Anyone have any experience with Finish First car polish?

 

The container looks just like Liquid Glass, which have been around for a long time, and work the same way too. I don't know the whole story behind it, and I have heard they are somehow connected. Liquid Glass is what I would be on, if I was not a "Zaino Man." LG cleans and shines and layers in one step.

 

Hmm...I've never heard of Liquid Glass, so I searched for their website (http://www.liquidglass.com). That wasn't too hard. I'm surprised to have never heard of the Finish First/Liquid Glass connection. I'm leaning more towards FF/LG because of how easy it is to apply. I hope to try some out this summer.

 

If I'm not mistaken, Liquid Glass have been around when I was a kid. I'm certain that it was around when I had my 79 Buick Regal. I heard of the FF/LG connection when "ChrisWebmaster" of HA.net was involve with it, or host a discussion board about it. The "story" was that the chemist that started LG, left to form FF. And what ever agreement that they had, LG is still hold the retail market (where you can buy anywhere) and FF is only on-line. Not sure if there is any truth to that.

 

Do you know if these two polishes have different formulas? Also, do you know if the formula for liquid glass has been improved since 20+ years ago? Now I'm feeling unsure about buying an old formula.

 

I just look at the FF and LG web sites, and guess what? It's not how I remembered it a few years back. Really, someone correct me if I'm wrong.

I recall BOTH were "one-step" type of polish. I'm 90% sure that was what I read on the back of LG, just more than a year ago. And remember the same thing about FF. NOW, BOTH requires you to use their "Pre-Cleaner" before applying the polish. So it's basically a "two-step" system. And it aslo said, that it does not remove oxidation. I recall the old "one-step" does.

The fact that I did not like LG/FF is that if it "cleans" the surface, how can it really layer? Wouldn't it remove the layer you put on, sort of? Now that's not the case for both. I'll have to give it another look, cause my Zaino is expensive (plus shipping).

I think they both are of a new formula. Need to visit the parts store again to read it. Haven't "study" wax for a long time.

 

GoLowDrew:

Okay, here's what I got in a reply from Chris Webmaster at h-a.net:

So it turns out that liquid glass was some good stuff, but cheapened out.

BTW, I checked out a store that sells liquid glass and it just so happens that liquid glass sells a pre-cleaner too.

So the question is: Synthetic polymer or organic?

 

I used FF on my 1989 Accord LXi and it did a good job. Nice shine and very durable. I used it several months ago and the finish still beads water.

I have also used Zaino and even though it is labor intensive, if used by the directions, it is even more durable and shines better than the FF. But once you get it on the first time, it is very easy to wipe on and off. The shine is incredible. I could see reflections in the paint that looked like mirror images.

I asked Sal Zaino abouth FF and he told me that it was very abrasive. I actually got some metallic residue on the application pad when using it.

 

There is some truth to that. meaning everything is "abrasives" compare to Zaino. In fact, I think that is a "fault" at times. I got a very nice several coat on my car over my first year on Zaino. But now I know I need clean the surface, cause each layer, each application, must cover up some crap. I felt it several months back, but still continued with more applications, cause I didn't have the time (at that time).

That's why I need to clay, and have not kept up my Zaino care, cause some of it will be ultimately removed by the clay when I clean.

As for synthetic polymer or organic? I'm sure there can be a debate on that. I'm going to take a chance on saying this. I think synthetic look clearer, while organic look thicker. These are from past experiences, of different products (wax and polish.) So I am comparing apples and oranges on this one.

 

Thanks AMSOIL98LXi for your opinion. It seems like I will have to do some rethinking with my choice of polish. I want something that lasts long, "fills in" most swirl marks (err...removes?), and is easy to apply. So far FF fits the bill. If Zaino is as easy to apply as you say it is (after the first coat), then I will take Zaino into consideration.

What I like most about FF is the layering system. You can put as many layers as you want and the shine will just get deeper and deeper. And you can get even better results if you leave it on overnight (wow).

I certainly will not go by what the owner of Zaino says about FF. I would like unbiased opinions from regular people.

 

What is polish vs wax? Do they do the same thing?

 

If you look at the bottom line, yes. They will do exactly the same thing. Shine, clean, protect. The general (old) definition would be. A polish make it shine, and wax protect the shine. But you'll find products today just blur the lines.