Opti-seal application technique

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felthove

New member
:xyxthumbs This weekend I fiddled around a bit with some different application methods for Opti-seal. I think I found something that works pretty well.



One problem I wanted to overcome was streaking from applying too much product. I've found that when I spray the product directly on the paint I have a big wet section where I've sprayed that I then need to spread around. This requires one to really look closely at the paint to make sure all the smears in the moist spray area have been spread around. This requires good lighting and can also be sort of time consuming.



What I found worked really well was to prime the pad (I used a small foam pad I got from AG) with one spray before doing each panel. I used an application pattern like one does when applying polishes with a porter cable -- vertically covering the panel and then going over it again horizontally. I used slow, even pressure, not a quick rubbing motion. Then, I flipped the pad over to the dry side and decreased the pressure and increased my speed so that I was gliding over the panel to rub off any residue (sort of like a buffing motion but a little slower).



Using this approach I knew I was fully covering each panel, didn't have to look for wet spots, and got no smearing. For me it was much quicker and easier. I'm really impessed with this product.
 
Hey whatever works for you! I found I'm just better off applying it, and not worrying about any streaks, then just coming back with a MF mit and going over the entire car again. I will occasionaly spritz the MF mit as well.........
 
a.k.a. Patrick said:
Hey whatever works for you! I found I'm just better off applying it, and not worrying about any streaks, then just coming back with a MF mit and going over the entire car again. I will occasionaly spritz the MF mit as well.........
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Doesn't that defeat the purpose of wipe on and walk away?
 
gbackus said:
Doesn't that defeat the purpose of wipe on and walk away?
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I'd say so. The *only* car that I could make it lay down and dissipate on was my brother in laws Deville. He was thrilled and I sold it to him while he was doing back flips.
 
I just apply it and after about 30 min. come back and apply Z8. I know it defeats the purpose but it leaves it really slick and im positve there are no streaks left if there were any from app.
 
Why are you spraying Opti-Seal on the paint in the first place? I don't have either of my bottles in front of me, but I don't remember that being part of the directions.



Two sprays to prime the pad, then start spreading and lightly working in. You can feel when you need to add more product, usually a light spritz is enough. I may get a stray streak every 2-3 cars, if that. Also, if it is taking 15 minutes to dry, you are using way, way, way too much. Especially now that it is warmer, it should dry in less than 30 seconds if you are using the right amount.
 
I only use "half-pumps" with the sprayer - this has cut streaking considerably for me. Also, I've found that using OS over a fresh carnauba leads to serious streaks (I used to get the same thing with S+G over Natty's Blue). On my 'nuba car, I usually coat on my blend (it's a killer, Souveran, 50:50 and Polycharger melted together) until I'm happy, then wait until the next wash and then add 3-4 coats of OS over a day or so... the results are worth the trouble.
 
I agree with both Scottwax and Timmah. I spray into my pad most all the time anymore. I ignore my old reflex to "buff it out," and simply work to "spread it out."



To me, that's the idea behind the product. You spread out a thin layer, and walk away.



And, as Timmah says, a "half squirt" works well for spreading it quickly, particularly on a panel that is not broad and flat. I tried squirts into the panel when I started with OS, and it was way trickier.



Timmah--Interesting routine with your 'nuba car. The result must be a killer.
 
Hey said:
Timmah--Interesting routine with your 'nuba car. The result must be a killer.
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Opti-Seal over well cured Carnauba Moose....



2004_Lexus_SC430_OOS_frontend2.jpg
 
my bottle does say you can spray it on the paint. no point tho. i prime with 2 pumps and go to work. about 15 half pumps per car. wipe-on walk away.
 
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