Optimum
Polymer Technologies
Optimum Opti-Coat ™ Pro
Silicon carbide (SiC) [: is composed of tetrahedra of carbon and silicon atoms with strong bonds in the crystal lattice. This produces a very hard and strong material. Silicon carbide is not attacked by any acids or alkalis or molten salts up to 800°C. In air, SiC forms a protective silicon oxide coating at 1200°C and is able to be used up to 1600°C.
The high thermal conductivity coupled with low thermal expansion and high strength give this material exceptional thermal shock resistant qualities. Silicon carbide ceramics with little or no grain boundary impurities maintain their strength to very high temperatures, approaching 1600°C with no strength loss. Chemical purity, resistance to chemical attack at temperature, and strength retention at high temperatures]
Optimum Opti-Coat™ Pro provides an additional barrier between the elements and your vehicle's paint and is based on a resin pre-polymer that uses a configuration that forms a synthetic silicon carbide (SiC) which can be bonded together by sintering to form very hard ceramic.
These are far more resistant to enzymes than the C-C configuration used in polymer sealants. As a consequent it is more resistant to the acids found in bird and insect excrement or the alkaline found in road salt. It forms ceramic bonds at very high temperatures and will not be damaged by extreme heat and therefore resists oxidation.
Opti-Coat has better resistance to chemicals (acid), scratches and release properties than other automotive coating currently in use. This coating has a 2-4 µ (microns) applied thickness and a hardness of 9H (Pencil Hardness) when fully cross-linked and provides a semi-permanent coating. Its application is similar to that of a single component Isocyanate that forms a semi-permanent clear coat finish. Unlike waxes and paint sealants that require frequent reapplication,
Opti-Coat is a pre-polymer that cross links and forms a continuous film on the surfaces it is applied to similar to a single component Isocyanate that forms a clear coat finish. Opti-Coat also reacts with the substrate that it is applied to so it will not delaminate. Nano particles are sub-micron particles that are created by controlled reactions or by breaking down larger particles. It cross-links and reacts with urethane and other clear coat paints.
Opti-Coat Pro utilizes Silicon Carbide (SiC) that actually bonds to the paint and the Silicon Carbide is formed as a chemical reaction in that process. This gives Opti-Coat Pro far superior chemical resistance, as the chemical must break down the Silicon Carbide, and not the resin holding Silicon Dioxide micro particles.
To obtain maximum strength some coatings require heat curing, with Opti-Coat Pro that’s not required. Silicon Carbide obtains its maximum gloss once the polymerization process is completed (approx.7 days) and will maintain its gloss over time
It provides an additional barrier between the elements and your vehicle's paint and is based on a resin pre-polymer that uses a configuration of (SiC) bond, which are far more resistant to enzymes than the C-C configuration used in most polymer sealants.
As a consequent it is more resistant to the acids found in bird and insect excrement or the alkaline found in road salt. It forms ceramic bonds at very high temperatures and will not be damaged by extreme heat and therefore resists oxidation.
The solvents used in Opti-Coat are also used in hand lotions and other cosmetic products. The polymers, however, are very reactive and should be used with caution.
Hand Application
1. Polish paint with Optimum Polish II or Optimum Finish to remove any defects.
2. Clean surface with 15% IPA solution to remove all polishing oils, waxes, and silicones.
3. Prime the applicator by making an X pattern across the pad. Only a few drops will be needed for each subsequent panel.
4. Wipe Optimum Opti-Coat onto a single panel at a time in a thin layer using two directions, in a circular or front to back direction.
5. Within 5 minutes, inspect the panel with adequate lighting looking for any thick areas that have not flashed away to clear.
6. Use foam applicator or paint safe microfiber to even out any areas where you see streaks. This step is key, as any spots not levelled will have to be polished if allowed to cure.
7. Panels will feel a bit tacky and will be self-levelling 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.
Spray Application
Carry out all your prep work to get the paint to your level of personal perfection? Clean surface to remove all polishing oils, waxes, and silicone and polished level all waxes and oils must be removed from the surfaces for proper product bonding / cross-linking
Using a low pressure spray gun sat at a low pressure setting. Open the fan nozzle all the way and shut the volume all the way down. Fill your cup with an Opti-Coat / Acetone 2:1 solution and press back your trigger while you slowly open up your fluid volume.
