High Gloss Surface Coating & Window Tinting for NEW VWs by Dealership

[marcuskmt]

So my new Tiguan is coming and I've just been on the phone to them.

They are trying to sell me window tinting and UV coating that I was going to get from a third party.

They are also trying to sell me an external coat which is made up of a Liquid Ceramic Gel with Titanium Dioxide that will never break down. This will cost $1195.

The window tinting is $640 for street legal and $790 for the Cancer Council Dark Night. This includes a UV coating for the front windows.

Am I better off going 3rd party or just go through the dealership which go through MotorOne?

[bendor]

So my new Tiguan is coming and I've just been on the phone to them.

They are trying to sell me window tinting and UV coating that I was going to get from a third party.

They are also trying to sell me an external coat which is made up of a Liquid Ceramic Gel with Titanium Dioxide that will never break down. This will cost $1195.

The window tinting is $640 for street legal and $790 for the Cancer Council Dark Night. This includes a UV coating for the front windows.

Am I better off going 3rd party or just go through the dealership which go through MotorOne?

Its a can of worms this one....but....the general opinion is that it is always better to go through an after market detailer, and supposedly the best product is Opticoat.

On of the main issues is that a professional detailer will prepare your car far better than a dealer's supplier, in that they should also fix any paint imperfections from transit prior to applying the coating.

Re the tinting, a detailer can also do this for you and there are a lot of options for both darkness and heat deflection.

Also the aftermarket pricing should be less :)

[marcuskmt]

Its a can of worms this one....but....the general opinion is that it is always better to go through an after market detailer, and supposedly the best product is Opticoat.



400 Bad Request (http://autoexpert.com.au/buying-a-car/new-cars/qa/should-i-get-paint-protection-for-my-new-car)

It sounds like new car exterior coats are a waste of time and regular detailing is better.

Is there a best product for window tinting?

How does the VW window tinting stack up to other products?

[tigger73]

Yes aftermarket you'll get exactly the same for half the price. The markup through dealerships is huge on these products. Fabric protection is 2 x cans of scotchguard. Paint protection you can buy the product and apply yourself for under $100. Or get a good detailer to polish and apply a decent paint protection product for $500-$600.

I've had Opticoat and not sure it's worth the hype as it stopped beading after 6 months and even decontamination treatments only worked for a short time. Seems to be a bit of mixed results.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Lucas_R]

And you can get the windows tinted by any number of tinting professions in Sydney (id recommend Rob from Hunters Hill window tinting who is awesome) for around $300.

Aftermarket accessories like this is where dealerships make alot of their money. The markup is huge on these items.

[Wolfgang]

Don't even let the dealership wash your car, they have a habit of doing more damage than anything. They are getting better mind you.

Try Hamish at Elite Finish. He can look after your paint protection and tinting needs.

Opti-coat paint protection and window tinting Adelaide (http://www.elitefinish.com.au)



Yes aftermarket you'll get exactly the same for half the price. The markup through dealerships is huge on these products. Fabric protection is 2 x cans of scotchguard. Paint protection you can buy the product and apply yourself for under $100. Or get a good detailer to polish and apply a decent paint protection product for $500-$600.

I've had Opticoat and not sure it's worth the hype as it stopped beading after 6 months and even decontamination treatments only worked for a short time. Seems to be a bit of mixed results.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If the beading and sheeting properties of Opticoat are deminishing it points to contamination build up. Either environmental fallout or mineral build up. Increasing the frequency of washing and decontamination will help. Opti-Coat will not "fall off" unless it hasn't been applied properly, and that's where your warranty comes in.

[milobob]

Markup is huge because the detailer needs a profit from the work and so does the dealership. You are probably paying GST twice etc etc but hey that's business. I personally find smaller detailers tend to spend their time doing a better job rather than the dealership ones which have to get through a large number/rushed job.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[hoola]

Hi marcuskmt (http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/members/marcuskmt/)

Hamish from Elite Finish does a great job. Of all the OptiCoat authorised dealers in Adelaide, Hamish's prices are the most reasonable. I had interior and exterior done for under $1K and he threw in Opticoat for the wheels for free. It would be at least $1,400 for the others as they charge large SUV prices for the Tiguan whereas Hamish charges a small SUV price.

