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  1. Not sure I'd call this a tutorial (a little pompous) but I wanted post my first experience with V5 ONR and Ultra Ceramic Seal. My test car is a 2001 BMW Z3 (my personal Garage Queen) - it was lightly dirty, mostly dust & pollen. I did my usual 2 bucket mixture of V5 ONR (1 oz in 2 gallons and .5 oz in 2 gallon rinse bucket), with a Big Red Sponge/Ultimate Drying Towel. On first impression I thought V5 was thicker than V4, more like Opti-Coat NR. The smell is the same, slightly medicinal (Opti-Coat is more floral to me). When shaken, V5 foamed much more than V4, ironic because in general ONR doesn't foam, much to the frustration of people who love foam cannons. I didn't see any difference in cleaning power or release of dirt from my sponge (Dr G states better release in a benefit of V5 - but it's hard to quantify). Another characteristic is supposed to be V5 slickness, but because I used Ultra Seal as a drying aid immediately, I couldn't test. Ultra Ceramic Seal comes in the traditional Optimum bottle/sprayer, not the Opti-Coat style. I found the sprayer easier to modulate and used much less product than Hyper Seal. Ultra worked well as a drying aid and looked great (still does). The most obvious quality was slickness (I know gloss, shine, slickness, etc are very hard to compare) - I felt the improvement was tangible...and continues today, 7 days later. Hydrophobics were top notch. This week I'll be washing another car and this time will experiment - one half original ONR/Hyper Seal, one half V5 ONR/Ultra...or maybe I'll mix & match and really confuse us all?
    6 points
  2. I got my new truck in June of last year and wanted something that wasn't rinse, wash, rinse again then rush to dry it before the water spots. Its a full size truck so lots of surface area. Not sure how I found optimum products but it might have been Scottwax on youtube who I just saw is going to start making more videos, just did one a few weeks ago. I started out with the BRS, then I saw the UBS I wanted to try that as well. I could never get used to the UBS though, just seems a little to small for my hands. So anyway I started washing both of our vehicles weekly as it was just so easy. The only time I've used a power washer was to knock crud/mud/salt chunks off, other than that its only been pre spraying with ONR 256/1 in a IK 2 gallon pump sprayer. I'll usually use the pre spray from the belt line down and the front and rear bumpers (my gfs car attracts everything to the vertical surface of the trunk and the rear bumper). I did want to try some other wash media, I ended up using (and still do) the cyclone ultra wash mitt. I don't put my hand in it but is more comfy for me. I realized I kept dropping the BRS, I have atrophy in both arms and hands and honestly I don't know why wrapping my fingers around the BRS was harder than putting my hand on top of a mitt. I did try some other brands of rinseless. I think the worst was P&S Absolute, smelled and felt like body lotion to me. Also tried McKees N-914 as well as DIY Detail rinseless. For me the McKees and DIY Detail didn't have the slickness that ONR does. The way that DIY Detail foams up I feel like its soap but who knows, could just be me. The big difference was going from other brands one week and then using ONR again the next week and immediately feeling how much slicker it is, I don't want to say the others were grabby but they didn't feel as smooth and free flowing. Another thing with ONR, prespraying the panel allows the dirt to make its way down to the kick panels or bottom of the car. Both P&S and DIY stuck the panel. But here is the weird thing, after washing it, the liquid on the car does sit longer and doesn't evaporate as fast which is great for when you're drying. In the beginning I was using OPC for about a month getting the crud off of both our wheels. The OPC works great, I try to use it a few times during the winter to clean the fender liners with the optimum Wheel and Body Brush. After enough applications and using hyperseal I just clean the rims with ONR and foam OPC on the tires once a month. Dry with some hyperseal and the brake dust, dirt and grime just come right off the next time. I've been using optiseal or hyperseal as a drying agent from the beginning and love the ease of drying. In the fall and spring I also dry apply hyper seal before it gets to cold out, not sure if it does anything as I wash our vehicles weekly but it gives me some piece of mind. I was soooo sold on rinseless that June of 2023 I got by brother a full kit for his birthday as he had just got a new suv. I think I got him into cleaning his car more than twice a year and going through car washes. All in all I love ONR and the optimum line of products. Oh right thats the other thing, it takes so little time to wash you can do it in bright sun when its 90 or below freezing temps in the winter (my record is 18F)
    5 points
  3. Ron@Optimum

