Sealant durability list/chart

[imported_Burlyq]

It's my opinion that the only thing I personally would trust is a blind test or a test w/o commercial interests, like Guru tests. My only criticism with that test is that they left out a lot of popular products. I think many peps around here lose objectivity when it comes to products, so the only thing I would trust is if the "judges" didn't know which product was on which panel.

 

[imported_memnuts]

Personally, I do not care about durability if it excludes any of the appearance clues I desire. If, for example Souveran gave me the look I was seeking, I would just adjust my refreshing interval for its length of protection and best appearance and it would be my protectant of choice. I feel many of use Autopian use the same criteria, which explains the vast differences in what is best. I find Zaino meets my appearance needs first and longevity of this "just waxed" appearance" is just an outstanding bonus.



At the present time there are only 2 products (sealants) with "years" of proven user experiences that can claim without hesistation their ability to endure the harsh multiple environments that a vehicle may face. Klasse and Zaino



If you already have FMJ give it a shot and let's start a database on FMJ's performance. If Klasse and Zaino can develop a top-shelf appearance and durable product, there is no logical reason why Menzerna can't.

 

[Mochamanz1]

It's my opinion that the only thing I personally would trust is a blind test or a test w/o commercial interests, like Guru tests. My only criticism with that test is that they left out a lot of popular products. I think many peps around here lose objectivity when it comes to products, so the only thing I would trust is if the "judges" didn't know which product was on which panel.

I don't know about some people's "objectivity", but I think some people post without actual use of, or knowledge of a products properties, or for that matter, even what will or will not affect the product. This lack of factual content is more than irritating, it makes the learning process more difficult for those coming here to gain information. I sometime wonder what agenda would cause a person to come online and post drivel on certain products and attempt to pass this junk info on as fact? Are we talking about product "Shills" here? I completely agree with you on the value of trying products for yourself to determine the credibility, and usefulness of the product. I hate posts where the poster hasnt a clue as to the real properties of product. Enough on this subject.



Product claims: This is where personal investigation gives great rewards sometimes..... I am wary of claims of super extended effeciveness of products. GLARE Polish is one product which I thought might be hyped "a bit". Sometimes you get pleasant suprises, like my experience with GLARE Liqui-Clay. A really good product to clean up badly neglected paint. The GLARE Polish 5 year claim is one that I doubt I will ever be able to verify, and thats the real problem in this regard. I will try the Polish just to see what it does. But IMHO, The Liqui-Clay is "Da Bomb !":xyxthumbs

 

[Mochamanz1]

Personally, I do not care about durability if it excludes any of the appearance clues I desire. . I find Zaino meets my appearance needs first and longevity of this "just waxed" appearance" is just an outstanding bonus.



At the present time there are only 2 products (sealants) with "years" of proven user experiences that can claim without hesistation their ability to endure the harsh multiple environments that a vehicle may face. Klasse and Zaino



If you already have FMJ give it a shot and let's start a database on FMJ's performance. If Klasse and Zaino can develop a top-shelf appearance and durable product, there is no logical reason why Menzerna can't.

FMJ is outstanding ! Period ! What I really appreciate from Menzerna are its Polishes, PG, PO85RD, IP, and FPll are great products and at present, with the introduction of the Spray sealant, which together with FMJ, represent a system approach.

I also agree on the subject of durability, which, from a pro detailers point of view is a vastly more important issue than it is to a hobbyist....I CANNOT keep my mitts off my car/s/ long enough to determine durability !:bounce



As for Souveran, it is an undeniably fine carnauba wax, but carnauba users are not looking to durability as a property in the first place , IMHO. There are so many aspects to consider, but a simple passing/failing to meet basic expectations chart would be handy, and sure, there would be debates, but thats the fun of it... this is a moderated site, isn't it?:LOLOL See, the Mods can share in the fun of that debate...!:rofl

 

[imported_animes2k]

A little off topic, perhaps, but I was thinking of attempting to compile a FAQ/chart for the products most commonly used around here... Something like the best combos for metallics, for silvers and light colors, for white, for red and black, etc. Perhaps a checklist of descriptions for each product like "shiny," "wet," "deep," "durable," etc as a 1-10 and have it built such that we would work off the collective experience of all autopians that cared to submit their opinions and end up with what might be a reasonably accurate ranking of products (LSP2/LSP's in this case).



I realize it's easier to quantify cutting with a compound/polish/pad, as that chart already exists, but hopefully the result of this survey would be a dynamic application of sorts that would allow a user to put in their highest priorities and receive a recommendation of the best product combination to receive the look they want on the color they have.



Perhaps it's way too big of an undertaking, but man that'd be cool...

 

[wannafbody]

the problem with any test is that it doesn't minic real world conditions-IE differing environmental factors- and most people ARE NOT objective- if I'm being referred to as a shill then that is simple arrogance and ignorance on some peoples part. I have nothing to gain by offering my opinion(as I am NOT a professional detailer as some claim to be) except to pass on my experience which is that "durability" can be defined several different ways depending on your particular judging criteria. some people use "protection" and "durability" interchangably. Also I will freely admit the most durable products often don't look the absolute best although they do have their strongpoints

 

[Mochamanz1]

A little off topic, perhaps, but I was thinking of attempting to compile a FAQ/chart for the products most commonly used around here... Something like the best combos for metallics, for silvers and light colors, for white, for red and black, etc. Perhaps a checklist of descriptions for each product like "shiny," "wet," "deep," "durable," etc as a 1-10 and have it built such that we would work off the collective experience of all autopians that cared to submit their opinions and end up with what might be a reasonably accurate ranking of products (LSP2/LSP's in this case).



