What? Now I'm really confused. If I'm reading your post correctly, your detailer recommends paint correction, then something like Opti-Coat, then XPEL, and then Opti-Coat again?? Previous posts led me to believe that Opti-Coat should be applied AFTER XPEL, not before (and after).... Can someone clarify this for me. Thanks.
A little known fact is, most of the magic and appearance comes from a proper polishing, not waxing. Imperfections such as scratches, swirls, buffer marks, bird dropping stains, etc. are all removed with compounding and/or polishing. Once that is done, if applying clear film, NOTHING should be done to the paint as far as wax or sealant goes. Think about it.
1. Waxes, sealants, coatings are applied to PROTECT the surface and form a bond to the clear coat so nothing sticks to the clear coat. How is the adhesive from the film going to properly bond to the clearcoat if there's a layer of protectant between the two? Doesn't make logical sense
2. The whole point of the clear film is to PROTECT the paint, and it's going to do it better than any wax, sealant, coating. So why put something there before it? If the paint is prepped properly, you're basically freezing time and capturing that condition for as long as the film is on the surface. When you remove the film down the road, that surface beneath it should be identical to what it was when the film was first applied
3. You run the risk of warranty issues if there are ever any lifting of the film since the surface had a coating on it
I hope this makes common sense. We've been installing film for many years and our installers have decades of experience and have been laying down XPEL in particular for years. I would highly recommend against doing anything other than claying and polishing prior to any clear film install. It's just not needed and it can pose more issues down the road.
Once the film is installed, it is definitely beneficial to apply a protective coating that is compatible with the film.