[bendor]

Anybody have any experience with Permagard which is used by Mercedes dealerships?

I have a good mate who can get me this for me at cost, but from what I have read elsewhere Opticoat > Permagard.

That said there also appears to be plenty of people who think the whole coating idea is a waste of money, but at cost price I'm tempted to give it a go this once.....then again I'm also tempted to maybe do the outside only in Opticoat if superior.

*sigh* I blame VW for making me wait so long allowing me all this time to agonize over petty things!

[Gladbach]

Anybody have any experience with Permagard which is used by Mercedes dealerships?

I have a good mate who can get me this for me at cost, but from what I have read elsewhere Opticoat > Permagard.

That said there also appears to be plenty of people who think the whole coating idea is a waste of money, but at cost price I'm tempted to give it a go this once.....then again I'm also tempted to maybe do the outside only in Opticoat if superior.

*sigh* I blame VW for making me wait so long allowing me all this time to agonize over petty things!

Looks like you tend to keep you cars for about 10 years? (based on your signature). Are they mainly garaged or parked outside?

For me, it's a no brainer. I hold onto cars for 5-6 years and they are always garaged so there's no real point bothering with paint protection. My folks have a car cleaning and detailing franchise, so on one of my older cars I applied paint protection while new, but in comparing that car to others I've had, I didn't notice any real difference.

If you keep your car outside and you have if for 10 years, then I guess it's worth considering, but remember that even the ones that are meant to be baked on etc, seem to have to be reapplied. My opinion though is that it's still not worth the cost.

[bendor]

Thanks Glad, thats some good advice.

The new 162 will be garaged and we will probably keep this one 4-5 years or so, as that was our normal interval however we decided to have kids in 2010 and the trauma delayed buying new cars!

[Wolfgang]

Anybody have any experience with Permagard which is used by Mercedes dealerships?

I have a good mate who can get me this for me at cost, but from what I have read elsewhere Opticoat > Permagard.

That said there also appears to be plenty of people who think the whole coating idea is a waste of money, but at cost price I'm tempted to give it a go this once.....then again I'm also tempted to maybe do the outside only in Opticoat if superior.

*sigh* I blame VW for making me wait so long allowing me all this time to agonize over petty things!

Permagard is a silica based coating where as Opti-Coat is a ceramic polymer coating, two different things.

Hopefully a chemistry-based comparison as explained by Dr David Ghodoussi, founder of Optimum Polymer Technologies (yes his doctorate is in chemistry ) will help explain the differences.

"The argument is not about bond energy but rather how inert the bonds are (e.g. Sodium Chloride has a bond energy that is over three times Si-O bond, however, it readily breaks down and dissolves in water). Si-O bond is readily hydrolized in the presence of acids or alkali. Therefore, most cleaners whether they are alkaline or acidic as well as environmental contaminants that contain acids such as bird droppings, bug splatter, acid rain, etc. will break down silica based coatings. That is also why most silica based coatings require use of boosters or reapplication.

The Si-C bond however is not affected by acids or bases since there is no catalytic mechanism to break it down. Therefore, silicon carbide chemistry is not affected by the environmental contaminants. Furthermore, Si-O bonds are prone to degradation by the enzymes in bird dropping and bug splatter whereas Si-C is not.

The proof is seen everyday since with Opti-Coated cars (Si-C based chemistry), the protection is permanent and the bond does not hydrolize or break down with cleaners or environmental contaminants and the paint is not damaged over time. On the other hand, Silica based coatings will break down over time and have a much shorter life expectancy and either acidic or alkaline chemicals can penetrate and damage the paint underneath."

[bendor]

Permagard is a silica based coating where as Opti-Coat is a ceramic polymer coating, two different things.

Hopefully a chemistry-based comparison as explained by Dr David Ghodoussi, founder of Optimum Polymer Technologies (yes his doctorate is in chemistry ) will help explain the differences.

