I have come to really enjoy Dmitry’s reviews. The simple explanation why the gloss reading was lower was very helpful. Being in British Columbia, I would happily trade off a bit of gloss for durability.
Thank you Mike, means a lot to me that you keep watching my videos :)! The tradeoffs are a big reason why I like to do these tests so people can optimize for their application.
you honestly gave one of the most objective and unbiased reviews of this product. I've been using this product for about 1 year- and I have to say, I'm a believer. I ended up putting about 5 coats on my car and then add another layer ever 4 months. Super easy to use and the shine is awesome- even after enduring a harsh Rochester, NY, winter! Great Job!
Awesome! Glad you like the review and that the product works well for you. I used to live in the Capital District of upstate NY, and the winters there with all the salt are rough too!
Thanks for doing all of this testing on various products, I used to do detailing for a guy a long time ago, now returning to it and working on starting my own company, your testing will help tremendously
I’ve been using TLC2 since it came out on my Harley. For all the reasons you show in your video. Found the same overall results. Since I have a much smaller painted area it really brings out the shine better than what you found. But overall it is the best bang for the buck of all the products I’ve tried. Awesome video. Thanks for posting.
Really high quality content, surprised you haven't got more subs, keep it up. I'm about to invest in a bunch of detailing gear and start casual car detailing on the weekends, see how it goes and possibly start up my own business. Your videos have been a great help!
Glad to hear you like the videos :), I'm working on the subs! Getting into detailing is exciting, I'm sure you'll love it and hopefully start up a business around it.
This review matches my experience with the product. If you are expecting deep gloss after application you will be disappointed. But I prefer durability and protection over deep gloss so this product is a winner in my book. If you want to boost the gloss of this product use it after Sonax hi speed wax. Apply the Sonax hi speed wax on the rinsed wet surface and dry. Buff the surface to a shine and let sit for an hour or two then apply the last coat. You will see the effects the next day. I've used the AMP from TLC, but currently prefer the Sonax than TLC combination.
Another fantastic video. What I like the most about your channel is that you developed a review strategy close to the beginning of it and have used the same strategy with every product I've seen so far. I can appreciate tweaking things a bit from time to time but I really appreciate consistency. A lot goes into video making as long as you will be putting together outstanding content, I'll be watching.
Really cool video, thank you for your effort in putting this together people don't realize how much work that shit was! I only wash my 🚗💨 2 or 3X & then I put another coating of "the last coat" on there I'm probably using too much 🤷🏼.
For winters here in Minnesota, I wash and use beadmaker as a drying aid, then I put down Griots 3 in 1 ceramic spray followed in 24 hours with The Last Coat 2. I have had 2 back to back winters with great results using this concoction. I love the Griots but the last coat has more staying power on my F150. Good presentation!
I have used Turtle Wax seal and shine. Which is a very good product. I prefer how my paint looks with the last coat.TLC is also easier to use in my experience. Also very durable
Turtle Wax SnS is great all around and I think TLC 2 is good as well. I don't think you can really go wrong with either one. TLC2's only downside is it isn't quite as light reflective as a lot of other waxes, but it still looks good. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the video. I've just watch another TH-camr test this TLC2 and when he did the IPA test he just spray it on and the wash it really quick and call it impressive. However, what you demonstrated her is much more appropriate.
Hey Dmitry, have you tried The Last Coat's ( AMP) ? on top of The Last Coat 2.0 after it has cured? They Claim it amplifies certain attributes of your vehicle's surface such as shine, gloss, and especially slickness to the touch? They call AMP a "hybrid topper". The Cherry on top... My assumption is that The Last Coat gives easy to apply longer lasting protection than most others (with good shine) Then Amp is applied for the finishing touch? I'm really curious as to how your gloss meter score would compare with AMP added. Thanks for all the work you do and keeping it REAL!
Thanks for watching! No I haven't tried AMP on it, I may get into stacking products at some point, but right now there are jus so many individual products to test! AMP is on my list though!
I love TLC, shine armour was my go 2 product but now it's the last coat, in my personal opinion it is the best car cleaning product out there, and your testing of this product makes me like it even more
Just found your channel and love the quality and production of the videos! Very realistic and professional testing, time to start binge watching all of them!
Thank you! I really appreciate you watching and I'm glad you like the production/quality of the videos. I try to improve things as I learn, the older ones aren't quite as good, and I hope new ones keep getting better with time!
2nd time watching this video, thanks! I love TLC2 for the durability, and tbh the gloss is beaautiful too. I'm planning on trying TW Ceramic and Graphene hard wax on top of a layer of TLC2 to see if it boosts gloss while increasing durability even further. I'm thinking it might be a good gloss/protection combo for customers over the winter. If that fails my winter regime will be Fusso Coat Wax, which is mega-durable.
As a user of TLC, and a previous requester of this test I sincerely thank you. I would have preferred to see you use a microfiber applicator and do the crosshatch application rather than spraying directly on the hood. The measured gloss reduction was kind of a disappointing shocker. I also hope you test out that new 303 graphene product. Now I am wondering if I should change it up to Adams Graphene when my TLC bottle runs out as I love a glossy wet look.
Glad I could make the test happen for you Steve :). I did do a direct application which is what I tend to do personally, it was an option in their directions, but you're right it can be easier to control application with a towel/applicator method rather than direct spray. The upshot of the gloss reduction was that it did go on very thick for a very pretty depth, but yea it just wasn't that shiny. I will be testing the 303 Graphene as soon as it's back on the market, hopefully they email out when they have more available. I'm on the waiting list :)
you should do sort of a “brand review” for Ethos. they have the ceramic wax, ceramic refresh sealant, and D3fy. they are priced so steep and wonder if they are actually worth it
Now that's how you test a product bro.... As a detailer I use and try a lot of different things.. Their are so many spray waxes and sealants , I do a few test spots with different products to see what the paint accepts , or likes the best..... I could take 10 different used cars and 1/2 of them would like different spray wax then the others.
