Anthony O.
New member
4 Week Test: Optimum Liquid Sealer/Pics
Some weeks ago I was contacted by Dr. David Ghodoussi, a chemist, to try his liquid sealer wax called "Optimum" (Opt).
He told me it was something really special in the detailing/auto enthusiast world unlike any other product out there. I was very skeptical as I have heard (as many of us have) that said by every one selling this or that product.
So I said sure send me some and I'll try it out as Irene from Top Of The Line was interested in carrying it to replace Eiman Fabrik's Clear Pearl. I promptly received a few bottles of the Optimum QD (it can't really be classified as a quick detailer because it is also a true stand alone sealer but I'll use "QD" for familiarity), Optimum tire dressing and also a paint polish.
David is very knowledgable in the area of chemicals and broke down for me just what this Optimum is and also what sets it apart from other product close in nature or purpose to Opt. Product wise perhaps the closest thing is Eagle Ones Wax As U Dry but the Opt does not need to "haze" up. It has no setting time at all, you simply spray and wipe, just as you do with a regular QD. This though is where the similarity ends as what's left behind is a true paint sealant in the form of polymers and carnauba waxes plus it is the only product which contains patented UV protection.
So is it just hype or is it real?
Well I have had it on several cars now but I have always used it AFTER a wax or polymer. It does enhance the overall appearance of the car but can it really be used as a stand alone protector?
I have been using a Porsche Carrera C4S as my tester. It is not a daily driver but it gets driven several days a week and it is washed weekly. Also been through a few rain storms in the past 4 weeks.
I polished the paint and skipped my sealer stage, usually FMJ, and with fear and dread applied ONLY the Opt. Each visit it was washed, dried and then a light misting of Opt was applied to all painted surfaces, windows and wheels. 4 Weeks later and the paint is in great condition. Water beads like a carnauba wax had been applied, it leaves the slickness of a polymer sealant, much like FMJ or WG (believe it or not) and it worked great on the glass and wheels.
The smell factor is reminiscent of coconut oil and beach, very yummy!
Perhaps the only drawback to this product that I have found is that it dries faster than your regular QD. So while in the past I could spray down one whole side of a wet car (still some water left after washing and blow drying) with Clear Pearl and then wipe it down it is best to do only a panel at a time with the Opt.
Also over applying the product may result in unwanted smears. A little goes a very long way. I have applied Opt in direct sunlight, no adverse effects. Applied on hot humid days also with no adverse effects. It does not stain trim or moldings but can actually be used to give some plastics and trim a quick gloss.
The PH level is at 8, contains no VOC's, contains no abrasives nor does it have any cleaning properties that would degrade a carnauba wax or polymer. Opt can even be layered.
The product does seperate so it needs to be shaken well before and during use. David tells me that extremely hot surfaces (120 and above) should not have Opt applied to. In cold temps there may be a problem properly removing the product. Best to use in a garage in colder climates.
I do now believe, after these 4 weeks, that Optimum Car Wax can be used as a stand alone sealer. Ron, from "Ron's Details" has also used the Opt as well as the Optimum Polish and perhaps he can chime in here as well.
I have also been using Optimums water-based tire dressing, which is almost more like a liquid "gel". It works great also, very happy with this product. I am told it is best applied with an air compressor and air gun, which I should try this week sometime. I'll post back on that as I try it. It works well on wheel wells and since it's water-based can also be used on engines. It contains no VOC's (nor does the Opt Car Wax) and is rubber friendly. So far I have experienced little to no sling off.
Optimum will be a name to watch in the future. I had my doubts at first but now I love their products, especially their un-released "polish" (should be ready to ship in November) and I have also been sent by David an APC and also a interior water-based dressing to test out. I will post up my results with these products as well. I shall provide links to two places selling the Optimum line of products very soon.
OK, now on to some pictures. This is week 4 of the Porsche tester.
Thank You,
Anthony
Some weeks ago I was contacted by Dr. David Ghodoussi, a chemist, to try his liquid sealer wax called "Optimum" (Opt).
He told me it was something really special in the detailing/auto enthusiast world unlike any other product out there. I was very skeptical as I have heard (as many of us have) that said by every one selling this or that product.
So I said sure send me some and I'll try it out as Irene from Top Of The Line was interested in carrying it to replace Eiman Fabrik's Clear Pearl. I promptly received a few bottles of the Optimum QD (it can't really be classified as a quick detailer because it is also a true stand alone sealer but I'll use "QD" for familiarity), Optimum tire dressing and also a paint polish.
David is very knowledgable in the area of chemicals and broke down for me just what this Optimum is and also what sets it apart from other product close in nature or purpose to Opt. Product wise perhaps the closest thing is Eagle Ones Wax As U Dry but the Opt does not need to "haze" up. It has no setting time at all, you simply spray and wipe, just as you do with a regular QD. This though is where the similarity ends as what's left behind is a true paint sealant in the form of polymers and carnauba waxes plus it is the only product which contains patented UV protection.
So is it just hype or is it real?
Well I have had it on several cars now but I have always used it AFTER a wax or polymer. It does enhance the overall appearance of the car but can it really be used as a stand alone protector?
I have been using a Porsche Carrera C4S as my tester. It is not a daily driver but it gets driven several days a week and it is washed weekly. Also been through a few rain storms in the past 4 weeks.
I polished the paint and skipped my sealer stage, usually FMJ, and with fear and dread applied ONLY the Opt. Each visit it was washed, dried and then a light misting of Opt was applied to all painted surfaces, windows and wheels. 4 Weeks later and the paint is in great condition. Water beads like a carnauba wax had been applied, it leaves the slickness of a polymer sealant, much like FMJ or WG (believe it or not) and it worked great on the glass and wheels.
The smell factor is reminiscent of coconut oil and beach, very yummy!
Perhaps the only drawback to this product that I have found is that it dries faster than your regular QD. So while in the past I could spray down one whole side of a wet car (still some water left after washing and blow drying) with Clear Pearl and then wipe it down it is best to do only a panel at a time with the Opt.
Also over applying the product may result in unwanted smears. A little goes a very long way. I have applied Opt in direct sunlight, no adverse effects. Applied on hot humid days also with no adverse effects. It does not stain trim or moldings but can actually be used to give some plastics and trim a quick gloss.
The PH level is at 8, contains no VOC's, contains no abrasives nor does it have any cleaning properties that would degrade a carnauba wax or polymer. Opt can even be layered.
The product does seperate so it needs to be shaken well before and during use. David tells me that extremely hot surfaces (120 and above) should not have Opt applied to. In cold temps there may be a problem properly removing the product. Best to use in a garage in colder climates.
I do now believe, after these 4 weeks, that Optimum Car Wax can be used as a stand alone sealer. Ron, from "Ron's Details" has also used the Opt as well as the Optimum Polish and perhaps he can chime in here as well.
I have also been using Optimums water-based tire dressing, which is almost more like a liquid "gel". It works great also, very happy with this product. I am told it is best applied with an air compressor and air gun, which I should try this week sometime. I'll post back on that as I try it. It works well on wheel wells and since it's water-based can also be used on engines. It contains no VOC's (nor does the Opt Car Wax) and is rubber friendly. So far I have experienced little to no sling off.
Optimum will be a name to watch in the future. I had my doubts at first but now I love their products, especially their un-released "polish" (should be ready to ship in November) and I have also been sent by David an APC and also a interior water-based dressing to test out. I will post up my results with these products as well. I shall provide links to two places selling the Optimum line of products very soon.
OK, now on to some pictures. This is week 4 of the Porsche tester.
Thank You,
Anthony
