My journey from using Meguiar's to Optimum Polymer Technologies

[eohl79]

I've been in touch recently with one fellow detailing enthusiast a lot lately who is letting me try his custom made experimental wax, sealant, coating. Can't disclose products though. One thing that I learnt is that lots of LSP out there (not all of them) has some sort of carrier which is usually some sort of oil/polymer that leaves a slick/oily feeling on the surface after application. Problem is lots of people think that the feel of the product on the paint surface from the oil/polymer remnants after application is an indicator of product durability when in fact it is actually not. Try a light wash down after the product has set in to see it without those remnant oils/polymers and you will get a different feel. Also some LSP are water beaders, some water sheeters and some a balance of both. Most people out there go bonkers when they do not see water beads and claim the product has poor performance. Do a 50/50 comparison.

FYI, I still have a bottle of NXT 1.0 liquid wax which is about 10 years old already. Tried it recently and it lasted about 1 month before the water beading/sheeting characteristic deteriorated (without any topper, QD, etc and regular car wash with Osren bubble shampoo every week). Using a no rinse wash like Duragloss no rinse wash and ONR extends LSP life cycle little bit longer.

P.S: I'm not a Meguiars product hugger :P

 

[Veloc]

Agree with S1tl and others here. There is no 1 brand that can cater to all. Each brand have some good and some not so good products and the suitability varies among different paint type. Instead of nailing myself dead to 1 brand, I like to experiment different ones and determine the right product for each specific paint.

 

[ShowTime]

Agree with S1tl and others here. There is no 1 brand that can cater to all. Each brand have some good and some not so good products and the suitability varies among different paint type. Instead of nailing myself dead to 1 brand, I like to experiment different ones and determine the right product for each specific paint.

Quite true but I believe this only apply to enthusiast & detailers(making money) and not for the average joe. Take for example Meguiar's Ultimate Wax Liquid its cost RM157 for just 16 oz!! Costs more than double compared to Optimum Car Wax/Alien Wax(17 oz.) & to test it by buying it is way too pricey. Lately even Hypercoat didn't even provide workshop to demo for their latest wax. Sad. Expect us customers to find out the hard way.

 

[Veloc]

Quite true but I believe this only apply to enthusiast & detailers(making money) and not for the average joe. Take for example Meguiar's Ultimate Wax Liquid its cost RM157 for just 16 oz!! Costs more than double compared to Optimum Car Wax/Alien Wax(17 oz.) & to test it by buying it is way too pricey. Lately even Hypercoat didn't even provide workshop to demo for their latest wax. Sad. Expect us customers to find out the hard way.

Whether average joe or more than average joe, the only way to find out is to buy and try. Same. Customers or any users have to find out the hard way regardless of whether the manufacturer explain or not. Don't tell me if the manufacturer say that it is good, one will believe without testing. Sometimes, it is luck. And by the way, ShowTime, from all your post, I'm quite sure you are quite experienced in this and not just an average joe ;)

 

[seech]

Thank you showtime for your thread. Indeed Dr. G is a chemist and a great guy. I am eagerly awaiting more amazing new products from him.

While as pointed out by so many on this thread, it is debatable if Optimum is the best..... but without a doubt their products are Easy, Effortless and Effective to use! I challenge anyone to find an easier and faster to apply wax than Optimum Car Wax/Alien Wax which is a simple spray on and wipe off process which does NOT stain your rubber or plastic trim!

Car care should not take a lot of time or effort. ONR + OCW your ride in 15 mins or less.

I wish Optimum users would share the ratios used for things they do. I've only just recently managed to get the ratio for claying, car wash and now QD.

Now I have to figure out the OPC ratios. So far Seech has taught me only 1:3 for general purpose cleaning or full strength for stubborn stains.

As recommended by Optimum and as a guide but definitely can be adjusted to suit.

