Thanks for all the replies, I'm not really asking, how do you know when it's time to re-apply wax or sealant, or whether the paint is protected absent beading... I'm wondering, how do we know that the paint is ever protected?
EXAMPLE: I put two coats of brand X wax/sealant on my car and wait 24 hours... if it rains, it will bead, but, how do I KNOW that the paint is protected from things like acid rain, bug guts, UV rays, etc. It seems like I have to just trust the manufacturers claims, right?
And that's ok, to an extent, I trust the people at AG and most all the lines of products they carry, but, if you read the product material, you'll see every product claim to look the best, offer the best protection, and go on and off the easiest. We can "test" most of the factors - looks are subjective, just apply, observe and forma an opinion - basically the same thing with ease of use, try it and see you will KNOW if it went on and off easily, BUT, is there a way to really evaluate the level of protection offered by any given product (and don't confuse Protection with Longevity).
