CEE DOG
07-08-2010, 05:06 PM
Review: Ultima Interior Guard Plus (UIGP)
Introduction:
I have been a huge fan of Ultima products since my first experience with UPGP. For my tastes Ultima products offer some of the best products I’ve tried in looks, durability, and ease of use. I’ve been using 303 AP as an interior protectant for a long time and I love it. I’ve also used 1Z and Lexol brands for the leather. Anyway a couple weeks ago I finally coughed up the dough to try out the Ultima Interior Guard Plus (UIGP). Over the Independence Day weekend I spent some time with this wonderful product. Without further ado here is my review.
Product Description (from AG):
Ultima Interior Guard Plus is the first and only polymer sealant for automotive interiors. The Ultima sealant protection lasts for months and requires only a damp cloth or Ultima Detail Spray Plus to clean and maintain. Plus, unlike traditional interior dressings, Ultima Interior Guard Plus maintains an even, natural appearance and will not fog your interior glass.
Initial Product Observations:
1.- Manufacturer Claims: True * (I have not tested UV protection or durability)
2.- Packaging: Large clear plastic cylinder contains a red and gray UIGP sponge applicator and the UIGP contained in a fancy elliptical blue plastic bottle with pump spray nozzle
3.- Directions: The directions on the bottle contradict the directions from my 2009 Ultima user guide I will call Ultima and clear this up. The correct directions will be posted in this review.
4.- Consistency: Thin Liquid Polymer Sealant
5.- Color: Clear
6.- Scent: No fragrance beyond the initial faint chemical smell which you probably won’t notice unless you stick your nose in the bottle J (Such is the cost of creating a comprehensive review)
7.- Size: 12 oz.
8.- Current Price: $34.99
9.- Manufacturer: Four Star Products (Premium Finish Care)
10.-Made in: USA
Additional products used for prep, during application, or removal:
1.- Microfiber towel
Method of Application, and noted Observations:
This is going to be a little long but I hope you will bear with me. J
I started by cleaning the entire interior with DP interior cleaner. Next I taped off a section of my dashboard, passenger side door, and passenger side leather seat for contrast. Then I gave the bottle a good shake and off to the fun part! I primed the included applicator with one spray and then sprayed once more. Applying UIGP to the leather seat I noticed that initially the finish looked very glossy and oily. As it dried the glossy, oily look faded away. I also found that the applicator shed a couple small particles. Mind you it was only a few but I didn’t like that. This may have been my fault as I found myself initially rubbing harder then I really wanted to. I think this learning curve was associated to my extensive use of Ultima paint sealant with which one spritz lasts close to 3 sq ft. With the UIGP one spray covered a fair bit. However it certainly didn’t cover 3 sq ft. (which makes sense due to the materials) so I was rubbing harder for a moment instead of applying more product as early as I should have. I know with Ultima products less is more so I didn’t want to over saturate the applicator. Proper use dictates after initial priming you should spray once more and then work across surface until you no longer see product coming from applicator. From then on it’s 1 spray and apply. I continued with application across all of the leather, plastic, and vinyl of my interior (Except of course the taped off “contrast areas”). I also coated the plastic interior frame covering of my convertible top, the glossy silver plastic around my shifter, my chrome shifter knob, and the perforated black metal speaker covers. As the bottle directed about half way through the application process I went back and buffed the area I had already completed starting at the beginning. Then finished the last of the interior and buffed that as well.
I was a little confused as I could have sworn this was a wipe on walk away product like the exterior sealant. So, as I was writing this review on Wednesday I was looking at some info about application instructions and saw it said not to dry or buff (just as I had thought was the case). I followed the instructions on the bottle and it came out nice so I had to assume what I was reading on line was incorrect. Still it didn’t seem like I should have to buff it. I remembered that I had an Ultima user guide from last year so I consulted the guide. Well, there it was in the user guide. “Do not buff” “Wipe on and walk away”. I wouldn’t be posting this review Wednesday night after all!