    SEMA ANNOUNCEMENTS

    SEMA 2023 begins at the end of October and Optimum will be introducing several new and/or upgraded products. A line of improved D/A machines will be displayed and updated takes on existing products will be announced. The modern OPT labels are already going into distribution and that will continue as the old labels are filtered out.
    5 points
  4. I promised the Optimum Forum to do a product comparison of Hyper Seal and Ultra Ceramic: Last weekend I washed/detailed 2 cars. The first was washed with ONR (5th revision) and Ultra Ceramic Seal was used as a drying aid. No problems and Ultra went on easily with no streaking. This car had Opti-Coat Pro applied 8+ years ago, but it's still present. The 2nd car washed with ONR V5, then 1/2 had Ultra Ceramic applied as drying aid and the other Hyper Seal (new version). This car has had a graphene coating applied (2 years ago) and has regular Hyper Seal applications. There was no difference in application ease or streaking. Observations - I see no difference in gloss or shine - I used a spotlight and bright sunlight. Truthfully I frequently don't see differences some point out and question the power of suggestion...or could be old eyes? There was a tangible difference in slickness - Ultra was noticeably slicker (made Hyper feel almost grabby in comparison). Both bead water but Ultra's were smaller. Also, when old version Hyper Seal was sprayed on beads, they disintegrate (used to demo that), but the new formula does not. Curious if that's an effect from ceramic components? When Ultra is sprayed on beads they disintegrate/sheet. That might indicate a difference in hydrophobics? I much preferred the Ultra sprayer, allowed better control of product applied. I will monitor which sheds dirt the best and durability (to the best of my ability).
    5 points
  5. Ron@Optimum

    SEMA TEASER

    I've been tempted to mention the new and newly realized products in the sales funnel, but understood I had to wait until they are official. The announcements will be in the next few days and when I get the details, they will appear here! I can say that there are some new products and some re-positioned for improved marketing. A new line of polishers, both DA and rotary is coming and some will be cordless. Anyone watching will see that Optimum has introduced many new formula products in the last year, some substantial improvements, some more incremental. I can report that Dr G is incredibly engaged right now, paying attention to the industry, competition, and marketing. What once seemed a simple business has gotten very complex, with new manufacturers appearing monthly and taking chunks of the market, along with a huge increase in advertising. As one Optimum Regional Manager pointed out, poaching of employees AND customers is at new highs.
    4 points
  6. Optimum has been on a roll lately with new formulas - the technology keeps advancing! I remember thinking Hyper Seal was a Wonder product and it's been improved twice in the last 2 years. The hybrid formula not only lasts longer, but has greater hardness and chemical resistance.
    4 points
  7. Ron@Optimum

