Clearbra (Xpel Ultimate) and Opti-Coat, or just one of them - BMW 3-Series Forum (F30 / F32)

martianpc · 07-16-2012, 12:13 PM

Trying to decide how to proceed when the new car comes. I was going to use Xpel Ultimate on the whole front, but then I was thinking maybe I should forgo the clearbra and have the car clayed and Opti-coated. Or should I do both?

What do you guys think?

Zyklonic · 08-04-2012, 08:17 AM

Friend of mine about strangled me, demanding I see a local shop about putting a 3M clear plastic film on the car similar to a clear bra but instead of pre-cut to size, the have a massive roll. After cleaning the car they apply and cut to size ( not cutting on car) as they go. Front of car, about between 1/8 and 1/4 of the front hood, above the front windshield but before the moon roof, and on the bumper where the truck lid meets. All 3M. They can even add it to the side skits and behind the wheels for extra protection. Find someone that does that. I can find the name of the place again here in Virginia if needed. Hope that helps somewhat

SmoothSteeringHopeful · 08-08-2012, 09:52 AM

What did you end up going with?

G3raldT · 08-12-2012, 11:05 AM

After you had the 3m coating put. Do u still wax ur car?

RDetailing · 08-12-2012, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G3raldT

After you had the 3m coating put. Do u still wax ur car?

If you mean Opti-Coat no, the coating makes any waxes not last very long at all. If you mean 3M Wrap, yes seal the wrap to help it from fading.

KneeDragr · 09-18-2012, 11:01 AM

For the ultimate protection, correct the paint and opti-coat. Then clear bra, and top it with a spray wax after washing, for instance Optimum quick wax.

The paint would be perfect for a decade at least.

SmoothSteeringHopeful · 09-19-2012, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KneeDragr

For the ultimate protection, correct the paint and opti-coat. Then clear bra, and top it with a spray wax after washing, for instance Optimum quick wax.

The paint would be perfect for a decade at least.

Wax will not stay on an opticoated car. Its a bit pointless.

shutterlife · 09-19-2012, 08:11 PM

I'm going with xpel ultimate. Opti-coat will wear down over time.

bryansbestwax · 09-20-2012, 07:08 PM

Its apples and oranges when it comes to this stuff. Opticoating is more an ease of cleaning and adds some scratch resistance but nothing like a clearbra. Clearbras help prevent most chips and limits the rash you would see on the front end. If you can afford both, do it. They should not be placed in the same category as they are two very different things.

07-16-2012, 12:13 PM	#1
martianpc Private Drives: 2013 335i Join Date: May 2012 Location: Central, PA Posts: 67 iTrader: (0)	Clearbra (Xpel Ultimate) and Opti-Coat, or just one of them Trying to decide how to proceed when the new car comes. I was going to use Xpel Ultimate on the whole front, but then I was thinking maybe I should forgo the clearbra and have the car clayed and Opti-coated. Or should I do both? What do you guys think? __________________ 2013 MG 335i
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08-04-2012, 08:17 AM	#2
Zyklonic New Member Drives: 335i Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Virginia Posts: 29 iTrader: (0)	Friend of mine about strangled me, demanding I see a local shop about putting a 3M clear plastic film on the car similar to a clear bra but instead of pre-cut to size, the have a massive roll. After cleaning the car they apply and cut to size ( not cutting on car) as they go. Front of car, about between 1/8 and 1/4 of the front hood, above the front windshield but before the moon roof, and on the bumper where the truck lid meets. All 3M. They can even add it to the side skits and behind the wheels for extra protection. Find someone that does that. I can find the name of the place again here in Virginia if needed. Hope that helps somewhat

08-08-2012, 09:52 AM	#3
SmoothSteeringHopeful Private First Class Drives: 2012 BMW 328i Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Charleston SC Posts: 128 iTrader: (0)	What did you end up going with?

08-12-2012, 11:05 AM	#4
G3raldT New Member Drives: 2012 328i Jet Black / Black Join Date: May 2012 Location: East bay Posts: 23 iTrader: (0)	After you had the 3m coating put. Do u still wax ur car?

09-18-2012, 11:01 AM	#6
KneeDragr Second Lieutenant Drives: No BMW's Yet - Hopefully Soon Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Arlington VA Posts: 211 iTrader: (0)	For the ultimate protection, correct the paint and opti-coat. Then clear bra, and top it with a spray wax after washing, for instance Optimum quick wax. The paint would be perfect for a decade at least.

09-19-2012, 08:11 PM	#8
shutterlife Private Drives: F30 M Sport AW Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Orange County CA Posts: 82 iTrader: (0)	I'm going with xpel ultimate. Opti-coat will wear down over time.

09-20-2012, 07:08 PM	#9
bryansbestwax Banned Drives: suv Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: oshawa Posts: 21 iTrader: (0)	Its apples and oranges when it comes to this stuff. Opticoating is more an ease of cleaning and adds some scratch resistance but nothing like a clearbra. Clearbras help prevent most chips and limits the rash you would see on the front end. If you can afford both, do it. They should not be placed in the same category as they are two very different things.