Looks or longevity

jaybs02

jaybs02

New member
People use different LSPs for different reasons.

Some people want can't wait to try the next new topper or redo their cars every month having it always look it's best so longevity isn't an issue.

For others they want to do their car once every 3-4 months (if not longer), because they don't have the time or harsh weather will play a factor, so LSP longevity is a major factor.

Then there is the other group, the ones who will go out every other month to go over their finish to get try and get the best of both worlds, so longevity isn't that much of an issue but still is.

I was wondering do you go for the looks or the longevity?

I'm one of those every other month middle of the road types.

"J"
 
I go for "durability".


To me, durability is how strong the protection is against the elements. Yes, there is a difference compared to longevity.

Most of the times the durability goes hand in hand with longevity.

I truly believe that looks come from proper prep. You can analyze waxes/sealants for days about which one reflects more light/ is wetter/ is more glossy/ etc., but all in all, 99% of us here don't have the resources to actually measure these attributes fairly. For this you would need a great amount of costly equipment.


So in the end, spend your money/time on polishes, not LSP's. When choosing an LSP, choose one that works best *for you*. For me, its ease of use in all conditions and maximum durability.
 
I agree with sean on the prep thing, and spending the money on fine polishes to really perfect the finish. I go two ways on this questions. FOr me in the summer I am all about the looks, I will rewax my car about every 2 weeks wether it be a paste or spray.

In the winter I still want the looks (thats were the polishes come in) but I also need a strong durability for the harsh weather. I dont want to limp through with a coat of souveran or any other wax.

For customers I try to get the best of both worlds. When I can acheive as near flawless finish a sealant and lsp will look really nice and have the added durability.

Greg
 
I with Sean on his opinion that prep is key. However, I personally believe prep is more like 80% of it. Once you have the surface prepped and it looks great that's most of the battle. However, whatever you put on top of the surface at this point is like a lens you have to look through to see the paint. So, it can play a role in the way you see the results of the detail. Personally, when I choose an LSP I go for beauty. If it lasts 4-6 weeks I'm happy with that. When winter rolls around though I switch my preference to durability for the reasons that Sean lists. I guess it's a good thing I have so many products on my shelf since my tastes seem to vary with the season. :D

I also prefer to stay away from LSPs that require cure time or that work better layered to save time.
 
There is no question in my mind that prepping the surface is the MOST important step to having the vehicle look it best.
I was referring to people who say that they have or have used products that last 3 months, 6 months and so on, I really couldn't say if it lasted that long because after about 8-9 weeks, I would be removing that and doing some quick paint correction, and reapply a fresh LSP.
I do agree with Sean that how well a product holds up against against the elements is an important factor, because I also have to deal with some harsh weather conditions, but if it gives me the 2 months I'm happy.

Sean the reason I used the term longevity instead of durability is because it's started with "L"
I guess I shouldn't have skipped that creavite writing class :lol:

"J"
 
Ease of use and looks with protection is my main concern. Not staining trim or leaving white residue in crevices is pretty high on my list, too. Longevity isn't a big deal. If it will last four to six weeks, I'll probably be adding more by that time.
I can't remember anymore, but I think I did once go about 9 weeks and that is probably my record.
FWIW, it was UPP with KAIO as a base and it was still beading and looked good.

Charles
 
CharlesW said:
Looks with protection is my main concern. Longevity isn't a big deal. If it will last four to six weeks, I'll probably be adding more by that time.
I can't remember anymore, but I think I did once go about 9 weeks and that is probably my record.
FWIW, it was UPP with KAIO as a base and it was still beading and looked good.

Charles
Click to expand...
I am with Charles I never let me car go more than usually a month and a half, so as long as it looks great in that time I am happy.
 
I'm mostly looks on my own car, but not always. I wax monthly, but in PEI that is longer than some cheap waxes and glazes won't last that long, even if they might do well in Florida.
With my customers, it is 95% durability. The 5% is if there was a product that lasted long but didn't shine; I wouldn't go for it.
 
Because of my unique situation of being away from home for six months at a time I am interested in longevity for the wife's car but it is not of a conceern for my personal vehicle.

The black truck requires more attention to keep it looking pristine. Much more work than the white color that my wife has. Usually I use this as the test bed of both sealant and wax.

Longevity happens to also give looks in the case of the wife's car.


Have added a third vehicle to the mix with the addition of the daughter's car. Have used a sealant for her car becaue she is not around enough to take care of it. Looks are not a factor for me in this vehicle. Protection is.
 
Is it bad that I have a double standard? I go for looks on my personal vehicles, but always for durability with customer vehicles (unless I know I'm prepping it to be shown).
 
Durability doesn't really matter for me in the long run. I keep it fresh enough that it doens't matter how long it lasts because I'm never going to stand around to wait for it to wear off. For my customers I generally use Wolfgang. That way they get longetivity and looks. :)
 
Jngrbrdman said:
Durability doesn't really matter for me in the long run. I keep it fresh enough that it doens't matter how long it lasts because I'm never going to stand around to wait for it to wear off. For my customers I generally use Wolfgang. That way they get longetivity and looks. :)
Click to expand...
jngrbrdmn i noticed you use WG on your customers cars. when using expensive boutique products as to lets say megs pro line do you compensate for the better product (upcharge)?

I don't want to high jack this thread but this is a question i have long thought about. if needed so, i'll start another thread on this .
 
jaybs95 said:
I'm one of those every other month middle of the road types.
"J"
Click to expand...

Me too...I typically use a good 3-4 month sealant, but reapply it every month. I think even more than longevity and looks, I love slickness, so reapplying every month ensures it stays there.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top