"The argument is not about bond energy but rather how inert the bonds are (e.g. Sodium Chloride has a bond energy that is over three times Si-O bond, however, it readily breaks down and dissolves in water). Si-O bond is readily hydrolized in the presence of acids or alkali. Therefore, most cleaners whether they are alkaline or acidic as well as environmental contaminants that contain acids such as bird droppings, bug splatter, acid rain, etc. will break down silica based coatings. That is also why most silica based coatings require use of boosters or reapplication.

The Si-C bond however is not affected by acids or bases since there is no catalytic mechanism to break it down. Therefore, silicon carbide chemistry is not affected by the environmental contaminants. Furthermore, Si-O bonds are prone to degradation by the enzymes in bird dropping and bug splatter whereas Si-C is not.

The proof is seen everyday since with Opti-Coated cars (Si-C based chemistry), the protection is permanent and the bond does not hydrolize or break down with cleaners or environmental contaminants and the paint is not damaged over time. On the other hand, Silica based coatings will break down over time and have a much shorter life expectancy and either acidic or alkaline chemicals can penetrate and damage the paint underneath."

Wow, thanks for the comprehensive answer! So for those who TL:DR, Opticoat will last longer.

Any idea why Mercedes would recommend Permagard seeing as I believe they charge about the same as Opticoat, presumably they did a deal with a good margin? Supposedly it is what people put on Ferraris and what Virgin put on their planes...

Also I'm slightly concerned by people mentioning that Opticoat stopped beading water after only 6 months, is it still being protective even when that stops? Perhaps I should talk to Opticoat direct but obviously aware of their bias.

[TIG162R]

How about using a clear wrap or this ceramic coating by HOME (http://www.gtechniq.com.au/)

[Wolfgang]

Wow, thanks for the comprehensive answer! So for those who TL:DR, Opticoat will last longer.

Any idea why Mercedes would recommend Permagard seeing as I believe they charge about the same as Opticoat, presumably they did a deal with a good margin? Supposedly it is what people put on Ferraris and what Virgin put on their planes...

Also I'm slightly concerned by people mentioning that Opticoat stopped beading water after only 6 months, is it still being protective even when that stops? Perhaps I should talk to Opticoat direct but obviously aware of their bias.

Not sure their reasons for using Permagard. Slick marketing and sales pitch could be a factor.

If Opti-Coat (or any coating for that matter) stops beading it is usually contamination build up on the surface due to poor maintenence. This is where Opti-Coat comes into it's own, it can be chemically decontaminated without degradation to it's beading and sheeting properties. If Opti-Coat does fail due to poor application you are covered by warranty.



How about using a clear wrap or this ceramic coating by HOME (http://www.gtechniq.com.au/)

Clear wraps are a whole new conversation, and will cost thousands. As for Gtechniq, it's in the SI-O camp.


Full disclosure: I have previously been employed by Opti-Coat but no longer have affiliation with any part of the company.

[marcuskmt]

Full disclosure: I have previously been employed by Opti-Coat but no longer have affiliation with any part of the company.

Are you recommending Opti-Coat?

How do you maintain Opti-Coat? Just washing and no wax needed? I'm using Meguiar's Gold Class Car Wash with the Chemical Guys Chenille Microfibre Premium Scratch-Free Wash Mit.

How to Wash, Wax, and Detail Your Car Like a Pro | The Wirecutter (http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/how-to-wash-wax-and-detail-your-car-like-a-pro/)

[Chewie]

For those who have the highline and have tinted the front two windows, is there a noticeable difference with the tinge?

One friendly tint company has informed me that the tinted glass has a blue/green tinge whereas the window films have a charcoal appearance. I've tried googling for an image but cannot find any. I haven't received my car yet, but I've been told it would be at the end of this month!!!! I cannot wait any longer!

Is there a particular window film brand that you guys recommend?

The OCD in me wants to have a car that looks complete.

