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Old 05-16-2013, 08:16 PM
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Default Discussion on "best" and Detailing

Since there is so much chatter about waxes, sealants, coatings.........which is better and such. This is also part of the discussion in detailing for other discussions such as tire shines, interior detailing dressings, etc.....


I thought I would have you guess what LSP is on this truck.


The discussion on which is better has no bearings for the discussion. We have to establish what the criteria is......... such as durabitlity, ease of application, cleaning ability, shine, ability to withstand chemicals, a daily driver or work vehicle, and the list goes on. Even when we establish that level, there is the level of how do you quantify the improvement, or lack of? While some are easier, ease of application, or much harder to measure such as shine, we can more readily discuss LSP (last step products).

So my suggestion is that when you speak of a product, try and establish what criteria you are referring to AND any possible quantifiable measures.

Cheers,
GREG
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Old 05-19-2013, 02:33 PM
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Not quite sure what you are getting at here....My guess would be Meguire's NXT over Klasse sealant.

Since I got my high-powered DA buffer I've been going to the trouble of putting on a proper carnauba wax when I give it the works three or four times per year. I used Chemical Guys Hardcore. It looked arguably better than the sealant alone, but it attracted dust. Since then I've squirted Duragloss Aquawax on it, which gives a really bright shine, plus, its real easy. I don't know if the Hardcore carnauba is even there any more. Worst case scenario, it washed off a couple of times later. I figure it provided a protection and lubrication benefit (its wax, after all and I suppose it helps the dirt slide off).
Old 05-19-2013, 05:01 PM
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I am trying to establish a means of discussion so we can get past "this is the best wax ive ever used......period" Blanket statements do nothing for the reader to understand the WHY.

Cheers,
GREG
Old 05-21-2013, 03:06 PM
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Default Agreed, I think

Originally Posted by Reflections Detail
Since there is so much chatter about waxes, sealants, coatings.........which is better and such. This is also part of the discussion in detailing for other discussions such as tire shines, interior detailing dressings, etc.....


I thought I would have you guess what LSP is on this truck.


The discussion on which is better has no bearings for the discussion. We have to establish what the criteria is......... such as durabitlity, ease of application, cleaning ability, shine, ability to withstand chemicals, a daily driver or work vehicle, and the list goes on. Even when we establish that level, there is the level of how do you quantify the improvement, or lack of? While some are easier, ease of application, or much harder to measure such as shine, we can more readily discuss LSP (last step products).

So my suggestion is that when you speak of a product, try and establish what criteria you are referring to AND any possible quantifiable measures.

Cheers,
GREG
I see. The point is, you can't tell what's on the truck, so why obsess over brand names, right?

I agree. I think the area of quality detailing products is getting commoditized. I can think of three or four reasonably priced, durable sealants. The same is true of shampoos. Whatever carnuaba wax you put on as a last step, it might as well not be there in ten days. I notice the vendors are working hard on promoting the idea that we ought to pay premium prices for microfiber towels, but c'mon. If one microfiber towel is harder than another and scratches your paint, then there is no way our trucks' finishes are going to withstand the vicissitudes of roadway travel anyway.

P.S. Since this thread hasn't exactly caught fire, why don't you tell us what you put on there.
Old 05-22-2013, 04:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Reflections Detail
I am trying to establish a means of discussion so we can get past "this is the best wax ive ever used......period" Blanket statements do nothing for the reader to understand the WHY.

Cheers,
GREG
On your truck - I would have to guess Collinite or maybe some flavor of Meguiars. From the gist of the post, I would assume it's a very reasonably priced wax.

As far as "best" goes, that's a difficult argument even with real world results. Most people will be subjective in testing instead of being objective as they should. No matter what, someone will have some sort of "brand loyalty" to whatever product is being tested(save for a blind test) - whether it's wax, sealant, polish, or microfiber. You can clearly see that from all of the Collinite lover posts on this forum, and most think it's the end all be all of waxes.

Personally, I mostly use Chemical Guys products. Not because I think they're the "best", but because I can get them at a discount from a friend and have quite a bit of experience with their products. I wouldn't say I'm brand loyal to them, but it is very convenient to get their products opposed to ordering others.

That being said, I've used XXX, Pete's '53, 50/50, and Lava waxes all with great results. Also used their V-line of polishes, Jetseal 109, Mirror Wet Finish, Deep Reflections XP, and Blacklight with great results as well. I've also used several of their shampoos, APC, and dressings among other products.

I have yet to do any durability tests as I tend to layer coats of wax. As far as ease of use - all that are listed above have been great. They apply and remove easily, give a great shine, but again I can't comment on the durability of just one coat.

