Review: CarPro PERL

[CEE DOG]

Corey,

It has been a few weeks. Which do you like better, UTTG+ or PERL?

For tires I prefer PERL.
For trim it depends on the trim type but in general UTTG will be my favorite until I have tested PERL on enough trim types and seen if the durability lasts as long as UTTG does. So far the PERL is looking great on that cowl test so I'll keep you updated. I'm also going to add another trim test with a tape line to get more trim results with PERL.
Perl is able to be used on interiors as well so that is another thing to keep in mind if you don't want to purchase both UTTG and UIGP or if you like a little gloss to your an interior.

 

[muscle]

I am glad you pointed that out. For some reason I was thinking I could use UTTG on the inside too. I'm about to place an order so I think I'll try out PERL.

 

[CEE DOG]

Conclusions & Updates:

4 Week Update: PERL vs. Detailers Pride (Old Tire)

This was what the old cracked tire looked like immediately after application.

And after 4 weeks/ 1000 miles / parked outside 24/7… the first 2 of those 4 weeks had a lot of rain and they were driven in the rain multiple times.

Immediately After Application

4 Weeks Later

Video: 4 Week Update

4 Week Update: PERL on Skybaby Tires

Looks great! The tires on my Sky rarely get wet except during her washes and that holds true here. They have not been driven in rain. She has only been driven on the weekends… About 70 miles yesterday… Top speed I brought her to was130 mph.

Total miles since application: 150 +/-.
Time since Application 4 weeks

Conclusion:

-Exterior Trim-

For exterior trim I do not yet have a conclusion since I’ve only been able to keep tabs on one vehicle where it was used on trim. I started another test today that will give us further insight. I will say on the textured trim where I’ve been watching it for 6 weeks now it has faded some but still looks good. That vehicle is outdoors 24/7

-Tires-

(For outdoor daily driver type vehicles)

Using the method of 1:1 application and 2 thin layers applied as previously specified I am seeing about 2 to 2 1/2 weeks of the tires still looking good. This is assuming a few rainstorms. Without rainstorms I assume the tires would look great beyond 2 weeks

(For Garage Queens)

There just isn’t a question what you should be using on the tires imo.


Summary:

Durability: PERL does not outperform UTTG or WGETS in durability.

Price: PERL is cheaper then UTTG and UTTG cheaper than WGETS.

PERL darkens badly faded textured trim more than other products I’ve used.

PERL does not leave any runs in it from rain like some of the x black x and restorer products do.

Tires: UTTG will last longer on tires but the very dark black that PERL offers when applied with the method I use just can’t be beat. If the vehicle doesn’t see rain (for instance your garage queen) PERL looks the same to me now as it did 4 weeks ago.

Engines: On engines I believe UTTG to be superior in durability, for one because of its ability to withstand 500 degrees F. I am not positive what temperature PERL holds up to but so far it still looks great on the engine plastic I’ve used it on. PERL can be a touch faster to apply to more intricate engine components.

Interiors: PERL can be used on interior as well. After using it on my Sky I thought I wouldn’t be using it again on her just because I love the feel of UIGP but when we were out the other day I was looking at the way the PERL darkens the interior and I really like it. UIGP is still my favorite product for my Sky but PERL will be used on my Sky again in the future from time to time.

Other interiors I do PERL will probably see 50% of them. For interior products it has replaces all my other dressings except UIGP. For anyone that wants a darker look than UIGP offers I would recommend PERL. For anyone that wants the completely dry to the touch and soft cashmere feel of UIGP I would recommend that.

I think anyone that is using 303AP would be ecstatic if they switched to PERL.

PERL is a jack of all trades. For me it is a master of tires and in my top 2 for interiors, engines, and textured exterior trim.

Oh btw, I finally got the smell today. It does smell like apples! It took me long enough but I see it now.

 

[kronos]

Insanely awesome review Corey! It looks like a really good product and if it weren't for UTTG & UIGP, I'd buy this. I just love UTTG & UIGP too much to let them go!!!

 

[CEE DOG]

Insanely awesome review Corey! It looks like a really good product and if it weren't for UTTG & UIGP, I'd buy this. I just love UTTG & UIGP too much to let them go!!!