    NEW PRODUCTS - TRCMA

    I will, to the best of my ability without feedback from Dr G who was in Boise, respond to Setec's questions/complaints. Concerning staining of wash media, I've seen it mentioned occasionally but it's never been a problem for me (media always came clean with washing) and not sure why it's a big deal? Not sure about the color switch from yellow to blue and again, does it matter? Color is added and shouldn't effect performance. OPT does not manufacture clay, but sources it. I asked Dr G where Ceramic Seal fit in the lineup and his response was filling a customer desire for more gloss/slickness (as, mentioned by Red) with durability being a sidebar issue. Gloss and slickness (hard to determine by the layman) have never been target characteristics for Optimum, but the incredible increase in products from spray ceramics to graphenes marketing those benefits inspired Ceramic Seal, so OPT is responding to consumers. Opti-Trim, originally 2 products but reformulated into 1 application, was a Pro product that I recommended to Dr G years ago to open up for retail. It's an excellent product that doesn't require any special knowledge to apply (usually one of the conditions for Pro Only products). Making Opti-Coat products available through Rag Company (they've always been available directly from Optimum) - to push back against Setec suggesting Dr G is overly sensitive to Pro Installers, it's more that he appreciates them and works to help them be successful...sometimes to the detriment of OPT sales (see Opti-Trim) . I believe (and this my opinion only), he expected them to be more engaged in selling the OC line since it was an exclusive profit opportunity. Some do a nice job, but in general they are much more interested in selling installs vs products. The OC line gave them access to a premium product not available from other car care sources, in unique packaging and sizes. Many of the products are uniquely formulated for ceramics and demonstrably better on that surface, others are line extensions to provide a full line for installers. Other observations - as someone who spent a lifetime in the Food Industry, the number of variations in products is part of the marketing strategy and exists everywhere. Dr G understands the downside of line extension - expense (development, packaging, labels), sales cannibalization, complicated manufacturing, mixed messaging, and conflicting strategies. I would argue OPT has less product proliferation than most anyone and I bet we could name several companies that are serial offenders. Second, there is no handbook for this business, so many products are new or offshoots, and the marketing is crazy. Look at the new companies just this last few years - I watched Pan the Organizer award his products of the year (that was an adventure and a whole another story) - the number of categories, sub categories, sub sub categories was mind numbing (and 90 minutes I'll never get back). I've worked with Dr G in one capacity of another for 19 years and I've seen him take wrong paths, open dry holes, make erroneous assumptions...and hit home runs, but he's never been unethical, dishonest, or greedy. OPT has had to retrench products, develop new strategies (Opti-Coat 2.0), reorganize personnel, deal with new competitors and surprisingly similar product lines/marketing buzzwords, and survive major illness by the owner, but now has a clear direction - Accelerating into the Future!
    4 points
  8. Great welcome Another detailer gone to the dark side Ron lol. I went from optimum car soap to onr right away and have loved it. About 5 years now. Get the gloss coat on the car and all the other optimum products just look and perform better. My list Gloss coat great protection and gloss Onr a must Hyperseal protection love it The new ceramic wax goes on even at 4c so does hyperseal I just rotate through these products as a drying aid .
    3 points
  9. Ron@Optimum

    NEW PRODUCTS - 2023

    New products - not on web site yet, but can be ordered via phone or email (901-363-4955 and info@opticoat.com). There are 2 new cordless D/As (15mm and 22mm), a cordless Rotary and a corded Rotary. NO Optimum products are being discontinued.
    3 points
  10. JoseG

    NEW PRODUCTS - TRCMA

    New products from TRCMA- - ONR version 5! The slickest has been made slicker! - return of Opti-Clay - Ultra Ceramic Seal- new ceramic sealant with 6m durability with greater gloss/slickness than Opti-Seal - Opti-Trim Protect available to all (prev. Pro product only) - Opti-Coat line now available through The Rag Company!
    3 points
  11. I promised to do a comparison between Ultra and Hyper Seal, but life conspired to interrupt my schedule. First we had a World Class Hail Storm that damaged my home/area and introduced me to the new bane of my existence - insurance adjusters. Following has been a string of family & company visits (benefit of living at the lake)...and we have an army coming for the 4th. Finally the weather has alternated between hotter than h#ll and spot showers to ruin clean cars. I did detail my SILs Audi with Ultra and he was way impressed. Once the holiday are clear I'll get back on schedule...I promise.
    3 points
  12. Latest info from Dr G - Pro Coatings are dry to the touch in 1 hour, can get wet in 2-3 hours (particularly if Hyper Seal/Opti-Seal are applied), 90% hardness at 12 hours, and curing complete in 7 days.
    3 points
  13. Doctor G

