Finally got my hand on a camera so took some photos of this Scion FR-S I just applied Opti-Coat for.

Owners of the FR-S should look into applying Opti-Coat as a form of protection for a new car. It's best to do it when new as it's likely in the best condition it'll ever be in. Opti-Coat is a permanent ceramic coating that can be applied to the surface of the car. This includes paint, plastics, and glass. Opti-Coat has wax like characteristics in which it provides UV protection as well as being hydrophobic. Just like how wax will act like an extra layer on top of the fragile clear coat, Opti-Coat does the same. It also leaves a nice gloss that lasts much longer than regular paste or liquid wax. Opti-Coat is offered by Optimum which is one of the leading manufacturers of quality car care products. The Opti-Coat product has received a warm reception by users and some dealerships are even offering this as an option (at a very high cost of course).

Here is a video to show what Opti-Coat reacts to water.
You can tell that would play a helpful role in keeping your car clean.

Opti-Coat also has a more durable surface than clear coat. Once fully hardened Opti-Coat will resist swirls and scratches better than clear coat. I think this alone is a very useful characteristic to justify Opti-Coat.

Because it's permanent the paint will have to be in perfect condition before Opti-Coat is applied. Any scratch that isn't removed will be sealed in with the Opti-Seal. Once this happens the only way to remove the scratch is to polish through the Opti-Coat and back into the clearcoat to remove the scratch.

Here is what I've done for this FR-S

• Hand Wash + LSP Strip / this removes dirt and any wax/sealant/oils leftover from manufacturing or the dealership preparation.
• Degrease Door Jambs, Trunk Jambs, Engine Bay, Gas Door / This ensures there is no grease or dirt in these hidden areas
• Wash and Fine Claybar Rims / Rims have to be clean in order to apply the OptiCoat and have it bond properly.
• Degrease Fender Liners and Tires / remove any oils or shine that the dealer applied onto the fender liners and tires
• Clean all Windows & Glass / remove any dirt or oil on the glass to ensure Opti-Coat bonds.
• Vacuum Seats, Floor Mats, Trunk, Carpet / in preparation of fabric protector application
• UltraFine Claybar Across all paint surfaces / this ensures any surface contamination left over from the environment and vehicle transportation is removed.
• Tape the car up to prepare for a fine Polishing / this ensures no polish residue gets into cracks and crevices that will show up later as baked on residue.
• Fine Polish the clearcoat surface / some might ask why polish a brand new car - you would be surprised. Many times there are scratches on the paint surface on brand new cars. The handling and transportation of the car is not perfect. The fine polish also brings out a higher level of gloss across the clearcoat.
• Polish headlights and tail lights - I've found on the few FR-S and BRZs that I've worked on that the lights had light scratches on them.
• IPA Wipedown / ensure all oils and waxes (left from polishing) are removed from the surface where Opti-Coat will be applied. The plastics will also have to be wiped down to prepare for Opti-Coat
• Opti-Coat Application - paint surface , door jambs, rims, headlights and tail lights, engine bay, trunk jambs, gas door area, windows/glass, fog lights, plastics trim, metal trim, weather guards, front plate, and badges.
• Sealant and UV protectant applied to Tires and Fender Liners
• Sealant and UV protectant applied to engine bay plastics and rubber
• Polish exhaust tip with 0000 wool
• Fabric protector applied to seats and to fabric hood guard (repels water)
• UV Protectant applied to interior trim and leather

Having Opti-Coat on the glass and rims is also a blessing when cleaning the brake dust off your rims or when it rains. Just like RainX or Aquapel, Opti-Coat will repel rain off your windshield when you are driving. Visibility is much better as well as having the wipers glide smoother across the glass.
Here are some photos.

Getting ready to be washed

After fine polish. There was some light swirls across the entire car as well as a deep scratch on the rear quarter. Masking residue was left all over the car from manufacturing.



Rims and tires cleaned and sealed

Taillights polished and sealed

After the Opti-Coat this plastics area will stay dark and resist drying up and cracking much better than an unprotected equivilent.

Love the red stitching


Didn't get to get any photos of the car out in the sun as the car stayed in the garage for the duration of it's stay.

I really do looking forward to picking up my FR-S. The car is just so small and nimble. The seating position and interior are very performance oriented. The curves and lines give the appearance an aggresive stance that can be recognized from very far away. It takes a detailer to truly appreciate the lines of a car. I'm honored to work on these FR-S and BRZs and hope they stay clean and shiny and put smiles on the face of owners and spectators for years to come.



If you are intersted in Opti-Coat I can recommend an installer in your area as I'm also on detailing forums and know some quality installers across the nation. If anyone is interested, I service the Toronto and GTA area for all your detailing needs.



Brian C - Alpha Auto Spa

edit: here is an album the customer put up after he took the car home
Flickr: FR-S Bryan's Photostream