Four Star Professional 4-54 Polymer Paint Sealant Review

[Bob]

I hate doing reviews on products that we sell just because I know a lot of people will think it is one sided. But oh well anyway. :lol: I have not really had much time to use this product except for on a test panel a while ago. This was my first time using it on an entire vehicle.

Product Name: Four Star Professional 4-54 Polymer Paint Sealant

Product Container: Clear plastic container. Looks to hold up well, I did not drop it or anything. The cap on it is a child proof cap so it goes on nice and tight.

Product Labeling: The label holds up great to water and chemicals. Very good instructions on the label.

Product Characteristics: The product is yellowish and very runny. It smells a little like banana...I think anyway.

Product Performance: This product performed great! Went on easy and off easy. Performed just as the label said it would. I was very pleased. It seems to do a good job hiding minor swirls and shines very nice. The thing I dislike is that it says NOT to get it on rubber. I just put some on a foam applicator and did around all the rubber trim by hand and then went over the rest with a blue LCM pad on my PC on speed 3. A little goes a LOOOONG way. After putting it on you just let is haze over and cure good for a little while and then wipe it off.

Product Price: I'll let you all be the judge.

Product Safety: The label warns several times to keep out of childrens reach and to not swallow it. If you are drinking this product you got bigger problems to begin with. Just, like all of your detailing products, keep it out of children's reach. At least this has a child proof cap so keep the cap on and you should not have to worry. Unless you got one of those super smart babies. :lol:

[BigLeegr]

I found that the product is too runny for the type of cap (Child proof). I think it should have a flip spout. Fortunately, I had an extra, so I use it instead! 8)
I found that it dries very quickly. So much so, that you could conceivably do a section at a time, wiping off as you go. I find this to be beneficial when working outside in a "breezy" environment. This may adversely affect the longevity of it, but so far, using it as such, it's lasted as long as most waxes, which I think is pretty good. I have it on a "test car" now, using it as its winter protection, so hopefully I'll be able to get a better idea of how long 1 application can last.
I found that it seemed to make the clearcoat look thicker. :shock:
Very shiny too. Decent depth as well.
Oh yeah, and slick too! :o My gf went to pull the hatch down and her hand slid off the car! :lol:

[Bob]

I found that the product is too runny for the type of cap (Child proof). I think it should have a flip spout. Fortunately, I had an extra, so I use it instead! 8)
I found that it dries very quickly. So much so, that you could conceivably do a section at a time, wiping off as you go. I find this to be beneficial when working outside in a "breezy" environment. This may adversely affect the longevity of it, but so far, using it as such, it's lasted as long as most waxes, which I think is pretty good. I have it on a "test car" now, using it as its winter protection, so hopefully I'll be able to get a better idea of how long 1 application can last.
I found that it seemed to make the clearcoat look thicker. :shock:
Very shiny too. Decent depth as well.
Oh yeah, and slick too! :o My gf went to pull the hatch down and her hand slid off the car! :lol:

Keep us posted on the test car!

[BigLeegr]

Well, a month later on the test car.
Slickness is all but dead. :cry: I was thinking about using a QD to boost it, but figured I'd leave it alone so as to get a more true picture of the long term results of the sealant on its own.
Looks - Still looks pretty good! :P After a wash and good wipe down (S+W is a good product to use to get rid of the water drips without changing the looks or longevity of a product, I think. 8) ) the car looks better than some newer cars (car is 14 years old). Good reflectivity/clarity. Metallic flakes show up, still looks glossy. If you don't touch it, you'd think it had been waxed recently! :D
More to come.... :wink:

Edit: How're your long term results, Bob?

[BigLeegr]

Well, two month update.
The slickness ain't coming back. :cry:
Beading is dying a slow, painful death. During/after a rain, it's beading fairly well, but when washing it, even with the first wet-down, the horizontal surfaces have water cling to them. No beading/sheeting. Sides are still ok for beading.
Looks-WOW! Still looks Spiffy Keen! :shock: Good reflection/gloss. I'm impressed at this!
Not too sure how much protection is left, judging by the lack of beading and slickness, but judging only on looks, it seems to be holding on!