Great test as usual from you. The original Last Coat (TLC) was horrible. The Last Coat v2 (TLC2) is night and day better. Now Black Ice from The Last Coat has stepped it up another notch. I have Black Ice on my 2020 F150 and my 2013 Cadillac XTS. People are constantly asking me what do I use to get them that shiny. It takes Black Ice 7 to 14 days to fully cure, after that the gloss and depth are astounding and the slickness is amazing too!
Thanks Ron! Appreciate your continued viewership :-). Black ice is on my list, definitely have to check it out! 7-14 day cure seems very rough since people wash and drive daily driven cars.
@@DmitrysGarage thanks for the reply! The 7-14 day cure is for harsh soaps or detergents like drive thru car washes use. You can wash the surface with a ph neutral soap after 24 hours. You can re-coat or layer their products after 4 hours. Their detail spray, called Amp, is both a great topper and drying aid.
TLC 2 is great stuff, very easy to use and has overall good durability. I just out a layer on my truck and tried 303 graphene spray on top of it. Hopefully should keep my truck well protected for the winter.
I just applied this product my wife’s 2020 Acura MDX. The vehicle is a metallic red. I’m not sure if I maybe didn’t strip it well enough, because it just seems a bit cloudy and I don’t get the hydrophobic results you were getting. I think I need to strip it down & start over
I'm confused... you state that the panel with The Last Coat actually LOST gloss, by a lot (-10 points using a gloss meter) - but then say it makes the paint look "deeper and prettier"...as though there is "a second clear coat on top of the paint"...?
Good question. The fact is gloss is not the only factor in what makes paint look good. Gloss is just how much light is reflected at a specific angle, in this case at 20 degrees. It is just one factor. The actual perception of visual appearance and how pretty something is by your eyes/brain is much more complicated and even subjective, i.e. personal preference. For example a mirror is very glossy, it reflects light very well, would a mirror look good as car paint? Maybe if you're into the chrome/gold wrap look, but most people don't like it. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_appearance
They make a product called AMP that is supposed to be applied following TLC 2.0 to really AMPlify the shine and gloss-could you do a review of that in conjunction with this and then compare to all your other things?
I have tested all of these, you can see the results on my page: dmitrysgarage.com/wax I did the Adam's Graphene video very recently here: th-cam.com/video/6ay-G2ttXt8/w-d-xo.html TLC2 and Reload are similar products. The Graphene Spray is more of a coating, a bit harder to use and works best with a good polished surface. I'd rank them: Adam's Graphene Spray (119.7 Points) The Last Coat 2.0 (30.8 Points) CarPro Reload (9.7 Points) The big thing Reload has going for it over TLC2 is gloss. It's worse in all the other areas. Adam's Graphene Spray is much better overall, but a bit harder to use and more expensive (considering you can buy TLC2 in bulk).
@@DmitrysGarage Makes sense, a coating vs toppers results. But the Reload is not looking great lasting around 7 washes next to TLC 2.0 and Seal n Shine. I hope Reload lasts longer than Shine Armor or F11 Topcoat.
It's beads up like no other but traps the dirt on the paint. I was one day it sprinkles and it looks like my truck hasn't been washed in months. I stripped and redid it 2x , no again....
Thanks :), the A/B multicam setup I use is two Nikon Z6 (amzn.to/3nSthMl) paired with Atomos Ninja V (amzn.to/371zyyI) recorders that write out to SSDs. I also use a Fuji X-T30 (amzn.to/362mtpe) on a gimbal for any b-roll or for stills. I used to use the X-T30 as a B cam before getting the second Z6, but it's much easier to color correct if both main cameras are the same. For action stuff like on-car, I use either a DJI Osmo Action or a GoPro Hero 5 (older model).
of all the chemical tests I've watched you are the first to use IPA, Nice!....I don't understand way you didn't show the Necessary Prep before appling it sends the wrong or misleading? message. I would like you to backup the gloss meter reading being so poor or is it? Thank You for showing this product
Dave, i have to balance keeping the videos long enough to give context and short enough to not be overly boring. So as a result i often don’t show prep as it just doesn’t make the cut. The gloss meter readings aren’t necessarily that important. How the product ultimately looks is. My test panel is quite glossy (like polished paint) so it is hard to make it glossier. Few products can.
I enjoyed this video. I like finding out about better products for my personal car cleaning. I've recently been using SHINE ARMOR FORTIFIED QUICK COAT and wonder how it compares to others you've tested. Is this a product you've tested?
Glad you liked the video :). I haven't tried that particular product yet, but I'll add it to my list to test in the future. It's an ever growing list, something like 50 products in the queue, but I'll get through em.
Since I started watching your videos a few months back I have used your recommended products and advice....My black 68 Camaro has never looked so good, ....Here in New York state we have a local vendor that has been selling "Race Glaze Polish and Sealant" for 25 plus years. I'd love to see you do a compare of Race Glaze against my favorite product "Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant 3.0" Thank you
Awesome to hear it Paul, love those Camaros :), never had a classic one, but my first sports car was an f-body. I've not heard of Race Glaze Polish and Sealant, but I'll add it to my list of future tests. Thanks for watching!
I cure indoors and have HVAC in my garage so the temperature is around 70F. Colder temps will likely increase cure time as can humidity. You could drive during the cure time, but it may impact performance if it rains or gets super contaminated. Cure time is for maximum durability of the product. They suggest 24hrs, which I always do unless it says to do longer cure times. Temperatures weren't specified.
