Few things on product testing (long)--->

[DETAILKING]

I wanted to make a few comments regarding the testing of waxes and polishes after all the activity I have seen lately on this topic.

I think one point a few of us are missing is that the PROCESS is just as important as which product was used. When I read "XXXX lasted 8 weeks for me," some immediate questions come to mind:

What is the condition / age of the paint?
How was it prepped?
How often was the car washed and what kind of car wash was used?
Was any QD used, and if so which one, and how often?
What type of climate is the car subjected too?
How often was the car driven?

I wish the list ended there, but in reality, it does not. For instance, some of us have seen how different products react differently on cars from various manufacturers (ie paint systems).

Another point I want to make comes from a recent experience:

Most of you know I am a zaino user. Well this has been a REALLY tough winter in NJ and I would have to say because of the low temperatures we have been having and my hatred for automatic washes my car has probably gone the longest ever without a wash. After a few snow storms and saltings, the honest word for it would be "a mess." A few weeks ago it got a Z7 wash, and then a Z6 treatment. I was amazed. I couldn't believe how good it looked, and felt. Now Zaino car wax/polish is among the most durable out there but I must admit if there is anything left on the car, it is a weak layer at best as it has been many months of HARSH winter day to day driving. It kind of made me think that if I DID have a garage queen and protection was not crucial from UV rays and airborne contaminants, why not just wash and use a spray detailer exclusively?? Some food for thought....

The point I am trying to make--->I think it is great how some products are sold as and are to be used as a system for optimum performance (car wash, gloss enhancer, quick detailer spray,etc,etc). I do feel that when products as such are used as a system it is difficult to gauge performance and durability of the produts individually.

For example--->wax a car, wait 10 weeks, wash and quick detail. Holy cow this stuff lasted 10 weeks it STILL beads water, is slick, and glossy!

What I like to do----> I like to test the products of a system individually. If I was testing a quick detailer, I would use it on clean, prepped, unwaxed car to really gauge the difference it made in gloss, and slickness, and how long it lasted. When I test a wax for durability, I like to wash and drive the car as normal, but use a generic car wash that contains no gloss enhancers, and certainly no gloss enhancing spray detailing treatments. I feel that by using this method, it really defines a product's strengths and weaknesses. Using the whole system is only gonna make it better, so at least you get an idea of its true capabilities as an individual product.

The bottom line---> Test anyway you wish, but make sure you fill us in on ALL the details and conditions present during your test.

......and when evaluating the testing done by others, please consider this too before you post a "Are you on crack!!" type of response.

Hope this helps....

DK

[geekysteve]

Great post DK, and true to your form, very well stated with clear and concise ideas and suggestions. This one should be a sticky thread.

[ajbarnes]

Awesome post.

[l7avis]

Amen!

[blkZ28Conv]

Great post DK.
That's why I stopped posting product evaluations. I truly believe in the "whole" process. There have been many posts lately with disclaimers (ie did not prep just washed) followed by why they did not like the product. Then someone who perform the "whole" process gives rave reviews and is rapidly shot down.

I have made this suggestion before but I think location should be a requirement for membership.

[Scottwax]

I try to include all the variable on the product reviews I do, especially when durability is concerned. I try to find out if I am the only one who washes the vehicle or if they also wash it themselves or take it somewhere. If I am testing a product long term, I try to avoid using a QD unless I have to (like I missed a spot) so that can't influence the results either. My main reason for this is not this board, but my customers. I need to have confidence when I use product, it is going to last even if I don't always wash the vehicle.

[beanbag]

I'm not surprised your zaino lasted so long since you didn't wash the car. What do you think is better about taking off a layer of wax: a solution of detergents and surfactants + mechanical agitation, or dirt sitting there doing nothing?

[Accumulator]

DK- Good post, I wholeheartedly agree with everything you said

beanbag- I've found that leaving dirt/contamination on the finish is at least as hard on the protection (under MY conditions) than is frequent washing, at least the way I do it. The dirt holds moisture, etc. on the protection, and this seems to degrade it more than does my frequent washing. Bird bombs are even worse. Products like Zaino, Klasse, and Collinite are pretty impervious to car wash solutions.

My Collinited Volvo is outside 24/7/52. When I tried NOT washing it regularly, the Collinite didn't last NEARLY as long as it did when I washed it all the time. And I wash my Klassed vehicles whenever they're dirty, and I still get beading (not even sheeting) when I redo them after nearly a year. That's with Ohio winters and no QDs.

[DETAILKING]

Originally posted by beanbag
I'm not surprised your zaino lasted so long since you didn't wash the car. What do you think is better about taking off a layer of wax: a solution of detergents and surfactants + mechanical agitation, or dirt sitting there doing nothing?

Good point....I guess a "layer of dirt" goes a long way in preserving your waxed finish!!! hahaha

[4DSC]

Klasse lasts a long time too. I went through as similar scenario and it's still there.


Great post DK, many good points made about how product reviews should be posted, and how we should consider them.