Review - BLACKFIRE Interior Protectant (Updated Version)

[Angus]

New and improved - BLACKFIRE Interior Protectant!



From PBMG copy for the updated BLACKFIRE Interior protectant:

New formula lasts longer and dries quicker. A fresh new tropical fragrance will make you feel like you're relaxing on the beach every time you enter your vehicle!

Revolutionary! A leather conditioner and vinyl protectant in one bottle!
BLACKFIRE Interior Protectant with Polycharger is the only product you need to maintain the look and feel of leather and soft vinyl upholstery. This 100% water based protectant uses micro-engineered polymers that are readily accepted by leather and soft vinyl. BLACKFIRE Interior Protectant contains no oils, silicones, or petroleum distillates. It leaves a deep, satin, natural-looking finish on interior auto surfaces.

Directions:



Prior to application, all interior surfaces are cleaned with DP’s Total Interior Cleaner.

Per the instructions:

1. Shake well - Check.

2. Spray directly on the surface or spray a microfiber applicator pad and wipe areas to avoid overspray on glass. -Check.

In order to avoid overspray, I always spray products onto my applicator vs. directly onto the vehicle's surface. Doing so helps control where you want the product to go and more importantly not to go. Also it helps at preventing an uneven application by avoid high spots created by the spot sprayed.

BF IP has a white milky color and I love the new tropical smell. The old version didn’t have any noticeable odor at all.



The new version is super easy to apply a nice even layer:

3. Buff any remaining residue with a clean, dry microfiber towel - Check

After a very light buff:



Next up the shift boot:

4. For leather surfaces, allow to penetrate for 2-3 minutes before wiping off. - Check

(Freshly applied on the left - after a few minutes and a light buff on the right)



Observed differences between previous BF IP and the updated version (called V1 and V2 respectively)

Since I had a bottle of the original BF IP in my detailing supplies, I decided to see if I could tell a difference between the two versions.

Using the passenger's side door as my test bed: the left half of the trim (door hinge to middle) received V2 and the right half (middle to door handle) received V1.

Top photo, no dressing, middle photo was taken from the V2 end, and the bottom photo was taken from the V1:



Now I’m point at the divide between the two versions:



Can you see the higher amount of gloss on the right side vs the lower sheen found on the right?

If not, I’ll zoom in:



How about now?

If it’s still not obvious I’ll zoom in a little further:



So hopefully by now my over exaggeration of photos has allowed you to plainly see V1 produced a dark “wet” look with a higher gloss verses V2’s nice dark low sheen.

I strongly prefer the appearance of the new version and in all honesty the only reason I had some of the old version left over was I didn’t care for the higher gloss produced by the original.

Conclusion

Overall I really like the new version of BLACKFIRE Interior Protectant. It smells great, easy to use, and as demonstrated it leaves behind a nice non-greasy low satin sheen.

If you’re in the market for a new interior protectant don’t hesitate to check BLACKFIRE Interior Protectant! If you have a bottle of the old version - make someone else happy and give it away (I did)! Cause you’re going to like the new version even more!!!

[hoyt66]

Just bought this product on bogo. Thanks for the review. Exited to try it!

[hoyt66]

Just bought this product on bogo. Thanks for the review. Exited to try it!

Lol maybe not. Just opened the box and noticed they didn't ship sprayers

[Nick McKees37]

Great work Ian! I especially like the comparison between the old and new.

Lol maybe not. Just opened the box and noticed they didn't ship sprayers

Ruh roh! Send me a PM with your order number and I'll toss a few sprayers in the ol' transporter beam.

[hoyt66]

Great work Ian! I especially like the comparison between the old and new.



Ruh roh! Send me a PM with your order number and I'll toss a few sprayers in the ol' transporter beam.

PM sent! Thanks Nick

[BTLew81]

What type of prep is required for this? In my case, I've got a well-maintained interior.

[Sicoupe]

Nice review ANGUS!

[Angus]

Just bought this product on bogo. Thanks for the review. Exited to try it!

Sweet! Happy to hear it You'll have to post your thought on using it.

Great work Ian! I especially like the comparison between the old and new.

Thanks, Nick! I always try to do you proud

What type of prep is required for this? In my case, I've got a well-maintained interior.

I'd say just give it a quick prep with whatever interior cleaner you have on hand. The type of applicator you use will also make a difference - I've found microfiber applicators leave a nicer finish then yellow foam ones will.

Nice review ANGUS!

Thank you, Sir!!

[hoyt66]

I bought this on BOGO from the Blackfire website and I finally used it today. Great great product! Great finish and awesome scent! SO glad I bought it on BOGO.