    Polysilazane coating

    Greetings, Polysilazane resins have been around for over 20 years and we have tested them thoroughly against our SiC based resins and although they offer good protection, SiC resins that we use in our coatings offer better protection and greater longevity. As for Hyper Seal, the 2022 version has some SiC resin in it that requires about 30 minutes to fully cure, therefore you do not want to touch the surface during the curing process since it is tacky as you mentioned. Once it cures, it leaves a g slick and glossy finish with greater protection than any other sealants. Ultra Ceramic Seal (UCS) works great as a topper for Hyper Seal or any other wax or sealant and provides great gloss, slickness, and hydrophobicity.
    3 points
  14. Back in the day, I stumbled across a YouTube video for Meguiar's Ultimate Waterless Wash & Wax. Since I had to park on the street with no access to water, this started my new hobby of detailing my car at home. I eventually moved over to rinseless as my primary method of washing my car which led to ONR and Optimum products. I recently decided to try Opti-Clean for my wheels and for a light wash mid week when the car wasn't too dirty. I am beyond thrilled with the ease of use and gloss on the car. Love it!
    3 points
  15. This was a new combination, at least for me. Wanting to wash my car before a 10 hour drive for the holidays and due to single digit temps along with laziness, I decide to do an instant detailer clean up with a drying aid (car was not too dirty). I used the quick detailer ratio of No Rinse Wash & Wax and Ultra Ceramic Seal combination for the first time. Wash was fast and didn't require a second pass, and Ultra went on easy with no streaking/hazing. Car looked great, gloss was excellent and beading was outstanding (went through several storms). The whole process was so quick and easy, could become addictive.
    2 points
  16. New Optimum products announced today at SEMA - Optimum Interior Cleaner Optimum Interior Protectant Optimum Waterless Wash & Shine Optimum Power Wheel & Tire Cleaner Each is ready to use and has specific uses versus more generic Optimum products. Interior Cleaner is a much stronger cleaner and the Protectant more durable than Protectant Plus. Waterless is a growing market and Opti-Clean wasn't clearly aimed at that segment (many had no idea what it was). Wheel & Tire is specifically targeted for wheels/tires. These products are due to feedback from Amazon and sales numbers - most Optimum products could be diluted for multiple purposes, but today's customers want simplicity and no mixing. https://www.facebook.com/opticarcare?__cft__[0]=AZUfEvMxEbOt7QOwsfI-vlrCHo3RYFS6R8ji5rojbsnodm0rB_g6QrFQWaFg1F3rW81_GIqyWJCVFlmEBLiO4A3ydnSCj_hwSKkBa1dQT7tsKC2WZdkzkHdDmtN3bwnsKiGaC9wYWGp9ODTH6ruutJ3_3Wq0B7W7XydyocMOskJHX46kwYH0s2ypWRFNu0eAsfKvOsv3BEMpDbY9IXXHb0Ws&__tn__=-UC%2CP-y-R
    2 points
  17. I apply v2 like I would Gloss Coat or Opti-Seal. Last week I used the V2 HS at work. Boss wanted to ceramic coat his friends vehicle but we didn't have time to use the Xpel Fusion because takes forever to apply and remove. Also, the truck is black... But, since I had my rig with me, I decided to use the HS v2. I didn't want to use up my Gloss Coat on it, although last time I did, he gave me a SIGNIFICANT tip... I perfected my application technique on that truck last week, but as part of my experimentation, I came back the day after I applied the HS, and applied a second layer to the lower sections, from the windows down. I let the HS sit for too long in areas that I applied to heavily and was greeted with high spots. That was a big surprise. This stuff is LEGIT. I've used Hyper Seal on a number of cars for people close to me, to test the strength of the product. My cousin, a neighbor at my gf's place, my best friend's mom, and so far it's been performing better than expected. When I saw my cousin's vehicle at the family reunion, the gloss was off the charts. It stood out like a sore thumb.
    2 points
  18. From Dr G - "The new V5 No Rinse is far superior to the Version 4 or any other rinseless product. It has greater cleaning power, much greater lubricity making washing easier, and leaves minimal water behind making drying much faster and the towel glides over the surface far better than any other product due to the added lubricity. It also leaves a greater shine behind.
    2 points
  19. New formula Hyper Seal had increased ceramic components (adds to durability and hardness) and I'm sure creates more "solids", demanding better spray heads. The Doc is dedicated to making sprayable products like compounds/polishes, Ultra Seal/Hyper Seal, and that can cause issues with equipment.
    2 points
  20. I've heard before that letting the ONR dry to about 80% dry/20% moist makes it easier to towel dry. I normally will wash the entire car like I would using traditional soap inside my garage and then go around the entire car to dry I have not had any issues with streaking that way Sometimes I think we overdo it with the drying aids. I've stopped using one altogether, I was using Beadmaker and the Obsessed Garage Drying Aid and was noticing streaking on my dark paint cars. Now I just use ONRWW for the wash and proceed straight into drying with one gauntlet towel I'll then pull the car back out to the driveway to clean up the garage floor When I bring the car back into the garage a final time, if I'm trying to get the car especially spotless, I'll blow it off using a leaf blower and then go over the car one more time with a dampened microfiber towel
    2 points
  21. Opti-Seal and Wax have a small amount of Si02 that can be removed chemically with Power Clean or Paint Prep. Hyper Seal is a SiC/Si02 hybrid and would take multiple chemical applications to remove, but Hyper Polish would work with no issues. Setec, not sure why you have a problem with Hyper Seal, even an rookie like me can use it...
    2 points
  22. I haven't sampled the Ceramic Seal yet, but from what Dr G says, my guess is among sealants the hierarchy is Hyper Seal, Ceramic Seal, Opti-Seal, Car Wax for durability. Other characteristics are mostly subjective - hydrophobics, chemical resistance, shine, slickness, and hardness. Now that Dr G is back in country I'll get his input.
    2 points
  23. I decided to finally try OID- I am really impressed with the slickness and gloss this product imparts, and especially as a final step to an Opti Clean waterless wash to catch any missed spots. Super excited to try this as a drying aid for an ONR wash, but I think I might have to order a gallon size of this too! I might need to find a 12 step program for Optimum products- these are addictive!
    2 points
  24. batsai