I realize it's easier to quantify cutting with a compound/polish/pad, as that chart already exists, but hopefully the result of this survey would be a dynamic application of sorts that would allow a user to put in their highest priorities and receive a recommendation of the best product combination to receive the look they want on the color they have.



Perhaps it's way too big of an undertaking, but man that'd be cool...

It would be a great thing if an interactive chart could be made using a voting format to place product/s/ on a list. We are in complete agreement on one thing above others: This would be an undertaking to be sure. I cannot begin to figure out the steps needed to accomplish this process. The first thing would be to catalog a super list of products, broken down by class and posting those for votes. This would have to be a completely open process. At least this would give the people a "baseline" to proceed from. It is frankly overwhelming, the amount of products out there on the web. I daily run across at least one "new" product in my surfing. Just kicking this around... probably impractical to attempt though... And the SEARCH Function here on Autopia does help give a heads up, but the concentrated info would be nice... I am sometimes too lazy to dig for it.:xyxthumbs

 

[PCG]

Not too sound like a Menzerna groupie, but:



FMJ's durability, for me at least, on several different cars is far better the AIO/SG and obviously better then any carnuaba I've tried.



I'm not so sure it has a deeper look or a better shine then Klasse, but for ease of use and durability it's the best I've found so far. Overall though, my experience with various products is limited. I've never tried Zaino for example, but I just can't see how anything could get better in terms of user friendliness then FMJ.



I will be giving AIO/SG another go soon, last time I used them air temps were barely above 50. General consensus on these boards is that it is a very durable product, but for now I've never seen that so I have to wonder if there were issues during application.

 

[CamV6]

I'm using Poorboys EX at the moment for first time. So far so good, but cant advise on durability yet.



How would you fellas rate PB?

 

[Accumulator]

IMO there are just too many variables for us to ever reach a true consensus about what is the "most durable" just as we'll never reach one about what "looks best".



I use UPP on the S8 but I redo it when it starts to lose the "UPP slickness", so I have no idea how long it *really* protects.



Six layers of KSG lasted well over a year (including an Ohio winter) on our MPV, a year-round daily driver. This was despite frequent washes (but note that my wash regimen is very gentle) and spot-claying at every wash. It was never QD'ed during that time, only washed and clayed. How did I know the KSG was still on there?



-It was still beading rather tightly, just starting to sheet when I redid it, mainly in the areas that had been clayed repeatedly

-It still felt "like KSG", that plastic-like, smooth feel that is quite different from unprotected paint

-It still looked "like KSG", not, BTW, a look I'm crazy about but one that's OK on the heavily metallic Mazda paint

 

[trueblueblood]

I myself being an enthusiast can never leave well enough alone. Constantly topping things, breaking it down and starting all over again. Now sometimes I have a product go a month or two with just booster wax/qd. But I couldn't tell you the "true" longevity of a product and since beading is one of few indicators......



I usually see what professional detailers are doing and their comments on longevity since they revisit vehicles over the course of time. I pay attention to Scottwax since he is in the same state and we experience similar weather and so does his customer's cars. But their is so many environmental conditions, washing product and technique etc.... that each different car goes through.

Also around here their are so many opinions because of this, the only way to know is experiment sometimes . But I would say their is a reason Klasse and Zaino have been around this long and so well supported. Even with Zaino how many people would go 6 or 9 months with just their initial application, around here if anybody is commenting on durability on a car after 6-9 months its probably not theirs in general . Cause I couldn't imagine going a month or two without another layer of somethin' :scared: .



And lately like mentioned earlier I'm going for what looks best now. I'm burned out on sealants and have went back to nubas on my ride. Some colors just need the nuba:xyxthumbs

 

[Bill D]

Cause I couldn't imagine going a month or two without another layer of somethin' :scared: .



And lately like mentioned earlier I'm going for what looks best now. I'm burned out on sealants and have went back to nubas on my ride. Some colors just need the nuba:xyxthumbs

Very well said! :2thumbs:



I've always viewed LSP application as "The Main Event" of detailing. I too couldn't go without reapplying in that time frame. You don't have to do the entire car all in one session. You co do a little at your own pace once your initial full detail is complete. I'd just pay special attention to the flat surfaces in particular.



Yeah, it's sealant topped with 'nuba here also.

 

[JustinR32]

I believe I recall DavidB writing once that if he wanted to he could get 6 months out of NXT, and if he wanted to he could bring Zaino to its knees in a couple weeks; it all depended on technique and how you took care of your work.



There are WAAAAAY too many variables that would render a list useless. Your results might not be mine.



And what do you do with products that are at the other end of the appearance spectrum but high on the longevity list, stuff like 5 Star Shine, Simoniz Sealant, Auto Guard, the Collinites, and the like?



The list is a fun idea, but this area of life is uncategorizeable. it's impossible to accurately draw lines where none will exist, let alone would be forced to exist.





Tom