Dr. G's Recipe For Shiny Paint - Optimum GPS

Nick McKees37

McKee's 37 Product Support
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Nine months ago at the 2011 SEMA show in Las Vegas Nevada, Dr. David Ghodoussi (better known simply as "Dr. G.") of Optimum Polymer Technologies introduced the much anticipated GPS, or Glaze-Polish-Sealant. Prior to its official launch at the SEMA show, rumors were buzzing across car care discussion forums around the world, speculating what the Doctor was going to reveal at the world's largest automotive trade show.

A new product unveiling from Optimum Polymer Technologies is much like a new super car being unveiled from Ferrari at the Frankfurt Auto Show in Germany. Before even the most minuscule detail is revealed, everyone already knows that it's going to be world-class, yet the introduction is still met with much anticipation.

I remember reading an article in 2010 from a vehement automotive journalist claiming that the then-new Ferrari 599 GTO set the standard for the 21st century super car; little did he know what Ferrari had in store for 2012 when they introduced the F12 Berlinetta. That journalist obviously wasn't familiar with a famous quote from Sir Henry Royce; "Strive for perfection in everything you do. Take the best that exists and make it better. When it does not exist, design it." That's exactly what Dr. David Ghodoussi of Optimum Polymer Technologies did when he came up with the ingenious idea for GPS - a sprayable all-in-one polish that cleans, polishes and protects in one simple step.




I was fortunate enough to be given the first production bottle of GPS from Dr. G at the SEMA show last year. Without hesitation, I tested it out on my daily driver upon returning home to Florida later that week. Needless to say, it earned the vaunted title of being called "the good stuff" before I could even put the bottle down. Buffs long, wipes off effortlessly and has more than enough bite to remove clay induced marring and even light swirls. But how well would it play if used in direct sunlight on panels that would be considered uncomfortably warm for most polishes? Only one way to find out.


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The vehicle for this test was a silver Toyota Camry. It sits outside 24/7/365 and hasn't seen any type of chemical or abrasive polish in what looked - and felt - like years. After a quick paint decontamination with the Speedy Surface Prep Towel, I primed my Lake Country Hydro-Tech Tangerine Polishing Pad with Optimum GPS and got started.

Note: 3-4 sprays is all that's needed to prime a fresh pad. After that, only two sprays is necessary per working section.


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When working with a cleaner wax/AIO you can expand your working area outside of the typical norm for paint defect removal, which is usually 16" x 16". When polishing the Camry with Optimum GPS, I worked on a 24" x 24" section at a time applying moderate pressure. That's one of many benefits of GPS; the exceptionally long working time. Performing six section passes with my G110v2 equipped with a Tangerine pad was like merging onto the Autobahn in a V12 powered German luxury sedan - a serene experience indeed.


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One trait that all Optimum products share is their effortless removal, and GPS is no different. Even when used on warm paint in direct sunlight on a 91 degree Saturday afternoon, GPS was never finicky in its application or removal. Color me impressed. I shouldn't have been, though, because at SEMA Dr. G told me with a muted grin; "you'll be impressed with GPS' performance Nick." Listen to the doctor.


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The question that begs to be answered; "Does GPS live up to the Optimum name by providing a level of shine and slickness that can only be described as superb?" Absolutely.


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I look forward to exploring the real potential of GPS by finding an oxidized single-stage, mid-90s BMW. If anyone reading this lives in south Florida and has such a vehicle available, you know how to reach me. I'll approach such a challenge with confidence as the Doctor has provided me with the good stuff.

Optimum GPS - Glaze Polish Sealant
 
Nice review. How would you compare this stuff to poli-seal in terms of ease of use, efficacy, longevity/durability?
 
Nice review Nick.


I'm actually a big fan of this product, I think it's the first spray-on cleaner/wax on the market?


A great product for quick one-step production detailing jobs when the paint isn't in too bad of condition to start with.


I also share this product in my boot camp class...



:xyxthumbs:
 
Interesting product. I've heard bad things about the spray nozzle getting clogged up with hyper polish/compound, how did the nozzle act with GPS?
 
Hmm I've had my eye on GPS for a while. My go-to AIO has been XMT 360 for a while now. I wonder which one I would like better?
 
Curious if GPS is more durable than Poliseal. I really like Poliseal but I can't get much more than a month of durability with it. I'd love to find an AIO that is more durable than ZAIO.
 
Optimum GPS works great, it is what we use for our most popular package. Very happy with the results and for an AIO has pretty good durability. I got about 2 months of protection on my personal vehicle. But it all depends on the person maintaining the finish. I had let it sit without washing to see how durable it was.

While it won't remove deep defects it cleans the paint real well and our customers love how it leaves the paint.
 
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Nice review! Happy to hear all the positive statements because it's on the Big Brown Truck on its way to my door step!
 
Nice review. How would you compare this stuff to poli-seal in terms of ease of use, efficacy, longevity/durability?

Believe it or not, GPS actually goes further than Poli-Seal, meaning you use less. I have yet to have a problem with GPS gumming up my pad, which some people experience with Poli-Seal.

A great product for quick one-step production detailing jobs when the paint isn't in too bad of condition to start with.

You hit the nail on the head Mike. Not only does GPS get the job done, but it's very cost effective and a pleasure to work with. That's what I call; having your cake and eating it.