    Very impressed with OID!

    Boy, you got that one right. I'm currently in St. Louis to play with the symphony this week, and they're remodeling their hall, which means every day my car gets layered with dust. I've been washing the car every day, whether it's ONR or OC. It just scratches that itch... but I love that I can throw one bucket, ONR, OC, OCW, OID, and OPC in the trunk along with a ton of microfibers, and I've got everything I need to keep my ride looking good throughout the trip.
    2 points
  25. Setec, sorry I missed this post. Optimum is currently on version 4 of ONR and version 2 of ONRWW. There have been tweaks along the way that were not considered reformulations. FYI, be ready for another announcement soon!
    2 points
  26. not trying to take credit, but I think some of the ONR uses Dr G mentioned came from me...
    2 points
  27. Not a pad expert (I do very little polishing): White Waffle Pad - For recent model GM paint (specifically GM trucks I believe), Optimum created the White foam pad which is supposed to be light cut yet stiff foam composition. White waffle does not work well with Intensive Polish. Orange pad is more universal and works with all OPT Hyper polishes. Sealants - Opti-Seal, basic sealant with 2-4 months durability, only sealant recommended for interior use (others too slick). Ultra Ceramic Seal, 6 month durability and greater gloss. Hyper Seal, up to 1 year longevity, harder and more chemically resistant, but less shine. Tire Shine, a spray on product, Opti-Bond, a wipe on gel Wheel & Tire Cleaner is a foaming product specifically formulated and ready to use. Power Clean, an all purpose product that can be diluted for a variety of uses. Waterless Wash & Shine, a ready to use product in different sizes with more UV/hydrophobic properties. Opti-Clean has concentrated options needing dilution. The new products are more oriented to end users, already mixed and with singular purposes and descriptions.
    1 point
  28. My vehicle's 6 month old HyperSeal New Ceramic formula and Pro+ were affected by our recent winter storms such that they became sheeters instead of beaders. I washed them with gold ONR, followed by a synthetic clay decontamination towel and iron remover, followed by water rinse and then another ONR wash/wipedown. The beading came back.
    1 point
  29. I don't agree that Hyper Seal has poor hydrophobics, but you are welcome to double up to see if that works for you.
    1 point
  30. I saw that scottwax was starting to make newer videos. Decided to comment on a video and had said that its amazing what ONR will take off without issues. Ended up going back and forth and told him I'd make a video washing my truck after driving 75 miles through snow, sleet, ice and.... salt. I forgot a bunch of stuff in the video and I've never really made a video online for someone other than family. I watched it several times and thought this might be something that would help people be a bit more comfy with what ONR can do. I do wash our vehicles once per week or once every two weeks depending on the weather. Wasn't able to wash my truck until today, crappy weather mixed with aches and pains of snowblowing 1/2 mile of driveway on Sunday. Anyway this is my "attempt" at a video lol I might drive around next week "more snow" just to get it dirty again to try to explain some more stuff in another video. Little things like using the green brush for the front and rear bumpers, tires and wheels etc and why I don't go to the car wash and use a bay to blow all the salt off.
    1 point
  31. I just washed my car yesterday has been to cold and wet the last couple of weeks so the paint was nasty. I used my ik pro 12 sprayer with onr you can pressurize this thing to 60 psi . Sprayed the hole car then rinsed I got maybe half the dirt off. Another layer of onr then washed with microfiber wash mitts. Oid as drying aid the temperature was maybe 1c work great .
    1 point
  32. I haven't been doing my share to keep information flowing. I have new products to sample and planned to test on my son-in-laws car over Christmas, but got sick and haven't recovered yet. I'm am very rarely ill and it SUCKS when it happens. Just before we traveled for the holidays I tried a new method - I used ONR in quick detailer mix, followed by Ultra Ceramic Seal. The car was pretty clean and the combination worked great... and was way easy/fast. More information to come -
    1 point
  33. I will be getting samples of several of the new "retail" products soon - specifically Power Tire Cleaner, Interior Cleaner, and Waterless Wash & Shine. I'll be testing them and provide my thoughts...
    1 point
  34. Ron@Optimum