[numnut]

I never knew window tinting was so complicated :bangheadwall:

Looking at Rob from Hunters Hill (http://huntershillwindowtinting.com.au/services/automotive/)website, seems so confusing! But he's so close to me so might consider him if someone can explain what a beginner needs to look for in tinting. :???:

[jrgti]

so has anyone here tinted the sun-roof even though I have been told that it was already tinted from factory and that doing so will damage the glass? I am somewhat pessimistic about whether that thin piece of blind between the interior and the sunroof will provide enough protection long term from the sun here in WA. It may be an annoyance but I think I will just cover up the seats with water, bacteria, mold and UV resistant seat covers during summer and off road activities.

[Kachingg]

Check out pomponazzi treatment if your looking for a good quality glossy long lasting coating
Tho my detailer did tell me if your going to have the car for 4 years then flip it don't bother not worth the cost!
As mine is a long term 10+ year car and due to circumstances will be outside almost 24/7 and red which fades to me its worth the 2k cost which is btw what the vw dealer quoted for a coating through them i did some research could get the same coating for $350 what a rip off dealer crappy protection
So there are plenty of coatings out there check em out
On the forums i have a pomponazzi thread open
Tho be aware that the opticoat fanbase/application suppliers
Are vry aggressive in the forums to defend/promote thier product check around find out for yourself

[MiiLos]

So I am in two minds whether to get my yet to arrive Tiguan coated in Opti-Coat Pro+ or Ceramic Pro.

I have a couple quotes and they both cover Opti-Coat/ Ceramic Pro to all external painted surfaces, external plastics, glass, wheels (face and inner wheel), internal leather, fabrics, dash & plastics plus window tinting - basically THE LOT.
1. Opti-Coat - $1700
2. Ceramic Pro - $2475 - 2 coat exterior application - 6 microns (currently waiting on a second quote that I believe should come in far more competitive)

From your experience are the above quotes reasonable? At the moment I'm leaning toward the Opti-Coat package even should the Ceramic Pro price come down several hundred dollars as from what I've read Opti-Coat seems the better product. I know this has been debated forever and a day - just thinking out loud here :cool:

[Kachingg]

Hey Miilos

I had pomponazzi coat applied to my car last week its pretty good you might want to look at it as well

The opticoat wont be as glossy as either ceramic pro or pomponazzi its a flat protection where the quartz ones will give a really deep gloss
I could shave in the reflection off my car(tornado red)
There are threads on opticoat vs ceramic pro and pomponazzi in the detailing section

(dont forget the most important thing is the paint correction before the protection coat goes on if there are any marks underneath once coated they will be there for the life of the coat i.e a long time)

Best of luck with your new toy i am loving mine

[Pzero]

Hi guys,

I'm considering Gyeon Quartz protection for the Tiguan once it arrives. Still not fully decided though.

Wanted to see what you guys thought.
My situation is that the car will be garaged most of the time. It'll be well looked after and I plan to keep it for 7-8 years at least. I won't be washing it myself but plan on getting a hand wash done every month perhaps (won't do too many k's).

Do you think the protection is worth it?
Also would it provide extra gloss? Could it change the "look" of the colour in the sun or indoors? Deeper/richer?
The colour I'm getting is metallic tungsten silver.

Keen to hear your thoughts.

[Pzero]

Any advice?
Would be much appreciated. :-)

[Eyes24]

Any advice?
Would be much appreciated. :-)

I'm going to get this:

Pomponazzi Crystal Coating review (http://www.caradvice.com.au/543577/pomponazzi-crystal-coating-review/#disqus_thread)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[refstar]

I'm going to get this:

Pomponazzi Crystal Coating review (http://www.caradvice.com.au/543577/pomponazzi-crystal-coating-review/#disqus_thread)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That's actually a great review...cheers.

[Eyes24]

That's actually a great review...cheers.

It's not cheap .


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[refstar]

It's not cheap .


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No,but if you're spending $60K on a fully rigged Tiguan, $2K is worth it.

[veew]

I've had Opticoat to my Golf's exterior panels, wheels and windscreen. Makes cleaning the car a tonne easier, good for me when I just want to hose the car down.

I've decided to go this route again for my new car instead of PPF...until I change my mind again lol.

[Eyes24]

No,but if you're spending $60K on a fully rigged Tiguan, $2K is worth it.

