Review of Optimum Opti-seal

**dublifecrisis** · 05-07-2009, 08:44 PM

This is my review of a wonderful wipe on walk away sealant-Optimum Opti-Seal. I purchased this product along with a few other Optimum products but my expectations weren't very high. I thought for the price well I could find some use for it.
Now, several applications later (bottle still over 3/4 full) it is my go to sealant. Sometimes I use it all by itself after polishing, sometimes I top it with a spray wax, and also I'll top it with a carnauba. I also use it as a wheel sealant which makes cleaning wheels easier later down the road. I highly recommend this product whther you're a pro detailer or just someone who likes clean shiny cars.

Application
Generally, I grab a clean foam applicator, prime the pad with 2 spritz then hit the panel with another 2 spritz. Using minimal pressure, spread the sealant evenly across the entire panel in a back and forth motion until it's completley covered. Move on to the next panel. If after about 5 minutes you see any residue or streaking, simply give it a light buff with a clean microfiber towel.

Once you've covered the entire vehicle, you're pretty much done. Some people like to add a 2nd layer and this would require at least a couple hours of cure time. Often times, I'll let the sealant cure for an hour while working on something else then come back and do a quick spray wax like Optimum car wax. The result is a paint surface that looks like hard candy.

Pros
Ease of use, great on any color, versatile-use on paint, wheels, windows, price- you can literally get 40-60 coats out of one bottle.

cons
little streaky sometimes but easily fixed, that's about it.

Now, here are few pictures of some vehincles that all have opti-seal applied as either a base sealant, or a combination of base+topper.

Wife's car-only washed, then 2 coats of opti-seal. nothing else

Here's my GTI. after wash, clay, AIO then 1 coat of opit-seal buffed down with a spray wax.

My friend's blue benz. This is just after a light polish and sealed only with opti-seal. I did hit this with a spray wax but this was before that.

The spray wax just adds a little extra boost in glow and added protection, but the clarity of the sealant base is apparent.

This is one of the best bang for buck ways to protect your car's paint and it looks fantastic.

Optimum Opti-Seal Free Bonus!

**ScottB** · 05-07-2009, 08:54 PM

I too find it streaky which is the biggest detraction, and seems to plague most of the WOWA sealants especially on darker colors. Really have to use so little and a MF applicator "seems" to help.

**dublifecrisis** · 05-07-2009, 09:07 PM

yeah once you get past knowing that "man this stuff goes a long way" then I think you get down a pattern and it's not bad at all. And yes, I've used MF pads, foam applicator and MF towels all with great results. Sometimes, I've even seen where that little buff off at the end even amps up the gloss a little more even when I'm not buffing off with a QD/wax.

**Bigfoot** · 05-07-2009, 09:21 PM

I agree this stuff is awesome! I have applied it to 8 cars(all of them 2 coats) and I still have over 7oz left. Amazing!

**CharlesW** · 05-08-2009, 06:16 AM

Originally Posted by Bigfoot

I agree this stuff is awesome! I have applied it to 8 cars(all of them 2 coats) and I still have over 7oz left. Amazing!

And you are probably using more than you need to for each vehicle.

**Blackthorn One** · 05-08-2009, 06:17 AM

The cars look great, but it would be nice if there were pics of the cars BEFORE application so we can all see how much of the final appearance the opti-seal ITSELF is responsible for, and not just a combination of the opti seal AND the prep. I like looking at shiny cars, but there is no way I can know what the product really does from pics WITHOUT before and after pics.

**Matt** · 05-08-2009, 07:09 AM

Damn it! Now I'm tempted to place another order and buy some of this stuff

Looking good though, I think I may get some next time I place an order though.

So you're saying that on it's own, it's not the best for protection?

I currently use P21S 100% Carnauba wax and LOVE it, but do you think this would be a nice base for the Carnauba, so maybe let this cure and then apply the P21S?

**dublifecrisis** · 05-08-2009, 07:48 AM

Blackthornone-prep is obviously the key to ANY sealant or wax and additionally determines how well the sealant bonds and cures, which then determines it's longevity IMO. I do have some pics of in between where the car is polished and no sealant, let me see if I can post 1 or 2 examples up. I didn't want to get too carried away.

Matt - I think the longevity is pretty decent in the middle probably 2-3 months but I usually do a spray wax like Optimums every 2nd or 3rd wash and then for EVERY wash, a good quality QD spray as I'm drying.
Yes, opti-seal would make a great base sealant and topped with P21S. The longer you can let the base opti-seal cure, the better. Some wait as long as 12 hours, but 2 hours is ok too.
It's worth the money which I think works out to be 25-50 cents for an entire car right?

**CharlesW** · 05-08-2009, 08:14 AM

Originally Posted by Blackthornone

The cars look great, but it would be nice if there were pics of the cars BEFORE application so we can all see how much of the final appearance the opti-seal ITSELF is responsible for, and not just a combination of the opti seal AND the prep. I like looking at shiny cars, but there is no way I can know what the product really does from pics WITHOUT before and after pics.

If this comes across as hi-jacking the thread, I can remove it, but.... I once did pretty much what you are talking about and the difference is not that easy to see in a photograph. Actually, it wasn't that easy to see any difference in person.

Wash only:

After Meguiar's M80 (PC/Polishing Pad)

After Klasse AIO (By hand)

After DG601/105

**builthatch** · 05-08-2009, 08:50 AM

opti-seal is the stuff. i've been pushing it as much as possible since the first time i used it because it's just such a wonderful product. no complicated, time consuming special application instructions, etc.

three tips...

if you DO want to layer it, ghodoussi recommends leaving the initial application atleast 12 hours for the resins to totally cross-link. after that, you are fully protected with the initial application and can debut the car, or apply another layer for kicks. this can be tough with a customers car unless done remote at their house, but for your own car in your garage, easy.

after a few weeks/months, if you find that it has spotted mildly from water in some capacity, i've found that a wash then a quick application of poli-seal (with a very mild pad and just a DA) and subsequent buff will take care of that and actually re-lays the polymers from the opti-seal without using more opti-seal for the perfect finish again. the opti-seal evidently 'traps' the spots, so the finish has been protected the entire time, you are just taking care of what is atop the opti-seal.

for washes after treatment, over the course of the next months, try the optimum instant detailer after each wash and dry. a superfine mist, cobra supreme-esque towel and a little tiny bit of light buffing will really impress you.

i know i sound like an optimum spokesman but i really believe in his stuff.