    OPC on PPF

    Yes, Power Clean is safe on ceramic coating AND film.
    1 point
  35. JoseG

    NEW PRODUCTS - 2023

    It’s definitely starting to creep into the public market. I’ve had a couple clients ask if I do rinseless to my surprise and we’re excited when I said yes. Everyone asks what I’m washing with when they see me working outside
    1 point
  36. OPT is in the process of revising all product labels. The new labels will appear as old stock is used up.
    1 point
  37. My understanding is that car can be driven 1 hour after ceramic (Pro, Pro+, Pro3) install IF sealant is applied and 12 hours if not (includes Ultra). Gloss-Coat is 8 hours if sealant is applied. Sealant protects during the 7 day cure time for chemical resistance, when soap is not allowed. Pro3 coats do much more than guarantee coverage, they impart the hardness that allows 3 to be polished or driven through car washes and certainly the lifetime warranty.
    1 point
  38. first, since Primer Polish is a replacement for IPA, no wipe down is required before coating. Second, components of Primer Polish can attach to clear coat and not be removed by wiping, similar to the way Optimum sealants used as drying aids are not removed by drying towels.
    1 point
  39. I saw that Dr G recommended that and asked if it had changed. He said the formula was always 8-10 oz to 1 gallon and that 10 oz was a better cleaner/slicker formula. I found 8 oz to work fine and the 1 oz to 16 oz of water alternative easier to make. It's your choice.
    1 point
  40. 1 point
  41. I had the same thought about alternating as well. I'm curious to see on my paint (dark gray) if there is an appreciable difference in gloss between the two. I'm particularly curious how Ultra Seal reacts to Hyper Seal on top and if it tones down the gloss of Ultra Seal or not. if I'll pick up both and play around and post some progress pics later this summer once I've had some time to work with them both.
    1 point
  42. Ron@Optimum

    NEW PRODUCTS - TRCMA

    Opti-Clay is available, just hasn't been added to online store. Shay, the General Manager for OPT has been out for an extended time and oversees many of these functions.
    1 point
  43. @TheMidnightNarwhal I still use this product, but changed the way I use it. I don't spray it anywhere in the interior anymore. I spray it on my mitt and than scrub the stains and/or seats. Still works awesome and no overspray anymore!
    1 point
  44. I had recently gotten some Opti-Coat supplies from The Rag Company and lo and behold I now see the sticker on the “NEW” one. DOH!!! Gonna give my OLD New stuff to my son for him to use 😁
    1 point
  45. You are correct and Dr G is aware - the person who would handle this is out on sick leave, but will be addressing product descriptions when she returns. Thanks
    1 point
  46. Spray Wax was reformulated at the same time as Opti-Seal and Hyper Seal - ceramic components were added to increase durability and protection.
    1 point
  47. Tug Bankert

    OC 3

    Use MDR without mixing with ferrex. They should be used separately. Mix 4 ounces of mdr and half ounce of onr in 1 gallon of water.
    1 point
  48. Ron@Optimum

