DFB
Well-known member
- Aug 12, 2019
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Optimum / Opti-Coat Glass Clean & Protect
From experience, the fancier the glass cleaner, the worse it performs. I’ve learnt this the hard way, buying glass cleaners that claim to be the best on the market, but end up leaving behind unsightly haze and streaks. OPT Glass Clean & Protect is the rare exception, a product that doesn’t get much press.
optgcap02 by D B, on Flickr
What Is Glass Clean & Protect?
OPT Glass Clean & Protect is exactly what it says on the bottle, a glass cleaner that can clean and leave behind a small amount of protection. Originally designed to compliment Opti-Coat glass coatings, in turn helping to maintain the coating and see its full potential. However, Glass Clean & Protect can be used as a standalone product, whereby it will produce some excellent hydrophobic qualities………………………fancy RainX in other words.
Important to note, this product is not intended for use on interior glass, only exterior glass surfaces (windows, windscreens and sunroof). Also, I doubt there is much in the way of “protection” being left behind here, rather a hydrophobic rain repellent. Still, I’ve found it quite durable, and even if it wasn't, it so easy to apply that regular top-ups can be integrated into your normal routine.
IMG_3972 by D B, on Flickr
Why Glass Clean & Protect?
I’ve always struggled with glass, I therefore appreciate a product that makes this tedious task quicker and easier. From testing a variety of glass cleaners, its been the products without scents and fancy colors that have given me the best results. Which is where OPT Glass Clean & Protect comes into the equation.
When Carpro launched their version of Clean & Protect, ClarifyPhobic, I instantly struggled to make it work without streaking or ghosting. It didn’t matter what towel, what technique or what quantity of product I used, ClarifyPhobic just didn’t fulfill my requirements or expectations.
IMG-0086 by D B, on Flickr
However, OPT Glass Clean & Protect couldn’t be any different. First of all, it lacks color and scent, removing two variables from the equation. And unlike Bilt Hamber Trace-less, which flashes far too quickly and leaves behind streaks, Glass Clean & Protect flashes in a controlled manner. The end result is a simple, easy application that reveals a highly slick and streak free finish. That’s all I want from a glass cleaner.
IMG_2097 by D B, on Flickr
How To Use -
Unlike some of its type, you really don't need a specific technique with this product. You can even get away using a single towel rather than two. However, I think you need to be realistic with glass cleaners, especially ones like this which trade some of the “cleaning” ability for “protection”. Realistically, using a glass cleaner on exterior surfaces is about removing water residue or any hazing from your drying aid…………………in other words, a finisher. With that in mind, I wash the vehicle before using a glass cleaner of any sort.
1. Wash and dry the vehicle as normal.
2. Start by pre-loading your towel with product. From then onwards, you only need to apply two or three sprays of Clean & Protect directly onto each section of glass.
3. Using the damp side of the towel, start by boxing in the glass section, then continue wiping to fill in the box. The "Box Method" is shown in action here.
4. Flip the towel to the dry side (or use a dry second towel) and buff till streak free.
5. Repeat for the rest of the glass.
IMG_9455 by D B, on Flickr
Usage Notes –
The following is for glass cleaning in general.
- A product like Clean & Protect you would use every second or third wash, alternating with normal glass cleaner.
- I like waffle weave towels for glass over and above glass-specific towels. However, any low/dense pile towel will work, including pearl weave and twist loop towels.
- You can also use a microfiber applicator as your initial wipe “towel”. Something like the TRC Pearl Applicator would work well here. After using the applicator, you then use a towel to buff till streak free. This method is shown here.
- Avoid attempting to “clean” glass in the sun or on warm/hot glass, you are wasting your time.
IMG_9099 by D B, on Flickr
Final Thoughts –
I only discovered the excellence of Clean & Protect after buying several heavily discounted Opti-Coat maintenance products. Considering the asking price at the time, I figured it was worth a try. Well, Clean & Protect ended up being one of those surprise discoveries. Annoyingly, the Opti-Coat version is no longer sold in Australia, hence including the OPT version of the product in this review.
IMG_9430 by D B, on Flickr
The counter argument to this product would be just use a spray sealant like Bead Maker, Reload or Amplify on glass. And while that type of product works on glass, Clean & Protect produces superior hydrophobic qualities on glass and less likely to streak or haze...................which justifies its existence in my cabinet.
