What is DetailScore?

My name is Dmitry and I test detailing products on YouTube. This website was created to help you find the best LSP (Last Step Product) for your car. Beginner or Pro, if you love a traditional wax or a high-end ceramic coating, my testing helps ensure you pick the best products for your needs. You should check out my blog which features car builds, repairs, events, and more.

How are products tested?

Testing starts with the application of the product where I use my expertise to judge the product's difficulty level. Once the coating or wax cures I judge visual appeal by measuring the specular reflection (gloss) and looking at a black and red test panel while comparing it to bare clear coat visually.

Next I test hydrophobicity by measuring the Hydrophobicity with a goniometer of my own design. Slickness is scored by measuring the static coefficient of friction. Then UV protection is tested through UV-A transmission and a UV-A oven. Finally, I test durability by putting my black test plate in an elcometer and letting it scrub with shampoo for up to 1,000 cycles or until failure. If you want the nitty gritty of my test methods, you should click here to learn more.

What do the scores mean?

The scoring system is designed to be straightforward and transparent. Each product is evaluated across seven key characteristics, with scores typically ranging from -10 to 10. Here’s what each score means:

• Ease of Use:
  How easy is it to apply the product? The simplest, most user-friendly products score up to +10. Difficult or frustrating products can score as low as -10.
• Visual Appeal:
  How does the product look on a black and red test panel? The most visually stunning products score +10. Products with no effect get a 0, and those that detract from appearance may score negative points.
• Slickness:
  How slippery is the surface after application? Slicker surfaces help prevent marring and scratching. The slickest products score up to +10, while tacky or sticky ones may score 0.
• UV Protection:
  Does the product block or absorb UV-A rays? I haven't seen any that do, but each product is tested with a UV oven and transmission meter to assess any benefit.
• Specular Gloss:
  How much mirror-like shine does the product add? Measured with a gloss meter, higher scores mean more gloss was gained after application and negative scores mean gloss was lost. Many products do lose reflectivity on bright polished surfaces.
• Hydrophobicity:
  How well does the product repel water? The best products create round, tight beads and score up to +10. Weaker products may score 0.
• Durability:
  How long does the protection last? Products are tested for abrasion resistance up to 1,000 cycles. The most durable score +10, while those that fail quickly get lower scores.

Want to learn more? Check out my testing methodology for all the details.

How do I use this website?

Using this website is easier than it seems. Check out this video to learn more:

What's different about Beginner or Professional experiences?

At the moment the only difference between the two options is your default filter range. To make it easier for beginners, I've set the default filter range to be more restrictive. For example, the default range for Ease of Use is 5-10, while the default range for Professional is unrestricted. This means that the Professional filter will show all products, but the Beginner filter will show more products that are easier to use. In the future I may add a small questionaire for beginners to help better narrow down their choices.

Can I suggest products for testing?

Of course! Reach out to me in a recent video's comments section and let me know what you'd like me to review. I do my best to prioritize frequently requested products, and add all of them to a list for video ideas.