Thanks Enrique! For the price get some for your tires :dblthumb2: You can try it elsewhere as well but a bottle of this will last you longer than a gallon of some products on your tires.

 

[TroyScherer]

Thanks for the update Corey....

 

[wicius]

Great review... I must admit that 50% of my theoretical knowledge about car detailing comes from your reviews (because it allows me to buy the best products there are and use them properly). Remaining 50% comes from Mike's how-to videos
Just a quick question... why wouldn't you use opti-coat 2.0 or Cquartz for coating the exterior trim? I thought it would be much more durable than PERL (which I bought a few days ago together with opti-coat 2.0, planning to use PERL for tires and interior only)

 

[kronos]

Yeah, I think I just may pick some up with my next order. Your endorsement is good enough for me. rops:

 

[CEE DOG]

Thanks for the update Corey....

My pleasure Troy

Great review... I must admit that 50% of my theoretical knowledge about car detailing comes from your reviews (because it allows me to buy the best products there are and use them properly). Remaining 50% comes from Mike's how-to videos
Just a quick question... why wouldn't you use opti-coat 2.0 or Cquartz for coating the exterior trim? I thought it would be much more durable than PERL (which I bought a few days ago together with opti-coat 2.0, planning to use PERL for tires and interior only)

That means a lot to me! I appreciate it greatly.

Well, OC and CQ haven't particular impressed me on trim. You are right that they should be much more durable but it just doesn't seem like they do much to trim for me. If the trim is faded at all they certainly don't restore are darken it in my experience. On some plastic materials it might be great for protecting it as long as it's in good condition to start with.

Thanks again :dblthumb2:

Yeah, I think I just may pick some up with my next order. Your endorsement is good enough for me. rops:

I appreciate that! Let me know what you think :buffing:

 

[Dr Oldz]

That was a great finish to a well played review. (Im just not sure why you compared PERL to Dr Pepper) :dunno:

 

[muscle]

Corey,

What is the best applicator to use when applying PERL? I have foam and microfiber applicators.

Also, what do I need to do to surfaces with Megs Ult Protectant on them?

 

[BobbyG]

Great review... I must admit that 50% of my theoretical knowledge about car detailing comes from your reviews (because it allows me to buy the best products there are and use them properly). Remaining 50% comes from Mike's how-to videos

:iagree: Corey does a stellar job taking in in-depth look at many of the detailing product sold here. I can honestly say Corey's pointed me in the right direction many times and save me time and expense......rops:

 

[CEE DOG]

Corey,

What is the best applicator to use when applying PERL? I have foam and microfiber applicators.

Also, what do I need to do to surfaces with Megs Ult Protectant on them?

I'm assuming you mean to remove the UPP before PERL application? I would wash them well with a microfiber towel an Apc like OPC diluted as recommended. If using a stronger cleaner would mean getting some on your lsp and you don't want to then I would wipe them with the apc sprayed directly on the towel and immediately wipe the apc off with water using a mf towel and the appropriate pressure. You may also just wash them well with the mitt and a non lsp invasive car wash and after completely dry apply the PERL. It will probably affect durability if some is left but I'm not sure. Depending on the trim material you could wipe it down with IPA before applying the PERL. Just do a test spot first with your cleaner to make sure it's safe.

For interiors try both and see what works best on a given surface. Mf might be best on many interiors.

On textured trim use foam but on smooth plastic mf might work better.
So far on smooth I have still used foam. It should be fine since you can lightly wipe with an mf towel anyway to ensure a thin even coat.

For tires I love using a pie slice from an old polishing pad. Spray once from a distance of about a foot about every 6-18" (depending on the profile... Low profile needs very little) around the tire with a fine mister pump sprayer and immediately spread very thin with the applicator. Then let it dry as long as possible, at least 30 minutes if you can and longer if inside. Best to apply a thin coat and then continue with other detailing for awhile until dry.

:iagree: Corey does a stellar job taking in in-depth look at many of the detailing product sold here. I can honestly say Corey's pointed me in the right direction many times and save me time and expense......rops:

Thank you Bobby Im the MAN. That means a lot buddy!

 

[muscle]

Thank you, Corey! I really do appreciate it. I've learned a great deal from your posts.