Liquid should just start coming out and stop there. Now you'll want to set your gun about 5 or 6 inches from some paper or glass. Start spraying again making passes while adjusting your fluid so the paper/glass gets misted, not damp where it runs but more like its damp where a finger can smear it off. If it’s runny you have too much fluid and/or too much pressure (try 12 or 15 PSI) and adjust until you’re happy with the settings.
Inspect the panel with adequate lighting within 5-10 minutes looking for any thick areas that have not flashed away to clear.
For maintenance Optimum No Rinse or Optimum Car Wash are recommended to get the best results.
MSDS - http://www.opti-coat.com/msds/opticoat.pdf
An alternative to Optimum Opti-Coat ™ Pro
Always be willing to learn; because the more you learn, the more you’ll realize what you don’t know.
It is said that knowledge is power, with the caveat that it includes access to a reliable information sources. I would like to think that these articles become an asset to anyone who is new to detailing and to professional’s alike, as well as industry experts who seek to advance their knowledge.
I hope the article are informative. By having some understanding of the ‘What’ and ‘Why’ as well as the ‘How’ along with a little science to help you understand how the chemicals we use react, you can achieve the results you desire.
I would appreciate it if you would share these articles as it helps other detailers further their knowledge.
Questions and/ or constructive comments are always appreciated.
Silicon carbide (SiC) [: is composed of tetrahedra of carbon and silicon atoms with strong bonds in the crystal lattice. This produces a very hard and strong material. Silicon carbide is not attacked by any acids or alkalis or molten salts up to 800°C. In air, SiC forms a protective silicon oxide coating at 1200°C and is able to be used up to 1600°C.
The high thermal conductivity coupled with low thermal expansion and high strength give this material exceptional thermal shock resistant qualities. Silicon carbide ceramics with little or no grain boundary impurities maintain their strength to very high temperatures, approaching 1600°C with no strength loss. Chemical purity, resistance to chemical attack at temperature, and strength retention at high temperatures]
Optimum Opti-Coat™ Pro provides an additional barrier between the elements and your vehicle's paint and is based on a resin pre-polymer that uses a configuration that forms a synthetic silicon carbide (SiC) which can be bonded together by sintering to form very hard ceramic.
These are far more resistant to enzymes than the C-C configuration used in polymer sealants. As a consequent it is more resistant to the acids found in bird and insect excrement or the alkaline found in road salt. It forms ceramic bonds at very high temperatures and will not be damaged by extreme heat and therefore resists oxidation.
Opti-Coat has better resistance to chemicals (acid), scratches and release properties than other automotive coating currently in use. This coating has a 2-4 µ (microns) applied thickness and a hardness of 9H (Pencil Hardness) when fully cross-linked and provides a semi-permanent coating. Its application is similar to that of a single component Isocyanate that forms a semi-permanent clear coat finish. Unlike waxes and paint sealants that require frequent reapplication,
Opti-Coat is a pre-polymer that cross links and forms a continuous film on the surfaces it is applied to similar to a single component Isocyanate that forms a clear coat finish. Opti-Coat also reacts with the substrate that it is applied to so it will not delaminate. Nano particles are sub-micron particles that are created by controlled reactions or by breaking down larger particles. It cross-links and reacts with urethane and other clear coat paints.
Opti-Coat Pro utilizes Silicon Carbide (SiC) that actually bonds to the paint and the Silicon Carbide is formed as a chemical reaction in that process. This gives Opti-Coat Pro far superior chemical resistance, as the chemical must break down the Silicon Carbide, and not the resin holding Silicon Dioxide micro particles.
To obtain maximum strength some coatings require heat curing, with Opti-Coat Pro that’s not required. Silicon Carbide obtains its maximum gloss once the polymerization process is completed (approx.7 days) and will maintain its gloss over time
It provides an additional barrier between the elements and your vehicle's paint and is based on a resin pre-polymer that uses a configuration of (SiC) bond, which are far more resistant to enzymes than the C-C configuration used in most polymer sealants.
As a consequent it is more resistant to the acids found in bird and insect excrement or the alkaline found in road salt. It forms ceramic bonds at very high temperatures and will not be damaged by extreme heat and therefore resists oxidation.
The solvents used in Opti-Coat are also used in hand lotions and other cosmetic products. The polymers, however, are very reactive and should be used with caution.
