I'm looking at getting a new set of wheels over the winter, and I plan on putting some kind of coating on them before the tires are mounted. If it matters the wheels are going to be matte black Enkei PF01s, and these will be used only during the summer. It only rains ~ twice a month during the season when these wheels will be on, and the car will make a trip or two to a race track each summer for some spirited driving with really hot brakes.

Seems like several wheel specific coatings have popped up over the last year or so. I'm wondering which one should I get?

CarPro DLUX Plastic and Wheel Coating
Gtechniq C5 Wheel Armour
22ple VM1 Rim and Metal Coating

Or something else? Maybe something non-wheel specific that will work on paintwork as well?

 

I'd highly recommend CarPro DLUX... I have a used bottle that I'd be willing to get rid of for cheap as I won't need anymore anytime soon... Has more than enough to do several sets of wheels.

 

GTechniq, or OC 2.0

 

No more OC2.0

Was discontinued back in August

 

I have Opticoat 2.0.

Additionally, I topped off by CarPro Hydro2 every 3 months.

You can do CarPro Hydro2 every 2-3 months too. This thing is SOOOO EASY to apply, just spray it on and rinse it off with water and bammmm you are done. You don't need to apply by hand to every single area on the wheels.

Opticoat 2.0 + CarPro Hydro2 = winning combination.

 

This kit might be of interest to some. Claimed life up to three years. I have this kit but the weather here is preventing me from using it until warmer temperatures return.

 

say it isn"t so zach... wow, i am out of touch. does Optimum have a replacement? i have a fresh syringe of OC 2.0 in the garage. do i need to throw it away. it's been there since june i believe.

 

Optimum came out with a replacement product called Gloss Coat. This product is marketed with 2 years of durability, and has considerably increased surface slickness... the gloss is also very nice.

I did some product testing with Gloss Coat and was pleasantly surprised. Application was even easier than 2.0, and as previously mentioned, final results were more visually pleasing.

Here are a few pictures of a M3 that I corrected and coated with Gloss Coat.














My only real complaint after my initial testing was the price increase. OC2.0 was sold in 20cc syringes for $80 ($4/cc)... Gloss Coat is sold for $60 in a 10cc syringe ($6/cc).



Regarding your OC2.0 - assuming it has been stored properly, out of direct light, protected from moisture, and protected from drastic temperature changes... it should have an infinite shelf life according to Dr. G.

-Zach