OP888 Exterior Glass Coating | OPTiX Window Protection
OP888 & FMJ for Exterior Glass Coating
Exterior glass needs more than a basic water-repellent product.
Windscreens, side glass, rear glass and shower screens are all exposed to water, mineral deposits, cleaning chemicals, dirt and regular wiping. On vehicles, the front windscreen also has wiper blades, washer fluid and road grime to deal with.
That is why OPTiX is moving away from treating OP6 as the main glass coating option. OP6 was part of the earlier OPTiX glass coating range, but for current exterior glass protection, OP888 is now our preferred minimum coating standard.
For users wanting more durability and who are confident with application, FMJ Graphene is the higher-end option.
Why OP888 is now the preferred glass coating standard
OP888 is a crystallising ceramic coating that can be used on paint and exterior glass.
The reason we prefer OP888 for glass is simple. It bonds strongly, gives good water behaviour, offers better durability than lighter glass-only products, and is still practical to apply and remove.
For most users, OP888 gives the best balance of:
- Strong glass bonding
- Water beading
- Easier cleaning
- Better durability
- Easier application
- Easier removal than harder coatings
- Suitable use on windscreens, automotive glass and shower screens
This makes OP888 the better everyday choice for exterior glass protection.
Why windscreen coatings need to be stronger
A windscreen has a hard life.
It is exposed to rain, sun, bugs, road film, minerals, dust, washer fluid and constant wiper movement. The washer fluid bottle is also a place where strong cleaning additives often get added. Some of these cleaners can be harsh, and if they dry on paint or trim, they can leave marks or staining.
That is why a stronger coating makes sense on automotive glass. A light glass coating may work for a while, but on a daily-driven car, the front windscreen needs better resistance.
OP888 gives a stronger coating option while still being realistic for normal use.
Where OP888 can be used
OP888 is suitable for exterior glass surfaces such as:
- Front windscreens
- Side windows
- Rear glass
- Exterior mirrors
- Shower screens
- Exterior glass panels
On vehicles, the best use is exterior glass only. For interior glass, normal cleaning is usually enough.
On shower screens, OP888 can help reduce how strongly water and soap residue hold onto the glass, making regular cleaning easier.
What OP888 helps with
OP888 does not make glass self-cleaning. It does not mean you never need to wash or maintain the surface.
What it can do is help water bead and move across the surface more easily. It can also make regular cleaning easier because contamination has a harder time grabbing onto the glass.
The main benefits are:
- Water repellency
- Easier cleaning
- Better glass maintenance
- Reduced surface bonding from grime
- Stronger protection than older light glass-only coatings
FMJ Graphene — the advanced glass option
FMJ Graphene can also be used on exterior glass where extra durability is the goal.
FMJ is the premium option, but it is not as easy to use as OP888. It can be more difficult to apply and remove, especially when temperatures are above 20°C.
Because of that, FMJ is better suited to:
- Experienced users
- Professional detailers
- Controlled workshop conditions
- Users who understand coating application and removal timing
FMJ is not the easiest choice for beginners. For most users, OP888 is the safer recommendation.
OP888 vs FMJ for glass
OP888
Best for most users. Easier to apply, easier to remove, strong durability, good water behaviour and a practical choice for windscreens and shower screens.
FMJ Graphene
Best for advanced users chasing extra durability. More demanding to apply and remove, especially in warmer conditions.
Simple recommendation:
Use OP888 as the standard exterior glass coating.
Use FMJ when extra durability is wanted and the user has the experience to apply it properly.
What happened to OP6?
OP6 was an earlier glass coating option in the OPTiX range.
It still has a place as part of the history of the product range, but for current exterior glass coating advice, OP888 is now the stronger recommendation.
Basic application direction
Always follow the current product instructions, but the basic idea is:
- Clean the glass properly.
- Remove water spots, road film and old residue first.
- Make sure the glass is dry.
- Apply OP888 evenly.
- Allow the coating to flash correctly.
- Wipe off residue with clean microfibre towels.
- Keep the surface dry during the curing period.
The better the glass preparation, the better the result.
Final recommendation
For most exterior glass coating jobs, choose OP888.
It is the practical coating standard for windscreens, automotive glass and shower screens because it gives strong protection while still being manageable to apply and remove.
Choose FMJ Graphene when extra durability is the goal and the user is experienced enough to handle a more demanding coating.
FAQ
Can OP888 be used on windscreens?
Yes. OP888 can be used on exterior automotive glass, including windscreens. The glass must be properly cleaned and prepared before application.
Can OP888 be used on shower screens?
Yes. OP888 can be used on shower screens to help improve water behaviour and make regular cleaning easier.
Is OP888 easier to use than FMJ?
Yes. OP888 is the easier and more practical choice for most users. FMJ is more durable but more difficult to apply and remove.
Is FMJ better than OP888 for glass?
FMJ is the higher durability option, but it is not always the best choice for every user. OP888 is the better standard recommendation because it gives strong performance while still being easier to work with.
Does glass coating stop all water spots?
No. A coating can help make cleaning easier and improve water behaviour, but it does not stop all water spotting. Regular maintenance is still important.