Opti Seal First Review

killrwheels@autogeek said:
Simply put ... when used side by side in the same fashion as Zaino CS, the Opti-seal is a much more finicky product. Using the same type of applicator, same amount, and on a car washed in the same manner there should have been no percievable difference other than outcome at best. (glossier, more reflective). The streaking on OS was considered excessive.

While AG is surely not happy that I called foul on this new product, it is Optimum and Anthony as a distributor that has more to lose. What you wont see is me challenging Optimum and asking them if they rushed the product to market once they saw CS arrived, but thats kinda what your doing to a end user when pointing the finger and blaming the operator. (lets figure out what the streaking factor is, that way we can warn and help others)

What I will offer in closing is this, I plan on using it again, and yes another bottle. If its me, then I will be glad to blame the user, but if its not, well I am going to report this also. I reread all posts and went to Anthony for comment, as I want to understand how it was intended to be used. Stay tuned !
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Are you still talking about the sample version that you recieved? Didn't Anthony mention that he had streaking issues with the samples vs. the released products? So I think it is a tad unfair (for us, AG and Optimum) that you are comparing a different product than what is actually released...

As with every product there is a learning curve... I'm sure that OS is no different, whether it is 1 spritz per panel, not lifting up the applicator, foam applicator vs. cloth, etc, etc.
 
I'm not sure if I stated this previously but I use the Opti-Seal as a stand alone sealer and never on top of a waxed surface. Now I may apply a wax over it but honestly I only apply it over a highly polished surface...I'm not much of a mixologist.

Now in the beta testing I and Ron both applied it over a waxed surface and some streaking would occur but easily taken care of with a buffing of the paint with a MF towel.

There are also so many waxes out there that we could not possible test them all with OptiSeal but again those we did test it with, like PoliSeal, TRade Secret and P21S, didn't seem to have any ill effect except for some slight streaking. So it's possible that those having streaking issues may want to start with a fresh surface or just buff out the streaking.

My experience comes mainly from using OptiSeal as my sole protector after I have sought to get the paint as perfect as possible. I use no glazes and rarely a paste wax.

Ron would lay down some PoliSeal, 1 or 3 coats of OptiSeal and then burnish the paint with OCW and got great results....but he's a little wierd anywaysIm the MAN


So strip down one panel of your cars, polish it nicely and then use the OptiSeal and see if you're geting any streaks compared to your previous results.....then after a coat or 3 see how it looks alone and then with your fav topper.

Anthony
 
Anthony Orosco said:
I'm not sure if I stated this previously but I use the Opti-Seal as a stand alone sealer and never on top of a waxed surface. Now I may apply a wax over it but honestly I only apply it over a highly polished surface...I'm not much of a mixologist.

Now in the beta testing I and Ron both applied it over a waxed surface and some streaking would occur but easily taken care of with a buffing of the paint with a MF towel.

There are also so many waxes out there that we could not possible test them all with OptiSeal but again those we did test it with, like PoliSeal, TRade Secret and P21S, didn't seem to have any ill effect except for some slight streaking. So it's possible that those having streaking issues may want to start with a fresh surface or just buff out the streaking.

My experience comes mainly from using OptiSeal as my sole protector after I have sought to get the paint as perfect as possible. I use no glazes and rarely a paste wax.

Ron would lay down some PoliSeal, 1 or 3 coats of OptiSeal and then burnish the paint with OCW and got great results....but he's a little wierd anywaysIm the MAN


So strip down one panel of your cars, polish it nicely and then use the OptiSeal and see if you're geting any streaks compared to your previous results.....then after a coat or 3 see how it looks alone and then with your fav topper.

Anthony
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Just ordered os today, but I'm cancelling it in the morning. I have many coats of wax and don't feel like removing it just for a sealant. Looks like there are mixed reviews on this product.
 
Rsurfer said:
Just ordered os today, but I'm cancelling it in the morning. I have many coats of wax and don't feel like removing it just for a sealant. Looks like there are mixed reviews on this product.
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No one stated you HAD to remove your wax.....besides you don't have "many coats" of wax on your car as you can't layer wax without removing and then replacing the first layer.

