Autoglym Lifeshine

[dubber36]

I'm well prepared for the sort of responses that this question is likely to get, however I thought I'd still ask. I fell for the whole paint sealant sales patter when I bought a new car 12 years ago, knowing a few valeters at main dealers and having seen the mess Sheffield Audi made of my mates new S4 a couple of weeks ago, I know what goes on at dealerships, or in many cases what doesn't go on.

However, with many of these kits for sale on ebay, (presumably ones that have supposed to have been applied to customers cars who's owners have had £3-400 added to their finance package,) for the sake of £15, is it worth buying and applying properly myself? I'm getting my Mk2 back from the bodyshop at the weekend, so with fresh paint it would be an ideal opportunity to protect it. It will also get copious layers of wax. The car leads a pretty pampered life in the garage most of the time and hardly ever gets exposed to the elements, so will it benefit from Lifeshine, or is the stuff simply for people that don't really bother with their cars, so all it does is saves the sponge and flexy blade monkeys at the local hand wash from having to rub too hard.

All comments welcome.     

[Ginge 35Edition]

We did exactly this on my sister in laws st fiesta and yes I felt it was good value for money. You'll take your time and over a few days if needed so it'll be you that'll get the best from the product rather than a half arsed job at the stealers.

[Booth11]

If the car is going to be under cover much of the time, well waxed and mainly used for show duty, I would say it isn't necessary.  That said, at only £15 and knowing you'll do the job properly, you've got nothing to lose.

Bear in mind that future polishing will presumably remove it.

[dubber36]

I've just bought a kit for less than £12.

I appreciate that future polishing will remove it, but hopefully I won't have to do that. To reduce contact with the paint, I've just bought 5 litres of AG Autogloss Rinse as well http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSCXv0T1NxQ

[dragonfly]

If you want to protect the car properly spend a little more and get better detailing products.

[dubber36]

Such as?

[dragonfly]

Such as looking at other threads in this section. 2 bucket method to start with including grit guards, a decent wash mitt/pad, wax safe shampoo (Dodo Born to be mild, Angel Wax shampoo), a good polish (Poorboys or AG SRP) and a wax (Angel Wax, Dodo Purple Haze Pro).

Decent brushes, trim dressings, microfibres, wheel waxes, clay etc can be added later.

Have a budget in mind then speak to Waxamomo.

[dubber36]

I know all that. Detailing is a bit of a hobby for me, so I know what does what and how to use it.

What I don't know, and not many other people seem to be able to tell me, is how do products like Lifeshine and Supagard (when properly applied) compare to the sealants that everyone buys from regular detailing suppliers.

[Booth11]

I know all that. Detailing is a bit of a hobby for me, so I know what does what and how to use it.

What I don't know, and not many other people seem to be able to tell me, is how do products like Lifeshine and Supagard (when properly applied) compare to the sealants that everyone buys from regular detailing suppliers.

Can't answer the comparison question as have never used the likes Lifeshine etc. 

If detailing is a hobby, given that the purpose of coatings such as Lifeshine is to offer longer term endurance and reduce the necessity of other detailing products, wouldn't you miss that element of your hobby?  Sure you can apply other sealants, glazes and waxes over the top but then what would be the point of using Lifeshine.  Imo you can acheive excellent levels of protection with the usual detailing products and indulge your hobby at the same time.

[dubber36]

The idea is that the Lifeshine will provide ultimate protection with longevity and depth of shine will be added using waxes. Whilst detailing is enjoyable for me, the reality is, I don't have the time to do it that often.

Sad as it may seem, I can't justify spending the time that I would like to on the cars, when the patio needs re-pointing, the garden desperately needs tidying, 5 more rooms need decorating as well as painting all the downstairs doors. Fitting all those sort of jobs between the demands of a 8 and 10 year old as well as working around 60 hours a week, "me time" is pretty scarce.