This is with Blacklight glaze, 2 coats Jetseal 109 sealant, and 2 coats of Pete's '53 - all applied by hand. The truck was slick and would bead water for 6 months +/- with just maintenance washes. I'm assuming it was probably the sealant still hanging around instead of the wax though.

Not trying to flood the thread with pics, but everyone likes pics, haha.







Beading - Roughly 3 months after initial detail




Last edited by 2007SCrew; 05-23-2013 at 12:14 PM.
Old 06-09-2013, 09:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Reflections Detail
Since there is so much chatter about waxes, sealants, coatings.........which is better and such. This is also part of the discussion in detailing for other discussions such as tire shines, interior detailing dressings, etc.....


I thought I would have you guess what LSP is on this truck.


The discussion on which is better has no bearings for the discussion. We have to establish what the criteria is......... such as durabitlity, ease of application, cleaning ability, shine, ability to withstand chemicals, a daily driver or work vehicle, and the list goes on. Even when we establish that level, there is the level of how do you quantify the improvement, or lack of? While some are easier, ease of application, or much harder to measure such as shine, we can more readily discuss LSP (last step products).

So my suggestion is that when you speak of a product, try and establish what criteria you are referring to AND any possible quantifiable measures.

Cheers,
GREG
I would submit that there is nothing on the clear coat of that truck thus the discussion that it's the paint that shines and not the junk we buy to put on it which is really to just protect and help form some shine. So if you have very nice paint, protectant will also look very nice.

Best guess....
Old 06-10-2013, 12:42 AM
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[MENTION=144504]shipsgunner[/MENTION]

The LSP we put on cars or trucks for the most part can only account for a very small percentage of the "Looks" of the paint. The paint polishing/correction accounts for a vast majority of the looks. The above photo with the water beading, appears to show some wearing off of the LSP. the beading is flatter and not perky in structure.

My whole point of this thread is to try and get people to quantify what they mean by " this is the best wax i've ever used" type statements. Helping the reader to establish the measure for the statement is critical. "The durability for me was 6 months with weekly washes at the local drive through" is much more useful information. Granted the term durabilty needs some explaining but..... Statements like "this makes my car shine like no other product" is useless 1. what other prouducts have you used 2. how did you measure the shine?

It a lot like the dicussions on exahusts and tuners how did you measure the outcomes you mention? Butt dynos phrases are shot down and really don't help the seeker of good information on the subject.

Cheers,
GREG
Old 06-15-2013, 07:16 AM
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I am totally addicted to Blackfire Wet Diamond topped with Dodo Juice Purple Haze Pro. First I like Blackfire WD because it is super easy to apply and buff off. It also seems to not have any bonding issues but that could be from having a good clean slate to work with. It give a great depth to a flawless paint. Now on to Dodo Juice. First of all, all their products are top notch. I will spend the money for them because I know it works and will look great. The Purple Haze Pro adds an awesome glow to any paint but it also brings out the metallic in the tuxedo black. In the sun light it is awesome to look at it and the comments are endless. I applies very easy because it is a soft wax so with that combo you don't need to worry about re introducing imperfections in your paint. The protection is great and beads and sheets water realistically about 2-3 months for a car that isn't garaged which is dang good for a wax. Finally it smells awesome like chocolate which is another reason why I like their stuff because they make all their products fun.
The picture shows the depth and how the metallic is brought out
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Old 06-17-2013, 09:35 PM
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Excellent idea for the validation Greg. My truck and car gets waxed in Sept or Oct then not again till March or April because of winter and not having a heated indoor space during the winter. I know that with the salt and anti-skid (rocks) they use here in PA the wax won't last all that time. I would like to find something that will do the best job possible for that time. I'm going to try the Collinite on both my black truck and my wife's black cherry Subaru if I can get an overcast day without rain. I need to clay bar hers as I used Meguiars cleaner wax last fall and have swirls to get rid of.
I have tried Mother's, Meguires, NXT, Ice and the easiest to use for me has been the Mother's but for some reason it isn't lasting like the older stuff used to from 20+ years ago. I use it as a truck but I still want to keep it as protected as possible. Any and all help is appreciated.
Old 06-18-2013, 12:07 AM
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snowdog.

I would not use Meg cleaner wax and then collinite. the cleaner wax has abrasives and wax in it. Collinite likes to have a UBER clean surface to crosslink to, its highly likely that the cleaner wax will inhibit this in some way or form.

Depending on how "swirly" the paint is you might use something like Megs 205 or ultimate compound if its more so. Give it a strong soapy wash, and dry.....that should remove any carrier oils from the polishes and leave you with a nice surface to place collinite on.

Cheers,
GREG


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