mlamb Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 Just purchased a 2024 Tesla Model 3 in early December, it has sat in the garage for most of the time while I went out of town for the holidays. I purchased some opti-coat off of amazon, and want to ceramic coat it. Some facts: Car was built 10/2024. I took delivery on 12/14/2024. I got it with five miles on it, has about 300 miles now. Its winter here now, with highs in the 30's, with snow in the forecast. I have been using ONR and opti-seal on my previous cars for the past 6 years, and have it available. I have a enclosed 2 car garage, insulated but not heated. I was thinking about just doing an ONR wash in the garage, using the clay towel, and then putting the opti-coat on it. Wait an hour and then apply opti-seal. But I worry will it cure properly with the low temps? Can I skip any paint correction since it is a new car? Paint seems okay to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron@Optimum Posted January 4 Share Posted January 4 If happy with the paint, you can clay and wipe down with ONR. An option to clay (and a useful product to have in inventory) is Optimum Touchless Decontamination Wash, like a chemical clay version and less likely to mar. You can coat your car in cooler temperatures, the curing will be slower which is no problem. Applying Opti-Seal an hour after coating is great and will protect the car during the 7 day No Wash period. FYI, Teslas have famously soft clear coat, so ceramic coating is the right choice. Second FYI, Opti-Seal now has ceramic components, allowing to bond to coatings and with regular use should extend the durability of Gloss-Coat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mlamb Posted January 6 Author Share Posted January 6 Just wanted to correct my original post, I purchased Gloss-Coat, not opti-coat as I originally stated. Thanks for the advice Ron. I'm pretty happy with the paint as is right now, but I might try and buff it lightly with the black waffle pad and the hyper polish spray first, if I have the time. Is it critical to get the Gloss-Coat on ASAP? I have been thinking about waiting to apply the Gloss-Coat in early April, when it starts to warm up again, and until then protecting with just the opti-seal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoseG Posted January 6 Share Posted January 6 4 hours ago, mlamb said: Just wanted to correct my original post, I purchased Gloss-Coat, not opti-coat as I originally stated. Thanks for the advice Ron. I'm pretty happy with the paint as is right now, but I might try and buff it lightly with the black waffle pad and the hyper polish spray first, if I have the time. Is it critical to get the Gloss-Coat on ASAP? I have been thinking about waiting to apply the Gloss-Coat in early April, when it starts to warm up again, and until then protecting with just the opti-seal. Gloss coat will definitely help with with road salt. Opti-seal would be completely fine if you want to wait for weather to warm up to do full polish/coating. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron@Optimum Posted January 6 Share Posted January 6 Jose is correct, protecting with Opti-Seal until weather allows Gloss-Coat application is great. You will need to remove (either polish or chemically - Paint Prep, Touchless Decon, Power Clean) the Opti-Seal prior to coating. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mlamb Posted January 6 Author Share Posted January 6 Great to know that the clay towel will not be enough, I will pickup some Paint Prep. Two questions about the Opti-Seal... I know of two application methods, one using Opti-Seal as a drying aid after a wash with ONR, and the other is just applying Opti-Seal on clean dry paint with an applicator pad. Are they both equivalent in terms of longevity and protection? How does the protection offered by Opti-Seal and Gloss Coat compare to each other? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron@Optimum Posted January 7 Share Posted January 7 there is no comparison between Gloss-Coat and Opti-Seal. Gloss-Coat is a ceramic with 2-3 year durability, is harder than clear coat and protects against UV and etching. Opti-Seal is a sealant with 4-6 month longevity and adds shine plus UV protection. Using Opti-Seal as a drying agent will have somewhat less durability because some product is absorbed by the drying towel, but the convenience and regular use minimizes the loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.