I called Sam Lankford (Owner of Premium Finish Care) this morning and he was extremely courteous and helpful. The following is what he told me. Ultima Interior Guard Plus is designed as a wipe on and walk away product in order to cut your application time in half. If applied correctly (thin) you will not need to dry or buff the product. The reason the label states to buff off after 3-5 minutes is that apparently some people were applying it too thick. If you apply it too thick then you may see some streaking. In this event you can go back and buff that area after 3 minutes. I also asked Sam if waiting until you’re done with the whole car or longer before buffing a streak would matter. He said no problem either way. Sam recommends you apply in a circular motion and then finish in a straight line. During application I hadn’t experienced streaking but I had buffed the area anyway so I also asked Sam if this could have compromised my durability. He said this would not be an issue either. All of his answers were exactly what I wanted to hear. This means application time is really great! Just don’t put it on thick and you’ll be fine. Any streaking can be corrected as needed.
Ok, where were we? Ah yes… I did not seal my mats with UIGP as they are currently guarded with 303 fabric protectant, but I will in the future. For application to fabric or carpet you can spray a light coating directly at the material and then wipe with cloth. I don’t remember if I applied the Sonax and 303 AP to their respective areas before or after the UIGP but it matters not. On the taped off leather seat the pictures to come will show the contrast between UIGP, no dressing, and 303 AP. On the dashboard and door panel the pictures to come will show the contrast between UIGP, no dressing, and Sonax Dashboard Cleaner matte finish.
UIGP can dry in as little as 15 minutes, or take as long as an hour depending on conditions like humidity. (I observed drying time at about 15 minutes). For best results Ultima recommends that you allow the polymers to cure (cross link) overnight. However you can drive the car after an hour. So I pulled the car back into the garage and waited till the next morning to take the pictures and inspect the finish. The next morning everything looked really great! The black leather and vinyl was a richer darker tone but not glossy. The glossy silver plastic as well as the chrome shifter and door handles were very shiny. They had no streaks and were not at all dulled by UIGP. Please see the pictures and rejoin me afterwards to see the listed Pros, Cons, and Summary.
1.- Conditions
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/01-Conditions.JPG
2.- Before
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/02-Before.JPG
3.- N/A
4.- Product
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/04-Product.JPG
5.- Foam Particle from Applicator
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/05-Foam_Particles.JPG
6.- Seconds after application
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/06-Seconds_after_application.JPG
7.- 50/50 with no dressing on the tape line
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/071.JPG
8.- 50/50 with no dressing on the tape line
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/085.JPG
9.- 50/50 with no dressing on the tape line
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/091.JPG
10.- 33/33/33
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/10-33-33-33.JPG
11.- UIGP 50/50
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/11-UIGP.JPG
12.- 303 AP 50/50
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/12-303.JPG
13.- Seats After
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/13-AFTER.JPG
14.- Seats After
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/14_AFTER.JPG
15.- After
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15-AFTER.JPG
16.- After
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/16-AFTER.JPG
17.- After
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/17-AFTER.JPG
18.- After
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/18-AFTER.JPG
19.- Behind Seat After
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/19-AFTER.JPG
20.- Behind Seat After (Lighting made it look gray) It’s Black
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/20-AFTER.JPG
21.- Seats After (Being able to drop the top to let the sunshine in is great for reviews too!)
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/21-AFTER.JPG
22.- Cockpit After
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/22-AFTER.JPG
23.- Plastic above Console (A little out of focus)
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/23-After.JPG
24.- Shifter After
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/24-AFTER.JPG
25.- Close up Plastic Around Shifter After
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/25_AFTER.JPG
26.- Door 50/50 with no dressing on the tape line
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/26-Door.JPG
27.- Door 50/50 with no dressing on the tape line
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/27-Door.JPG
28.- Dash 50/50 with no dressing on the tape line
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/28-DASH.JPG
29.- Dash UIGP Close up
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/29-DASH.JPG
30.- Dash 50/50 with no dressing on the tape line
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/30-DASH.JPG
Pros:
1.- Extremely Versatile: use on ALL interior surfaces except glass.
