Prep vs. LSP

[Rob Tomlin]

We spend a LOT of time in this section of the forum discussing various LSP's and how they look compared to others. I am about as guilty as anyone, having tried many different sealants of the last year or two.



But how much difference can the LSP really make in the overall appearance of the paint? How much does the prep work (claying, polishing, cleaning etc) effect the final appearance vs the LSP?



I thought it would be interesting to see what others would say if they had to put a number on it. Thus this poll!

 

[BigJimZ28]

well lets see................

perferct prep + NO LSP = a great looking car

NO prep + a awesome LSP = a waste of a awesome LSP



there is no doubt that prep is key(to most things not just detailing)

 

[Rob Tomlin]

well lets see................

perferct prep + NO LSP = a great looking car

NO prep + a awesome LSP = a waste of a awesome LSP



there is no doubt that prep is key(to most things not just detailing)

Jim, you got your post in before I added the poll. Go back and VOTE!

 

[Accumulator]

Probably no surprise that I voted the first category (prep = 95%).



But I firmly believe that that final 5% *can* be significant. Having had a few pairs of virtually identical cars, with the same paint code, I've been able to do some LSP comparisons that I found downright astounding. So while prep is the most important thing, it's not the *only* thing IMO.

 

[BigJimZ28]

Jim, you got your post in before I added the poll. Go back and VOTE!

:2thumbs:...

 

[Macruz19]

I picked 85-90%. For me I can't get it near 100%, but I can sure make it look good. Only us autopians know what to look for.

 

[BuffMe]

Depending on the color, I think the prep can range anywhere from 80-95% of the final appearance. Some colors need an LSP to really pop, others don't.

 

[wfedwar]

It depends on what you're starting with.

 

[Rob Tomlin]

I went ahead and voted for the 90-95%, although looking back on it I think the number should have been more clear. For example, I think prep work makes up 90% of the final appearance, so do I choose 90-95% or 85-90%?



I have to say that although it is clear to me that prep is the most important factor, I don't think I expected so many people to vote for it making up 95% or more of the final appearance.

 

[Legacy]

I went ahead and voted for the 90-95%, although looking back on it I think the number should have been more clear. For example, I think prep work makes up 90% of the final appearance, so do I choose 90-95% or 85-90%?



I have to say that although it is clear to me that prep is the most important factor, I don't think I expected so many people to vote for it making up 95% or more of the final appearance.

I agree with 90%. I believe lsp can make at least a 10% difference in looks.

 

[Rob Tomlin]

I agree with 90%. I believe lsp can make at least a 10% difference in looks.

Yeah, and if you think about it, we sure do spend an awful lot of time here discussing how various LSP's look vs others if it only makes up 5% of the final look.



But as Accumlator says, that final 5% *can* be significant..

 

[lbls1]

75% Paint integrity and condition, 13% prep and 10-12% lsp IMO.



Edit: Besides, what does Accumulator know about lsps??????? lol!!!

 

[imported_cj99si]

LSP doesn't really help in appearance unless you fixed the problem.









unless your talking about a hack "glaze" (I have none in my inventory)











A good wax/sealant only adds a little pop to what you did.











If your at 80% with correction and add a good wax/sealant to the mix , then maybe your at 85%(but for how long?) one wash............





(Yes I like my spaces)





LSP is a bonus.

 

[imported_Ivan Rajic]

I voted 95%+ for the simple reason that the LSP effect on the paint can, and is most of the time, very subjective... I know that 99.99% of my clients will never tell the difference between the 7-8 LSPs I have, while many experienced details can tell the difference... but even if you can tell the difference, that is what becomes subjective... same as how people like gloss on the interior trim and others like matte, some people may like a more matte finish to the paint over the more popular and usually talked about "popping" of the color on some paints...



My point is, the prep, mainly polishing, allows that perfect, or nearly perfect base for the LSP to play with.

 

[imported_Denzil]

All I can say is that paint correction is pretty objective while the look of cars after LSPs are applied can be subjective.



Oh and yeah, I did vote for the first category. :nixweiss

 

[imported_Ivan Rajic]

All I can say is that paint correction is pretty objective while the look of cars after LSPs are applied can be subjective.



Oh and yeah, I did vote for the first category. :nixweiss

Thanks for shortening my post above haha

 

[Accumulator]

Besides, what does Accumulator know about lsps??????? lol!!!

Heh heh, anybody who's missed our ongoing :nana: might've misinterpreted that :lol

 

[lbls1]

Heh heh, anybody who's missed our ongoing :nana: might've misinterpreted that :lol

*Heh heh*....thought you'd never show up.......



So...........how's the Vintage treatin' you??? lol......

 

[Accumulator]

So...........how's the Vintage treatin' you??? lol......

It's treatin' me just fine... as long as it stays in Zymol's inventory instead of on my VISA card

 

[lbls1]

awww....try MasterCard then..*heh heh*!



Sticks and stones........but you'll never know.....



Sorry.....another thread shot!