 

[mlc40]

I wanted to say thank you also. I am a noob to this site but enjoy reading the reviews and comments you post. I ordered PERL with my last order, along with a long list of other items, and will be washing my car tonight. I look forward to putting PERL on the convertible top to see how it looks and lasts compared to 303.

Thanks

 

[Waxmax]

Just wanted to add a thanks to CeeDog....Based on his review I ordered PERL and just tried it.

As he had said, it works particularly well on tires. I diluted it 1:1 and 2light coats left the tires dark and rich looking. On interior leather at 1:5 it left a slight sheen. I have UTTG as well for exterior use, but PERL may be my favorite. It is water based which I like as well.

 

[tw33k2514]

I was strongly considering hyper dressing as my AIO interior/exterior dressing, but given your great results, I think I am going to give PERL a try.

 

[mdb917]

Excellent, excellent review Corey :dblthumb2:

In my line of work these go beyond reviews and would be referred to as "white papers" with the technical knowledge, time and accuracy of same.


Incredible...and yes.. I read EVERY single word for every one of your posts in this thread! Amazing work my friend....amazing.

I know you liked the triple layered tire picture as the winning shot but I thought the picture of the backside of the mirror was the "OMGoodness" shot. I saw that picture and knew I wanted PERL on my shelves.

Thanks Corey....

 

[CEE DOG]

Thanks a lot guys rops: If you feel like it I will be honored to have you guys share your experiences and thoughts in this thread no matter what they are. Love or hate, feel free to share your thoughts here if you don't prefer making a new thread.

Thank you, Corey! I really do appreciate it. I've learned a great deal from your posts.

Thanks again! :dblthumb2:

I wanted to say thank you also. I am a noob to this site but enjoy reading the reviews and comments you post. I ordered PERL with my last order, along with a long list of other items, and will be washing my car tonight. I look forward to putting PERL on the convertible top to see how it looks and lasts compared to 303.

Thanks

I really appreciate that and it makes it worth all the effort. I am very curious to hear you results (on that specific application especially).

Just wanted to add a thanks to CeeDog....Based on his review I ordered PERL and just tried it.

As he had said, it works particularly well on tires. I diluted it 1:1 and 2light coats left the tires dark and rich looking. On interior leather at 1:5 it left a slight sheen. I have UTTG as well for exterior use, but PERL may be my favorite. It is water based which I like as well.

Thats excellent Waxman! So happy you are enjoying it Im the MAN

I was strongly considering hyper dressing as my AIO interior/exterior dressing, but given your great results, I think I am going to give PERL a try.

Most excellent, I hope you enjoy it and please post your results, love or hate.

Excellent, excellent review Corey :dblthumb2:

In my line of work these go beyond reviews and would be referred to as "white papers" with the technical knowledge, time and accuracy of same.


Incredible...and yes.. I read EVERY single word for every one of your posts in this thread! Amazing work my friend....amazing.

I know you liked the triple layered tire picture as the winning shot but I thought the picture of the backside of the mirror was the "OMGoodness" shot. I saw that picture and knew I wanted PERL on my shelves.

Thanks Corey....

Thanks a lot Mike!!! I wish I could verbalize what that means to me but just know I really appreciate it.

I often wonder what percentage of viewers read what percentage of the review. I also very often imagine that very few look at the updates so it's great to hear this!

Oh, yes! It really darkened those mirrors! I haven't seen the truck in forever to know how it held up but on that van cowl it is still their 2 months later and looks good (still about 50% of the added darkness of what was there immediately after application) which blows me away being water based. Durability seems to vary on exterior trim greatly depending on the type of plastic.

Thanks again Mike, I really appreciated your comments.

 

[mlc40]

Over the weekend I washed and did a minor detail on my car. This is the first time I used PERL and the following are my comments on it. In the past I used AP303.

I like the convertible top to look dark black. AP303 did a great job of this but if the car would get wet I would see streaks coming down on the windows and paint. Using PERL I feel the look is about the same or maybe better. I would also say that even using PERL at a 3:1 ratio I used less product than the AP303. I will not know if the PERL streaks like the AP does for awhile but will update with the results.

I also used AP303 on the tires. This is clearly a win for PERL. My tires look dark black with nice shine, not too shiny. I used the same 3:1 ratio and put two coats on. I guess I could add another one but they look so good now I really do not feel the need.