That is the downside of heavy marketing, some enthusiasts will not trust you. Personally I was a bit skeptical for the same reason, but ultimately I'm pretty happy with these results. It is unfortunate, but much of detailing has become marketing-first because of the fierce competition of the segment. Some companies out there are much better at marketing than making products.
I wouldn't call it a spray wax. I would call it a ceramic coat spray booster since it's designed as a boost for after you wash cars that have been ceramic coated and it's not a wax.
I have not found it to cause ashiness like older products. I would always recommend testing in an inconspicuous place if possible but I really feel its fine.
MIchael, I believe it would be fine if they're vinyl wrap style decals or stripes. It's always a bit of a gamble with decals and matte finishes IMO. If you can test in an inconspicuous spot that's the best option and definitely don't do it in direct sunlight for wraps/stripes/etc..
Thanks for watching Lesleigh! I would say for a spray, my current favorite is the Turtle Wax Seal N Shine. Its just so easy, durable and versatile. I think its hard to go wrong with. To me sprays are about being as easy and versatile as possible, they should be idiot proof and Turtle Wax did a great job there. Im testing more all the time so this might change, but right now this is what id recommended to a friend.
Hey Cindy, havent tested torque detail yet but that one is for sure coming. As I mentioned Im very close to launching my new system and i hope to be able to process a ton of these :)
I've added that one to my list a few weeks ago, will add another vote for it based on your request. The more people ask for a certain product the higher up in the list it goes. Thanks for watching!
Hello so maybe someone can help me. I did order this product but im wondering whats the best application for my black Audi. Is a professional ceramic coating a better route?
I just purchased a 2021 car and want to protect the finish as much as possible - since I am in upstate NY. Would you recommend using TLC on a brand new vehicle? If yes, should I start with a good wash, followed by IPA then apply the TLC?
Beth, I grew up upstate :). I would definitely recommend TLC. Im going to assuming the dealer didn’t sell you any coatings or sealant treatments when you bought it (which is optimal). For process I would recommend a strip wash shampoo (adams has one) that helps remove any prior wax from when the dealer detailed the car. Then you can decon with IPA. Optionally you can claybar it to get rid of other contaminants. Then go for the TLC :)
The Last Coat is 4x the price of TW seal n shine, but i am not seeing it 4 times better. I don't think it"s hype, but I just don't see it worth the money.
Turtle Wax SnS is definitely a tremendous value, given how well it works and the low price. This product is about 2x the price if you buy it by the gallon, but I agree it's not 2x better. That being said how often is that true of anything? Is a fully loaded Toyota Avalon 2x better than a Toyota Yaris? Is a fully loaded Corvette 2x better than a basic V8 Camaro? I'd say probably not. Those cars are a huge value too, but people still pay more. It's always diminishing returns. Ultimately it's just a question of what is important to the buyer, maximum value or specific features.
@@DmitrysGarage just applied the first coat of the last coat 2.0 and it was unbelievably easy to with very satisfactory results! I can certainly agree with you & highly recommended it. Thank you!
Just bought a new car a few days ago. It was on their lot for about a month. Can I just wash it and apply TLC2 without any other prep being its new (and still beading water from its factory finish)?
Jeff they probably washed it in their automatic wash bay and put some kind of wax on it there. Id use a strip wash first to get that off and then use TLC2.
@@DmitrysGarage I guess wulfgang 3.0, I already have that... My friend just got a new car and I wasn't sure which one to suggest for the 1st application
@@rsmolkin Roman, I like the Wolfgang Deep Gloss 3.0 a lot, but it's more of a project car sealant. Meaning if you want it for a daily that gets dirty a lot, you would probably prefer the TLC2 over the Wolfgang DG 3. The Deep Gloss 3 is prettier though for sure and slicker.
I think the durability is great. Keep in mind in real life you arent washing back to back and heat, uv and debris will affect durability. But in my test i think 25 washes is definitely going to give you the advertised 6 months!
Like if someone puts it into a reservoir or a water tower? Probably nothing since it would be super diluted if it's just one bottle. If someone spilled barrels of it, I'm sure it would be a big deal.
@@DmitrysGarage This stuff is going on cars. It gets washed off over time and into our water ways and gutters. If that water is recycled which it is usually how does this stuff get separated? I guess you could say that about any chemical but this is sold as "hydrophobic...makes you wonder
@@makingadifference4834 Most of the bottle is carrier fluid which is typically a petroleum distillate solvent that evaporates. The layer on the car is VERY thin, microns thin. So the washoff of the actual active ingredients is going to be very small. Of all the thing polluting our water this is going to be one of the smallest. We still have farm waste, human waste and even illegal chemical dumping going into waterways. For example: twitter.com/KUSINews/status/1224862912369455104 where Mexico was dumping 50 million gallons of sewage a day, nothing car wax related will ever compare to a fraction of this. As far as worries that they're hydrophobic compounds, that doesn't necessarily make them extra bad for water or people. There are far worse things that get dumped.
Good question. It may or may not, depends on the product. I personally dont stack products as it costs more time and money, i prefer to find one that meets the needs of a specific vehicle.
I've been doing research in this product and I thought I remember seeing that you're not supposed to put any wax with this product because it's going to interact with it negatively. If you want to be more glossy, they recommend doing two to three coats with 10 minutes in between. This review only did one.
I discredit any review that doesn’t show both sides (treated and non) with the same test criteria in the same shot. Why would you not do that? Further justifies my point when you talk about affiliate links at the beginning of the video. Too many good reviews out there to waste time watching these.
