[bimmernotbeamer]

Originally Posted by picus

FMJ needs a cure time to achieve max durability - it's kind of a bummer and one of the reasons I tend not to recommend it unless it's an "advanced" user.

As for optical clarity, I've never experienced any filling with FMJ, but have with their glaze.

When I used the FMJ it was during summer, and there was no rain. My coat of FMJ definitely got the prescribed cure time. In terms of the filling, FMJ does seem to have some oils in it that can fill. Maybe it was not directly intended this way, but I have noticed it. I know you do meticulous prep, so that may be a reason whay you have not noticed it. Bottom line, to me at least, FMJ is an oily based sealant similar in nature to WG, BF, UPP, EX, and EX-P. It wouldn't surprise me if they were all made by the same blender and derived of a similar formula. But that's just speculation on my part.

[picus]

Hrm, interesting. I've gotten decent durability out of FMJ. Nowhere near as good as Werkstatt/Zaino, but better than 7 weeks. Because of the cure time thing I generally don't use it unless the weather is really good, and I tend to recommend people go with more user friendly sealants. It could very well be that I get added durability because I use it in conjunction with high gloss acrylic sealant.

In general it's all Zaino/AJ for me come winter anyway; like you mentioned, better to spend time on prep than worrying about LSP.

[bimmernotbeamer]

Yeah the HGAS probably helped out a lot. I never used it during my test.

[Master Deep]

Well since you guys are well educated in detailing, i got a question. Right now I'm a beginner detailer and I'm using S100 Paintwork Cleanser and S100 Carnuaba wax. It looks amazing and actually has lasted me over 3 months. I'm looking to add a sealant in before the wax. Is this possible to throw it in after the S100 Paintwork Cleanser? Or do I have to get a new pre-wax polish (like AIO) for the sealant to bond correctly?

[picus]

I've never used S100/P21S Paintwork Cleanser, so take this with a grain of salt but I do not think it contains wax. I believe it's a chemical cleaner/finishing polish just like AIO, so you should be ok to seal after using it.

[boyce'06 330i]

Just ordered my Zaino total protection show car kit. The wife and kids will be out of town next weekend, so I guess my weekend is planned! Plan to follow the final coat of Zaino with some One Grand Blitz or Souveran Carnuba.

Picus, thanks again for your help!

[brocken]

Originally Posted by Master Deep

Well since you guys are well educated in detailing, i got a question. Right now I'm a beginner detailer and I'm using S100 Paintwork Cleanser and S100 Carnuaba wax. It looks amazing and actually has lasted me over 3 months. I'm looking to add a sealant in before the wax. Is this possible to throw it in after the S100 Paintwork Cleanser? Or do I have to get a new pre-wax polish (like AIO) for the sealant to bond correctly?

I know for sure Klasse AIO works great under sealers, S100 cleanser would probably be the same. As long as it doesn't contain any carnauba.
For sealants I've used Fourstar UPP and really like it, goes on easy and buffs off super easy. Decent duration of protection(really long if you layer wax over it) and it leaves a slick finish with a little bit of "pop". Especially on lighter colored cars.
There are some other AIO like Optimum Poli-seal(i just ordered some) that do a light polish and offer good sealing power. Supposedly 2-3 months. I don't know if you can layer other sealants over it but I'm sure you could top it with S100 carnauba.
What I like about one stages is that you don't have to do a cleaner, then a light polish, then a sealant, then your carnauba. If I can do my "finishing" in two steps that's awesome.

Basically, if you want a sealant(if S100 cleanser doesn't seal) then I would suggest getting somethign like Poli-seal that cleans/polishes while sealing. Rather than adding another step.

[Master Deep]

Well I'm basically looking for protection. I'm gonna layer the S100 wax on top for more shine. I thought AIO products don't last as long as stand alone sealants. What's the best sealer under $15-$20?

S100 cleanser is a petroleum based fine polish. I'm 99.0% sure it has no carnuaba.

[picus]

If you want straight up protection then just grab some Z5pro/ZFX, and put some S100 on top of it.

[Master Deep]

Originally Posted by picus

If you want straight up protection then just grab some Z5pro/ZFX, and put some S100 on top of it.

I'd love to do that, but I don't have that kind of money right now. $38 + shipping.

