Durability- how do you determine it?

**Jimmie** · 10-09-2008, 11:33 AM

This has always been a mystery to me because early on some one mentioned how well bees-wax beaded but offered nothing for protection. Sealants sheet; carnauba beads????
I got to thinking about it again when someone asked if Bug Squash removed LSP.
So how do you tell the durability of your LSP? When do you reapply (based on time or something you see)?

**TOGWT** · 10-09-2008, 01:09 PM

There is not a scientific test, but this is a suggestion from a polymer product manufacturer (Sal Zaino, Zaino Bros)-

Quote:To test your wax / sealant you must measure the water beading of your paint (height, contact angle and diameter) without any polish/wax applied. Next, measure the water beading of your paint (height, contact angle and diameter) within 24 hours after initially applying your polish/wax.

This is your starting point. This will also be the gauge for determining the water beading (longevity, duration and changes) for that specific product. As the water beads start to diminish (get wider and shallower and loses contact angle), the polish/wax and its film protection factor is going away, Once the water beading is the same as before you apply your product, the polish/wax and its protection are gone”.

See Article “Does Water Beading - Sheeting = Durability ” ############# a series of informative, unbiased articles dedicated to automotive detailing.

**robb01** · 10-09-2008, 01:35 PM

Simple..I don't, I'm always re-applying and testing new sealants and waxes

**ScottB** · 10-09-2008, 04:38 PM

I too use far to many spray waxes and such to consider durability at its end. In past I looked at the original outcome and first wash and it lost it lusters and ability to clean up easily it was time for another coat.

**trhland** · 10-09-2008, 04:42 PM

i can never figure out why durability is such an issue. on most forums its discussed to death . dont we detailing guys love to apply waxes to our cars?
i do. now if i hated waxing and cleaning my truck. then i would look for something with long term protection. but throwinga nice coat of (Souveran) paste on my truck is very enjoyable..

**Donald Greco** · 10-09-2008, 05:02 PM

That is what it's all about.

**Blade** · 10-09-2008, 08:03 PM

I wash every week, with QD or booster wax after, and wax every month. Durability never enters my mind when I'm in the garage, except when I sit here and read these forums...

**spamlova** · 10-09-2008, 09:24 PM

I don't know if I love to detail, but I do like to keep my car as clean as possible at all times, with as little effort as I need to. This is where durability for me comes into play. The longer my z2 or my OS lasts, the easier it is to clean and so on.

I personally measure durability with beading. If water beads tight, dirt, dust and other contaminants don't stick to the paint and/or comes off easily when washed.

**buja** · 10-09-2008, 11:55 PM

the longest I have ever left my car untouched, undetailed , is one month.
other than that I play around n try out new products all the time.
too many products, too little cars, too little time. so yeah

bottom line, we all enjoy doing it now and then

**Jimmie** · 10-10-2008, 10:19 AM

Thanks for your responses guys. I pretty much do what you guys do with my own cars. Others I've done got to admit I rely solely on beading.
Good site TOGWT. Thanks.