5 star shine (FSS) review

jabroni · 12-20-03, 04:26

First, I am not a spammer. I am new to autopia, and used 5 star shine before ever reading anything about it on autopia or other forums, and I will share my honest opinion of the product.

FSS claims that once you use it, it will last ~3 years with no need to wax your car.

Does the product do what it claims to do? Maybe, but I don't think it's working on my vehicle.

For those of you that don't now, FSS uses two products: a special wash to prepare the surface of your car for a second special "protectant" that you apply like wax ( but they say it is not a wax).

The 5 star website claims that after applying FSS, you can wash your car with just water and a mit. EVen if this is true, you'd still probably end up scratching your car if you don't use any soap, right?

So, I used 5star about 5 or 6 months ago as soon as I got my first new car. Since this was my 1st car ever, I have never used any other wax/sealant before, so I don't have a basis to compare FSS to. I will say that initially after washing and using FSS months ago, my car looked nice and shiny, more shiny than just car wash and water alone.

But, the bottom line is, I am disappointed with 5 star shine. I'm a sucker for all the big claims it makes, so even though I'm not entirely convinced it is working on my vehicle (bug guts do come off easily, but I have the feeling it wouldn't be all the harder had I not used 5 star shine to begin with, I just don't know), maybe it can still work for someone else?

I feel that maybe I didn't apply FSS properly, and that's why it's not working.

the reason why I say this is because there is a patent for the FSS
at this link:

http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-P...&RS=PN/5081171

I want to direct everyone's attention to some parts of it:

"With the surface and its pores carefully cleaned and rinsed, and bearing positive charges, the surface is in condition to receive the protective coating with its small polarized negative particles of PTFE resin. These resin particles are electrostatically attracted into the purged craters and onto the painted surfaces. As the resins are pulled down into the craters, they tend to overcrowd themselves into these areas. Because the minute particles of PTFE resins elongate with any change in temperature from about 68 degrees Fahrenheit and up, they are soon permanently fused into the paint."

i put fss on in temperatures well below this 68 degrees, so maybe that's why it didn't work.

I washed my car 2 or 3 months ago, and it looked clean, but definitely not as clean & shiny as when I first applied FSS. Thus, the product doesn't hold up to its claim of "restoring a just waxed shine."

Also, water doesn't seam to bead up on my car, another sign that FSS doesn't work on my car.

I can't recommend someone to use FSS, but I can't discourage someone else from trying it either. I am curious if someone can get better results than me from using it. So, I hope this post can help anyone out there who is considering using FSS make an informed decision. The company should really provide a free sample for an autopian to use.

Anyway, I am now moving on to try klasse and plan to wax my car the good old fashioned way.

Mosca · 12-20-03, 06:44

I've not used FSS. However, there are a lot of PTFE resin sealants on the market. AutoInt makes one, Auto Guard, NuFinish, and more. Most "Sealant Packages" offered by new car dealers are PTFE based systems.

The general characteristic appearance of this type of product (I've been looking at it in my showroom for 12 years) is a very reflective plasticky shine, with a bit of a blue cast to it under flourescent light, with very little depth, and almost no warmth.

It is high in durability. 3 years? No. I'd give it on the far side of 6 months, though. We do all our cars with the Auto Guard product (no charge, folks, and we clay every car first) to help protect against acid rain (northeast PA), and it does do that.

Many of these products are formulated to sheet rather than bead. Sheeting prevents water spotting, which helps re point #2.

Finally, FSS was started not to bring a great product to the market, but as an instructive exercise in internet marketing. As such, it rankles a lot of people.

I appreciate your critical eye for this product. Your independent observations are spot on compared to those made by other users of FSS and competitive PTFE products. Since you are familiar with the two-step process, allow me to suggest you try the Klasse AIO and SG. It will give you the same durability, and it looks fantastic.

For more information on how to keep your new car looking great, spend some time looking through the articles and tutorials posted by the Mayor of Autopia, David Bynon.

Again,

Tom

geekysteve · 12-20-03, 07:04

As Tom said, "Welcome" to Autopia.

Thank you for the very honest review - it's much appreciated. I echo your findings - for me, the shine wasn't any better than a $2 tin of Armor All wax, and the durability appeared to be around 8 weeks (surface stopped beading, and started squeaking when rubbed gently).

The bad news: FSS didn't work as well as you had hoped. The good news: You can play around with some new products - the failure of FSS is a perfect excuse to buy some new stuff to try.

Thanks again, and good luck with your future details!

Mosca · 12-20-03, 09:40

Clarifying what I wrote, again I haven't used FSS. The product we use is made by Auto Guard. The "6 months" is based on how well it protects against acid rain, compared to an untreated car. After about 6 months, we have to reapply the sealant, or the cars get spotted. Some years we have had acid rain burn right down to bare metal.

Tom