@@DmitrysGarage Yes you do, on the hood. But the gloss panel test showed one high initial result followed by four lower results, and we never saw numbers for the control or non-treated side. Was the control number based on a single reading or an average of five tests? It’s just difficult to believe that there is less gloss on the treated surface than the control (even if the product goes on thick) because the product is highly marketed for its gloss factor.
When results bounce around on the gloss panel it indicates the product has high and low spots. This is why I take an average of 5 readings. For the control side the 94 GU rating is based on a 5 reading average. Before the test starts I machine polish the panel to get it to average 94 GU. You can also see once I take the wax off with isopropyl alcohol the panel returns to ~94GU in the one sample I took. While the product is marketed for gloss, we have to first understand what gloss is. The gloss meter device measures light reflection. If you stuck it on a mirror it would go off the charts. Do you consider a mirror glossy? Most people would say reflective. So this means there is more to gloss than how reflective it is. This is why I also do the visual appeal test which is subjective to my perception of gloss/prettiness. If you saw the visual appeal part, you saw I liked how the product looked. Even though the product heavily cut reflectivity, it still looked glossy to the eye. The concept of what humans consider glossy is complicated and actively researched. Reflectivity as measured by the gloss meter is part of it. Products that maintain high reflectivity and create the deep gloss effect look great. TLC2.0 would look better on a whole car if it was more reflective, but it is still a pretty "glossy" product. I also have to mind the length of the video and tailor the level of detail for each test to match viewer interest. My tests take hours to do before any video editing. A typical two camera output is about 1.5TB of video. If I showed every part of it, the pre-staging, checking the control surfaces, etc.. they would be hours long. I've got to distill those 1.5TB to under 15 minutes to have any sort of reasonable viewer retention. I hope this gives you some insight into my testing and thought process.
@@DmitrysGarage thank you for the informative response. I can appreciate the fact that you’ve carefully considered the technical aspects of your testing. I retract my original statement and apologize for jumping to that conclusion.
I think this is one of the honest channels about product reviews
Thanks Aaron, that means a lot to me. I try to be as unbiased as I can.
I have come to really enjoy Dmitry’s reviews. The simple explanation why the gloss reading was lower was very helpful. Being in British Columbia, I would happily trade off a bit of gloss for durability.
Thank you Mike, means a lot to me that you keep watching my videos :)! The tradeoffs are a big reason why I like to do these tests so people can optimize for their application.
you honestly gave one of the most objective and unbiased reviews of this product. I've been using this product for about 1 year- and I have to say, I'm a believer. I ended up putting about 5 coats on my car and then add another layer ever 4 months. Super easy to use and the shine is awesome- even after enduring a harsh Rochester, NY, winter! Great Job!
Awesome! Glad you like the review and that the product works well for you. I used to live in the Capital District of upstate NY, and the winters there with all the salt are rough too!
Hi, are you still loving TLC? I’m in the capital district now.
Impressed with the review. I can't believe you wash that bonnet 25+ times. That's some dedication to testing! Subscribed.
Thanks Gary, definitely makes the hard work worth it to hear positive feedback!
Thanks for doing all of this testing on various products, I used to do detailing for a guy a long time ago, now returning to it and working on starting my own company, your testing will help tremendously
I’ve been using TLC2 since it came out on my Harley. For all the reasons you show in your video. Found the same overall results. Since I have a much smaller painted area it really brings out the shine better than what you found. But overall it is the best bang for the buck of all the products I’ve tried. Awesome video. Thanks for posting.
Really high quality content, surprised you haven't got more subs, keep it up.
I'm about to invest in a bunch of detailing gear and start casual car detailing on the weekends, see how it goes and possibly start up my own business. Your videos have been a great help!
Glad to hear you like the videos :), I'm working on the subs! Getting into detailing is exciting, I'm sure you'll love it and hopefully start up a business around it.
This review matches my experience with the product. If you are expecting deep gloss after application you will be disappointed. But I prefer durability and protection over deep gloss so this product is a winner in my book. If you want to boost the gloss of this product use it after Sonax hi speed wax. Apply the Sonax hi speed wax on the rinsed wet surface and dry. Buff the surface to a shine and let sit for an hour or two then apply the last coat. You will see the effects the next day. I've used the AMP from TLC, but currently prefer the Sonax than TLC combination.
Thanks for the field report! I'm sure it will help others and the tip on the Sonax is great too. Appreciate you watching!
Another fantastic video. What I like the most about your channel is that you developed a review strategy close to the beginning of it and have used the same strategy with every product I've seen so far. I can appreciate tweaking things a bit from time to time but I really appreciate consistency. A lot goes into video making as long as you will be putting together outstanding content, I'll be watching.
Really cool video, thank you for your effort in putting this together people don't realize how much work that shit was! I only wash my 🚗💨 2 or 3X & then I put another coating of "the last coat" on there I'm probably using too much 🤷🏼.
Good tip on the install. Thanks for watching and yes it is pretty time consuming to make these, but its worth it when people appreciate the work!
For winters here in Minnesota, I wash and use beadmaker as a drying aid, then I put down Griots 3 in 1 ceramic spray followed in 24 hours with The Last Coat 2. I have had 2 back to back winters with great results using this concoction. I love the Griots but the last coat has more staying power on my F150. Good presentation!
I have used Turtle Wax seal and shine. Which is a very good product. I prefer how my paint looks with the last coat.TLC is also easier to use in my experience. Also very durable
Turtle Wax SnS is great all around and I think TLC 2 is good as well. I don't think you can really go wrong with either one. TLC2's only downside is it isn't quite as light reflective as a lot of other waxes, but it still looks good. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the video. I've just watch another TH-camr test this TLC2 and when he did the IPA test he just spray it on and the wash it really quick and call it impressive. However, what you demonstrated her is much more appropriate.
