What Optimum Polymer Technologies does

Optimum Polymer Technologies, Inc. is a privately held specialty polymer chemistry company founded in 2001 by Dr. David Ghodoussi and headquartered at 5768 Distribution Drive in Memphis, Tennessee, where it conducts in-house formulation development and manufacturing. The company develops and markets an automotive surface care product ecosystem spanning rinseless washes, paint correction compounds and polishes, permanent Silicon Carbide (SiC) ceramic coatings, urethane paint protection film, a newly introduced liquid paint protection film (Opti-Shield), interior ceramic coatings, marine and RV surface treatments, and accessories.

Core technology differentiation rests on proprietary Silicon Carbide chemistry that forms a true covalent bond with automotive clear coat (described as the strongest chemical bond possible), paired with patented UV absorber technology and a self-healing resin system used in Opti-Shield Liquid PPF. The company also created the original rinseless car wash category in 2006 with Optimum No Rinse (ONR), reporting over one billion gallons of water saved cumulatively. Manufacturing, R&D, and quality control are concentrated at the Memphis facility.

The business operates three concurrent go-to-market motions: direct-to-consumer e-commerce through store.optimumcarcare.com, a B2B authorized professional installer and dealer channel accessed through dealer.optimumcarcare.com and a Find Pro Installers locator, and international distribution through partners in Denmark and Poland. Revenue streams consist of one-time product sales across consumer and professional channels plus marketing partnership arrangements with NASCAR racing teams. Customer segments include professional auto detailers applying ceramic coatings and PPF, DIY car enthusiasts, owners of luxury and high-value vehicles, and motorsports teams, with NASCAR sponsorships functioning as brand awareness marketing rather than core revenue.

Name

Optimum Polymer Technologies

Legal name

Optimum Polymer Technologies, Inc.

Website

https://optimumcarcare.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Optimum Polymer Technologies is a Memphis, TN-based specialty polymer chemistry company founded in 2001 that formulates and manufactures automotive surface care products — including Silicon Carbide ceramic coatings, Opti-Shield Liquid PPF, and the original ONR rinseless wash — sold direct-to-consumer via e-commerce and through an authorized professional installer and international distributor network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Automotive Surface Care Chemicals

NAICS

Paint and Coating Manufacturing (325510)

SIC

Paints, Varnishes, Lacquers, Enamels & Allied Prods (2851)

akta.pro primary industry

Automotive & Transportation Coatings (IMAEAGAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial & Protective Coatings (IMAEAGAB), High-Performance & Specialty Polymers (PPS, LCP, PI/PAI, PAEK) (IMAEANAI)

Keywords

• Automotive ceramic coatings
• Rinseless car wash
• Paint protection film
• Auto detailing chemicals
• Car surface protection

Headquarters

HQ city

New Memphis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Consumer Product Sales: Direct-to-consumer e-commerce sales of automotive detailing products including ONR rinseless car wash, ceramic coatings, polishing compounds, microfiber towels, and accessories through the Optimum Car Care online store (store.optimumcarcare.com).
2. Professional Installer/Dealer Sales: B2B sales to authorized professional installers and dealers who purchase Opti-Coat ceramic coatings and professional detailing products for application services. Dealers access products through dealer.optimumcarcare.com with dedicated pricing.
3. Licensing/Partnership (NASCAR Sponsorship): Partnership arrangements with NASCAR teams where Opti-Coat branding appears on vehicles, generating brand exposure and awareness in the motorsports community. Partnership includes co-sponsors from the auto detailing industry (Lake Country Manufacturing, IK Sprayers, The Rag Company, Industrial Finishes).

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Optimum Polymer Technologies develops and manufactures polymer-based automotive surface care chemistry including rinseless wash products, Silicon Carbide (SiC) ceramic coatings that form covalent bonds with vehicle clear coat, traditional and liquid paint protection films, paint correction compounds, and complementary detailing accessories. The company operates two sub-brands — OPT for consumer/DIY products and Opti-Coat for professional installers — sold via direct e-commerce, an authorized dealer network, and international distributors.

