Ron@Optimum

I decided to test a new category of product that I'd been seeing excellent reviews for. 303 is a company that makes quality marine/automotive products and since graphene has become a hot ticket I wanted to see what all the noise was about. 303 Graphene comes in a 15.5 oz spray bottle and costs 19.99. Instructions say to apply to clean, dry paint, corrected if necessary. Using a MF towel or pad, apply in a crisscross pattern, allow to cure to a haze, then buff off. After buffing, the car can be driven. Videos on 303 suggest clay and polish, but my paint was in great shape and didn't need either (tested on the Acura since it's not ceramic coated). Graphene went on pretty easy, a little thicker than Hyper Seal or Wax. It hazed in several minutes, but the streaking was more difficult to remove. I thought about using an ONR dampened towel, but decided to keep the test pure. I went over the car several times to remove all hazing. Observations - the look was shiny and slick, comparable to Hyper Seal. I can't judge durability yet, but 303 says up to 1 year. I haven't driven in rain but I expect the paint to be hydrophobic. Negatives - the streaking took effort to remove, the product cannot be used as a drying aid, and it contains petroleum distillates (with some detailed health instructions). 303 claims enhanced gloss & depth, reduced water spotting, and extreme hydrophobic protection, but make no claims for hardness or chemical resistance. Gloss-Coat would be appear to be the superior product if compared one on one, given it's 2+ year durability, hardness, and chemical resistance. My curiosity is about Hyper Seal - does HS add any hardness or chemical resistance? So I asked: Dr G's thoughts - I don't think Graphene itself plays any role in the performance of 303 or similar products. The other components are creating gloss and water beading and longevity. For usage, Hyper Seal does 20-30 cars so it is much cheaper per application. If you transfer to an Opti-Seal bottle then you get 60-70 cars from one bottle. It is much easier to apply and offers greater hardness, chemical resistance, and water beading. The new formula also lasts longer than a year. What do you think?

the beauty of Minis - fun car and easy to maintain. Combination of Opti-Seal and Instant Detailer is killer!

Due to Covid our supply of blue bottles was disrupted so we switched to clear. We've gotten positive feedback on the clear bottles, but no idea if we'll stay with them. The color of product (and scent) have nothing to do with performance and there should be no issue with pink wax.

Instant Detailer is an excellent spot cleaner and adds great, but short term, gloss.

Opti-Clean is every bit as safe as ONR -

color is added and sometimes there can be differences - I don't think you have to worry about Amazon messing with you.

because forums are full of opinions (including this one), many times with an agenda. Ironically just today Facebook had posts recommending Gloss-Coat (with multiple positive responses: https://www.facebook.com/DetailExpert/posts/1571722533032240?__cft__[0]=AZXdv4VRNF3QOpb75j6UCJGQ2nxkdwmSYS13aQora0xTazf9CBuIvq2TaOefO7o-in6rjZ5wMha60l_e1LSYOZQ53jEPhuoVvuevBGOyxFJydZwjFxhH0Cfkz2o68GluqmJLjR1VDnUTcH9Tw8-06_Sjd_119e3LpH2rc5mCUpPQf46sWAWi5lEqu9oJ0fgl0zarmtiQwiSeI07P7ydQfjl3&__tn__=-UC%2CP-R I talk to pro installers every day and get many compliments on OPT products for their ease of use, simplicity, consistent performance, and cost effectiveness. I don't know all the coating products available in 2021, but know Optimum was the first ceramic, makes all it's own chemicals, stands by it's products, doesn't over promise/hype, etc. Question, if CQuartz Lite is so good, why are you looking?

I pre-spray with Opti-Clean (stronger than ONR) or the quick detailer ratio of ONR (1 oz to 16 oz of water). In extreme cases I use Power Clean (1:3) like Zippy.

New formula ONRWW is on it's way (probably why your distributor is out). ONRWW was created specifically because users were adding wax to ONR, and I can guarantee it was developed from scratch (not just adding wax). Dr G and I tested the various formulas on our own cars until he was satisfied. Brake dust is tough for any car wash, but increasing the dilution to quick detailer level (1 oz to 16 oz of water) should help. Beyond that, Power Clean is on good brake dust and FerreX is the ultimate ferrous metal remover.

I think applying Instant Detailer over Hyper Seal is overkill and doubt it would bond. Several minutes dwell time should be sufficient for MDR, though sometimes a second pass is necessary.

no rant at all and appreciate/respect your opinion.

The Blue sponge is traditional, is much smaller, not as soft, and not cross cut to collect dirt away from the surface - just a different animal. There's no reason you can't apply MDR to all paint but it might be overkill. FerreX can be allowed to dry on paint (the likely result of spraying the whole car first), but I'd be more comfortable using/rinsing in smaller section. Section by section would make removal/rinsing easier.

Spray Wax as clay lube is equally effective, whether you're using a bar, mitt, or towel. I would spray in a broad pattern, then run the bar over the area. Do you mean Wax residue or ONR? I would at least wipe the area to make sure the wax is spread evenly and avoid streaking.

I can't speak to other manufacturers products (maybe other posters can), but ONR has been reformulated recently for improved release and cleaning performance. ONR will not interfere with or remove ceramic coatings. As to "prevailing wisdom", Optimum is not a marketing company and does not advertise so does not get the attention of social media. Somehow we survive (and prosper) competing with multinational companies with huge marketing budgets. From the number of new users I talk to daily, ONR is doing just fine. If you ask Pro installers about our ceramic coatings, you may hear more positive feedback.

MDR would be your best bet, assuming average hard water and spots not baked on. MDR will not damage ceramic coatings. If that doesn't work, Wheel Cleaner (like Megiuars Hot Chrome) is the strongest cleaner and will not damage Opti-Coat Pro+ or clear coat. After water spot removal, your best protection is Hyper Seal and always dry/remove water spots before they can harden.