How durable is too durable?

DavidB · 06-19-06, 08:43

Last week I was sent a sample of a new sealant. It came in a simple white bottle with a red dot on it and "#49" written by hand. The note that came with it said "Best product I've ever created. Please give it a try and let me know what you think."

Okay, why not? The chemist was excited, so I'd better give it a try.

When I test a new sealant, I always wash with Dawn first to remove other products. I also have a wipe down spray consisting of mostly alcohol and water. I spray this solution after the wash. If the surface is not perfectly clean and ready for testing.

What I first noticed about the new product was its thickness... really thick! Even so, it went on very smooth, thin and even. Allow it to haze a bit and it wipes right off. WOW, the surface is now slick... really slick! The gloss is great, but it better be, I keep it well polished.

I let the product sit for an hour while I suck down some suds. It's warm out so I decide to give it a wash test. I hit it with a triple strength batch of Meguiar's NXT Wash. It continued to bead water with no problem. After drying, it was still slick as can be.

Okay, time to hit it with Zaino Z-7. I put 4 ounces of Z-7 in a bucket with 2-3 gallons of water. No problem... still beads water, still slick as snot.

Fine, let's pull out the big guns and hit it with Dawn... Guess what? It didn't come off. Still slick... still glossing. Amazing. I put Dawn directly on my wash mitt and scrubbed the area. This stuff just laughed at it!

I decide to have another beer and think about this one. I have long believed that it would not be possible to create a polymer you can apply by hand that has "paint strength" durability. Was I wrong?

Slurp! Slurp! Chug!!! Okay, let's hit it with certain death... the wipe down spray.

OMG! I wiped it down with the water/alcohol spray and it's still there!!!

After three heavy applications of alcohol/water spray it finally gives up. This stuff is amazing.

So, how durable is too durable? Is it possible to have a sealant that's too durable?

More testing on Red Dot Formula #49.

db

P.S., No, I can't reveal the creator of the product.

truzoom · 06-19-06, 08:47

Oh you tease!

Picus · 06-19-06, 08:49

For the average consumer I don't think there is such thing as "too durable", better there is a product that will withstand their daily lives, including auto washes, outdoor parking, etc...

For us enthusiasts I think it's obvious we would want a way to take it off. Try a chemical cleaner on it; if that doesn't do it you're stuck with it!

Danase · 06-19-06, 08:51

I can't wait for this red dot #49 to come out! Sounds like it would kick butt on wheels too!

-Lebowski- · 06-19-06, 08:57

Very interesting and I second the "you tease" comment. I think that you have to look at who the product is going to be marketed to. I imagine that the majority of us that have been detailing for years would be skeptical to say the least even with the Mayors testing. How would this product impact professionals and those that detail occasionally for money? I know that even if one coat was durable for one year that with my OCD and obsession for detailing I could not let it sit. But to the average Joe who believes in the Nu Finish philosophy of a once a year polish it would be of value to them.

I could see applying it to gain the extra protection but I would not stop topping it with something to continually try and out do myself.

DavidB · 06-19-06, 08:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danase

I can't wait for this red dot #49 to come out! Sounds like it would kick butt on wheels too!

Hmm... good test idea, Bob. Thanks!

BTW, I do have one complaint about this product. It hates soap and water! In fact, it hates soap and water so bad it's difficult to wash off of your hands. Oh, yeah, and you can forget washing it out of your applicator! Put it in a baggie, because it's now dedicated to this sealant.

DavidB · 06-19-06, 09:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Lebowski-

Very interesting and I second the "you tease" comment. I think that you have to look at who the product is going to be marketed to. I imagine that the majority of us that have been detailing for years would be skeptical to say the least even with the Mayors testing. How would this product impact professionals and those that detail occasionally for money? I know that even if one coat was durable for one year that with my OCD and obsession for detailing I could not let it sit. But to the average Joe who believes in the Nu Finish philosophy of a once a year polish it would be of value to them.

I could see applying it to gain the extra protection but I would not stop topping it with something to continually try and out do myself.

It's going to be marketed as an enthusiast products (and, no, not in my Sonus line... I wish!).

I have not tried multiple coats to see what kind of result I might get. After my initial test it was cutting into my beer time. Can't have that!

Danase · 06-19-06, 09:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidB

Hmm... good test idea, Bob. Thanks!
BTW, I do have one complaint about this product. It hates soap and water! In fact, it hates soap and water so bad it's difficult to wash off of your hands. Oh, yeah, and you can forget washing it out of your applicator! Put it in a baggie, because it's now dedicated to this sealant.

Yeah, that was the first thing I thought of when you mentioned how durable it was.
How does it do against rubber trim and plastic?

DavidB · 06-19-06, 09:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danase

Yeah, that was the first thing I thought of when you mentioned how durable it was.
How does it do against rubber trim and plastic?

Not sure about the rubber and plastic. The Cayenne only has plastic on the lower areas, and I only did the hood and nose.

Sherman8r44 · 06-19-06, 09:04

Sounds great David, but I have noticed that sometimes Dawn washes, claying (fine grade) and IPA wipedowns will not remove certain freshly-cured sealants...your sample is not the first. But if it's still slick after all that--that's quite an accomplishment. I agree with Bob, this sounds cool to try out on wheels.

Jimmy Buffit · 06-19-06, 09:06

Hope it is better than the infamous "Lab Sample D"

Jim

ashsarna · 06-19-06, 09:08

I would definitly be interested. My daily driver is out 24/7 in the elements and I think protection would be the main concern. The slickness, and ability to layer will keep the amateur detailer in me happy

. David, better keep us posted on this red dot #49

Thanks for the heads-up you tease!!!