This is my OPC ratio which may vary between aliens

Paint cleaning and general cleaning(interior and carpet): 1:5
Wheels and door hinge area (and also those carpet stains that are more stubborn): 1:3
Engine bay: 1:1
Stubborn engine bay: 1:0

See, I just gave out my secret.... habis lar my part time business.... hehe. We are all in the jolly mood of sharing.

I don't think you need to worry.... The thing that sets you apart is your passion for detailing!

KC even trained a LADY & a few kids to use a rotary with OPT products. See here.

A picture is worth a thousand words
Car detailer: How to Car detailing - Charity hands on session by KC & Seech

Erm.... Got another lady coming soon..... :-)

 

[Veloc]

The Seech has spoken

 

[DarkAccoon]

I don't think you need to worry.... The thing that sets you apart is your passion for detailing!



Erm.... Got another lady coming soon..... :-)

As a saying goes (after some modification), there is only so much a product can assist, the rest is patience, skills, passion and burning desire to do better each time.

Btw, when the lady coming arr..... i can teach also. =P

 

[KrisMas]

ShowTime, I'm not really a 'die hard' supporter of Meg's. It's just that, so far, of all the years of using Meg's Proffessional & Detailer line of products, they haven't dissapoint me yet. They're not really THE BEST but, to me, they're the most economical, effective and value-for-money products (not necessarily the cheapest). But, saying that, I do get them cheaper from other sources and not the local dealer/distributor as their price is, I FULLY AGREE, 'cut throat'. If you have any other products that you'd like to suggest, I'd me more than willing to try them out as I'd also like to look for other alternatives, just in case. In the mean time, since I'm not involve with any commercial details and they're just for my personal usage, they worked for me so I'm sticking with them (amongst others, of course).

I'm a firm believer that, there's no such thing as 'THE BEST' product out there. There's 'The best product FOR YOU to suit YOUR PERSONAL CONDITIONS/EXPECTATIONS'. That's why when somebody ask me for my advice/recommendation/suggestions, I'd be asking for more information on his/her situations and expectations (also limitations) before making any suggestions. Since I'm not affiliate to (nor do I want to be affilicate with) any brand, I can safely be partial in anything I say.

Most (if not all) of the products produced by the big brands like 3M, Meguiars, Mothers, Soft99, Turtle Wax, etc. (yes, I've tried quite a few of them), they have their own individual target majority. And they 'designed' the products to cater for these majority as, they are doing this as a business and they're only looking at, ultimately, one thing - profits. We are just a minority here and that's why *most* of the 'OTC' or 'consumer' line of products normally can't satisfy us as there are too many compromise made in order to satisfy those majority (and make the necessary profits).

Furthermore, the OTC or consumer line of products would, one way or another, contain something like an all-in-one properties, with safety in mind (safety from legal suits against them!). Me, I prefer to have a product that is dedicated to do a task. As the saying goes - 'Jack of all trades but master in none'. Giving example of Meguiars line of products, I've found that the NXT wax contain a mild cleaner (so do the majority of OTC waxes/sealants) so as to be able to attract the common folks by stating that it'll be able to both SHINE and PROTECT the paintwork. But (I'm just speculating here) that mild cleaner *could* be the one that's compromising the durability of the protection as Meg's do have something in their Professional range that doesn't have any cleaning properties but with better durability - e.g. Meg's M16. That's why, like I said, I'd normally go for a product that's dedicated to do a job. For example a degreaser to degrease oil, tar remover to remove tar, iron dissolver to remove iron deposit, a shampoo that doesn't leave anything behind (like wax or polimer), etc. These products are more effective as compared to the 'all-in-one' as they don't have to compromise anything to do something else. But, again, saying that, AIO or multi-purpose products also do have a place in my regular/normal maintenance regime. So, if I intend to remove some stubborn brake dust on my wheels I'd most probably go for my Sonax or IronX, but if I just wanted to do my regular maintenace of removing the mild brake dust, tar, dirt, grime, oil film, etc. I'd most probably go for the 'all-in-one', baring in mind that I'd most probably won't be effectively removing EVERYTHING in one go.