2.- Great Looks: Deepens and enriches the look of the interior while taking on the look of the surface which it is applied to (flat, matte, satin or glossy) Glossy surfaces will be glossy. Matte surfaces will maintain their matte finish, etc.
3.- Feel: Interior is very soft with no greasy or slippery feeling (Especially the leather and smooth plastic components (I can’t stop touching them J)
4.- Speed of application: Wipe on & Walk away
5.- Ease of cleaning after surfaces are sealed
6.- UV Protection
7.- Resists water and staining as well as the effects of oils and salt from the skin
8.- **Durability: 3+ months (In process of testing this but from what I understand this is accurate)
Cons:
1.- Not so sure I like the included applicator as much as I thought I would. Ultima tips say to stick with that applicator to ensure an even coating however in my conversation with Sam he mentioned using a Microfiber towel. I think I’ll try one of those square Microfiber applicators next time.
2.- See ??? # 2
???:
1.- If it would help more people try it, I would love to see Autogeek stock a 4 oz. size as well as the 12 oz. they already carry.
2.-Price: I moved back and forth on placing this as a con. The initial price was what held me back from trying this product sooner. The truth is now that I’ve tried it I wish I hadn’t waited so long, therefore I can’t list this as a con. I will purchase this product again at this price without hesitation. In the long run the price is actually good thanks to the very small amount of product that is needed for application and the durability aspects.
Final Observations and Summary:
This is a fantastic product that may scare some off with its initial price. However, if purchased I think a lot of you will make this a go to product. Regret is extremely unlikely. I really love this product and I hope you will too. It has become my go to product for protecting my interior. I will update further with some testing on durability. I still look forward to using 303 AP as well as Sonax DC for certain cases and applications. Please let me know if you have any questions or comments. Well, it was 1,868 words. I hope you’re still awake and you enjoyed it J[FONT=Arial]
And the link: Ultima Interior Guard Plus 12 oz., interior protectant, rubber & vinyl protectant, dash dressing (http://www.autogeek.net/ultima-interior-guard-12.html)
Introduction:
I have been a huge fan of Ultima products since my first experience with UPGP. For my tastes Ultima products offer some of the best products I’ve tried in looks, durability, and ease of use. I’ve been using 303 AP as an interior protectant for a long time and I love it. I’ve also used 1Z and Lexol brands for the leather. Anyway a couple weeks ago I finally coughed up the dough to try out the Ultima Interior Guard Plus (UIGP). Over the Independence Day weekend I spent some time with this wonderful product. Without further ado here is my review.
Product Description (from AG):
Ultima Interior Guard Plus is the first and only polymer sealant for automotive interiors. The Ultima sealant protection lasts for months and requires only a damp cloth or Ultima Detail Spray Plus to clean and maintain. Plus, unlike traditional interior dressings, Ultima Interior Guard Plus maintains an even, natural appearance and will not fog your interior glass.
Initial Product Observations:
1.- Manufacturer Claims: True * (I have not tested UV protection or durability)
2.- Packaging: Large clear plastic cylinder contains a red and gray UIGP sponge applicator and the UIGP contained in a fancy elliptical blue plastic bottle with pump spray nozzle
3.- Directions: The directions on the bottle contradict the directions from my 2009 Ultima user guide I will call Ultima and clear this up. The correct directions will be posted in this review.
4.- Consistency: Thin Liquid Polymer Sealant
5.- Color: Clear
6.- Scent: No fragrance beyond the initial faint chemical smell which you probably won’t notice unless you stick your nose in the bottle J (Such is the cost of creating a comprehensive review)
7.- Size: 12 oz.
