Every great now and then a breakthrough detailing product comes along that sets the new standard with its performance, ease of use, value, or its versatility. For Optimum Opti-Seal spray sealant, it hit the mark in every single category!
Sealants are designed to protect the finish of the car from dirt, moisture, UV rays, industrial fallout and more. They have been on the market for a while now, but many have been a bit quirky in their application or have had long cure times before you could enjoy the benefits of the product.
Opti-Seal is a true paint sealant with no cleaning properties. It provides a crystal clear polymer barrier between the finish and the harsh elements, and best of all it easily goes on in minutes. Once completed, you will be left with a beautiful finish that will provide months of protection.
Since it has no fillers, it is best to polish the surface first to remove imperfections to achieve maximum gloss. Afterwards you can enhance and protect the finish with a coat (or two) of Opti-Seal’s polymer sealant.
Even if the finish hasn’t been freshly polished, you can still enjoy the benefits of Opti-Seal. Just be sure to apply it on a surface that has been thoroughly cleaned.
Opti-Seal is hyper-concentrated, so a little bit goes a long way! Just one ounce will seal and protect 4 to 5 cars. It comes with an 8 oz. bottle and a foam applicator pad.
A nice added benefit of this product is that it will protect more than just the painted surfaces. You can use it on plastic trim (won’t stain), on your rims, metal trim, and of course on your paint. It’s truly a versatile product! I use it on my customers’ cars, and I use it on my personal cars.
Although not necessary, I like to first prime the pad with one spray of Opti-Seal
Then spray a fine mist directly onto the surface. I will generally use no more than 2 sprays for an entire door. Remember, a little bit goes a long way!
Now take your foam pad and gently wipe the surface to spread it evenly. You’re not using pressure here; you’re simply spreading it around to get an even coating.
Don’t forget to apply it to your door jambs, rims, and trim pieces too.
Although Opti-Seal is a wipe on and walk away product, you may find some slight streaks or haze in spots once it evaporates. This just means that it was applied too heavily in spots. You’ll particularly pick this out on darker colored vehicles.
I like to let the product cure for about 20 minutes, and then inspect for hazing or streaks. If I find any, I will lightly spray some Optimum Instant Detailer and Gloss Enhancer directly onto a plush microfiber towel, and then very gently buff the residue off of the surface to reveal a beautiful finish. It’s as simple as that!
Here’s a photo of the Z06 Corvette once I was finished. It was first polished with Menzerna 106FA and PO85RD, and then I applied 2 coats of Optimum Opti-Seal. Stunning!
If you have any additional comments or questions, please submit your reply in the comment box below.
Todd –
Great write-up for an equally great product. I’ve been using Opti-Seal for about 2 years now and have never sprayed it directly on the paint surface. I’m going to give that a try.
Thanks Justin! Since you’ve been using it for so long, I think it’s safe to say that you’ve found it to be a great product as well.
Todd
Todd,
I know Wet Diamond you need to allow for it to sit 8 hours before applying wax. How long do you have to wait for wax if you use opti seal? Do you prefer a sealant over another? Thanks!
Mike,
After about 20-30 minutes, Opti-Seal is ready to go. The only wax I usually use with Opti-Seal is Optimum Car Wax. Instead of wiping down the Opti-Seal residue with quick detailer, I’ll use the Optimum Car Wax if desired.
To use my time efficiently I will apply Opti-Seal, then during the 20 minutes or so that it’s curing I will use that time to finish wheels, wheel wells, exhaust tips, windows, or any other quick processes so I’m not just “waiting” for the sealant to cure.
I like both Opti-Seal and Blackfire Wet Diamond very much. Usually I’ll grab the Opti-Seal if I’m short on time because the application is quicker. If I have more time available, I’ll typically use Blackfire Wet Diamond.
Thanks,
Todd
Todd,
Thanks for testing the products and posting the results. Can I use Opti Seal with Menzerna Power Finish? And how often can I apply Opti Seal to my ride.
Thanks in advance for your answer
Kelvin,
You’re welcome!
As with any polish, just make sure that you’ve thoroughly removed all of the polish oils and residue prior to using your sealant. This will ensure you’re getting the best bond with the finish. After polishing with Power Finish, either re-wash the car, wipe it down with isopropyl alcohol, or use a product like Chemical Guys Vertua Bond 408 to prep the surface and get it ready for your sealant.
You can apply Opti Seal as often as you like, but since it’s a very durable sealant, there’s not much need to do it more than every couple of months or so (even though it will last 4-6 months).
Thanks,
Todd
Todd,
Thanks much for your prompt reply. You mention “wipe it down with isopropyl alcohol”. How do I go about it? Do I need special tools to do it? and is it safe?
Thanks,
Kelvin
Just pick up a bottle of isopropyl alcohol and some distilled water from your local grocery store. Mix it 50/50 in a spray bottle. Then spray it directly onto the surface and wipe it down with your soft, clean microfiber towel. Do this one panel at a time…it only takes a few minutes to do the whole car. It’s completely safe.
Great write up, had 2 questions. I just finish polishing my car with Menzerna Power finish as my 1st step then Menzerna Super Finish, do I have to wash the car again or can I just wipe it down then apply my opti-seal? Thank you and keep the writes up coming great stuff.
Sergio,
You should either wash the car after polishing, or you can do a wipedown with Isopropyl Alcohol afterwards before applying the Opti-Seal. This will remove any polishing oils and will help the durability of the sealant.
Thank you!
Todd