Mike Phillips “use what you like and use them often.” I often turn back to that quote to keep me disciplined from expanding my collection beyond what is necessary. Easier said than done with a platform giving me opportunities to test products. A client also told me that “you are well equipped.” I like to have an answer for any adversity I face. But remembering the previous quote, there is a dark side to chasing so many different products.
Polishes and protection products are the ones most often that pique our curiosity. They are also the products that have subtle and overt differences in ideal application or usage and also perform differently. At a basic level, I know not everyone has the discipline to read and follow the instructions every time. That is where you can get in trouble, using a product that needs to be worked differently for optimal success.
When I read and watch complaints or see negative feedback about polish performance or product removal, I have these thoughts that center around a single concept, that comes to mind. How much time has the user worked with a particular polish or compound? Did they judge the product without evaluating it with different pad types, working environments, or even polishers? The big one; are they accustomed to a particular working time? In short, are they playing around with a bunch of different polishes to the point that their time is limited learning about one. Even polishes that I prefer, or ones that I do not, performed better with experience.
A variety of products provides options and a great answer in all situations, which means consistently good results. It can also lead to disorganization, poor cost effectiveness, inefficiency in work, and more importantly a lesser likelihood of understanding and mastering products in the short run and in a variety of settings in the long run.