Blackfire II -- Durability and Performance.

mrdetailer · 12-27-02, 05:31

Opened since Blackfire Evalutations has been Closed. Please stick to the topic. I've used the Blackfire Gloss Enhancing Polish, and Blackfire Paint Protectant versions one and two. Here is my current evaluation.

Blackfire Gloss Enhancing Polish.

This product is really amazing, but especially if the S100 Shine Enhancing Paint Cleaner is used underneath it. This is definitely a paint cleansing product, and like many polishes/glazes is stronger than sealants or waxes. I have a red Mazda with a conventional coat that bleeds at the sight of most solvents. I found on this actual surface that it was on a par with most other polishes and glazes.

Blackfire Paint Protectant version 1.

This gave a great look but was clearly harsh on the surface. I've never had anything bring up more color since the first time I used Meguiars Clear Coat Scrub to remove the oxidation. My applicator not only showed some color but turned a brilliant red. Left a brilliant finish and lasted the 6 weeks I had it on. Had a serious dust problem however. Dusted almost every day.

Then Blackfire Paint Protectant version 2 came out.

Initial Reaction. This stuff is incredible. Produced both the brilliant shine and depth of Blackfire one without the harshness. I was astonished after applying BF II to my roof and having the applicator have a blue cast. Not a trace of red on the entire applicator. Put on 3 coats in preparation for winter and each time the result was the same.

Now this paint is so fussy that color comes up even when I use Liquid Carnaubas like Meguiars #26 Hard Yellow Wax, and 3M Show Car Liquid or Liquid Glass that are supposed to have no abrasive qualities. So much color came up that I gave away the bottles. Paste waxes like #26, Perfect-It Show Car Paste, and P21S wouldn't bring up any color. Conclusion no liquid wax or sealant should touch this car. Blackfire II proved me wrong. Thank heaven.

Dust accumulation is much better, but is still there. Personally P21S beats anything I've seen with Dust so I topped everything but the trunk, which I added another coat of BF II to see if the durability would be different. Right now the BF II seems slightly more receptive to dust. But after 2 weeks of fog, snow and rain, not a significant one.

Durabiltiy -- The final coat is only 3 weeks old so verdict is still out on durability.

My vehicles are outside 24 X 7 so it will be a good test of durability.

Let's hear your seasoned experiences on Blackfire II.

waynejitsu · 12-27-02, 07:51

i spoke to a chemist today about wax/polish/synthetics/etc. he said the "dust" is from fillers in the products. the more dust, the more fillers in the product and less active ingredients. makes sense to me. i REALLY learned a lot talking to him today on the more technical side of the products. something else interesting. the longer the durability, the less shine in the product, it has to be a balance in the two, more shine, less durable, of course, he could make it any way you wanted if the order was large enough. most company's do not make their own products..., interesting.
clay was imported originally from japan..., and a LOT of cool info..
just thought i would share

mrdetailer · 12-30-02, 10:15

That is some interesting information. I've also felt that the shine/durability is a balancing act and that helped verify it. That detailing clay from Japan is interisting.

The dust I've been frustrated with is not dust after waxing, Blackfire has hardly any if it's been on long enough, but rather the daily dust that occurs in my dry climate.

Summer dry season will be the real test. But at least this fall/winter, BF II seems much improved so far.

Intermezzo · 12-30-02, 11:42

Quote:

Originally posted by waynejitsu
something else interesting. the longer the durability, the less shine in the product, it has to be a balance in the two, more shine, less durable, of course, he could make it any way you wanted if the order was large enough.

Hmmm, was this chemist Buda Abraham by any chance? I've seen him talking about this neg correlation between shine & durability many times.

waynejitsu · 12-30-02, 12:15

are you related to miss cleo? LOL!
yes, it was buda.

Intermezzo · 12-30-02, 12:34

Quote:

Originally posted by waynejitsu
are you related to miss cleo? LOL!
yes, it was buda.

LoL, nah. If you do a search of the archives under the name "Buda" you'll see that he had his little stint here on Autopia. His personality tended to clash with a lot of members and ultimately he stopped posting here. Also, I've had a few "Buda-sightings" from a few other forums I go to. He obviously knows a lot about the chemistry behind detailing products, but he has trouble 'getting-along' with others in pretty much every forum I've seen him in.

I think a lot of it is just misunderstandings between ppl with 'vastly' different backgrounds. It would be interesting to see what he's like in person though because he does go out of his way to help you when you ask him for it.

waynejitsu · 12-30-02, 12:43

i get the impression from him that he thinks his products he sells are better that everyone else products and his way is the only way, just my impression.

Jngrbrdman · 12-30-02, 12:51

Quote:

Originally posted by waynejitsu
i get the impression from him that he thinks his products he sells are better that everyone else products and his way is the only way, just my impression.

Its not that he feels his products are better (that's another former Autopian you are thinking of I think) but its that he thinks his opinions are better. That kind of approach to any group of enthusiasts isn't going to go over well. He has his opinions and he isn't afraid to tell you that you are wrong and he is right. (he is never wrong, by the way.

)

waynejitsu · 12-30-02, 01:08

LOL! yes, i guess thats it...,
he does have a lot of knowledge, i don't know if what he is saying is correct, but it does make sense, he is a good salesman

Intermezzo · 12-30-02, 01:20

Quote:

Originally posted by mrdetailer
Opened since Blackfire Evalutations has been Closed. Please stick to the topic.

Sorry for getting off topic again.

Did you have any problems with smearing when buffing out? Did your BF coats seem prone to fingerprint marks?

mrdetailer · 12-30-02, 01:28

Quote:

Originally posted by Intermezzo
Sorry for getting off topic again.

Did you have any problems with smearing when buffing out? Did your BF coats seem prone to fingerprint marks?

I've gotten the smears occassionally. But that is when I am applying in colder weather 40's to 50's, or with higher humidity, and it hasn't had time to cure yet. I wait longer and don't have the problem.

Once fully dry I've had no problem with fingerprints.

Let's hear others experiences.