So back to the topic, my personal view would be - the 'journey' will never end. As technology progresses, it's a matter of taking the plunge of progressing with the technology or staying with something that works FOR YOU. I've started my journey quite a few years ago and jump from one brand to another and back, and find that I'm just going in circles. So nowadays, I keep those product that works for me regardless of their brand, while at the same time, try to keep up with the new products that's been popping up (as far as I'm able) since this has become a hobby of mine. Instead of trying a product and saying that it's good or bad, I try my best to find the pro and cons, the good and bad, and try to figure out in what SITUATION would the product be useful for. Don't be surprised if one day you'd be going back to where you started or picking up something that's been collecting dust and find that IT WORKS.

My personal suggestion, if you've already bought something from the well-knowned and established brand, try to keep it (but careful to store it properly so that it won't go spoil on you). You wouldn't know when it might come in handy some day. (They might even become a collector's item......hehehe...)

Lastly, I've come to a conclusion years ago that most (if not all) of the renowned and established brands available locally has been over-hyped, over-priced, over-exagerated, over-whatever......locally, not to mention all the 'half-truths' that they're feeding the publics/us. I feel that the few of them are just taking advantage of the brand name to charge us 'premium' prices instead of a competitive one since they have the so-called 'sole right' over the products pricing here. I agree some of them had to due to the authorities exerting their conditions, but there are a few that are just plain ridiculous. Imagine resorting to 'aggresive' method to squash small time traders (who sells them at cheaper prices and just want to make a little extra cash), in the name of 'premium product'. I'm lucky cuz I'm able to source for these products somewhere else and also, I've come to know that some boasted to have the 'latest' technology, whereas in actual fact they are already a few years behind. But that's another story altogether.

If you've read this far then you've already being too kind to listed to the rambling of an old man who's far from being a professional. My words doesn't really hold much water but, just entertain me...hahahah.....

Cheers.

 

[Izso]

Wahlauweh.

I read all the comments going on here and I can only say one thing :

I use whatever makes my car look good without costing a bomb.

Doesn't matter it cleans, lasts, beads, whatever. I'm too ordinary to bother.

 

[KrisMas]

To each his own.....different strokes for different folks.

Regards.

Wahlauweh.

I read all the comments going on here and I can only say one thing :

I use whatever makes my car look good without costing a bomb.

Doesn't matter it cleans, lasts, beads, whatever. I'm too ordinary to bother.

Reading back what I wrote, you just sums up what I was trying to say in less than one sentence.....I'm getting too old for this.....hehehehe....

 

[ShowTime]

I believe "Good things are meant to be shared" before I started this thread, I didn't know it will spark so much fireworks. To let you all know the truth none of OPT/detailien members(seech,kc...etc) paid me personally to start this thread for some might thought for marketing purposes. All these I wish to share with others is based on my personal experience as a customer/user of the products I used.

 

[KrisMas]

Meg's local distributor didn't pay me a single sen also but they did thank me for giving free promo for them. I think they should cuz we did quite a few group buys that worth thousands for them, not to mention those individuals that went there personally after being suggested by the number of us in this and the forums. Let me just tell you that I've been barred from going there and purchasing anything from them simply because I was accused of buying in bulk, repacking and selling them in small quantities whereas what I was doing was buying them in quantities and share it out with others (or group buys). Now they have a policy that they don't sell their Professional and Detailer range of product to the general public...hahaha...duh. Doesn't matter though....I'm not on the loosing side. They're available elsewhere and with cheaper price....hahahaha....

---------- Post added at 10:45 AM ---------- 6 hour anti-bump limit - Previous post was at 10:37 AM ----------

oh...and yup, I totally agree that good things need to be shared so that others would benefit. But need to share the 'bad' things also so that people that are unaware won't make the same mistake.....sometime I get banned/bashed/barred/bullied/etc. for them but...hey....it's a free country right?