Thanks :), glad you liked the video and the testing!
Thanks for this information. Helps in my decision making. Keep up the good work
Hey Dmitry,
have you tried The Last Coat's ( AMP) ? on top of The Last Coat 2.0 after it has cured?
They Claim it amplifies certain attributes of your vehicle's surface such as shine, gloss, and especially slickness to the touch?
They call AMP a "hybrid topper". The Cherry on top...
My assumption is that The Last Coat gives easy to apply longer lasting protection than most others (with good shine)
Then Amp is applied for the finishing touch?
I'm really curious as to how your gloss meter score would compare with AMP added.
Thanks for all the work you do and keeping it REAL!
Thanks for watching! No I haven't tried AMP on it, I may get into stacking products at some point, but right now there are jus so many individual products to test! AMP is on my list though!
I love TLC, shine armour was my go 2 product but now it's the last coat, in my personal opinion it is the best car cleaning product out there, and your testing of this product makes me like it even more
Shine Armor is garbage, hopefully you found out on your own.
Just found your channel and love the quality and production of the videos! Very realistic and professional testing, time to start binge watching all of them!
Thank you! I really appreciate you watching and I'm glad you like the production/quality of the videos. I try to improve things as I learn, the older ones aren't quite as good, and I hope new ones keep getting better with time!
2nd time watching this video, thanks! I love TLC2 for the durability, and tbh the gloss is beaautiful too. I'm planning on trying TW Ceramic and Graphene hard wax on top of a layer of TLC2 to see if it boosts gloss while increasing durability even further. I'm thinking it might be a good gloss/protection combo for customers over the winter. If that fails my winter regime will be Fusso Coat Wax, which is mega-durable.
Having my video re-watched is a huge compliment. Thanks! Let me know how your combo works out!
As a user of TLC, and a previous requester of this test I sincerely thank you. I would have preferred to see you use a microfiber applicator and do the crosshatch application rather than spraying directly on the hood. The measured gloss reduction was kind of a disappointing shocker. I also hope you test out that new 303 graphene product. Now I am wondering if I should change it up to Adams Graphene when my TLC bottle runs out as I love a glossy wet look.
Glad I could make the test happen for you Steve :). I did do a direct application which is what I tend to do personally, it was an option in their directions, but you're right it can be easier to control application with a towel/applicator method rather than direct spray. The upshot of the gloss reduction was that it did go on very thick for a very pretty depth, but yea it just wasn't that shiny. I will be testing the 303 Graphene as soon as it's back on the market, hopefully they email out when they have more available. I'm on the waiting list :)
Nice I was trying to find a channel like this I’m gonna sub. Keep up the content of the newest and latest tech for maintaining your car.
Really glad you liked the video and subscribed :), makes it worth making these!
you should do sort of a “brand review” for Ethos. they have the ceramic wax, ceramic refresh sealant, and D3fy. they are priced so steep and wonder if they are actually worth it
Thanks Garrett, I have been talking to Ethos to see if we can make that happen :)
Now that's how you test a product bro.... As a detailer I use and try a lot of different things.. Their are so many spray waxes and sealants , I do a few test spots with different products to see what the paint accepts , or likes the best..... I could take 10 different used cars and 1/2 of them would like different spray wax then the others.
Thanks Shannon, appreciate the kind words. I think testing is definitely key to finding what you like to use.
I enjoyed the testing of this product. Good video!
Thanks Mark, glad you enjoyed the video :)
Just came across this channel and I will be subscribing to it!!!!
Thanks William! Appreciate your viewership!
Great stuff! Thorough and to the point review 💯
Glad you liked it!
Love too see your thoughts onnthe turtle wax graphene wax
Will add a vote for it on my list, thanks for watching!
Great test as usual from you. The original Last Coat (TLC) was horrible. The Last Coat v2 (TLC2) is night and day better. Now Black Ice from The Last Coat has stepped it up another notch. I have Black Ice on my 2020 F150 and my 2013 Cadillac XTS. People are constantly asking me what do I use to get them that shiny. It takes Black Ice 7 to 14 days to fully cure, after that the gloss and depth are astounding and the slickness is amazing too!
Thanks Ron! Appreciate your continued viewership :-). Black ice is on my list, definitely have to check it out! 7-14 day cure seems very rough since people wash and drive daily driven cars.
@@DmitrysGarage thanks for the reply! The 7-14 day cure is for harsh soaps or detergents like drive thru car washes use. You can wash the surface with a ph neutral soap after 24 hours. You can re-coat or layer their products after 4 hours. Their detail spray, called Amp, is both a great topper and drying aid.
TLC 2 is great stuff, very easy to use and has overall good durability. I just out a layer on my truck and tried 303 graphene spray on top of it. Hopefully should keep my truck well protected for the winter.
That's an interesting combo! Hopefully it holds out well over the winter for you. Thanks for watching!
Great test...appreciate the added explanations
Thanks for watching Barry and I'm glad you enjoyed the extra info!
Thanks Dimitry nice vid. Could you do one for TLC Black Ice? It would be nice to see how they compare against each other.
Yep, it's near the top of my list at the moment :) thanks for watching!
Would love to see the Black Ice test also.
Appreciated your testing and comments on TLC2.
I just applied this product my wife’s 2020 Acura MDX. The vehicle is a metallic red. I’m not sure if I maybe didn’t strip it well enough, because it just seems a bit cloudy and I don’t get the hydrophobic results you were getting. I think I need to strip it down & start over
Great review. Just found this channel but will be back!
Thanks Jon, I appreciate your viewership!
Great video as always 👍🏻
Glad you enjoyed it!