8.- Current Price: $34.99
9.- Manufacturer: Four Star Products (Premium Finish Care)
10.-Made in: USA
Additional products used for prep, during application, or removal:
1.- Microfiber towel
Method of Application, and noted Observations:
This is going to be a little long but I hope you will bear with me. J
I started by cleaning the entire interior with DP interior cleaner. Next I taped off a section of my dashboard, passenger side door, and passenger side leather seat for contrast. Then I gave the bottle a good shake and off to the fun part! I primed the included applicator with one spray and then sprayed once more. Applying UIGP to the leather seat I noticed that initially the finish looked very glossy and oily. As it dried the glossy, oily look faded away. I also found that the applicator shed a couple small particles. Mind you it was only a few but I didn’t like that. This may have been my fault as I found myself initially rubbing harder then I really wanted to. I think this learning curve was associated to my extensive use of Ultima paint sealant with which one spritz lasts close to 3 sq ft. With the UIGP one spray covered a fair bit. However it certainly didn’t cover 3 sq ft. (which makes sense due to the materials) so I was rubbing harder for a moment instead of applying more product as early as I should have. I know with Ultima products less is more so I didn’t want to over saturate the applicator. Proper use dictates after initial priming you should spray once more and then work across surface until you no longer see product coming from applicator. From then on it’s 1 spray and apply. I continued with application across all of the leather, plastic, and vinyl of my interior (Except of course the taped off “contrast areas”). I also coated the plastic interior frame covering of my convertible top, the glossy silver plastic around my shifter, my chrome shifter knob, and the perforated black metal speaker covers. As the bottle directed about half way through the application process I went back and buffed the area I had already completed starting at the beginning. Then finished the last of the interior and buffed that as well.
I was a little confused as I could have sworn this was a wipe on walk away product like the exterior sealant. So, as I was writing this review on Wednesday I was looking at some info about application instructions and saw it said not to dry or buff (just as I had thought was the case). I followed the instructions on the bottle and it came out nice so I had to assume what I was reading on line was incorrect. Still it didn’t seem like I should have to buff it. I remembered that I had an Ultima user guide from last year so I consulted the guide. Well, there it was in the user guide. “Do not buff” “Wipe on and walk away”. I wouldn’t be posting this review Wednesday night after all!
I called Sam Lankford (Owner of Premium Finish Care) this morning and he was extremely courteous and helpful. The following is what he told me. Ultima Interior Guard Plus is designed as a wipe on and walk away product in order to cut your application time in half. If applied correctly (thin) you will not need to dry or buff the product. The reason the label states to buff off after 3-5 minutes is that apparently some people were applying it too thick. If you apply it too thick then you may see some streaking. In this event you can go back and buff that area after 3 minutes. I also asked Sam if waiting until you’re done with the whole car or longer before buffing a streak would matter. He said no problem either way. Sam recommends you apply in a circular motion and then finish in a straight line. During application I hadn’t experienced streaking but I had buffed the area anyway so I also asked Sam if this could have compromised my durability. He said this would not be an issue either. All of his answers were exactly what I wanted to hear. This means application time is really great! Just don’t put it on thick and you’ll be fine. Any streaking can be corrected as needed.
Ok, where were we? Ah yes… I did not seal my mats with UIGP as they are currently guarded with 303 fabric protectant, but I will in the future. For application to fabric or carpet you can spray a light coating directly at the material and then wipe with cloth. I don’t remember if I applied the Sonax and 303 AP to their respective areas before or after the UIGP but it matters not. On the taped off leather seat the pictures to come will show the contrast between UIGP, no dressing, and 303 AP. On the dashboard and door panel the pictures to come will show the contrast between UIGP, no dressing, and Sonax Dashboard Cleaner matte finish.
UIGP can dry in as little as 15 minutes, or take as long as an hour depending on conditions like humidity. (I observed drying time at about 15 minutes). For best results Ultima recommends that you allow the polymers to cure (cross link) overnight. However you can drive the car after an hour. So I pulled the car back into the garage and waited till the next morning to take the pictures and inspect the finish. The next morning everything looked really great! The black leather and vinyl was a richer darker tone but not glossy. The glossy silver plastic as well as the chrome shifter and door handles were very shiny. They had no streaks and were not at all dulled by UIGP. Please see the pictures and rejoin me afterwards to see the listed Pros, Cons, and Summary.