OptiSeal can be layered on top of wax and you may get some streaking but it buffs right off. I only suggested the removal so those having streaking issues may see if that is their problem.

Anthony
 
Anthony Orosco said:
No one stated you HAD to remove your wax.....besides you don't have "many coats" of wax on your car as you can't layer wax without removing and then replacing the first layer.

OptiSeal can be layered on top of wax and you may get some streaking but it buffs right off. I only suggested the removal so those having streaking issues may see if that is their problem.

Anthony
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So what you are saying, is that every time I apply wax, I'm removing the previous layer? Is it because of the mineral sprits in the wax?
 
Rsurfer said:
So what you are saying, is that every time I apply wax, I'm removing the previous layer? Is it because of the mineral sprits in the wax?
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YES........layering wax is more for coverage than durability...

I'm putting down a coat of O S today for the first time on a non waxed pristine clean previous applied sealer surface....NO WAX.....
will post back with results.
 
Rsurfer said:
So what you are saying, is that every time I apply wax, I'm removing the previous layer? Is it because of the mineral sprits in the wax?
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Pretty much....solvents must be used to break down and soften the carnauba (cream waxes have even more solvents) and these solvents act as a mild pre-cleaning agent of sorts so you really can't layer waxes.

Anthony
 
I wonder if the oils in some in the beauty waxes cause the streaking...some waxes like #16..the collinites .....they are more like a hard shell type wax....and a few others are not real beauty type waxes..but ones like the concourse type waxes like Sov paste ...Zymol ...Swissol and a few others that use glossing oils to boost the gloss ...wonder if those oils are the ones smearing..just a shot in the dark...

I have seen some have no problems and some do...thats the mystery..

Al
 
Al-53 said:
I wonder if the oils in some in the beauty waxes cause the streaking...some waxes like #16..the collinites .....they are more like a hard shell type wax....and a few others are not real beauty type waxes..but ones like the concourse type waxes like Sov paste ...Zymol ...Swissol and a few others that use glossing oils to boost the gloss ...wonder if those oils are the ones smearing..just a shot in the dark...

I have seen some have no problems and some do...thats the mystery..

Al
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Im glad i didn't pre wax before my application of O.S today.....afterwards maybe.........
 
BILL said:
Im glad i didn't pre wax before my application of O.S today.....afterwards maybe.........
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Guys, guys......the streaking is minor and pretty much just wipes off----no big deal at all! The Opti-Seal is very nice product and is glossy as hell. Very easy to use. You DO NOT have to strip your wax to apply this product. If it streaks a little, just wipe away when dry. Easy peasy 1-2-threesy! Definitely order it, you will really like the results!
 
dengood1 said:
Guys, guys......the streaking is minor and pretty much just wipes off----no big deal at all! The Opti-Seal is very nice product and is glossy as hell. Very easy to use. You DO NOT have to strip your wax to apply this product. If it streaks a little, just wipe away when dry. Easy peasy 1-2-threesy! Definitely order it, you will really like the results!
Click to expand...

TODAY i applied O.S .....One thing i do know, it may be a WOWA product for the average guy who is not a fanatic about his car, and wax's with what ever is on sale at pep boys, as for me and others here i find it very hard to WALK AWAY and not want to buff lightly with a plush MF towel......The streaking was minimal in a few area's, but there easily removed with a soft towel.....application was easy with the wolfgang foamie grey side and the sides of the auto i used the regular foamie. i used the back and forth movement on the flat area's and the up, and down, on the sides for better light reflection. after it started to dry i noticed the gloss factor appearing and after 5 hours and 1 coat the gloss got glossier.. the slickness was apparent from the get go....i find that putting it on the foamie instead of the panel and then spreading it in a 2x2 area was best for me.....this product is definitely thinner is better. The finish before O.S. had a sterile look to it and now after 5 hours and 1 coat of O.S. it has the carnuba, buttery glow i wanted.....i did not do the glass as yet......just the painted finish

BOTTOM LINE: I will second coat it and maybe 3rd coat it after a few days of cure time, i will not top it as yet......yes! i would buy it again and YES! i do like it alot....and I'm not easy to please......:cheers:
 
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budman3 said:
Are you still talking about the sample version that you recieved? Didn't Anthony mention that he had streaking issues with the samples vs. the released products? So I think it is a tad unfair (for us, AG and Optimum) that you are comparing a different product than what is actually released...

