New Car Protection Using Des’s Custom Hybrid Glass Coating
When it comes to new car protection, I like to do things properly.
For this job, we used what I call Des’s Custom Hybrid Glass Coating.
The word “hybrid” is just a name I came up with because this coating system uses two different OPTIX glass coating technologies together.
The first layer is OPTIX OP888, a ceramic/quartz SiO2 glass coating. It is a very hard, thin glass coating that bonds quickly and starts curing within a short period of time.
The second layer is OPTIX OP1, another SiO2 glass coating that is slightly softer and bonds over the OP888 base coat.
The reason I like this combination is because the OP888 gives the paint a strong, hard foundation, while the OP1 helps add that deeper, wetter gloss. Together, the coating system helps saturate the paint colour and produces a very glossy, wet-looking finish, especially when the car is outside in direct sunlight.
Realistic Paint Protection Expectations
With proper care, I expect this type of paint protection coating to last up to around 5 years.
But the important words there are proper care.
This is the part that does not get spoken about enough in the coating industry. Most coating manufacturers and advertising focus on the maximum life of the product, but not enough attention is given to the way the car needs to be washed and maintained for the coating to actually perform at its best.
A coating can help protect the paint, make washing easier and increase gloss, but it is not magic. Poor washing, harsh chemicals, automatic car washes, strong detergents and neglect will shorten the life of any coating.
That is why I prefer to explain it properly rather than just sell the biggest number on the bottle.
Interior Protection
The interior was also protected as part of the new car package.
Swissvax Lotos was used where suitable for fabric protection (OPTiX Fabric Guard now replaces Lotos), with the leather and other interior areas protected using the appropriate interior protection products.
The goal is to make the interior easier to maintain from the start, especially on a new car before dirt, stains and wear have had a chance to build up.
Wheel Coating
The wheels were coated using OPTIX OP888, with three coats applied.
Wheels live in a much harsher environment than paint. They deal with brake dust, heat, road grime and stronger cleaning products, so I expect the wheel coating to last around 12 months before it may need to be reapplied.
That is a realistic expectation, especially for cars that are driven regularly.
Why Does a Brand New Car Take Two Days?
This job took two days with myself and my carefully hand-picked staff.
Yes, two days for a brand new car.
That might sound excessive to some people, but we are not a fast-food outlet when it comes to protection work. We are about doing the job properly, giving the coating system time to behave the way it should, and making sure each stage is completed carefully.
From experience, when applying my Hybrid OPTIX paint protection system, the OP888 needs time to harden before the OP1 top coat is applied.
Although OP888 bonds in a short period of time, that does not mean it is already at its hardest. It is a bit like concrete. It may set first, but it continues to dry, harden and strengthen over time.
This is why we allow roughly 2 to 4 hours before applying the next layer, depending on conditions.
Slow and steady wins the race.
New Car Protection at AutoFX WA
If you are buying a new car and want it protected properly from the start, this type of package is designed for people who care about long-term protection, gloss and easier maintenance.
It includes paint protection, interior protection and wheel coating, with realistic advice on what the coating can and cannot do.
For more information about OPTIX new car paint protection, visit:
Book your new car protection package by clicking Contact Us.
