Optimum Polymer Technologies

10/15/2026

Who REALLY Makes Your Detailing Chemicals?

There's a difference between manufacturing chemicals and actually developing the chemistry.

Some brands invest in original R&D. Others purchase existing formulations, outsource production, or simply put their names on someone else's products.

Bringing another product to market isn't the same as moving the industry forward.

Our latest article breaks down the four types of detailing chemical companies and explains why original innovation matters.

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Who really makes your car detailing chemicals? Explore in-house manufacturing, private label, and white label—and why original chemical R&D matters.

10/15/2026

Some stories deserve to be told more than once.

We originally shared this video from The Rag Company when it was first released, but with 2026 marking 20 years of Optimum No Rinse (ONR), we think it deserves a repost.

In 2006, Dr. David Ghodoussi introduced Optimum No Rinse, bringing an innovative approach to automotive washing through polymer chemistry.

Two decades later, ONR remains one of the most recognized and influential products in the detailing industry, helping establish rinseless washing as a practical alternative to traditional car washing.

This video takes a look back at the history of ONR, the chemistry behind its development, and the impact it continues to have on professional detailers and enthusiasts worldwide.

Developed by a chemist. Made in the USA. Trusted since 2006.

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This is EVERYTHING you need to know about Optimum No-Rinse (ONR)! R...

10/07/2026

Graphene coatings are marketed as stronger, harder, cooler, more durable, and more resistant to water spots.

But here’s the problem: those claims often start with the properties of graphene itself and then assume a finished automotive coating somehow inherits them.

That’s not how materials science works.

What the detailing industry calls a “graphene coating” is generally another coating chemistry with a graphene-derived additive. It does not create a continuous sheet of graphene over your paint, and the word graphene on the label does not prove better durability, hardness, heat management, hydrophobicity, or water-spot resistance.

We broke down the most common claims, what the science actually supports, and why Optimum does not use graphene in our ceramic coatings.

Graphene vs. Ceramic Coating: What Consumers Need to Know About the Marketing Claims

Graphene coatings are marketed as stronger, harder, cooler, and more water-spot resistant. Learn what’s real, what’s marketing, and how to compare coatings.

10/06/2026

A lot of detailing brands are marketing companies built around sourced chemistry.

Optimum is fundamentally different.

Our technical capability is not outsourced, licensed, or added after the brand was created. It is the foundation of the company. Research, formulation, product development, and manufacturing are central to what we do.

That is why Optimum has historically created new categories and technologies rather than simply following market trends.

We don't start by asking what product we can source and sell.

We start with the chemistry.

10/04/2026

Optimum Gloss-Coat DIY Ceramic Coating 15 Months Later

10/03/2026

Uses of ONR Motorcycles

One Product. More Ways to Use It Than You Think.

Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine (ONR) changed the way vehicles could be safely washed without a traditional hose-and-rinse process. But washing your vehicle is only the beginning.

In this video series, we explore the many ways ONR can be used throughout the detailing process—from exterior washing and drying to interior cleaning, glass, clay lubrication, paint preparation, and more.

ONR uses a unique polymer-based chemistry designed around paint safety and effective dirt management. Its polymers help encapsulate contamination, release dirt from your wash media, and promote flocculation so particles can settle out of the wash solution instead of continually circulating back onto the vehicle.

Throughout this series, we’ll show you how to get more from ONR, including:

• Rinseless washing
• Traditional bucket washing
• Pre-rinsing and pre-spraying
• Drying aid techniques
• Interior cleaning
• Glass cleaning
• Clay bar and clay towel lubrication
• Quick cleaning and touch-ups
• Ceramic coating maintenance
• Paint preparation before polishing and ceramic coating application
• And other uses around the vehicle

Why ONR?

Optimum No Rinse was developed by polymer and organic chemist Dr. David Ghodoussi and introduced as an automotive rinseless wash specifically designed with modern clear-coat paint in mind.

Unlike a traditional soap wash, ONR doesn't require you to rinse away the wash solution before drying. The lubricating polymer solution remains on the surface as your drying towel makes contact with the paint—one of the reasons ONR has become a foundational product for professional detailers and enthusiasts around the world.

ONR is also safe for ceramic-coated vehicles and can be used as part of the preparation process before applying a ceramic coating when used according to the appropriate process.

Follow the series to discover just how much you can do with one bottle of ONR.

Learn more about Optimum No Rinse and the science behind Optimum products at OptiCoat.com.

Developed by chemists. Made in the USA since 2001.

10/02/2026

Uses of ONR Steamers and Carpet Cleaners

One Product. More Ways to Use It Than You Think.

Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine (ONR) changed the way vehicles could be safely washed without a traditional hose-and-rinse process. But washing your vehicle is only the beginning.

In this video series, we explore the many ways ONR can be used throughout the detailing process—from exterior washing and drying to interior cleaning, glass, clay lubrication, paint preparation, and more.

ONR uses a unique polymer-based chemistry designed around paint safety and effective dirt management. Its polymers help encapsulate contamination, release dirt from your wash media, and promote flocculation so particles can settle out of the wash solution instead of continually circulating back onto the vehicle.

Throughout this series, we’ll show you how to get more from ONR, including:

• Rinseless washing
• Traditional bucket washing
• Pre-rinsing and pre-spraying
• Drying aid techniques
• Interior cleaning
• Glass cleaning
• Clay bar and clay towel lubrication
• Quick cleaning and touch-ups
• Ceramic coating maintenance
• Paint preparation before polishing and ceramic coating application
• And other uses around the vehicle

Why ONR?

Optimum No Rinse was developed by polymer and organic chemist Dr. David Ghodoussi and introduced as an automotive rinseless wash specifically designed with modern clear-coat paint in mind.

Unlike a traditional soap wash, ONR doesn't require you to rinse away the wash solution before drying. The lubricating polymer solution remains on the surface as your drying towel makes contact with the paint—one of the reasons ONR has become a foundational product for professional detailers and enthusiasts around the world.

ONR is also safe for ceramic-coated vehicles and can be used as part of the preparation process before applying a ceramic coating when used according to the appropriate process.

Follow the series to discover just how much you can do with one bottle of ONR.

Learn more about Optimum No Rinse and the science behind Optimum products at OptiCoat.com.

Developed by chemists. Made in the USA since 2001.

10/01/2026

Uses of ONR Leather Seats

One Product. More Ways to Use It Than You Think.

Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine (ONR) changed the way vehicles could be safely washed without a traditional hose-and-rinse process. But washing your vehicle is only the beginning.

In this video series, we explore the many ways ONR can be used throughout the detailing process—from exterior washing and drying to interior cleaning, glass, clay lubrication, paint preparation, and more.

ONR uses a unique polymer-based chemistry designed around paint safety and effective dirt management. Its polymers help encapsulate contamination, release dirt from your wash media, and promote flocculation so particles can settle out of the wash solution instead of continually circulating back onto the vehicle.

Throughout this series, we’ll show you how to get more from ONR, including:

• Rinseless washing
• Traditional bucket washing
• Pre-rinsing and pre-spraying
• Drying aid techniques
• Interior cleaning
• Glass cleaning
• Clay bar and clay towel lubrication
• Quick cleaning and touch-ups
• Ceramic coating maintenance
• Paint preparation before polishing and ceramic coating application
• And other uses around the vehicle

Why ONR?

Optimum No Rinse was developed by polymer and organic chemist Dr. David Ghodoussi and introduced as an automotive rinseless wash specifically designed with modern clear-coat paint in mind.

Unlike a traditional soap wash, ONR doesn't require you to rinse away the wash solution before drying. The lubricating polymer solution remains on the surface as your drying towel makes contact with the paint—one of the reasons ONR has become a foundational product for professional detailers and enthusiasts around the world.

ONR is also safe for ceramic-coated vehicles and can be used as part of the preparation process before applying a ceramic coating when used according to the appropriate process.

Follow the series to discover just how much you can do with one bottle of ONR.

Learn more about Optimum No Rinse and the science behind Optimum products at OptiCoat.com.

Developed by chemists. Made in the USA since 2001.

09/30/2026

Uses of ONR Windshield Wiper Fluid

One Product. More Ways to Use It Than You Think.

Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine (ONR) changed the way vehicles could be safely washed without a traditional hose-and-rinse process. But washing your vehicle is only the beginning.

In this video series, we explore the many ways ONR can be used throughout the detailing process—from exterior washing and drying to interior cleaning, glass, clay lubrication, paint preparation, and more.

ONR uses a unique polymer-based chemistry designed around paint safety and effective dirt management. Its polymers help encapsulate contamination, release dirt from your wash media, and promote flocculation so particles can settle out of the wash solution instead of continually circulating back onto the vehicle.

Throughout this series, we’ll show you how to get more from ONR, including:

• Rinseless washing
• Traditional bucket washing
• Pre-rinsing and pre-spraying
• Drying aid techniques
• Interior cleaning
• Glass cleaning
• Clay bar and clay towel lubrication
• Quick cleaning and touch-ups
• Ceramic coating maintenance
• Paint preparation before polishing and ceramic coating application
• And other uses around the vehicle

Why ONR?

Optimum No Rinse was developed by polymer and organic chemist Dr. David Ghodoussi and introduced as an automotive rinseless wash specifically designed with modern clear-coat paint in mind.

Unlike a traditional soap wash, ONR doesn't require you to rinse away the wash solution before drying. The lubricating polymer solution remains on the surface as your drying towel makes contact with the paint—one of the reasons ONR has become a foundational product for professional detailers and enthusiasts around the world.

ONR is also safe for ceramic-coated vehicles and can be used as part of the preparation process before applying a ceramic coating when used according to the appropriate process.

Follow the series to discover just how much you can do with one bottle of ONR.

Learn more about Optimum No Rinse and the science behind Optimum products at OptiCoat.com.

Developed by chemists. Made in the USA since 2001.

09/29/2026

🧐 Debunking the Rinseless Wash “One Dunk Test”

A cleaner-looking sponge. A convincing video. A claim the demonstration never proved.

The “one dunk test” is a social media sales demo—not proof of better cleaning or safer paint.

It doesn’t measure contamination left on your car, abrasive dirt picked up on the next dunk, or scratches caused during washing.

Making oily contamination less visible doesn’t make it disappear. Getting dirt out of the sponge doesn’t tell you whether it gets carried back onto your paint.

The question isn’t just what came out of the sponge. It’s what goes back onto your car.

We explain the chemistry and what the clean-sponge reveal leaves out.

👉 Read the full article:

The rinseless wash one dunk test doesn’t prove better cleaning or safer paint. Learn why oil visibility and abrasive dirt management are different.