wet/glossy vs clear/reflective

[III]

I don`t fully understand the differences in these 2 combos. Does anyone have pics that might show the differences or care to explain this?

[rhillstr]

They are not the same and are not always paired either.

Wet- Looks wet and appears to have depth. IMO part of the wet look is the color darkens just a shade.

Gloss- IMO, means the car appears to have a glow. Think of painting something with a nice paint then think of how it looks after a coat of clearcoat. Shiny might be the only synonym to glossy.

Clear- No distortion to reflection. Thus you ahve sharp reflections you can read signs and see small details in the reflections. The metal flakes "pop" out when you use super clear products. Also the car`s color remains unchanged in very clear finishes.

Reflective- Simply put your car looks more and more like a mirror. Look at a nicely detailed black car. Some pics posted here really demonstrate this property well.

[gentletouch]

Has anyone forgotten about "feel" too?

[rhillstr]

ooooh yeah. My favorite: glassy! Thanks gentletouch

[awd330]

Originally posted by III
I don`t fully understand the differences in these 2 combos. Does anyone have pics that might show the differences or care to explain this?

This photo is the only one I have on hand which may demonstrate the two looks. :dunno The hood was prepared with PP and EX-P which results in a very clear and reflective appearance. The left front fender was prepared with VM and EX-P which produced a wetter and glossier appearance (at the expense of clarity).

[III]

Once again awd330 to the rescue. Thanks to rhillstr and gentletouch who also have put their 2 cents in.

[awd330]

Originally posted by III
Once again awd330 to the rescue. Thanks to rhillstr and gentletouch who also have put their 2 cents in.

Glad the photo was helpful. The difference in appearance is even more noticeable in person.

[aheyn]

What sort of `finish` would I get if I used Merzerna FP and then UPP ? (possibly with AIO if its absolutely neccessary).

[groebuck]

AIO+UPP = is the clearest most reflective combo I have seen -

I`ve grabbed a couple pics - that hopefully illustrate for you - the black car is wet and glossy (notice how the wet look tires look like the paint) the grey car is clear and reflective - notice how the metallics in the paint pop and you can see them sparkle? The finish is also highly reflective as you can see the clouds and sky and such in the paint....

either one is a great look - it all depends on your preferences

[kimwallace]

No Pics but,
For me the clearest most reflective finish was obtained by skipping the AIO and using SSR 1 and then straight to UPP. The AIO seemed to cloud the finish just a little.

[RJ SD]

AWD, that picture is perfect. I was kinda wondering what the difference was myself. Very good example, thanks!

[III]

Groebuck, great example also. Thanks.

[Rosso Scuderia]

I must respectfully disagree with awd because that area on the wheel well often gets that wet look. Not to say that the fender doesn`t have it, but groebuck`s picture really illustrates the look as does the picture below. Groebuck, what was used to prepare that Tiburon?

[Patrick]

Ross, dig the sig.......
Like Enzo lacks aerodynamics ?!

[groebuck]

not my tib - another poster - they used Turtle Wax Ultra Gloss believe it or not.