I'm confused... you state that the panel with The Last Coat actually LOST gloss, by a lot (-10 points using a gloss meter) - but then say it makes the paint look "deeper and prettier"...as though there is "a second clear coat on top of the paint"...?
Good question. The fact is gloss is not the only factor in what makes paint look good. Gloss is just how much light is reflected at a specific angle, in this case at 20 degrees. It is just one factor. The actual perception of visual appearance and how pretty something is by your eyes/brain is much more complicated and even subjective, i.e. personal preference. For example a mirror is very glossy, it reflects light very well, would a mirror look good as car paint? Maybe if you're into the chrome/gold wrap look, but most people don't like it.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_appearance
They make a product called AMP that is supposed to be applied following TLC 2.0 to really AMPlify the shine and gloss-could you do a review of that in conjunction with this and then compare to all your other things?
Heath, I'll give that a shot too, adding it to my list. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the vid I just got this delivered today just waiting to spin through the auto car wash before I apply it. 👍
Great video. Thx just bought TLC.
Great test and production. Id love to see you test gyeon wet coat. I use it lots and I think its the bees knees. Awesome stuff
Wet Coat's on my list, will definitely get tested as I whittle the queue down :)! Thanks for watching, I really try with the production quality!
FYI Golden Eagle has 303 Graphene Spray in stock!!!
durability is the most important point for me
I think I might know which is better, but would love to see TLC 2.0 vs CarPro Reload, and maybe Adam's graphene spray just for fun.
I have tested all of these, you can see the results on my page: dmitrysgarage.com/wax
I did the Adam's Graphene video very recently here: th-cam.com/video/6ay-G2ttXt8/w-d-xo.html
TLC2 and Reload are similar products. The Graphene Spray is more of a coating, a bit harder to use and works best with a good polished surface.
I'd rank them:
Adam's Graphene Spray (119.7 Points)
The Last Coat 2.0 (30.8 Points)
CarPro Reload (9.7 Points)
The big thing Reload has going for it over TLC2 is gloss. It's worse in all the other areas. Adam's Graphene Spray is much better overall, but a bit harder to use and more expensive (considering you can buy TLC2 in bulk).
@@DmitrysGarage Makes sense, a coating vs toppers results. But the Reload is not looking great lasting around 7 washes next to TLC 2.0 and Seal n Shine. I hope Reload lasts longer than Shine Armor or F11 Topcoat.
i'm still using wolfgang 3.0, havent seen anything else yet that makes me wanna try something else
It's beads up like no other but traps the dirt on the paint. I was one day it sprinkles and it looks like my truck hasn't been washed in months. I stripped and redid it 2x , no again....
Great test!!
Thanks Tim!
What camera do you use to shoot your content? Love the video. Keep up the good work.
Thanks :), the A/B multicam setup I use is two Nikon Z6 (amzn.to/3nSthMl) paired with Atomos Ninja V (amzn.to/371zyyI) recorders that write out to SSDs. I also use a Fuji X-T30 (amzn.to/362mtpe) on a gimbal for any b-roll or for stills. I used to use the X-T30 as a B cam before getting the second Z6, but it's much easier to color correct if both main cameras are the same. For action stuff like on-car, I use either a DJI Osmo Action or a GoPro Hero 5 (older model).
Last coat is probably a lil better than your average? I use it and it works for me 😁👍
Great content u just got another subscriber 👍👍👍👍 keep it up man 👌
Thanks Juan, appreciate you watching and subscribing!
of all the chemical tests I've watched you are the first to use IPA, Nice!....I don't understand way you didn't show the Necessary Prep before appling it sends the wrong or misleading? message. I would like you to backup the gloss meter reading being so poor or is it? Thank You for showing this product
Dave, i have to balance keeping the videos long enough to give context and short enough to not be overly boring. So as a result i often don’t show prep as it just doesn’t make the cut. The gloss meter readings aren’t necessarily that important. How the product ultimately looks is. My test panel is quite glossy (like polished paint) so it is hard to make it glossier. Few products can.
Liked before even watching!
Good to see you as always Hank! Thank you for watching :)!
Good review, but I have seen the manufacturer's demo and they spray in on a cloth and then buff it.
It's definitely legit. Try their soap too! It's pretty good!
Thanks J.T. will be doing more soap tests in the future so will keep their soap in mind!
What up homie I remember you I never forget I am everywhere
Nice review!! :)
First vid. Liked and subbed thanks for the info
Do a Dri Wash N Guard waterless carwash..
Added it to my list, thanks for watching!
I enjoyed this video. I like finding out about better products for my personal car cleaning. I've recently been using SHINE ARMOR FORTIFIED QUICK COAT and wonder how it compares to others you've tested. Is this a product you've tested?
Glad you liked the video :). I haven't tried that particular product yet, but I'll add it to my list to test in the future. It's an ever growing list, something like 50 products in the queue, but I'll get through em.
Since I started watching your videos a few months back I have used your recommended products and advice....My black 68 Camaro has never looked so good, ....Here in New York state we have a local vendor that has been selling "Race Glaze Polish and Sealant" for 25 plus years. I'd love to see you do a compare of Race Glaze against my favorite product "Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant 3.0" Thank you
Awesome to hear it Paul, love those Camaros :), never had a classic one, but my first sports car was an f-body. I've not heard of Race Glaze Polish and Sealant, but I'll add it to my list of future tests. Thanks for watching!
@@DmitrysGarage That would be awesome ...Thanks for getting back to me...For now it's Wolfgang and car guys for my Black Beauty !
Great information
What's your take on Cerakote ceramic sealant?
Great review. Think Ill subscribe.
Thank you Walter, really appreciate you watching my videos :)!
Your channel should get more views tbh
Thanks Francisco! Appreciate the kind comment.
