BimalG

I went with Snagitseven advice and gave my Q5 today for Xpel Ultimate - Full Front,Headlights/fog lights,Side Mirrors, A Pillars , Rocker Panels , Top Front , Door Cups & Rare Bumper Strip.
Opti Coat Pro Plus - complete coverage + Rims
Xpel Ultimate - $ 2000
Opti Coat Pro Plus - $1000

SJGQ5

I like the looks of the paint protection coatings, but have never done it...sounds like any polish/clay, etc would remove it? The coating would seem to still be vulnerable to boned scratches/swirls (polish solves) and bonded contanimantes (clay solves).

snagitseven

The ceramic coatings are hydrophobic with a very low tensile strength so contaminants and dirt don't bond and wash off easily. The better ceramic coatings create a hard shell over the paint that will resist swirls and light scratches. Also, no waxing is really needed, just a good wash - the glossy shine will last.

Polishing compound with a rotary cannot be used as it can damage/remove the coating but I've not had a need to do it for four years since the application (I just switched to Ceramic Pro 8H and Ceramic Light from Opti-Coat Pro Plus after needing some body work so polishing was done to remove the old coating).

AMDG75

Dumb question. I understand need for polishing off Opticoat and understand removing from painted surfaces, but can you remove it from Expel surface? Thanks.

snagitseven

Not a dumb question at all - I asked my detailer, Rick Nelson of Unique Car Care in Stoneham, MA, the same thing when he suggested I switch to Ceramic Pro. He told me they clay the coating from the film and because Xpel Ultimate has the same clear coat top layer as the paint, it's not a problem. It turned out great after the Opti-Coat was removed and the Ceramic Pro layers were applied. Even shinier and glossier than before, as he promised it would be.

AMDG75

Thanks...you will have to tell us how it holds up throughout the winter...so far, have been pleased with the optic oat...does not appear to show any signs of wearing off

GSOD

How long did it take to get this done? I'm thinking to do the same on my Q7

snagitseven

A skilled detailer crew can do it in two days. One for the film and one for the coatings.