Headlight sealant: spar urethane vs. opti coat 2.0

**CEE DOG** · 06-27-2011, 10:58 AM

SUBSCRIBED

Originally Posted by BorisC

I was looking to try Opti-Coat myself so I'm glad you did this. Besides the longevity of OC cost is the big factor, how many lights do you think can be done w/ one tube?

The amount of lights that can be done with one tube is enormous. I'm not even going to venture a guess but you could get A LOT of lights out of one tube.

**2old2change** · 06-27-2011, 11:34 AM

Can't wait to see how this plays out. Thanks for going to all the trouble for doing the test.I have had great results with you original method.

**Part-timer** · 06-27-2011, 03:32 PM

I'd like to add my "Thanks" also to Hotrod. I've been using the spar method about a year now with great results.

**WindyCity** · 06-27-2011, 10:14 PM

Thanks again hotrod!

You do a great job of updating your headlight tests!

**richy** · 06-27-2011, 10:54 PM

Awesome idea. You took it to the next logical step. I, too am looking forward to the updates.

**mr.fusion** · 06-27-2011, 11:54 PM

Thanks for posting this hotrod. Most of what I have done so far, I won't be able to track long term. I have a couple other long term test jobs to do... just haven't got to them yet.

I had hopes that OC would be the silver bullet... a fairly simple and nearly permanent coating. I've been using it on headlight jobs here and there the past few weeks. One test light I did has me concerned though. It seems to be showing some loss of gloss/clarity... and it's way too soon for any type of deterioration. I'm hoping this is an anomaly or I didn't get it coated well, because I really want OC to work. I was expecting at LEAST a year before seeing any breakdown.

**Tru_Shine** · 06-28-2011, 01:22 AM

definitely interested in this! subbed

**Rei86** · 06-30-2011, 12:11 AM

I'll see you in six months, one year, than in two

Thanks for doing this again HotRod (and since the Dark of the Moon is coming out), Rodimus Prime?

**Part-timer** · 07-02-2011, 05:47 AM

Hotrod.....What is the method of application for the Opti-Coat? (I've been using the Spar method for a while now and am familiar with that) I'm just wondering if I would need any special tools or anything to apply it, or does it just wipe on like the spar?

**HotRod** · 07-02-2011, 06:35 AM

Originally Posted by Part-timer

Hotrod.....What is the method of application for the Opti-Coat? (I've been using the Spar method for a while now and am familiar with that) I'm just wondering if I would need any special tools or anything to apply it, or does it just wipe on like the spar?

Here are the directions directly from the AG store.

Directions:

Polish paint to remove any defects.
Clean surface with 15% IPA solution to remove all polishing oils, waxes, and silicones.
Prime the applicator by making an X pattern across the pad. Only a few drops will be needed for each subsequent panel.
Wipe Opti-Coat onto a single panel at a time in a thin layer using two directions, front to back, and then side to side.
Within 5 minutes, inspect the panel with adequate lighting looking for any thick areas that have not flashed away to clear.
Use foam applicator or paint safe microfiber to even out any areas where you see streaks. This step is key, as any spots not leveled will have to be polished if allowed to cure. Panels will feel a bit tacky and will be self-leveling during cure time, so avoid any unnecessary touching, wiping, or contact to produce the best results.
Repeat steps 1-6 for each panel where application is desired. Not recommended for glass.

Its definitely applied differently than the spar urethane, and it needs a perfect surface, as it does not hide scratches at all. The opti coat does not require any special tools for application, as you just use the provided applicator sponge, however you will need a polisher if you have done any wet sanding.