"Biasakan yang betul dan betulkan yang biasa"......as if it has got anything to do with the topic....D*** I'M GETIING OLD AND GRUMPY....hahahaha......

 

[Veloc]

\I'm not on the loosing side. They're available elsewhere and with cheaper price....hahahaha....

Yupp. This is the trend today. Open market and borderless world. So each seller is indirectly governed so that they have reasonable price, good quality and good attitude. It is so easy nowadays to buy things from the US and elsewhere.

 

[ShowTime]

To some curious enthusiast I was a former Meguiar's supporter since late 2010(that's when I was into detailing). I have almost everything like NXT 2.0 liquid(blue bottle, bad product contains petroleum), Scratch X 2.0/Swirl X, Ultimate Quik Wax(black bottle), Deep Crystal Polish Step 2(red bottle), Deep Crystal Step 3 Carnauba Wax(red bottle), Cleaner Wax(red bottle), Ultimate Protectant(black bottle liquid, BAD product that contains petroleum), Quik Detailer(red bottle), Meguiar's Wash Mitt, Supreme Shine MF(a few pieces & damn $$$ @), their applicator foam pads(a few), Engine cleaner(black bottle spray), Engine Dressing(black bottle)...disappointed recalling all I spend. I just review a few and let you all know.

NXT Tech Wax 2.0(blue bottle liquid)-This piece of crap cost me RM128!! And I have to apply to the WHOLE car BEFORE removing the residue! I don't mind this but the durability is ridiculous! 1 week(covered parking) and a normal wash with pH neutral shampoo and I have a sad face. And the clean up of my foam pad is ridiculous too after application. I have to pre soak my foam pads in dish washing liquid and then wash my 3 MF because I don't want to risk scratching the paint wiping off residue.

Evidence here on durability Meguiars NXT Generation Tech Wax 2.0

Ultimate Quik Wax(black spray bottle)-This piece of crap cost me RM58 per bottle of 450ML! Damn. Not even 1/2 liter(500 ML)! This acts as a wax booster and nothing more. Durability should be less than a week if no other protection underneath. Wasting my money!


After about Mid 2011, heard about Optimum No Rinse through ZTH and AW, bought a bottle to try from the detailien/optimum team member Seech. And then tried Optimum Power Clean/Alien Clean which is so nice to use and I can have more mileage for my product use. I can clean from dirty rims, engine bay, paint, leather, interior.......... THE WHOLE CAR in the proper dilution rate for the job. Meaning I can pour into another sprayer and put the correct amount of water to clean even delicate surfaces like leather! You can't do that with Meguiar's engine cleaner and I have to buy other crap from Meguiar's that also cost me more $$$.

Sometime I decided to SWITCH wax/sealant protection to something else so I called up Seech to purchase Optimum Car Wax/Alien Wax to try. After this... I got hooked! My permanent paint protection is Optimum Car wax/Alien Wax and I never turned back!

I have everything I need to make "heads turn" when I park my ride outside in public. I do sometimes have THUMBPRINTS after a day of parking outside in public especially on the bonnet. My secret is a well prepped ride with claying, polishing & sealing with Optimum Car Wax/Alien Wax. That's all. If desire extended durability, sealed with Opti Seal 1st and then let it cure for 1 hour and then top up with Optimum Car wax/Alien Wax for the extra protection and shine.

To some of you might not trust a spray wax BUT I can tell you honestly. This is different! I don't trust it at 1st but after you use it you will know. Optimum Car Wax/Alien Wax is a hybrid wax. It has polymer protection that provides durability of a paint sealant and a appearance of Carnauba Wax. Its the best of both worlds in a bottle.