1.- Conditions
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/01-Conditions.JPG
2.- Before
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/02-Before.JPG
3.- N/A
4.- Product
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/04-Product.JPG
5.- Foam Particle from Applicator
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/05-Foam_Particles.JPG
6.- Seconds after application
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/06-Seconds_after_application.JPG
7.- 50/50 with no dressing on the tape line
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/071.JPG
8.- 50/50 with no dressing on the tape line
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/085.JPG
9.- 50/50 with no dressing on the tape line
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/091.JPG
10.- 33/33/33
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/10-33-33-33.JPG
11.- UIGP 50/50
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/11-UIGP.JPG
12.- 303 AP 50/50
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/12-303.JPG
13.- Seats After
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/13-AFTER.JPG
14.- Seats After
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/14_AFTER.JPG
15.- After
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15-AFTER.JPG
16.- After
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/16-AFTER.JPG
17.- After
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/17-AFTER.JPG
18.- After
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/18-AFTER.JPG
19.- Behind Seat After
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/19-AFTER.JPG
20.- Behind Seat After (Lighting made it look gray) It’s Black
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/20-AFTER.JPG
21.- Seats After (Being able to drop the top to let the sunshine in is great for reviews too!)
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/21-AFTER.JPG
22.- Cockpit After
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/22-AFTER.JPG
23.- Plastic above Console (A little out of focus)
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/23-After.JPG
24.- Shifter After
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/24-AFTER.JPG
25.- Close up Plastic Around Shifter After
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/25_AFTER.JPG
26.- Door 50/50 with no dressing on the tape line
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/26-Door.JPG
27.- Door 50/50 with no dressing on the tape line
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/27-Door.JPG
28.- Dash 50/50 with no dressing on the tape line
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/28-DASH.JPG
29.- Dash UIGP Close up
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/29-DASH.JPG
30.- Dash 50/50 with no dressing on the tape line
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/30-DASH.JPG
Pros:
1.- Extremely Versatile: use on ALL interior surfaces except glass.
2.- Great Looks: Deepens and enriches the look of the interior while taking on the look of the surface which it is applied to (flat, matte, satin or glossy) Glossy surfaces will be glossy. Matte surfaces will maintain their matte finish, etc.
3.- Feel: Interior is very soft with no greasy or slippery feeling (Especially the leather and smooth plastic components (I can’t stop touching them J)
4.- Speed of application: Wipe on & Walk away
5.- Ease of cleaning after surfaces are sealed
6.- UV Protection
7.- Resists water and staining as well as the effects of oils and salt from the skin
8.- **Durability: 3+ months (In process of testing this but from what I understand this is accurate)
Cons:
1.- Not so sure I like the included applicator as much as I thought I would. Ultima tips say to stick with that applicator to ensure an even coating however in my conversation with Sam he mentioned using a Microfiber towel. I think I’ll try one of those square Microfiber applicators next time.
2.- See ??? # 2
???:
1.- If it would help more people try it, I would love to see Autogeek stock a 4 oz. size as well as the 12 oz. they already carry.
2.-Price: I moved back and forth on placing this as a con. The initial price was what held me back from trying this product sooner. The truth is now that I’ve tried it I wish I hadn’t waited so long, therefore I can’t list this as a con. I will purchase this product again at this price without hesitation. In the long run the price is actually good thanks to the very small amount of product that is needed for application and the durability aspects.
Final Observations and Summary:
This is a fantastic product that may scare some off with its initial price. However, if purchased I think a lot of you will make this a go to product. Regret is extremely unlikely. I really love this product and I hope you will too. It has become my go to product for protecting my interior. I will update further with some testing on durability. I still look forward to using 303 AP as well as Sonax DC for certain cases and applications. Please let me know if you have any questions or comments. Well, it was 1,868 words. I hope you’re still awake and you enjoyed it J[FONT=Arial]
And the link: Ultima Interior Guard Plus 12 oz., interior protectant, rubber & vinyl protectant, dash dressing (http://www.autogeek.net/ultima-interior-guard-12.html)