My thoughts: Menzerna Power Lock vs Blackfire Wet Diamond Sealant

[The Critic]

I just wanted to post up my observations on these two products and would like to hear other member experiences.

To date, I have used Power Lock on seven different vehicles for wax/clay/seal jobs. In comparison, I recently received a sample of Blackfire Wet Diamond from AG during an order, and have used it on one car.

Here are my observations:

1) Menzerna Power Lock.

Pro: Very thick, which makes it application and removal a breeze. It also FILLS a lot, which makes it a great candidate for hammered finishes. Slickness is also excellent and it gives the paint a glassy appearance.

Con: Oily nature makes it a dust magnet, at least until the first wash. It does not seem to make metallic flakes "pop" as well as Blackfire.

2) Blackfire Wet Diamond Sealant.

Pro: Makes metallic flakes "pop" very well. Not as oily as Power Lock and seems to not attract as much dust.

Con: More difficult to apply than PowerLock, finish is not as slick.

Durability is TBD for both, but after 2 mo, Power Lock appears to be going strong.

I am interested in hearing your thoughts on these two products.

[Harry Da Hamster]

Thanks for your review. I also have both. In my opinion they're virtually the same in application, removal, and slickness but I'm probably not as critical as you. One thing to note is Menzerna Power Lock does not stain black trim like Blackfire Wet Diamond does.

[The Critic]

That's good to know, I did not realize that Blackfire stained trim.

[Pureshine]

I get about 4-6 months out of power lock it depends on the weather really and I usually like to apply two coats if the customer can leave the car long enough. I have never used Blackfire so can't comment on it.

[wdmaccord]

I used BFWD on my cars this past spring and topped with BFCS. No problems with durability through 6-7 months and still had some protection when I stripped down for the winter details. I did re-apply BFCS after 3 months.

Yes, it will darken black plastic trim but I actually go ahead and apply it to the black plastic mirrors and door handles on the CRV and it makes them look great.

As for the slickness, I don't know how you could possibly get any slicker than BFWD, but I've never tried PL, so I'll have to take your word for it. PL is on my wishlist, so hopefully I'll get to test it out soon.

Curious why you found BFWD difficult to apply? Is it because of how thin and nearly transparent it goes on?

Thanks for your quick review!

[The Critic]

It's all relative. PL just goes on and comes off noticeably easier than BFWD. At least it did from that one experience. YMMV

Also note that PL is about 1/2 the cost of BFWD.

[custmsprty]

Did my wifes car with BFWD Saturday, applied with my Rupes 15. I did the whole deal in about an hour. I had previously used Powerlock. I prefer the BFWD as far as final finish. It was also effortless to remove. We'll see how it holds up. I was not impressed the least with Powerlock, gave it away to a friend.

[wdmaccord]

It's all relative. PL just goes on and comes off noticeably easier than BFWD. At least it did from that one experience. YMMV

Also note that PL is about 1/2 the cost of BFWD.

My guess is if you had trouble removing BFWD you used too much? I had this problem the first time I used it and found out through forum discussions that I was putting it on too thick. Just priming the pad you can do an entire hood, from there, just 2 pea size dots per panel. I use a blue CCS pad on GG6 on speed 3.

[Bunky]

I felt PL was more durable than WG. I definitely agree that WG makes metallic pop more than PL.

[dorkiedoode]

BF 4 months for roof, hood, and trunk. 6 months for side panels and i park 24/7 outside in California weather. With just one layer of BFWD.