2012 Kia Optima, new car prep and Opti-Guard coating: Rasky's Auto Detailing

[RaskyR1]

2012 Kia Optima Turbo, new car prep and Opti-Guard protection

This car belongs to a longtime client/friend of mine and he really wants to keep it better maintained then his previous vehicles. After explaining the options available to him he decided on Optimum’s Opti-Guard for the exterior and the Leather Masters duo on the interior. The overall condition of this vehicle was very good, having just over 5000 miles on it, but it did need a good claying and light polish. Given the condition and color of this vehicle I don’t have much for before pics…I actually debated even posting this one, but I kind of like the car and felt it was worth showing even if it was a cream puff job. ;)


Process:

Wash – ONR
Wheels – Sonax Full Effect
Tires – Optimum Power Clean
Clay – Meguair’s Mild Clay with ONR as lube
Paint correction – Optimum (updated) Hyper Polish via GG6 equipped with 3” & 5” Optimum MF finishing pads
Paint Protection – Optimum Opti-Guard (Paint, trim, wheels, lights, jambs)
Glass – Meguiar’s D120
Interior – Quick vacuum, wipe down vinyl/dash with 1Z Premium Cockpit Cleaner, Leather Masters Strong Cleaner and Protection Cream on seats
Exhaust tips – Optimum Metal Polish

Before

Owner ran through a touch-less wash before he dropped it off…I told him to request his money back!!!
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Optima/20111125-_MG_6141.jpg


http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Optima/20111125-_MG_6142.jpg


http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Optima/20111125-_MG_6143.jpg

Black trim had significant marring but the paint itself was in great shape with only a few scratches here and there.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Optima/20111126-_MG_6144.jpg


While I like the look of the front grill, it really is one of those grills that is a pain to clean. These were hand polished and then coated with Opti-Guard later.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Optima/20111126-_MG_6146.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Optima/20111126-_MG_6148.jpg


New Optimum products arrived just in time. :)
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Optima/20111127-_MG_6159.jpg

My first go with the new Optimum MF pads
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Optima/20111126-_MG_6145.jpg


I’ve used various applicators for applying Opti-Guard now, but my favorite is definitely the CarPro micro sued applicators wrapped around the CarPro foam block.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Optima/20111127-_MG_6152.jpg

On the door jambs and wheels the supplied foam applicator works best with all the crazy contours.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Optima/20111127-_MG_6150.jpg

For the really intricate surfaces, like the front grill on this car, I like applying Opti-Guard via airbrush.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Optima/20111127-_MG_6151.jpg

Much better and now cleaning should be a breeze!
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Optima/20111127-_MG_6154.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Optima/20111127-_MG_6155.jpg

[RaskyR1]

Finished pics!
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Optima/20111127-_MG_6156.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Optima/20111127-_MG_6171.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Optima/20111127-_MG_6163.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Optima/20111127-_MG_6164.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Optima/20111127-_MG_6167.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Optima/20111127-_MG_6168.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Optima/20111127-_MG_6169.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Optima/20111127-_MG_6170.jpg


I can’t believe this is a Kia!!!
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Optima/20111127-_MG_6172.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Optima/20111127-_MG_6173.jpg

Kia logo on door sill lights up red
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Optima/20111127-_MG_6175.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Optima/20111127-_MG_6177.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Optima/20111127-_MG_6178.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Optima/20111127-_MG_6179.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Optima/20111127-_MG_6181.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Optima/20111127-_MG_6182.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Optima/20111127-_MG_6185.jpg

I had hoped for sun to show off this nice pearl white, but unfortunately mother nature had other plans…guess the Brinkmann will have to do…
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Optima/20111127-_MG_6189.jpg


Thanks for looking!

Rasky

[VISITOR]

i've always been a honda fan (and always will be), but both kia & hyundai have really leaped forward and continue to impress me. nice job...

[tw33k2514]

Beautiful work as always. I feel your pain on the Kia grill. Girlfriends Soul is a PITA.

[Critical]

Love the new Optima, and great work!

[LegacyGT]

Nice cleanup Rasky!

You are making me want to get an airbrush :nomore:

It really looks great, how was the Opt MF system to use?

If you get a chance to post pics in the future I would be happy to see updates :)

[Flannigan]

Great work as usual Rasky! Would you care to tell me what air brush you use? I've been looking into picking one up for the same reason you have one! Thanks!

[Flash Gordon]

Stunning work Rasky!


i've always been a honda fan (and always will be), but both kia & hyundai have really leaped forward and continue to impress me. nice job...

:iagree:

[toycar18]

Nice work.

How do you like the Optimum Polishes? Have you used them with foam? What about with those MF Pads? How do they perform? Thoughts?

Do those squeeze bottle tops come with the polish? If not where do you get those?

THANKS - I really appreciate your feedback!

[LuxuryMobile]

Your detail on the car and documenting your process is unreal. Incredible work as usual.

That is on hell of a Kia. Really like the looks of it.

[Chris Thomas]

Chad,

Great work Optimizing the Optima. I like the strategic airbrush usage and the OPT supporting Tshirt!

-chris

[DARK HORSE]

Excellent work as always Chad:bowdown:

I love the airbrush idea as well, I agree with Bill and Dave, you are also making me want one.

This is a nice touch too (coordinating the attire with the detail).:cool:

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Optima/20111126-_MG_6145.jpg

[golliger]

Love the new Optima, and great work!

Seems the Sonata gets more press, but I prefer the Optima.

And yes, amazing work.

[RaskyR1]

Thanks Guys! :thankyousign:

Bill/ToyCar18 - This was my first car with the Opt MF pads and I really need more seat time with them to give any kind of evaluation...being a white car and in good shape this was not the best test subject. I've been using the newer formula "traditional" polishes since this summer, and they work very well, but I did have some issues with wipe off in the hot/humid part of the season (Polish II and Finish)...as of this fall they have worked very well and are a real time saver when it comes to using Opti-Guard/Coat.

The first go with the updated Hyper Spray was good, but again this was not the best test car. It worked smoothly and wipe off was about the same as the traditional polishes. I did have to make a couple passes on a few areas to get out the defects...

Yes, the tops came with the 32oz bottles. ;)

Dave - I ordered the S622-L kit....down towards the bottom of the page...came with 2 guns. Not sure I like it yet though as it's been a pain to dial in. I went with the .3 tip this time around and it worked a little better for the application.

Master Hi-Flow Series Airbrushes (http://www.tcpglobal.com/airbrushdepot/master-hi-flow.aspx#S622combo)

Chris/Tad - I figured since Dr. G was nice enough to send me the shirt with my order that I could at least post a pic of me wearing it! :D

Actually I love getting free shirts and wearing them for write ups....product banners too! (Meghan if you read this, that was a hint!) :D

[Flannigan]

Thanks for the info on the airbrush Rasky! It's funny, I had been looking at that site before you mentioned it, but there are so many models to choose from. Thanks for helping to narrow it down. Since they really don't cost that much I think I'll give those a try.