Well, I`d taken a break from detailing for a while since I just had a baby girl but I`m finally getting used to the dad thing and am starting my detailing back up again.
So I`ve been trying out a bunch of new products but haven`t really found anything exciting until now. It`s the AJ: Trigger (AJT) and Prime Strong (PS) many of you are familiar with by now. To test, I applied it on my own cars (04 Acura TL Silver, 06 Mazda 3s GT Strato Blue Mica.) I`ll be ditching 3/4 of my products for this combo.
Anyway, the review.... (pics are below in the Results section, photos straight from camera, no editing except to reduce to 1024)
-- PACKAGING --
I really like the shorter 500ml bottles that all the Werkstatt products come in. It`s a little thing but I notice. For some reason, I find them easier to handle than the taller skinner 16oz bottles. Bottles are attracively clear PETE and I`ll probably buy a bunch of empties since most of my products are bulk. IMHO, overall design is a step up from most products.
-- PRODUCTS --
PS is slightly brownish grey in appearance and close to AIO in consistency (i.e. fairly runny.) For that matter, it smells just like AIO (in an unattractive but oddly comfortable way.) A little goes a very long way. I used 18ml (a little more than 0.5 oz) and that was more than I had to (more on that later.)
AJT is a white sprayable product that has the consistency of something like PB`s BnB. Little to no smell. Basically, slightly viscous milk. Mmm...
-- APPLICATION --
I worked PS like I`ve worked AIO in the past. LC White (polishing) on 4. I used more than I usually do because I purposely over-applied in some areas to see what removal would be like. Like AIO, it`s not overly easy or hard to remove. I typically use mf bonnets on large horizontal and vertical surfaces and then hand remove the rest. On the over-applied areas, it took a little extra work but you can also use a slight spritz of Acrylic Glos to loosen it up.
PS does haze up and dust quite a bit though. The MF bonnets tended to load up so I used 3 on the car. Also, it`s very noticeable if you get it on trim. As long as you don`t leave it on the trim, it should remove just fine.
AJT, on the other hand, was *supremely* easy to apply and remove. Spray a small spritz on a panel. I used an MF applicator (the kind you can tuck your fingers into) to spread it evenly. Wait for it to haze and remove. Very easy. Like working with OCW. We`re talking QD easy. I used about 15ml for the entire car.
-- RESULTS --
PS is an excellent chemical cleaner. After a wash and a 50/50 IPA wipe, it still cleaned a lot off the paint. I can`t attest to durability as I don`t tend to do many one steps. I`m strictly using PS as an acrylic base for AJT. As for slickness, it was pretty slick but nothing spectacular. Better than AIO (which isn`t saying much) but nowhere near as slick as say VM.
Optically, PS is very clear and glassy. I can defnitely see why some would use this as a one step. I think this would also be a good base for any sealant when you want some good durability. Basically, use in any situation where you might use AIO.
AJT - wow... The only product I`ve seen that looked like this was Z... and Z looks thinner than AJT. AJT just gives you a highly reflective, clear look with decent depth. It`s just an amazing look on silver. Glassy is what comes to mind.
AJT on my blue Mazda 3 was also amazing... but not exactly the right look for me. I like my darker colors to be more subdued and wetter looking. AJT won`t darken the paint at all and it will show any little flaw you have. It`s still a great look on dark colors but my personal preference is a watter, deeper look (my favorites are still the venerable Souveran and the more wallet friendly Trade Secret naubas.)
Note: Please ignore the front and back windows... they hadn`t been wiped down yet as of the pictures.
AJT`s slickness wasn`t great immediately after removal but after curing for 3-4 hours, it really started to get slick. I`d say a hair less slick than UPP but defnitely right up there with the best of them.
-- CONCLUSIONS --
This is the first product I`ve been truly excited about in the last couple of years. it`s just exactly the right look for metallics, IMHO. If durability is as good as it`s claimed to be (and no reason to think it won`t since it`s an acrylic formula), this will be my go-to for just about everything.
THE GOOD: Amazing reflective, glassy, bright appearance. Super slick. Easy on/off.
THE BAD: Can`t buy sizes larger than 500ml. Neither smell all that good. Low stock at times.
THE UGLY: None
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