Dimitry, have you used their "black ice" sealant? If so what do you think and is it comparable to a higher priced ceramic coating?
Rob, I haven't tried black ice yet, but it's on my list. So be on the lookout for that :). Thanks for watching!
Great video buddy tfs
Thanks for watching, I appreciate it!
What the cure temperature? During the cure time, does it mean I should not drive before it's complete cured?
I cure indoors and have HVAC in my garage so the temperature is around 70F. Colder temps will likely increase cure time as can humidity. You could drive during the cure time, but it may impact performance if it rains or gets super contaminated. Cure time is for maximum durability of the product. They suggest 24hrs, which I always do unless it says to do longer cure times. Temperatures weren't specified.
If a product uses Facebook or Instagram ads, I normally won't pay any intention to the product. Seen to many awful unrealistic ads
That is the downside of heavy marketing, some enthusiasts will not trust you. Personally I was a bit skeptical for the same reason, but ultimately I'm pretty happy with these results. It is unfortunate, but much of detailing has become marketing-first because of the fierce competition of the segment. Some companies out there are much better at marketing than making products.
The cleanest hood in the world.
Haha, that's true, and it also shows how many times you can polish a hood before you eat through the clear coat :).
I wouldn't call it a spray wax. I would call it a ceramic coat spray booster since it's designed as a boost for after you wash cars that have been ceramic coated and it's not a wax.
Can you do a proje car care ceramic stress test?
Will add that to my list, thanks for watching!
Great job!
How does this product do if it gets on the black trim panels that many vehicles have? Is it invisible or does it make the trim ashy white?
I have not found it to cause ashiness like older products. I would always recommend testing in an inconspicuous place if possible but I really feel its fine.
Whats the diff between this product and ceramic coating done by professional. What I mean to say if professional slceramic coating worth it?
It really depends on the coating. True coatings are semi-permanent and can potentially last multiple years depending on the quality of the coating.
Could I use this on a vinyl hood decal, matte finish?
MIchael, I believe it would be fine if they're vinyl wrap style decals or stripes. It's always a bit of a gamble with decals and matte finishes IMO. If you can test in an inconspicuous spot that's the best option and definitely don't do it in direct sunlight for wraps/stripes/etc..
Good video!
Thanks! So glad you liked it :)
Thanks! What is your absolute number one product like this?
Thanks for watching Lesleigh! I would say for a spray, my current favorite is the Turtle Wax Seal N Shine. Its just so easy, durable and versatile. I think its hard to go wrong with. To me sprays are about being as easy and versatile as possible, they should be idiot proof and Turtle Wax did a great job there. Im testing more all the time so this might change, but right now this is what id recommended to a friend.
@@DmitrysGarage thank you!!
I wonder how this product will test against chemical guys hydro slick
Juan, Hydro Slick is on my list, so we will find out hopefully soon :)
TLC 2.0, Nexgen, Torque detail, which would you take? My friends and I are having a debate & your input will determine the winner!
Hey Cindy, havent tested torque detail yet but that one is for sure coming. As I mentioned Im very close to launching my new system and i hope to be able to process a ton of these :)
Can i put this as a topper on a ceramic coating? And when i have to put in on? after the ceramic coating has dryed?
You can, but I would only use it after the ceramic coating is well cured.
Can you test NexGen Ceramic spray?
I've added that one to my list a few weeks ago, will add another vote for it based on your request. The more people ask for a certain product the higher up in the list it goes. Thanks for watching!
@@DmitrysGarage Awesome! Great channel, subscribed!
Hello so maybe someone can help me. I did order this product but im wondering whats the best application for my black Audi. Is a professional ceramic coating a better route?
Last coat vs shine armor
Shine Armor's on the list, will get to it, thanks for watching!
Can you do a video with adding #thelastcoat AMP as a topper or on its own I personally love the product and would totally recommend both products
Will add that to the list :) thanks for watching Jesse!
@@DmitrysGarage my pleasure love the your channel and reviews thank you very much
I just purchased a 2021 car and want to protect the finish as much as possible - since I am in upstate NY. Would you recommend using TLC on a brand new vehicle? If yes, should I start with a good wash, followed by IPA then apply the TLC?
Beth, I grew up upstate :). I would definitely recommend TLC. Im going to assuming the dealer didn’t sell you any coatings or sealant treatments when you bought it (which is optimal). For process I would recommend a strip wash shampoo (adams has one) that helps remove any prior wax from when the dealer detailed the car. Then you can decon with IPA. Optionally you can claybar it to get rid of other contaminants. Then go for the TLC :)
The Last Coat is 4x the price of TW seal n shine, but i am not seeing it 4 times better. I don't think it"s hype, but I just don't see it worth the money.
Turtle Wax SnS is definitely a tremendous value, given how well it works and the low price. This product is about 2x the price if you buy it by the gallon, but I agree it's not 2x better. That being said how often is that true of anything? Is a fully loaded Toyota Avalon 2x better than a Toyota Yaris? Is a fully loaded Corvette 2x better than a basic V8 Camaro? I'd say probably not. Those cars are a huge value too, but people still pay more. It's always diminishing returns. Ultimately it's just a question of what is important to the buyer, maximum value or specific features.
Black Ice please
Adding another vote in my list!
Have you tested The Last Coat Black Ice yet?
Help me out Dmitry, should I use this or deep ice on my new, untreated Kia Stinger?! Thanks
TLC2 is definitely better, I'd go with that or the Wolfgang you were asking about before. The Wolfgang would be my preference.
@@DmitrysGarage just applied the first coat of the last coat 2.0 and it was unbelievably easy to with very satisfactory results! I can certainly agree with you & highly recommended it. Thank you!
