Deep Gloss Auto Salon Test: Optimum Compound II vs M105

[Deep Gloss Auto Salon]

M105 has garnered many fans and rightfully so due to the great cut and quick work time which for some is a blessing and others a curse.



While only some have an issue with the relatively short work cycle we all experience the dust that is a byproduct of the buffing liquid. In my opinion it was just par for the course, after all, it is a compound, and one that is a great asset to any detailers arsenal.



It has been quite sometime since I’ve used Optimum buffing liquids. When I first used them I did not care for them. At the time my main machine of choice was the random orbital and the Optimum buffing liquids at that time simply didn’t “cut� it for me (literally and figuratively).



In comes the new trio of Optimum buffing liquids, touting improved cut (some have said OHC is along the lined of M105) with low/no dusting – consider me interested.



So on with the comparison / testing - Nicely swirled up black paintwork – perfect test bed.



Note: Each “after� pictured is after one section pass









As you will see in the above pics, there is slight micro marring left over from the compounding step. Considering the severity of the defects removed one would expect some residual micro marring. This can be easily cleaned up with a medium polishing step.









Again, slight micro marring left over – just a little but more residual micro marring as compared to the Optimum Compound II But, again one would expect this from a compound capable of removing the defects shown and this can be easily cleaned up with a medium polishing step.



Now that we have established a negligible delta in residual micro marring post compounding when using the same liquid/pad/machine combination, let’s take a look at the afters one after the other to better compare the correction achieved.









As shown above:



• The correction ability of these two buffing compounds is very comparable. I would not say the difference in cut is noticeable on this paintwork.



• The post compounding micro marring is slightly less with the Optimum Compound II. With that said, both will require a medium polishing step to remove this micro marring.







Below are the results when these same two buffing liquids are paired with the Flex 3401 machine and cyan Hydro Tech LC pad.









The OCII when paired with the hydro pad and Flex machine left considerably more micro marring with only a negligible increase in correction when compared to the OHC/GG/Megs MF disc combo









Once again, the amount of correction achieved when the only difference is the buffing liquid (OCII vs. M105) is negligible. The post compounding micro marring is just slightly less with the OCII but again, considering a follow up step will be needed with either liquid this should not be a deal breaker.



Next I will show show the afters one after the other with each pad/liquid/machine combination:













Summary:



Both buffing liquids have comparable cut and only a slight edge in the severity of post compounding micro marring goes to OCII.



The main differentiators between these two buffing liquids are:



• Dust: OCII produces little to no dust as compared to M105 that produces a considerable amount of dust

• Work time: M105 has a relatively short working cycle while OCII has a long cycle time before the lubricants are exhausted. This is neither a pro nor a con for either and is really more of what the individual or the paintwork type prefers.

[Scottwax]

My findings are very similar, on some paints though, OHC is more aggressive, others #105 is so I always have both on hand. The longer work time and minimal dusting of OHC means all else being equal, that`s the one I grab first.

[Deep Gloss Auto Salon]

Sorry for any confusion :doh:- this test was conducted using Optimum Compound II (paste)

My findings are very similar, on some paints though, OHC is more aggressive, others #105 is so I always have both on hand. The longer work time and minimal dusting of OHC means all else being equal, that`s the one I grab first.

I hear you and I think I may be reaching for it first as well going forward

[David Fermani]

Thanks for this great review Jason. I`ve been playing with several different beta samples of Opt`s compound and it seems like DrG is on the right track for making an incredible product. I`ve found their OCII to produce more cut, but with more/deeper micromarring when used with Meg`s MF pads. Ihave yet to be able to 1step with it. It will leave heavy marring on soft paint!! Great on hard clears. It has alot of similar characterists as M105 from an abrasives standpoint, but the lubes/oil are totally different which seems to clump/clog up the MF pads as well. I would love it if they came out with a no holds barred leveling compound that will quickly level paint. It should be sold to Pros only (kinda like OC) so non-Pros don`t screw up paint.

[Guitarist302008]

very nice.... I like the cut of 105, but I just don`t like how short the life is... i`ve tried the KB method and a few other things... I just don`t like it.

[Anthony O.]

Wonderful review, well laid out and executed.



In coming up with the current Optimum compounds we went through a great number of "samples" and this part of the testing can be exhaustive as it`s difficult after a few to remember what you like about Sample L compared with sample J, etc.



I encourage all the pros using or who will use the Optimum Compounds in the future to use them with wool and lambs wool pads for a faster cut. In our testing the LC foam wool did not work as well as wool and blended wool pads.



On light colored cars you can get away with 2 steps when going from the OHCII to a mild polish and a foam polishing pad. There is no need to wipe the compound off, just polish over your compounded area with your foam pad and polish. wipe off residue then seal the paint.



I will do a more in depth "how to" with the compound and the wool pads we use as soon as time allows.



Thanks again, nice review.



Anthony

[David Fermani]

I will do a more in depth "how to" with the compound and the wool pads we use as soon as time allows.

Looking forward to this Anthony!



Are you using the TufBuf pads from Micro-Surface?

[Anthony O.]

Looking forward to this Anthony!



Are you using the TufBuf pads from Micro-Surface?

Hey David,



no I use "belly pads" from Valu-Gard. They are natural lambs wool and fantastic pads to work with. I`ll get something together soon I hope and post it up.



Anthony

[imported_RedlineIRL]

Thanks for the writeup. You have got me interested in the Optimum Compound II after reading this. 105 has been held as one of the better cutting products out there for a while, and after trying it myself by DA I didn`t really like the short working times and the results I was getting. Good to see something that offers as much cut and can be worked longer.



I have a few questions regarding the OCII

How weel does it work compared to 105 when using something like the 7424 when combined with foam pads such as the LC pads?



Do you find that the OCII contains a lot of fillers and oils compared to M105?



I am going to be working on a few darker GM vehicles. Any reccomendations for a follow up polish for OCII for these to restore the depth and clarity? I know there is Oprtimum Polish II and Optimum Finish Polish, but do I need both of them? I`m new to the Optimum Polishes, but want to try give them a try:xyxthumbs