What's the best around $15-$20? Something that does a little filling would be good too since I have a black car. How's EX-P?

[picus]

Originally Posted by Master Deep

I'd love to do that, but I don't have that kind of money right now. $38 + shipping.

What's the best around $15-$20? Something that does a little filling would be good too since I have a black car. How's EX-P?

EX-P is ok, but you'll only get 10-12 weeks max out of it, same with EX (I'd recommend EX since it will do some filling, but then there is the durability thing). I use EX a lot because I like the look, but for a sealant durability is only average.

Have you thought of many going with Collinite 845 or 476? You can find them at local marine stores.

Otherwise, maybe some Acrylic Jett Trigger: http://www.jeffswerkstatt.com/acrylic-jett-trigger.php ?

That'll last 4-5 months solid, and is easy to use (and $14.95 )

[Master Deep]

Thanks picus. I've gotten my 2 coats of S100 to last 3-4 months. I was surprised since it is only a carnuaba. But then again, the car is driven like 4-5x a week and I usually try to leave it in the garage when it rains cause it's black.

Did you say above that you rate Werkstatt's products close to zaino? Is it better than Wolfgang and Menzerna's stuff?

[picus]

I personally like Werkstatt stuff a lot; it's a lot like Klasse (in fact, some folks think they might be related, I don't know); I do know it's easier to use, looks a little better, and lasts as long. The Trigger is the real bonus, a spray sealant that lasts months is a good thing. I like WG and Menzerna FMJ, but would choose Acrylic Jett/Trigger over them, yes.

[Master Deep]

How does the regular Acrylic Jett and the Trigger compare? I'm assuming the trigger won't have as much shine and won't last as long but be much easier to apply?

[picus]

Originally Posted by Master Deep

How does the regular Acrylic Jett and the Trigger compare? I'm assuming the trigger won't have as much shine and won't last as long but be much easier to apply?

Trigger is just a slightly "watery" version of AJ, apparently it's a new formulation and has no appreciable difference in look or durability. I do not notice any difference in either, so if I were buying one now I would go for Trigger everytime. Think of it like Acrylic Jett 2.0 or something.

[Master Deep]

Wow. I'm impressed. If the trigger is as good or better than the original and other brands in a spray bottle, that is just amazing. It's like a QD, but it seals and lasts 4-5 months. How long do you have to wait between applying coats of the AJ:T? Do you recommend putting down 2-4 coats of the AJ first and then topping w/ S100 carnuaba wax and leave it alone for 5-6 months, or just keep adding some AJ every month after a good wash after the base 2-4 coats? How's the depth of the AJ? Does it have any filling properties for swirls?

[bimmernotbeamer]

To the question regarding P21s paint cleanser, I would not use this under any sealant. From what I have heard about the product, it has mild cleaning ability and does fill in minor imperfections like a glaze. Based on this, it will probably interfere with your sealant bonding.

[picus]

Originally Posted by Master Deep

Wow. I'm impressed. If the trigger is as good or better than the original and other brands in a spray bottle, that is just amazing. It's like a QD, but it seals and lasts 4-5 months. How long do you have to wait between applying coats of the AJ:T? Do you recommend putting down 2-4 coats of the AJ first and then topping w/ S100 carnuaba wax and leave it alone for 5-6 months, or just keep adding some AJ every month after a good wash after the base 2-4 coats? How's the depth of the AJ? Does it have any filling properties for swirls?

I've never really been a believer in "coats", I usually do two applications back to back to ensure coverage, then just leave it alone. I'd do that then decide if you want to put S100 on top of it. If you do just put S100 on whenever you feel like it, but remember you'll need to strip it all before re-applying AJT.

I do not believe AJ has any fillers, however if you use Prime first you may get some filling. The look is similar to Z2pro, so very good on lighter cars, although I prefer the look of Z5pro on darker cars (but it's a personal preference). On my black car I just do prime, ajt, then whatever wax I feel like on that day (though I usually don't bother topping).

[Master Deep]

Hmm. So now I have to get Prime and AJT, since i can't use the S100/P21S cleanser. And I usually just put on 2 coats of wax and leave it, but since this is a spray sealant, it's much easier to apply so i'd enjoy adding more layers. I usually don't like to touch the paint too much. Cause honestly, touching usually = swirls. Even if u use the best quality towels and applicators.