?

**AustrianOak82** · 08-07-2015, 08:00 AM

Originally Posted by Setec Astronomy

How come you don't have PBL on the list?

I'm open to suggestions. I have never heard of this one though.

**Setec Astronomy** · 08-07-2015, 08:07 AM

Originally Posted by AustrianOak82

I'm open to suggestions. I have never heard of this one though.

Pinnacle Black Label

Originally Posted by TuxedoTaurus

Why should PBL be considered?

He's got the other 2 PBMG coatings there, why not the 3rd? Besides he lists the CQuartz coatings as "hard to apply", so why not add another easy one that is frequently on sale?

**AustrianOak82** · 08-07-2015, 08:09 AM

Originally Posted by Setec Astronomy

Pinnacle Black Label

He's got the other 2 PBMG coatings there, why not the 3rd? Besides he lists the CQuartz coatings as "hard to apply", so why not add another easy one that is frequently on sale?

So, are you recommending PBL as one that would fit my needs the best?

1. Brings out the dark, wet look that makes black paint worth the hassle
2. Has a very high gloss that doesn't look "plastic" like some of the synthetic sealants
3. Longevity. I am looking for something that I can do once or twice a year. I live in Indiana so we have some pretty rough winters.
4. Ease of application. This plays a role, but not too big of one.
5. Price. Not looking to spend a fortune, so looking for a good value. I would like to be able to do about 3 cars (ours plus a GTO) with my initial investment.

**Setec Astronomy** · 08-07-2015, 08:36 AM

Originally Posted by AustrianOak82

So, are you recommending PBL as one that would fit my needs the best?

I haven't used PBL, but objectively I can't see why it wouldn't be on your list of candidates since you have the other PBMG coatings (Blackfire and DP) on there.

Just out of curiosity, do you have experience using WOWA sealants like Opti-Seal, Ultima Paint Guard Plus, Blackfire Crystal Seal, or Wolfgang Deep Gloss Liquid Seal?

**DaC** · 08-07-2015, 08:37 AM

Why isn't Gtechniq on your list ? EXOv2 would be my recommendation for you. Easy to apply, ultra high wet gloss, super slick and hydrophobic, lasts around 18-24 months if cared properly during washes... no mistake.

**custmsprty** · 08-07-2015, 08:41 AM

Originally Posted by DaC

Why isn't Gtechniq on your list ? EXOv2 would me my recommendation for you. Easy to apply, ultra high wet gloss, super slick and hydrophobic, lasts around 18-24 months if cared properly during washes... no mistake.

**AustrianOak82** · 08-07-2015, 08:41 AM

Originally Posted by Setec Astronomy

I haven't used PBL, but objectively I can't see why it wouldn't be on your list of candidates since you have the other PBMG coatings (Blackfire and DP) on there.

Just out of curiosity, do you have experience using WOWA sealants like Opti-Seal, Ultima Paint Guard Plus, Blackfire Crystal Seal, or Wolfgang Deep Gloss Liquid Seal?

I don't. I have always used traditional waxes and sealants layered.

Originally Posted by DaC

Why isn't Gtechniq on your list ? EXOv2 would me my recommendation for you. Easy to apply, ultra high wet gloss, super slick and hydrophobic, lasts around 18-24 months if cared properly during washes... no mistake.

From what I read, people had some trouble with the application of it.