How're your test results Bob?

[Bob]

Well, two month update.
The slickness ain't coming back. :cry:
Beading is dying a slow, painful death. During/after a rain, it's beading fairly well, but when washing it, even with the first wet-down, the horizontal surfaces have water cling to them. No beading/sheeting. Sides are still ok for beading.
Looks-WOW! Still looks Spiffy Keen! :shock: Good reflection/gloss. I'm impressed at this!
Not too sure how much protection is left, judging by the lack of beading and slickness, but judging only on looks, it seems to be holding on!
How're your test results Bob?
Seems to be the same as yours. The gloss and clean look seemed to last a very long time but the slickness did not seem to last long.

[BigLeegr]

Well, the 3 month mark didn't quite make it here before there was a day slightly above freezing, so I gave up on the test and applied another coat of wax.
Looks were still very good, I just wasn't too thrilled with the lack of slickness/beading going through the salt/slush months.
So, as a "conclusion" I think this sealant lasts far longer than some other "professional" sealants I've used (some not even 6 weeks.), but I guess it's not quite in the same league as Z and KSG are purported to be in. (I haven't tried either, so I can't personally gauge this.) Also, you get a pretty big bottle of sealant compared to others (yet not required to buy by the gallon 8) ), so it's a pretty good value, IMO.

[BigLeegr]

So, just another commentary on this stuff... Wow.
It's really easy to use. Wipes off with little effort, wipes cleanly without hard rubbing.
And, as Bob mentioned, it seems to hide minor marring. (And this, from a sealant!! :o )
I used it recently on a van that was about 6 years old, never waxed since new. :roll: I got most of the marring out with the polishing, but still had some RIDS left. As it was getting very hot and humid out (Sweat running off my face so hard I had to wipe before working on the horizontal surfaces so I didn't drip on it! :o :-({|= ) I decided "good enough!" (It was a freebie, and they aren't likely to wax it themselves anyway. :wink: ) So, I went and applied the sealant.
I was expecting to have some trouble, due to the weather, but this stuff was a breeze! And even in the sun, after removal, the paint looked totally clear of defects! :D The more I use this stuff, the more I like it!
As to the beading/slickness, well, they haven't increased. 8-[ But using a QD helps prolong it, and since I usually QD after washes anyway, it's all good.
Well, maybe not all good. I think the look it gives is more glossy than reflective. If you like a rolling mirror, you may not like this stuff. If you like a wet/glossy kind of shine, you just may!

[Bob]

Awesome! I was actually wondering how it worked in the heat and direct sun! I did an Expidition last week and ended up using something else on it because I did not want to make it the test vehicle for 4-54 and sun testing. :lol:
I actually tested out some One Grand Omega Glaze a couple of weeks ago and thought that the 4-54 hid more swirls!

Thanks for the updates!

p.s. I was talking to Gary at Four Star and I am going to send some 4 ounce samples of this stuff out. So, if you want a 4 ounce sample let me know and I will send it with an order you place. I don't want to send it out without sending it with an order since shipping is getting higher.

[Dan]

p.s. I was talking to Gary at Four Star and I am going to send some 4 ounce samples of this stuff out. So, if you want a 4 ounce sample let me know and I will send it with an order you place. I don't want to send it out without sending it with an order since shipping is getting higher.

That's a cool offer...I may just have to take you up on that! 8)

This sounds like a cool product except for the whole "slickness doesn't last" part (that's my #1 priority with a LSP). How does the marring-hiding ability compare to Poorboy's EX?

Oh, and Bob--did you like that Omega Glaze at all?

[Bob]

p.s. I was talking to Gary at Four Star and I am going to send some 4 ounce samples of this stuff out. So, if you want a 4 ounce sample let me know and I will send it with an order you place. I don't want to send it out without sending it with an order since shipping is getting higher.

