I've used Blackfire on my Z since October 2002 but last week I tried Four Star Ultimate Paint Protection (aka UPP). I experimented with it late last fall on our daily drivers and liked the results (appearance and durability). I noticed these differences after having applied UPP to the Daytona Blue Z:

1) The metalflake effect in the paint seemed a little more pronounced.

2) The finish looked slightly wetter and more glossy.

3) The color seemed slightly darker.

4) The car attracts less dust.

Another nice thing about UPP is the way it handles high impact bug splatters. We drove down to Florida for vacation in my wife's car and all the bug splatters from highway 95 wiped off the hood easily with a just a misting of water and a gentle wipe. I plan to test one other new product on one of the daily drivers, but until then, my new default paint protectant is UPP.

 

thats cool. i was going to try UPP before but i got sucked into blackfire. using their leather cleaners right now, works the best for me. so would u recommend this over blackfire? easy to apply and buff off?

 

As far as ease of application, I think UPP and Blackfire are similar although some people report smearing problems if Blackfire isn't applied just right. UPP can be buffed 15 minutes after application but you need to wait a day before applying a second coat. I would recommend UPP over Blackfire based on my experience with it.

 

TLC... nice write-up and the results sound great.

A few questions...

1/ Are you using UPP after applying the Blackfire Gloss Enhancing Polish ?

2/ Are you also using the Ulitmate Paint Cleanser ?

3/ I assume that did not strip the Blackfire ... correct ?


Thanks !

 

Bill, here are the answers to your questions.

1/ Are you using UPP after applying the Blackfire Gloss Enhancing Polish ?

Given that the finish was already in great condition, I did not apply polish this time prior to sealing.

2/ Are you also using the Ulitmate Paint Cleanser ?

Again, since the car only goes out on nice days, a normal washing was all that I did. When I do my daily drivers again, I plan to swtich from Meguiars paint cleaner to Klasse AIO prior to applying the UPP. I also clay the horizontial surfaces of those cars. I'll be doing one of them in next few weeks (it will be my first experience with Klasse AIO prior to sealing).

3/ I assume that you did not strip the Blackfire ... correct ?

Correct. I checked with the distributor of UPP and he indicated that the Blackfire did not need to be removed.

 

Wow i'm supprised that you liked the UPP better than Blackfire, which is an outstanding product. Maybe i'll have to give it a try. Just one thought, I wouldn't put UPP on after Klasse AIO. Typically, you would only layer a carnauba over Klasse, Ive never heard of putting another synthetic on it, although I suppose it would be interesting to see what happens. To my knowledge, synthetics bond best directly to the paint.

 

Tom.. Thanks for the input. I am definitely going to try UPP. This is fun ... and makes you feel like a novice detailer trying this UPP which has had rave reviews. Mix-and-match and see what you like.

I wash my car at least once a week.. and have Blackfired it at least 2 times a month -- smooth as a baby's bottom and ready to try something different.

 

I would have thought the same thing but a number of detailers on Autopia use that combination and recommend it. I'll give it a try on one car first to check the results.

 

I'm always up for trying new things. Good luck, let us know how it looks when ur done.

 

For my Silverstone.. agree with 1/2/4 ....

1/ Flake appearance seems stronger.
2/ Definitely wetter and more glossy.
3/ No change to my color.
4/ Much less dust after one week. Very impressive.

My Z has been BLACKFIREd since birth. TCL .. aka Tom .. another BLACKFIRE fan ... advised me regarding UPP ...

Well .. I thought the BLACKFIRE All Finish Paint Protection was the cat's meow. However, UPP tops it -- applied UPP two times (June 6 and June 12) to make certain that my impression is the same.

UPP is, in my opinion, the top of the heap ... and it definitely attracts very little dust after my 1 week test.

 

Photo after UPP application...

 

looks good... might have to check this out after my bottle of blackfire.. only halfway thro

also let us know how durability is over a couple months

 

I tried UPP on my daily driver before using it on the Z to test durability. I applied it in December and it was still beading water after 5 months when I did the Spring detail. The daily driver sits outside 24x7 (east coast location not too far from an airport - i.e. somewhat harsh conditions). I used 2 coats on that car and applied the gloss enhancer spray twice during those 5 months. That should give you some idea of the durability.


Bill, the results look good. I'm thinking that the darker appearence may be a function of the car's color since I did not notice it either on my bright silver Subaru but did on the Daytona Blue Z.

 

I gotta give UPP a try after i am done with my current bottle of BlackFire. But it might be a while, my blackfire lasts at least 2-3 month, and a little bit goes a long way, even if i applyu blackfire every week, it will take another 6 month before i use it all up.