From experience, the fancier the glass cleaner, the worse it performs. I’ve learnt this the hard way, buying glass cleaners that claim to be the best on the market, but end up leaving behind unsightly haze and streaks. OPT Glass Clean & Protect is the rare exception, a product that doesn’t get much press.
optgcap02 by D B, on FlickrWhat Is Glass Clean & Protect?
OPT Glass Clean & Protect is exactly what it says on the bottle, a glass cleaner that can clean and leave behind a small amount of protection. Originally designed to compliment Opti-Coat glass coatings, in turn helping to maintain the coating and see its full potential. However, Glass Clean & Protect can be used as a standalone product, whereby it will produce some excellent hydrophobic qualities………………………fancy RainX in other words.
Important to note, this product is not intended for use on interior glass, only exterior glass surfaces (windows, windscreens and sunroof). Also, I doubt there is much in the way of “protection” being left behind here, rather a hydrophobic rain repellent. Still, I’ve found it quite durable, and even if it wasn't, it so easy to apply that regular top-ups can be integrated into your normal routine.
IMG_3972 by D B, on FlickrWhy Glass Clean & Protect?
I’ve always struggled with glass, I therefore appreciate a product that makes this tedious task quicker and easier. From testing a variety of glass cleaners, its been the products without scents and fancy colors that have given me the best results. Which is where OPT Glass Clean & Protect comes into the equation.
When Carpro launched their version of Clean & Protect, ClarifyPhobic, I instantly struggled to make it work without streaking or ghosting. It didn’t matter what towel, what technique or what quantity of product I used, ClarifyPhobic just didn’t fulfill my requirements or expectations.
IMG-0086 by D B, on FlickrHowever, OPT Glass Clean & Protect couldn’t be any different. First of all, it lacks color and scent, removing two variables from the equation. And unlike Bilt Hamber Trace-less, which flashes far too quickly and leaves behind streaks, Glass Clean & Protect flashes in a controlled manner. The end result is a simple, easy application that reveals a highly slick and streak free finish. That’s all I want from a glass cleaner.
IMG_2097 by D B, on FlickrHow To Use -
Unlike some of its type, you really don't need a specific technique with this product. You can even get away using a single towel rather than two. However, I think you need to be realistic with glass cleaners, especially ones like this which trade some of the “cleaning” ability for “protection”. Realistically, using a glass cleaner on exterior surfaces is about removing water residue or any hazing from your drying aid…………………in other words, a finisher. With that in mind, I wash the vehicle before using a glass cleaner of any sort.
1. Wash and dry the vehicle as normal.
2. Start by pre-loading your towel with product. From then onwards, you only need to apply two or three sprays of Clean & Protect directly onto each section of glass.
3. Using the damp side of the towel, start by boxing in the glass section, then continue wiping to fill in the box. The "Box Method" is shown in action here.
4. Flip the towel to the dry side (or use a dry second towel) and buff till streak free.
5. Repeat for the rest of the glass.
IMG_9455 by D B, on FlickrUsage Notes –
The following is for glass cleaning in general.
- A product like Clean & Protect you would use every second or third wash, alternating with normal glass cleaner.
- I like waffle weave towels for glass over and above glass-specific towels. However, any low/dense pile towel will work, including pearl weave and twist loop towels.
- You can also use a microfiber applicator as your initial wipe “towel”. Something like the TRC Pearl Applicator would work well here. After using the applicator, you then use a towel to buff till streak free. This method is shown here.
- Avoid attempting to “clean” glass in the sun or on warm/hot glass, you are wasting your time.
IMG_9099 by D B, on FlickrFinal Thoughts –
I only discovered the excellence of Clean & Protect after buying several heavily discounted Opti-Coat maintenance products. Considering the asking price at the time, I figured it was worth a try. Well, Clean & Protect ended up being one of those surprise discoveries. Annoyingly, the Opti-Coat version is no longer sold in Australia, hence including the OPT version of the product in this review.
IMG_9430 by D B, on FlickrThe counter argument to this product would be just use a spray sealant like Bead Maker, Reload or Amplify on glass. And while that type of product works on glass, Clean & Protect produces superior hydrophobic qualities on glass and less likely to streak or haze...................which justifies its existence in my cabinet.