    OPTIMUM FAQs

    Optimum is going to start a FAQ segment here, to respond to those basic questions that come up all the time. We're starting with responses from Dr G to a customer on a variety of subjects: 1) A strong but gentle one-step interior cleaner that leaves protection: OPC at around 5:1 does great cleaning dirty interiors, but I frequently don't want a two-step process that requires me to then apply Protectant. And I find Opti-clean not strong enough sometimes. Do you think mixing Opti-clean, Optimum Protectant and Power Clean is a good solution, and if so, at what ratio would you experiment? In most cases you can use Optimum Protectant Plus to clean and protect in one step. For more soiled leather and other interior surfaces most professional detailers spray Power Clean at 1:5 dilution on the surface and then spray Protectant Plus on top of it before wiping it down in a combined one step process. 2) Wheel cleaner: I can find no exact combination from Optimum I like so I end up buying a dedicated wheel cleaner... Powerclean dries too quickly and seems to not have enough lubrication or "weight" to handle the dirty BMW and Porsche wheels. Could I emulate a spray-on cleaner that dwells and cleans by mixing straight Power clean concentrate with some Car Wash and Opti-clean for additional dwell time and lubricity/suds, and/or maybe with some of your Iron Remover? Iron remover has good cling, but insufficient cleaning vs a dedicated product like p21s. We are in the process of changing the sprayer for Power Clean to a foamer which will improve the dwell time and clinging of Power Clean. You can also combine Power Clean with FerreX to increase cleaning and dwell time as well. 3) I like using various of your products as a drying aid, but my expensive towels get clogged up eventually. What is the best way to completely remove dried Opti-seal and OCW from towels? I am okay with a multi-step process if needed. Most detergents such as Tide that are used in the washing machine should remove waxes and oils from your microfiber towels. For greater cleaning you can use a solution of Power Clean diluted in water to presoak your towels before putting them in the washing machine. Another suggestion is to add 1/4 cup of Power Clean to the wash. 4) I have been experimenting with Adam's new ceramic/graphene coating on some things because of their longevity claims, but I would rather use yours. Do you have consumer products that should have the longevity of their newest graphene products? For the best performance and longevity as well as ease of application I would recommend Opti-Coat Hyper Seal which has ceramic resins and can be applied while drying your car. 5) I know this has been asked a million times, but for a really dirty car, do you think a traditional wash with your car wash is safer than ONR? And if the car is really dirty would you still stick with 256:1, or go with a different ratio like 100:1? And/or just mix Optimum Car Wash with some ONR? I am not concerned about saving money by using less product... We have washed cars with several months of dirt buildup with the same dilution of 256:1 No Rinse with great results. If the car has too much dirt build up or caked on mud, then we would recommend pre-rinsing with a hose/power washer to remove the excess dirt or mud and then use No Rinse which would not require rinsing afterwards but still provides the lubricity and protection that car washes don't. You can use up to 1 oz. No Rinse if you want to increase the lubricity and dirt encapsulation, however I would not use higher concentrations since it can cause streaking. 6) Is there a dilution of ONR, like say 4:1, that would be a good paint-prep/cleaner before applying a coating? Or does it not work that way and/or leave too much stuff behind to be a good paint-prep? I have your dedicated paint-prep spray, but it seems like if I have missed any dirt that there would be too little protection and cleaning from that to avoid scratches after a decontamination process. You can use No Rinse at 8 oz. to a gallon of water which is the quick detailer ratio as your prep solution, however Paint Prep does a better job of preparing the painted surfaces for bonding of a wax or coating.
    1 point
  49. wow after cleaning one just had to take pic these are the headrest of my 2008 honda element used ik foamer 50/50 with distilled water then scrubbed with carpet brush on my orbital then used just a cheap carpet estractor from canadian tire used to much soap at first then got the hang of it did seats and floor very happy
    1 point
  50. curious where you got this "general recommendation" because it didn't come from Optimum. We have never recommended the 2 bucket wash (in fact, Yvan LaCroix recommends against it). For a truly filthy car (mud encrusted) we suggest power washing first, but still an ONR wash. I've never had a car too dirty for ONR. Opti-Clean is a true waterless wash and can be used for spot cleaning or for the entire job...and many use it that way. Opti-Clean is a stronger cleaner than ONR and has it's place in a washing routine. For instance, sometimes during a rain storm I pull my car out to get it thoroughly wet, then use Opti-Clean as a safe drying aid to finish the job.
    1 point