Anthony A said:
You know I was exaggerating about the dog crap. I wasn't exaggerating when I say that they couldn't tell the difference between Collinite and a boutique wax though. These guys are talking like there is a night and day difference and there isn't if any difference.
There was thread on here years ago where some clown said he could tell the difference between P21S and S100. It was in one of the threads about if P21S and S100 where the same. Talking crap just like this thread.
Your tone of voice could be improved, and I understand your annoyance, but your comments do have a certain degree of validity:nana: In some ways, I agree with you.
In the world of high-end audio, it's the same situation.
'Golden ear' testers claim that each brand of cable sound different, and super expensive ones sound fantastic. They claim to hear these subtle differences while many can't, or compell themselves
to think they are hearing some differences.
That's very subjective, and can only be verified by a blind test.
U can distinguish a cheapo cable vs an expensive one.
But I believe no human can listen to a system (blind test) and say "this system is using Van den Hul's xxxx cable).
Back to detailing, IMO, the final looks of the detailing job depend greatly on:
1. Quality and characteristic of the clearcoat.
2. Type of colour
3. Extent of surface prepping
The LSP, as a cosmetic, merely enhance the looks even further and gives protection. Although there is a slight difference between LSPs, that difference is not
significant.
It's not the LSP used....it's the type of detailing job.
If it's a budget job with simple or no surface prep, then even an expensive LSP wont make a huge, dramatic improvement.
But if it's a big-budget job involving extensive prepping, then most quality LSPs can contribute towards an impressive result....even a simple 3M professional hard paste wax that almost no one talks about anymore, maybe Armour All's "cheapo" wax!
On such an all-out expensive job, surely it'll look good in photos looking wet, reflective yadda, yadda... getting lots of praises. If the photo caption says it's done with Pinnacle or Dodo Supernatural or Zymol's top-drawer stuff, etc or other super-duper high-end waxes or sealants.....enthusiasts will believe that, especially when that detailed car is a luxury exotic and even more so, if the detailer is a "popular fellow" in any forums, communities or clubs.
Yes, there are bound to be differences between LSPs as each has its own visual characteristics, but these are very subtle.
IF NOT, then you can look at an unknown detailed car and say
"wow! this kinda look is contributed by Brand A LSP. I am sure your LSP is Brand A". . In reality, you can't say that. Even test instruments can't tell that.
But most detailers, car owners and detailing enthusiasts can easily testify that it's a high-end detailing job that's well done with impressive results. And you can probably tell whether its a wax or sealant or coating.
But you cant tell which brand of LSP just by looking at it.
We all hv our fav LSPs due to so many reasons, and I respect that.
Most important for me is, no matter how fantastic that LSP is claimed to be, if its not a top class coating (Gzox, Gtechniq etc), then the differences are subtle.
Very soon, they'll just die and needs to be re-applied.
Note:
On 2 identical new black mercs (original paint) that were extensively prepped, the 1st one had Swissvax Onyx as an LSP, and the other, the much more expensive Swissvax Smargad. A PPG technical Training Manager was there, as was 15 hardcore detailing enthusiasts and a tech guy from Meguiars. No one knew what LSP was used, and no one saw any differences. They just said WOW!!!
This blind test proved that if the detailer kept quiet, then the truth will be revealed.
That's why, I use the cheapest Swissvax Onyx in my shop:bounce. No point to deceive myself and increase my cost.
our conversations are getting cyclical.
The old Rhodium metallic on my XJS is like that, but I simply *HATE* the bright/reflective look on that car. 
). It was repainted with b/c during its restoration and my goal was to make it look "period correct" as much as looking "Autopian"; I didn't want it to look, as I explained it to him, "like a new Toyota" lest the Jag nuts score it badly for looking "wrong"; some of those judges are mighty picky and IMO the b/c paint isn't quite how it's supposed to look.