That's a cool offer...I may just have to take you up on that! 8)

This sounds like a cool product except for the whole "slickness doesn't last" part (that's my #1 priority with a LSP). How does the marring-hiding ability compare to Poorboy's EX?

Oh, and Bob--did you like that Omega Glaze at all?

I used the glaze on two cars so far and it just didn't hide like I thought. However I will be using it on several more cars coming up here.

[BigLeegr]

Mr. Sherman: How long do you expect slickness to last? I mainly commented on it because there is such a dramatic increase in slickness when first applied that it is almost sad when you touch it and your hand doesn't slide off. (Not that I'm touching my car alot, or anything... 8-[ ) It's not like the paint squeeks within a week or anything, just that the looks last far longer than the slickness. (As is the case with every product I've used, but this one seems to look good far longer.)
As to the Omega Glaze, I've used it and I'm still trying to get it to work "anywhere near" as good as I've read it should. I've tried it only about 5 times, so I'm still experimenting, but it sure isn't "fool-proof." [-(

[Bob]

Mr. Sherman: How long do you expect slickness to last? I mainly commented on it because there is such a dramatic increase in slickness when first applied that it is almost sad when you touch it and your hand doesn't slide off. (Not that I'm touching my car alot, or anything... 8-[ ) It's not like the paint squeeks within a week or anything, just that the looks last far longer than the slickness. (As is the case with every product I've used, but this one seems to look good far longer.)
As to the Omega Glaze, I've used it and I'm still trying to get it to work "anywhere near" as good as I've read it should. I've tried it only about 5 times, so I'm still experimenting, but it sure isn't "fool-proof." [-(
Agreed on both accounts. :)
For the Omega, the reason I got it was I wanted to try something that hid swirls. All the raves I read on autopia about it made me want to try it.

[Dan]

Mr. Sherman: How long do you expect slickness to last? I mainly commented on it because there is such a dramatic increase in slickness when first applied that it is almost sad when you touch it and your hand doesn't slide off. (Not that I'm touching my car alot, or anything... 8-[ ) It's not like the paint squeeks within a week or anything, just that the looks last far longer than the slickness. (As is the case with every product I've used, but this one seems to look good far longer.)
As to the Omega Glaze, I've used it and I'm still trying to get it to work "anywhere near" as good as I've read it should. I've tried it only about 5 times, so I'm still experimenting, but it sure isn't "fool-proof." [-(

Thanks BigLeegr
Yeah, see I have a car-touching problem... :lol: I always HOPE that I can get over a month of good slickness out of my sealant, but that never happens. I understand what you're saying, I might have a go at this stuff. :)

Thanks for the thoughts on Omega Glaze. Not for me. LOL

[sspeer]

I wanted to chime in on my experience with the 4-54. First off, thanks to Danase for the sample!

I applied in on the hood and rear hatch of my black vehicle and in the sun..and it worked great! I really love how slick it is...much slicker than the Megs #16 I used on the sides.

My prep was CG laser buff and Danase Speed Glaze..both purchased here...and it looks awesome!

Since the slickness seems to go away after a month, I think it's a perfect 'summer wax'..since it's quick and seems to work well in the sun.

[BDornseif]

Aside from its greater longevity, how does it compare to 4* UPP in slickness and ease of use?

[Bob]

Aside from its greater longevity, how does it compare to 4* UPP in slickness and ease of use?
I would say it is right at par with UPP in slickness. And it is just as easy if not easier to use than UPP.

[BigLeegr]

Just a FYI, I would not recommend using this on cars about to be used in parades, if there is to be signs taped to the cars. I did a car that was to carry some "dignitaries" so there was to be some signs with their names taped to the sides of the car (in case anybody wondered who they were). The tape wouldn't stick! The signs came right off! They ended up taping the signs to the chrome only. :roll: