Review of Optimum Instant Detailer & Gloss Enhancer

A

Andy M.

New member
This is my plan for the week end. Saturday morning: wash, dry, 3M SMR for dark cars, Klasse AIO x2. Sunday QD then Klasse SG. All apps done by hand cause I'm a MAN. (Cause I don't have nor know how to use a buffer :)) All done using liniar strokes. Does that include the buffing?



Have I missed anything, or you you have any additional tips?



How cold can it get outside before I consider not doing this til a nicer weekend (which may be limited in number)?
 
Except if you are gonna wait 24 hrs between AIO and SG coats for curing, wouldn't it make sense to wait 24 hours between coats of AIO as well? Some feel AIO strips AIO and kind of reapplies, and some feel that using AIO over AIO actually layers and makes a difference. If this is your belief, wouldn't it make sense to wait 24hr and make sure it is CURED?
 
Reading other posts, I'm a bit confused. If my swrils are minor (only obsessed me can see them) do I need to SMR or will AIO take care of this "light work". The car is black, btw.
 
Your plan sounds great FORIAMBILL!



I don't think the 24 hour cure time is needed between AIO because each layers strips each layer. AIO's purpose is to clean the surface with its non-abrasive chemical cleaners and build a good foundation for additional layers of SG.
 
Okay, I punked out. Nebraska-Oklahoma and Maryland-Florida State killed my Saturday. Gives me another week for advice. Plus, next week end is suposed to be real nice. May change back and forth a few times, but...



Any additional help is appreciated.
 
Have you thought about claying the vehicle? I assume you have swirls since you are using the 3M Perfect It SWRM. I say before you take the time to apply the 3M, clay the car after washing. You will be amazed at how smooth the paint is after claying, and how much contamination you can remove.



I would also suggest paying the 100-150 or so and picking up a Porter Cable 7424. The PC is great for the 3M/AIO polishing/swirl removal department. I spent the money and don't think I could have made a better investment in surface care. As far as skill to use, you can check out David B's videos on PC work, or the Meguiar's site also have a video on its use.



I would say if you buy the PC invest in the 59.95 kit from CMA. I have used the pads which come with the PC from the factory for polishing. I have acheived nice results, however, I think the CMA pads are better.



Your schedule sounds good, I just think a PC would save you time, your arms, and will leave you with better results.



SJ
 
If you decide to clay the car you can do it while it's wet from the wash, works great as a lubricant. I wouldn't wait any length of time between coats of AIO if you decide to do two but from my own experience, waiting 24 hours between layers of SG appeares to yield better results than doing one after the other with regard to cure time.
 
<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' >

<em class='bbc'>Originally posted by FORIAMBILL [/i]
<strong class='bbc'>All apps done by hand cause I'm a MAN.[/b]</blockquote><blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' >

<em class='bbc'>Originally posted by SJ [/i]
<strong class='bbc'>Your schedule sounds good, I just think a PC would save you time, your arms, and will leave you with better results.

SJ [/b]</blockquote>...and you will still be a MAN, my son :D
 
What a way to start my day - losing my manhood status - cause I use mechanical aids to polish my car - oh well guess I will just sit here, alone, and admire all the shiny cars in my garage while I wait for someone to come over so we can arm wrestle and drink beer. A VERY SAD MTS
 
<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' >

<em class='bbc'>Originally posted by MTS [/i]
<strong class='bbc'>What a way to start my day - losing my manhood status - cause I use mechanical aids to polish my car - oh well guess I will just sit here, alone, and admire all the shiny cars in my garage while I wait for someone to come over so we can arm wrestle and drink beer. A VERY SAD MTS [/b]</blockquote>Hey Stan, PC or no PC, you'll always be da MAN :D
 
Thanks Footy - I am looking for ALL the support I can find. I just knew my good buddy would come to my aid in these troubled times. Wanna arm wrestle - another beer? A HEALING MTS
 
Sounds like a good strategy Bill. I have had really good success with 3M SMR for dark colors on my black car. I put several coats of 3M paste wax on after the SMR and it looks great. Their paste wax is supposed to be pretty durable but probably not quite as durable a polymer sealant.

I think that you should buff in the same direction as you are polishing and waxing. I've had a great experience using 3M's Detailing Cloth for wiping off wax. They make the wax come off easier and they don't leave any lint behind.
 
Nice car Short Cut, I saw the pics. I wonder how a family of five would fit:D. I had some trial and error with the SMR before I got it down with my black car and then I started to like it. You should sgueeze in some Klasse AIO & SG on that black beauty in between your current strategy and maybe even experiment with the final wax but the Klasse will really make the black stand out. :up :up (two)
 
<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' >

<em class='bbc'>Originally posted by v85097 [/i]
<strong class='bbc'>Nice car Short Cut, I saw the pics. I wonder how a family of five would fit:D. [/b]</blockquote>

Actually the two back seats are decent for children and smaller adults. There is five in our family though too so it's a good thing the minivan seats 7 and the crew cab seats 6. So feel free to use my line of reasoning as presented to she who writes checks; "really it's a practical four seater". :D

Ok back to Bill. From what I have heard on this site you can achieve even better results using the SMR with a Porter Cable. It worked pretty good for me by hand but the PC will be my next step.
 
I like that reasoning. I have been doing my work by hand and don't have a PC yet, maybe I can get my check writer one for Christmas. She really liked the chainsaw I got her las year :)
 
I decided to give my car a quick once over today. I took out the Poorboys Spray and Wipe and cleaned off the car. I then decided to give the Opt. Instant Detailer and Gloss Enhancer a try.

First off, as per the directions, I diluted it 3:1 with distilled water (smelled great).

I sprayed the car with the mixture and wipped it down. At first, it seemed to streak a little, so I took out a plush MF and buffed it off. It seemed to be like a spray wax. I then realized that I was applying to much spray per pannel, and it came off much easier. About 2 sprays per pannel is all you need.

While buffing off, I noticed how slick the paint had become. While I was wipping down the doors, I placed my buffing MF on the hood, and it kept sliding off onto the hood. I was really quite amazed how much slickness this added. I didn't post any pictures because you have all seen my car a million times, and the pictures can't convey how slick the paint was.

I would give this product a resounding two thumbs up.:thumbup:
 
bmw5541 said:
I decided to give my car a quick once over today. I took out the Poorboys Spray and Wipe and cleaned off the car. I then decided to give the Opt. Instant Detailer and Gloss Enhancer a try.

First off, as per the directions, I diluted it 3:1 with distilled water (smelled great).

I sprayed the car with the mixture and wipped it down. At first, it seemed to streak a little, so I took out a plush MF and buffed it off. It seemed to be like a spray wax. I then realized that I was applying to much spray per pannel, and it came off much easier. About 2 sprays per pannel is all you need.

While buffing off, I noticed how slick the paint had become. While I was wipping down the doors, I placed my buffing MF on the hood, and it kept sliding off onto the hood. I was really quite amazed how much slickness this added. I didn't post any pictures because you have all seen my car a million times, and the pictures can't convey how slick the paint was.

I would give this product a resounding two thumbs up.:thumbup:
Click to expand...

Hey Barry whats wrong with 1,000,001 pics :w00t:

Sounds like another product to put on the list :wink:
 
Flash Gordon said:
Hey Barry whats wrong with 1,000,001 pics :w00t:

Sounds like another product to put on the list :wink:
Click to expand...

Come on now Flash. 1,000,001 pics is a little much. Don't you think?:biggrin:

Honestly though, it really is worth adding this one to your list.
 
Nice review :thumbup:

No, we have not seen your car a million times, have we?

Either way, I would love to see a picture :w00t:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top