I have most of Optimum products which I need... Alien wax, instant detailer/gloss enhancer(gives that extra wet look), alien clean, ONR(which I can make QD/clay lube AT ANY DILUTION STRENGTH without buying that Meguiar's RM40 red bottle), Opti Clean(CLEAN INSIDE AND OUTSIDE of my ride even glass)...


Who do you all trust?

Mr. Barry Meguiar(President/CEO of Meguiar's) - I think this guy won't have a clue what is inside his formulations!

OR

Optimum Polymer Technologies, the manufacturer of Optimum Car Care Products, was founded in Memphis, Tennessee, on July 01, 2001 by Dr. David Ghodoussi. Prior to this, Dr. Ghodoussi worked for over 12 years as an Organic Chemist overseeing research and development focused in polymers and automotive paint formulations.

Dr. Ghodoussi received his Ph.D. and Master's degrees in Polymer and Organic Chemistry from Oregon State University and his MBA from University of Memphis. He also holds Bachelor's of Science degrees in Chemical Engineering and in Chemistry from the University of California in Santa Barbara.

He is also the President/CEO of Optimum Polymer Technologies




Lucky I saved my $$$ by not buying the Ultimate Wax or their professional/detailer line from Meguiar's.


To some Meguiar's fan that I may pissed off... I apologize as I was a former supporter too.

---------- Post added at 04:01 PM ---------- 6 hour anti-bump limit - Previous post was at 03:55 PM ----------

One more thing I wish to add is Meguiar's Endurance Tyre Dressing(gel/spray), both contains petroleum as in their MSDS. Petroleum+rubber not so happy marriage.

1 more thing that I wish to ADD about Optimum Car Wax/Alien Wax is the SPEED it gives to protect a vehicle. Take for example traditional paste/liquid wax that requires DRYING before removal of wax residue(say 5-10 minutes waiting?) & with that time I almost finished protecting the car with the spray wax that provides me the same or even better protection than most traditional paste/liquid wax. Some say... why the rush? People like me who couldn't afford homes with a fully covered garage, speed is everything as I wish to get the vehicle protected after a wash or polishing as fast as I can before something(dirt or any abrasive particulate) lands on the paintwork! Imagine buffing off wax residue without you realizing something(dirt or any abrasive particulate) has already landed on the paintwork!

 

[kc2]

1 more thing that I wish to ADD about Optimum Car Wax/Alien Wax is the SPEED it gives to protect a vehicle. Take for example traditional paste/liquid wax that requires DRYING before removal of wax residue(say 5-10 minutes waiting?) & with that time I almost finished protecting the car with the spray wax that provides me the same or even better protection than most traditional paste/liquid wax. Some say... why the rush? People like me who couldn't afford homes with a fully covered garage, speed is everything as I wish to get the vehicle protected after a wash or polishing as fast as I can before something(dirt or any abrasive particulate) lands on the paintwork! Imagine buffing off wax residue without you realizing something(dirt or any abrasive particulate) has already landed on the paintwork!

Speed is money

many can afford to buy expensive cars not everyone can afford to wash (detail it)...


when it requires too much an effort...nobody does it after months of years....so What I am inculcating in all my workshops to thousand of you who has seen / meet me is this

OWNERSHIP!!!!!....no body does better than u....

aiyah...car wash only rm8 ma.....yupp....try driving yr M3's.... while engine running......bars of pressure from jet spray just splashes on your paint, rims .....extreme changes of temperature...danger of warping up yr brake discs
....so does anyone cares so much as you\

i remembered my OTAI days


I used to spend 4 -6 hours waxing my car ....lasted less than 3 weeks

now 15-20 minutes OPTI seals & Alien wax - with weekly alien no rinse wash 20 minutes (probably the same time anyone were use to drive out to a car wash


Rest of the time I spend with my beloved ones

....at the end of the day ...nobody drive /cod to bring u a car wash & teaches you by the side of the road ...showing you how to?....

and yet we have done it over a thousand times......