Product overview

Optimum Polymer Technologies (OPT) is an innovative automotive surface care company offering a comprehensive product ecosystem spanning rinseless washing, paint correction, ceramic coatings, paint protection films (PPF), and professional detailing accessories. The core product lines include: ONR (Optimum No Rinse) rinseless wash products in multiple formulations (Version 6 and Hyper Foam) that revolutionized water-saving car care; Opti-Coat professional ceramic coatings (Pro, Pro+, Pro3) built on proprietary Silicon Carbide (SiC) chemistry that forms permanent covalent bonds with clear coat; Opti-Shield Liquid PPF as an innovative new category bridging ceramic coatings and traditional film; and the Hyper Twins paint correction system (Hyper Compound and Hyper Polish). Complementary products include Opti-Guard interior coatings, marine/RV ceramic solutions, Optimum-branded accessories (Big Red Sponge, microfiber towels, drying towels), maintenance products (Hyper Seal, Ultra Ceramic Seal), and specialized cleaners. Products are designed with pH-neutral, VOC-safe chemistry and manufactured in Memphis, TN facilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Opti-Coat: Professional ceramic coatings brand including Opti-Coat Pro, Pro+, Pro3, and Opti-Shield Liquid PPF product lines.
• OPT

Products and services

• Opti-Coat Pro 3 Professional-grade permanent Silicon Carbide (SiC) ceramic coating that chemically bonds to the vehicle's clear coat, becoming part of the paint system. Provides 10-12 microns of thickness with up to a 10-year warranty.
• Opti-Coat Pro+ Professional Silicon Carbide ceramic coating offering permanent covalent bond protection for automotive clear coat with chemical resistance and durability.
• Opti-Coat Pro The original professional ceramic coating from Opti-Coat that pioneered Silicon Carbide technology in North America, providing permanent ceramic protection bonded to factory clear coat.
• Opti-Coat Gloss Coat DIY consumer-grade ceramic coating for at-home application, providing ceramic protection without professional installation requirements.
• Opti-Shield Liquid PPF Liquid-applied paint protection film that combines ceramic coating characteristics with PPF-like protection using self-healing resin technology and SiC chemistry. Applied in multiple layers (8-30+ microns), provides seamless finish without edges, self-healing properties, and customizable protection levels.
• Opti-Coat Paint Protection Film (PPF) Traditional urethane paint protection film providing a physical barrier against rock chips, road debris, and environmental hazards, with self-healing properties and ceramic coating built into the film.
• Opti-Guard Interior Ceramic Coating Permanent interior ceramic coating for leather and plastic surfaces, containing anti-static properties to reduce dust attraction, creating a silky matte finish and preserving interior materials from wear and fading.
• Optimum Opti-Coat Marine Ceramic Ceramic coating specifically formulated for marine vessels and watercraft, providing durable protection against saltwater, UV, and marine environmental hazards.
• Optimum No Rinse (ONR) Wash & Shine Original rinseless car wash that revolutionized car care by allowing washing without rinsing. Uses advanced polymers for dirt encapsulation and superior lubricity. Uses less than 2 gallons of water per wash and has saved over 1 billion gallons of water since 2006.
• ONR Hyper Foam Rinseless Car Wash Versatile newest version of ONR that can be used as a rinseless wash, in a foam cannon, foam sprayer, or as a traditional car wash soap.
• Optimum Waterless Wash and Shine Waterless car wash product for washing without water, ideal for quick maintenance and touch-ups when traditional washing isn't practical.
• Optimum Touchless Decon Wash Chemical decontamination wash that safely removes embedded contaminants without mechanical agitation, preparing surfaces for coating application.
• Optimum Power Wheel and Tire Cleaner Specialized cleaner for wheels and tires that effectively removes brake dust, road grime, and accumulated contamination.
• Hyper Compound Professional-grade water-based compound that cuts effectively while being VOC-safe and almost dust-free. Part of the Hyper Twins system with Hyper Polish for complete paint correction.
• Hyper Polish Professional-grade water-based polish that produces ultra-shiny, zero-dust finishes. Part of the Hyper Twins system with Hyper Compound for complete paint correction.
• Optimum Hyper Seal Maintenance product for coated vehicles that provides UV protection and helps maintain ceramic coating performance between full decontamination washes.
• Optimum Ultra Ceramic Seal Ceramic seal boost product that enhances shine and protection for vehicle exteriors, providing an additional layer of ceramic protection.
• Optimum Hyper Shine DIY Ceramic Coating Consumer-friendly ceramic coating designed for easy at-home installation, offering high levels of gloss, slickness, and protection. Featured on NASCAR race cars during the 2025 Portland International Raceway event.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1 billion gallons of water saved since 2006 through ONR Rinseless Car Wash
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.

• Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport (JARBA)flagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 30 August 2025Primary partnership with NASCAR Xfinity Series team featuring Opti-Coat branding on both No. 27 and No. 31 Chevrolets at Portland International Raceway. This represents the auto detailing industry's first major NASCAR sponsorship, bringing awareness of premium auto detailing products to the racing community.
• Jeb BurtonflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 30 August 2025Multi-time NASCAR Xfinity Series race winner driving the No. 27 Chevrolet with Opti-Coat as primary partner. Jeb Burton is enthusiastic about the partnership and mentions his father uses Opti-Coat products on farm equipment and vehicles.
• Blaine PerkinsflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 30 August 2025NASCAR Xfinity Series driver of No. 31 Chevrolet with Opti-Coat as primary partner at Portland International Raceway. Partnership provides exposure to passionate motorsports fans at challenging road course.
• Lake Country ManufacturingcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 30 August 2025Auto detailing industry partner co-sponsoring NASCAR racing team alongside Opti-Coat. Part of broader auto detailing industry partnership bringing awareness to premium products in NASCAR community.
• IK SprayerscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 30 August 2025Auto detailing industry partner co-sponsoring NASCAR racing team alongside Opti-Coat. Part of industry coalition partnership in motorsports.
• The Rag CompanycoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 30 August 2025Auto detailing industry partner co-sponsoring NASCAR racing team alongside Opti-Coat. Part of industry coalition in motorsports sponsorship.
• Industrial FinishescoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 30 August 2025Auto detailing industry partner co-sponsoring NASCAR racing team alongside Opti-Coat. Represents the auto detailing industry's collaborative entry into motorsports marketing.
• Detailing Center Denmark (Rune Jensen)flagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2014Official Opti-Coat distributor in Denmark since 2014. Rune Jensen is also an Opti-Coat installer since 2014, serving European markets with Optimum and Opti-Coat products. Represents the company's flagship international distributor relationship.
• Marcin Szkatula (European Distributor)flagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOpti-Coat European distributor based in Poland. Featured on Opti-Coat Podcast Episode 19 discussing Opti-Shield Liquid PPF and upcoming real-world rock chip resistance tests. Key distribution partner for European markets.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• IGL Coatings: IGL Coatings is a Malaysian ceramic coating and paint protection company selling through a global certified installer network. Their ecocoat lineup and professional installer program overlap directly with Opti-Coat's Pro/Pro+/Pro3 ceramic coating business model.
• Koch-Chemie: Koch-Chemie is a German manufacturer of professional detailing chemistry, including polishes, compounds, and ceramic coatings, widely used by professional detailers alongside Opti-Coat. Product portfolio (1K Nano, GCoat) overlaps with Optimum's Hyper Compound/Polish and ceramic coating lines.
• CarPro: CarPro is one of the best-known professional ceramic coating and car care brands, with a similar product portfolio (CQuartz ceramic coatings, ECO wash, detailing accessories) and a comparable DTC + certified installer model. It is the closest global head-to-head competitor to Optimum's Opti-Coat line.
• Gyeon Quartz: Gyeon Quartz is a Korean ceramic coating brand offering Mohs, Syncro, and Q² Mohs EVO with strong global DTC and installer presence. It competes head-to-head with Opti-Coat in both professional and DIY ceramic coating segments.
• Gtechniq: Gtechniq is a UK-based ceramic coating and surface protection specialist selling through a certified detailer network worldwide. Its Crystal Serum Ultra and EXO products compete directly with Opti-Coat Pro variants in professional installation channels.

Broad incumbents

• Meguiar's: Meguiar's is a globally established detailing brand owned by 3M with deep distribution across auto parts, retail, and professional detailing. Its Mirror Glaze, DA polishing system, and ceramic coating products overlap with Optimum's professional detailing chemistry on a much broader scale.
• Turtle Wax: Turtle Wax is a legacy mass-market auto care brand expanding into ceramic coatings (Hybrid Solutions line) with strong retail distribution. It is a broader incumbent that competes with Optimum at the DIY consumer tier rather than in the professional certified-installer segment.
• Chemical Guys: Chemical Guys is a large US-based consumer and detailer brand with an extensive product catalog across washing, polishing, and coatings. It is a broader incumbent that competes with Optimum's OPT consumer line in DIY car care, though it has less depth in true professional ceramic coatings.
• SONAX: SONAX is a large, established German car-care brand with broad coverage in cleaners, polishes, and ceramic coatings (CC One, Ceramic Coating), sold through mass-market detailing and auto parts channels. It is a broader incumbent that overlaps with Optimum across the detailing chemistry category rather than specializing only in ceramic coatings.

Emerging players

• XPEL: XPEL is a leading paint protection film (PPF) and window film manufacturer with a global installer network. It overlaps with Optimum's Opti-Coat PPF and Opti-Shield Liquid PPF lines as an adjacent competitor in protective film, though XPEL's core is traditional urethane film rather than liquid-applied chemistry.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCCLKHJGaZeXHwXO4sHxQW8g
• Facebookfacebook.com/opticarcare
• Instagraminstagram.com/opticoat
• TikToktiktok.com/@opticoat

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Optimum Polymer Technologies