I got some from Cooter ( thanks! ) to try out. How does everyone apply this and how long does it last?
Light mist on the panel and use a yellow foam pad to spread it. Very very thin layer is the key so it does not streak. If you see streaking can be taken care of with a MF and just buff it out. Durability 1.5-2 Mo. is about what i have seen/read.
I prefer to use an mf applicator. I spray the applicator lightly, that way I never have to worry about applying it too thick. I get about 2 months, but it is so easy to apply.
I do a light spray on the yellow foam pad and spread it all over the panel. I usually hit the sprayer once/twice per panel depending on the size. If you see streaking, you are using to much. I go back to every panel with an MF and Z6 to get any smears off. Like anything else, the durability depends on the environment exposure. I used to live in MI and OH and opti-seal would last me an entire Midwest winter if I did 2 layers in Nov. I usually reapply it every 3 months or so. Wait 12-24 hrs to layer it.
I found that if streaking cant be taken away with just a buff then you have put way too much on, but a list mist of water can help take it off. I have a bottle of distilled water in a spray bottle like DoDo Juice Red Mist is in that I use for anytime I need a light mist of water for taking off wax or anything.
QD is used to remove the smears (really light mist). Supposely it "bonds" to the paint instantly, but it doesn't create a 2nd coat if you apply it in less than 8-12hrs after the initial application. Some people state it cures in 45 minutes. I have done a quick 2nd coat and haven't seen any visual difference, but it doesn't bead as nice as a "properly" cured double-coated panel.
I've been applying it with a foam applicator, but it sounds like MF applicator is a better idea. I apply all my sealants with a MF applicator, and will try Opti-Seal this way too. I personally really like it, very easy to apply, durability is decent (8+ weeks with 2 coats 12 hours apart).
Just to add to what GDAL's saying, the streaks don't dry. Since I kinda doubted the curing instantly thing, I applied on too heavy and got some streaks. I let the car sit overnight, and then buffed off(MF only) the streaks in the morning and they came off very easily, no smearing or streaking at all.
If I remember correctly, if streaks occur leave them alone until fully cured. You can then QD to remove them. If you apply OS to the applicator rather than spraying the panel, you won't have any overspray to contend with.
Agreed with all said. Opti Seal is a must have in any detailing collection. The streaks will go away unless you really don't know what your doing, but if in a hurry, I recently found that with the applicator you can go over streaks where you more heavily applied the product and just 'knock down the high spots' so to speak. This will almost certainly eliminate any streaking issues. It works just as well for me massaging OS into the paint till it disappears as spritzing and wiping once. But Opti-Seal is just almost foolproof to use imo. Also as a bonus, if you have any OCW(Optimum Car Wax) use this after opti-seal and you get a wonderfully wet look. This makes for a magnificent easy combo!
If I have any streaks, I just lightly buff it dry with a microfiber towel. I've always used foam since thats what it use to come with. I've read alot of ppl using m/f applicators. I guess it just depends on what your acquired taste is. This stuff goes a long long ways. Like 1oz will top 8 cars iirc. Hope you like it Ken!!! Good to see you putting those samples to work har har har!
Agreed tp Cooter, if any streak ... jsut lightly buff off with MF ... Apply thin layer with yellow pad ... pls see video on Optimum Polymer Technologies