@@cindykeselowski899 really glad you liked it :)
Can I use it as a drying aid or does it have to be applied on a dry vehicle
I believe TLC2 is best on a dry vehicle. Their AMP product is meant to be a drying aid.
Just bought a new car a few days ago. It was on their lot for about a month. Can I just wash it and apply TLC2 without any other prep being its new (and still beading water from its factory finish)?
Jeff they probably washed it in their automatic wash bay and put some kind of wax on it there. Id use a strip wash first to get that off and then use TLC2.
Have you done igl premier or shine supply clutch?
Not yet, but Ill add your vote for them in my list.
Have you ever tested Nexgen? How would that compare to The Last Coat?
Todd, I have not yet but it is on my todo list!
How does it compare to the wulfgang?
Which Wolfgang product specifically? Overall this is a good spray wax and would rate up there with other good WG products.
@@DmitrysGarage I guess wulfgang 3.0, I already have that... My friend just got a new car and I wasn't sure which one to suggest for the 1st application
@@rsmolkin Roman, I like the Wolfgang Deep Gloss 3.0 a lot, but it's more of a project car sealant. Meaning if you want it for a daily that gets dirty a lot, you would probably prefer the TLC2 over the Wolfgang DG 3. The Deep Gloss 3 is prettier though for sure and slicker.
Hey
Thanks for watching :)
well its advertised that it last for about 6 months im preety sure no one is gonna wash there car 25 times during those 6 months😂
I think the durability is great. Keep in mind in real life you arent washing back to back and heat, uv and debris will affect durability. But in my test i think 25 washes is definitely going to give you the advertised 6 months!
Idk I do wash my car once-twice a week on average.
@@Darkhunter218 Thats a lot! I'd say most people probably average 1-2 times a month.
Bro I shower twice a day and wash my car twice a week
What happens if this stuff gets into the water supply?
Like if someone puts it into a reservoir or a water tower? Probably nothing since it would be super diluted if it's just one bottle. If someone spilled barrels of it, I'm sure it would be a big deal.
@@DmitrysGarage This stuff is going on cars. It gets washed off over time and into our water ways and gutters. If that water is recycled which it is usually how does this stuff get separated? I guess you could say that about any chemical but this is sold as "hydrophobic...makes you wonder
@@makingadifference4834 Most of the bottle is carrier fluid which is typically a petroleum distillate solvent that evaporates. The layer on the car is VERY thin, microns thin. So the washoff of the actual active ingredients is going to be very small. Of all the thing polluting our water this is going to be one of the smallest. We still have farm waste, human waste and even illegal chemical dumping going into waterways. For example: twitter.com/KUSINews/status/1224862912369455104 where Mexico was dumping 50 million gallons of sewage a day, nothing car wax related will ever compare to a fraction of this. As far as worries that they're hydrophobic compounds, that doesn't necessarily make them extra bad for water or people. There are far worse things that get dumped.
Will it increase the shininess if I apply wax over Last Coat? Which wax would you recommend the best?
Good question. It may or may not, depends on the product. I personally dont stack products as it costs more time and money, i prefer to find one that meets the needs of a specific vehicle.
I've been doing research in this product and I thought I remember seeing that you're not supposed to put any wax with this product because it's going to interact with it negatively. If you want to be more glossy, they recommend doing two to three coats with 10 minutes in between. This review only did one.
It’s not a spray wax.
I discredit any review that doesn’t show both sides (treated and non) with the same test criteria in the same shot. Why would you not do that? Further justifies my point when you talk about affiliate links at the beginning of the video. Too many good reviews out there to waste time watching these.
I have no idea what you’re on about. I literally show both sides.
@@DmitrysGarage Yes you do, on the hood. But the gloss panel test showed one high initial result followed by four lower results, and we never saw numbers for the control or non-treated side. Was the control number based on a single reading or an average of five tests? It’s just difficult to believe that there is less gloss on the treated surface than the control (even if the product goes on thick) because the product is highly marketed for its gloss factor.
When results bounce around on the gloss panel it indicates the product has high and low spots. This is why I take an average of 5 readings. For the control side the 94 GU rating is based on a 5 reading average. Before the test starts I machine polish the panel to get it to average 94 GU. You can also see once I take the wax off with isopropyl alcohol the panel returns to ~94GU in the one sample I took.
While the product is marketed for gloss, we have to first understand what gloss is. The gloss meter device measures light reflection. If you stuck it on a mirror it would go off the charts. Do you consider a mirror glossy? Most people would say reflective. So this means there is more to gloss than how reflective it is. This is why I also do the visual appeal test which is subjective to my perception of gloss/prettiness. If you saw the visual appeal part, you saw I liked how the product looked.
Even though the product heavily cut reflectivity, it still looked glossy to the eye. The concept of what humans consider glossy is complicated and actively researched. Reflectivity as measured by the gloss meter is part of it. Products that maintain high reflectivity and create the deep gloss effect look great. TLC2.0 would look better on a whole car if it was more reflective, but it is still a pretty "glossy" product.
I also have to mind the length of the video and tailor the level of detail for each test to match viewer interest. My tests take hours to do before any video editing. A typical two camera output is about 1.5TB of video. If I showed every part of it, the pre-staging, checking the control surfaces, etc.. they would be hours long. I've got to distill those 1.5TB to under 15 minutes to have any sort of reasonable viewer retention.
I hope this gives you some insight into my testing and thought process.
@@DmitrysGarage thank you for the informative response. I can appreciate the fact that you’ve carefully considered the technical aspects of your testing. I retract my original statement and apologize for jumping to that conclusion.
No worries. It happens. Thanks for watching the video :)
First
Thanks for watching Ajay!
worst product i have used
Snake oil