Interesting product. I've heard bad things about the spray nozzle getting clogged up with hyper polish/compound, how did the nozzle act with GPS?

I've never experienced an issue with the spray nozzle on GPS getting clogged. After each use with any spray product I make it a habit to empty the nozzle and run it through water.

Hmm I've had my eye on GPS for a while. My go-to AIO has been XMT 360 for a while now. I wonder which one I would like better?

XMT 360 definitely has more cut while still providing a fantastic finish, but GPS goes further and this is a huge advantage to professional detailers. I'd personally have a bottle of both on hand.

Curious if GPS is more durable than Poliseal. I really like Poliseal but I can't get much more than a month of durability with it. I'd love to find an AIO that is more durable than ZAIO.

I haven't ran a durability test on GPS yet, but I have with Poli-Seal and I've had no problem passing the two month mark with it. GPS is a more advanced product in every regard so I don't see any problem getting at least two months of durability from it. If anything else, a quick coat of Opti-Seal is only 10 minutes so if durability is a concern, that's always an option to boost it to 3-4 months at least.

Is it designed to be topped with anything else from Optimum?

Absolutely.
 
I found the results quite good using GPS and am a fan of the Optimum line but the nozzle did clog on mine to the point that I had to pour into another spray bottle to use up. Needs to be shaken not stirred!
 
Great review Nick :props:

Digging your style and metaphorical addendum.

However, I must humbly disagree hand, based on my experience, that 360 outcuts GPS. And how would one know, when it has 'glaze' capabilities? Unless you worked it for an extended period.

And like yourself, I also have and use the 360 occasionally.

However, I do recall that 360 will outcut OPS - that's why I only use OPS on MF -with the exception of the Audi that I did last week just to try it out on foam.

Just sayin'
 
However, I must humbly disagree hand, based on my experience, that 360 outcuts GPS. And how would one know, when it has 'glaze' capabilities? Unless you worked it for an extended period.

From Chris at Optimum about filling of GPS


Chris@Optimum said:
GPS is finer than HP so it could be used as another step if you thought you needed one...but not before a coating because it will leave protection behind that would have to be stripped. It doesn't have a "filling glaze"...here the term means pure polish like the term glaze mean originally. It may fill if used quickly, but if worked like a polish, you will see real correction. You can strip it after a test spot just to check...it really is great.

Got that in a PM before I ordered it. Just thought I would share!:props:
 
From Chris at Optimum about filling of GPS




Got that in a PM before I ordered it. Just thought I would share!:props:

This is good to know. The reason that I waited to purchase GPS was my interpretation of what defines a glaze. I actually had the product several months before deciding to use it. It is also the reason that I bought a gal. of OPS and a passel of MF pads.

Thank you for passing this on hand- but I believe it to be in the product description also. Optimum GPS Glaze Polish Sealant

Also, my interpretation of the marketing is just as Chris described, "...it may fill if used quickly".
That's the reason I stated, "unless you worked it for an extended period". Which of course would mean that one would have to IPA or 'strip' as Chris stated, just to be able to see if It corrected or filled.

Seems that were on the same page hand.:)

I am just as loyal to AG (purchased 4 mf pads, and 3 gal.'s and a qt. of OPT products last night), as I am to OPT...and I tend to spend nearly all of my free time here.

BTW Nick, GPS is an awesome product!
For whatever reason, I like the sealing capability of OPS better.
 
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..my interpretation of the marketing is just as Chris described, "...it may fill if used quickly". That's the reason I stated, "unless you worked it for an extended period". Which of course would mean that one would have to IPA or 'strip' as Chris stated, just to be able to see if It corrected or filled. Seems that were on the same page.:)

Just to clarify for others: having filling properties is different from having fillers as an ingredient.
  • When used like a cleaner wax, you may see some filling.
  • When used like a polish, you will see real correction.
  • You'll also see varied potential depending on pad choice and pressure applied...GPS is very versitle
 
However, I do recall that 360 will outcut OPS - that's why I only use OPS on MF -with the exception of the Audi that I did last week just to try it out on foam.

Just sayin'

I'll have to perform a side-by-side comparison of the two. Stay tuned. :)

Just to clarify for others: having filling properties is different from having fillers as an ingredient.
  • When used like a cleaner wax, you may see some filling.
  • When used like a polish, you will see real correction.
  • You'll also see varied potential depending on pad choice and pressure applied...GPS is very versitle

Thanks for the information Chris! :dblthumb2:

Even though Nick did an excellent job on the Toyota, and a darn good review to boot...check out the before and after pics in this thread http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...-new-installment-kc-detailien.html#post700289

Definitely a wise choice on your part.

Wow that turned out fantastic. :buffing:
 
Even though Nick did an excellent job on the Toyota, and a darn good review to boot...check out the before and after pics in this thread http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...-new-installment-kc-detailien.html#post700289

Definitely a wise choice on your part.

That looks awesome, thanks for sharing that!
It looks like it's totally done with a rotary .... Wow!
I can honestly say I have not gotten that kind of results from OPS or any other AIO. Can't wait for the big brown Truck:props:
 
That looks awesome, thanks for sharing that!
It looks like it's totally done with a rotary .... Wow!
I can honestly say I have not gotten that kind of results from OPS or any other AIO. Can't wait for the big brown Truck:props:

Be sure to post pictures once you use it. :buffing:
 
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