As with every product there is a learning curve... I'm sure that OS is no different, whether it is 1 spritz per panel, not lifting up the applicator, foam applicator vs. cloth, etc, etc.
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I dont know if I got a sample from an earlier beta version or not. Meghan noted that she poured it from the labeled version and gave the rest to Justin for testing. Was the bottle clean ?? Did it have something in it from past version ?? What I know is mine streaked ... and I want to find out why so that I can diseminate that info to others. Just like I do with every other product we carry. Although some I never find more than adequate at best, and move on.

There should not be a huge learning curve between two products that we essentially designed to be the same type of product. If there is, then the end user should understand which is easier to use. Klasse SG still sells well, and considered by some the bomb. That said it is darn near impossible to remove when used to any excess. Other options exist like Wolfgang, UPP, Ex-P for those wanting something easier and less finicky based upon applicator, amount, buffing towel and such.
 
BILL said:
TODAY i applied O.S .....One thing i do know, it may be a WOWA product for the average guy who is not a fanatic about his car, and wax's with what ever is on sale at pep boys, as for me and others here i find it very hard to WALK AWAY and not want to buff lightly with a plush MF towel......The streaking was minimal in a few area's, but there easily removed with a soft towel.....application was easy with the wolfgang foamie grey side and the sides of the auto i used the regular foamie. i used the back and forth movement on the flat area's and the up, and down, on the sides for better light reflection. after it started to dry i noticed the gloss factor appearing and after 5 hours and 1 coat the gloss got glossier.. the slickness was apparent from the get go....i find that putting it on the foamie instead of the panel and then spreading it in a 2x2 area was best for me.....this product is definitely thinner is better. The finish before O.S. had a sterile look to it and now after 5 hours and 1 coat of O.S. it has the carnuba, buttery glow i wanted.....i did not do the glass as yet......just the painted finish

BOTTOM LINE: I will second coat it and maybe 3rd coat it after a few days of cure time, i will not top it as yet......yes! i would buy it again and YES! i do like it alot....and I'm not easy to please......:cheers:
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Bill, thanks for sharing. I trust your bottom line! because you're a perfectness.
 
I found it to be incompatible with Poly Seal. What happened for me was there was an "oily" appearing smearing that had to be wiped away thus defeating the purpose of this being a wipe on and walk away product. I'm pretty sure that my labeled bottle isn't one of the beta products. I'm also disappointed that Optimums two latest products don't seem to play well together.
 
Just used XMT360 and topped it with Souveran Spray Wax. Can I now top that with Opti - Seal?
 
It should work with Poli-Seal, did you make sure you wiped off all the polish before you applied the OS?
SpoiledMan said:
I found it to be incompatible with Poly Seal. What happened for me was there was an "oily" appearing smearing that had to be wiped away thus defeating the purpose of this being a wipe on and walk away product. I'm pretty sure that my labeled bottle isn't one of the beta products. I'm also disappointed that Optimums two latest products don't seem to play well together.
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I'll be trying the OS on top of Poli-Seal this weekend on two different vehicles I have lined up (weather pending). I'll see if I have any problems between the OS and PS, but that's definitely weird if they don't play nicely together, you'd think they would. We'll see, stay tuned...
 
OK, just got done with a 2000 Silverado, done with Poli-Seal and topped with Opti-Seal. I didn't have any problems with streaking with OS on top of PS. Here's a couple hood shots after one hour of putting OS on:
DSCF1534.jpg


DSCF1535.jpg


It's pretty overcast today, so hard to get some good shots, but overall I'm pretty happy with both products. Very glossy and slick, customer was happy. I'll post some more pics in the Show 'N Shine section, but wanted to show the results with OS in this thread.

Brian
 
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