Longevity of a wax or sealant

[keeotee]

This question probably makes its rounds with some frequency, but I`d like some feedback from others to satisfy my curiosity.

As an intro, it`s been several years now that I`ve been out of detailing, and so I have some refreshing and catching up to do.

There is the subjective method which we all use to some degree, but are there clinical trials and testing done? As well, each manufacturer is going to claim their product will last an approximate length of time, but as we all know conditions vary widely; some have garages and some do not while others are in very hot and dry areas and some live in wet and humid and so on.

We all read opinions on different products by those that use them and we rely to a good, perhaps great degree on these. I know I did.

But my question is whether there are trials and testing done between products, such as Klasse and say Wolfgang`s or Four Star and so on - sealant to sealant and wax to wax? Is there more than just opinion upon which to base one`s choice of sealant or wax or is that the tried and true method? I should add that I value the opinions of others greatly as I`m sure most all of us do, but is there more?

Any wishing to respond and follow up then with opinion on different products and length of protection, well, I really do like opinions.

Thanks.

[JaredPointer]

There`s been some "independent" testing by end-users that I`ve seen on the board, some of which is pretty good and fair (or at least seems that way). I don`t recall seeing any manufacturer type testing being reported on. And even in the testing I`ve seen, I think that opinion and pre-conceived notions do take part in the ranking of what`s what.

All my opinions have pretty much been gathered just using the stuff I could get my hands on and based on observations I think lend themselves to durability (i.e. not just beading).

It`s good to see some of the old names back on the board being active. Welcome back to madhouse.

[Ronkh]

Thats like asking "How much gas mileage will I get?"

There are so many different factorts that enter into it.
Was it layred over something else?
Was the car prepped properly?
Garage kept or outside 24/7
How many mile
Weather
Was the product allowed to cure properly
What type of soap/concentration is used to wash it.
Enviornmental

[black bart]

Problem with going with what you read rather than doing your own testing is like what I recently read on another site when someone ask about durability.
Several said Duragloss was the most durable and one said it did not come close to Finnish Kare but after several disagreed with him he said well he would give it a try.

This guy was arguing that what he used was better than DG when he had not even used it before.
Their are several sealants that I have not tried and may never get around to them all because after several years of testing I found what I like so I`m sticking with it.

Like Mike Phillips said find something you like and use it often.

The good thing is I don`t need to use it often.

[Mr. Clean]

...It`s good to see some of the old names back on the board being active. Welcome back to madhouse.

Indeed, welcome back.

[njcarting1]

YES IT DEPENDS

This said use what ya like and do it often it can never be a bad thing. I myself wash so ofter that no much lasts very long so I tend to wax very often. Ease of use often makes a difference on what people do as far as re applications.

Use what ya like, and just keep up with your process, its never wrong.

[keeotee]

I really appreciate the replies. They are what I believed to be the case and as I remembered. I tried a few sealants and waxes and in the end went with the one that gave me the look I wanted most for the color of the car.

It makes sense to go with what you like.

And thanks for those `Welcome Backs`! The family and I went through some very difficult times the past several years and some of that time I was driving a car I really didn`t care about. In some circles I`d be banned for how I let it go and in others I`d be thrown to the wolves!

Several weeks ago I bought a 2011 Camry (Barcelona red metallic), and I find myself now wanting to get back into detailing. I had to tell the wife I wouldn`t go crazy this time on detailing "stuff".

It`s good to be back and to see some from "the old gang" still around.

[JaredPointer]

If you`re looking for longevity and pretty decent looks on that specific color, I`d try some Collinite. I had a Tacoma in that color for a short time, and I believe I remember using Collinite on it right before I got rid of it.

[rabbi]

Welcome back KEE!. It`s been awhile.
Just wax every time you wash and wash often..
If I remember correctly and I do it`s mostly your fault that I started going on the buying binge of products.. After you then Nourah put me over the edge.J/K man. It took some time but after going through withdrawal I no longer buy everything on the market nor do I want to.
Again welcome back. Glad to hear you`re back on your feet.

[cwcad]

I found that they all work. Just depends on how hard one wants to work and how much one is willing to pay for it. Like BlackBart I have found the products that allow me to look good and enjoy it without tweeking it daily with some kind of detailing product. After a month anything you use can use an update. If nothing else than to give the paint a chemical cleaning before applying your favorite wax or sealant.

Welcome back Kee! I read the forums often but do not post as much of late.

[Bunky]

A new car is always a good incentive to get interested in detailing.

[Ronkh]

A new car is always a good incentive to get interested in detailing.

[keeotee]

Thanks rabbi and cwcad for the welcome back.

All good comments and thoughts from everyone. No wonder I enjoyed this place so much.

[RTexasF]

I`m glad to see your return also and happy that things are now going in the right direction. As JaredPointer mentioned, one of the few waxes that is universally agreed upon for durability is the Collinite series. They really do live up to the hype.