That's what I thought.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Kachingg]

No,but if you're spending $60K on a fully rigged Tiguan, $2K is worth it.


Yep i can agree it's a lot but the results are outstanding

Check the pomponazzi thread in the detailing section if your still interested

[spacemannz]

Is there a reliable treatment to help reduce brake dust on alloy wheels?

[refstar]

Is there a reliable treatment to help reduce brake dust on alloy wheels?

Water? ha ha sorry :)

[smarty]

I got the dealership 'Glasscoat' when i picked up my Tiguan
I haggled it for $595 and comes with a lifetime warranty
at this price i thought was pretty good and i couldn't be bothered outsourcing it
I thought something was better than nothing for this price.
Certainly makes cleaning the car easy that's for sure

[Kachingg]

Is there a reliable treatment to help reduce brake dust on alloy wheels?


Not really sorry you can get your wheels coated (i did on mine) it makes cleaning easier but nothing will stop brake dust

You can get ceramic brake pads which reduce the dust but don't eliminate it

Nothing beats good old elbow grease unfortunately

[smarty]

you'd rather be seeing more dust than less though
the more dust you see means your eating your pads rather than your rotors
i know what id rather be replacing

i cant remember if i saw that the Tig pads were LUCAS (TRW) which are renowned for being a dusty pad (but a very good pad)

[spacemannz]

you'd rather be seeing more dust than less though
the more dust you see means your eating your pads rather than your rotors
i know what id rather be replacing

i cant remember if i saw that the Tig pads were LUCAS (TRW) which are renowned for being a dusty pad (but a very good pad)

True, as long as they're not squealing and chewing up the rotors I'm happy.
I guess no magic nanoparticles to eat up the dust on my alloys yet. Self cleaning cars would be a much better invention than self driving imho :-D

[smarty]

There are a couple products available like this
I'm not sure how well they work though
Autoglym Wheel Protectant - 236g - Supercheap Auto (http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/Product/Autoglym-Wheel-Protectant-236g/383993)

[veew]

Is there a reliable treatment to help reduce brake dust on alloy wheels?

As per Kaching, just makes it easier to clean - Washing Opticoated wheels - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69fL3DvtJ6w)

Reducing dust requires a change in pads but that will affect braking feel (ceramic pads usually have less grabbiness in the initial pedal travel - also have reduced dust).

[Pzero]

Seems like many of us are interested in different products.. Still undecided considering my situation. Though it'll be easier to maintain and washing less often is appealing.

[Kachingg]

Seems like many of us are interested in different products.. Still undecided considering my situation. Though it'll be easier to maintain and washing less often is appealing.


Easy to wash i pressure wash 1 or 2 times a week ( due to very dusty work yard where car is parked) and hand wash to remove road grime monthly
If you get a glossy coating your car always looks freshly waxed without you touching a waxing cloth = bonus :)

[OZROD]

Hi all, I've just picked up my car and the only "extra" I went for was window tinting. Now I've received the car it appears that they've tinted the front windows but left the back ones with the standard privacy glass. It's the Highline so there is some tinting but it's more see-through than the front windows which looks quite odd. Has anyone had their Highline windows tinted, and if so did they do the back ones as well?

[Kachingg]

Hi all, I've just picked up my car and the only "extra" I went for was window tinting. Now I've received the car it appears that they've tinted the front windows but left the back ones with the standard privacy glass. It's the Highline so there is some tinting but it's more see-through than the front windows which looks quite odd. Has anyone had their Highline windows tinted, and if so did they do the back ones as well?

I got privacy glass on mine for rear windows and rear windscreen and got factory tint on my front windows but i cannot notice any difference between them if anything the front is slightly lighter than the back

[Dan_3MPS]

Of note, privacy glass doesn't have UV protection so if you got 'tinted' they should have applied a clear film to the privacy glass areas which has UV protection.

[ingy]

A colleague of mine recommended Absolute Perfection Detailing (In Adelaide). They use Camui CC4 which I believe is ceramic. They quoted me $650 for the Tiguan (haven't got it yet, wont have my car until April). Comes with 3 year warranty.

Does anyone else have any experience with Camui CC4?