Coating Product
Application
Be
cognizant that for a coating product to reach its full potential; that is to
say the correct contact angle, durability and optimum cross-linking it
imperative that you provide a ‘clean’ surface. Prior to application both above
and sub-surfaces should be decontaminants, polishing lubrication (oils, polymer
(silicones) and wax) system should be removed
Surface preparation
Clean
surface by using a professional panel wipe (Spies Hecker 7010 Silicone Remover) as a post-polisher paint surface cleaner. Apply to the
towel first (not directly to the surface) and remove with another clean towel.
As with all coating products, the key to success is proper surface preparation
prior to application
Hand Application
1. Polish paint with Optimum Polish II or Optimum Finish to remove any defects.
2. Clean surface with 15% IPA solution to remove all polishing oils, waxes, and silicones.
3. Prime the applicator by making an X pattern across the pad. Only a few drops will be needed for each subsequent panel.
4. Wipe Optimum Opti-Coat onto a single panel at a time in a thin layer using two directions, in a circular or front to back direction.
5. Within 5 minutes, inspect the panel with adequate lighting looking for any thick areas that have not flashed away to clear.
6. Use foam applicator or paint safe microfiber to even out any areas where you see streaks. This step is key, as any spots not levelled will have to be polished if allowed to cure.
7. Panels will feel a bit tacky and will be self-levelling 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.
Spray Application
Carry out all your prep work to get the paint to your level of personal perfection? Clean surface to remove all polishing oils, waxes, and silicone and polished level all waxes and oils must be removed from the surfaces for proper product bonding / cross-linking
Using a low pressure spray gun sat at a low pressure setting. Open the fan nozzle all the way and shut the volume all the way down. Fill your cup with an Opti-Coat / Acetone 2:1 solution and press back your trigger while you slowly open up your fluid volume.
Liquid should just start coming out and stop there. Now you'll want to set your gun about 5 or 6 inches from some paper or glass. Start spraying again making passes while adjusting your fluid so the paper/glass gets misted, not damp where it runs but more like its damp where a finger can smear it off. If it’s runny you have too much fluid and/or too much pressure (try 12 or 15 PSI) and adjust until you’re happy with the settings.
Inspect the panel with adequate lighting within 5-10 minutes looking for any thick areas that have not flashed away to clear.
For maintenance Optimum No Rinse or Optimum Car Wash are recommended to get the best results.
MSDS - http://www.opti-coat.com/msds/opticoat.pdf
An alternative to Optimum Opti-Coat ™ Pro
Optimum Gloss-Coat - is an
advanced polymer system that forms a layer of clear coat over the automotive
finishes. It provides scratch and mar resistance, UV resistance, chemical etch
resistance, and has better release properties than any other consumer product
while providing unsurpassed gloss and slickness. Additionally, you can top
Optimum Gloss-Coat with any non-abrasive wax or sealant of your choice to add
additional gloss and slickness.
Since Optimum Gloss-Coat bonds to
surfaces it is applied to, any paint imperfections, waxes and oils must be
removed from the surfaces before application for proper bonding.
Directions:
1. Polish paint to remove any defects.
2. Clean surface with 15% IPA solution
to remove all polishing oils, waxes, and silicones.
3. Prime the applicator by making an X
pattern across the pad. Only a few drops will be needed for each subsequent
panel.
4. Wipe Optimum Gloss-Coat onto a single
panel at a time in a thin layer using two directions, in a circular or front to
back direction.
5. Within 5 minutes, inspect the panel
with adequate lighting looking for any thick areas that have not flashed away
to clear.
6. Use foam applicator or paint safe
microfiber to even out any areas where you see streaks. This step is key, as
any spots not levelled will have to be polished if allowed to cure. Panels will
feel a bit tacky and will be self-levelling during cure time, so avoid any
unnecessary touching, wiping, or contact to produce the best results.
7. Repeat steps 1-6 for each panel where
application is desired.
It is said that knowledge is power, with the caveat that it includes access to a reliable information sources. I would like to think that these articles become an asset to anyone who is new to detailing and to professional’s alike, as well as industry experts who seek to advance their knowledge.
I hope the article are informative. By having some understanding of the ‘What’ and ‘Why’ as well as the ‘How’ along with a little science to help you understand how the chemicals we use react, you can achieve the results you desire.
I would appreciate it if you would share these articles as it helps other detailers further their knowledge.
Questions and/ or constructive comments are always appreciated.
Copyright © 2002 - 2012 TOGWT® (Established 1980) all rights reserved
No comments:
Post a Comment