Review: Pinnacle Black Label SiO2 Spray Detailer

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Review: Pinnacle Black Label SiO2 Spray Detailer



Pinnacle Black Label SiO2 Spray Detailer

From the Autogeek Store



Pinnacle Black Label SiO2 Detail Spray

Pinnacle Black Label SiO2 Detail Spray is the quick and easy solution to the light dust, finger prints, smudges, and other light soil that accumulates on your paint over time. Instead of having to undergo a complete washing routine to rid your paint of such minor defects, Pinnacle Black Label SiO2 Detail Spray will allow you to restore that “freshly waxed” look within minutes! Pinnacle Black Label SiO2 Detail Spray is an improvement on the standard quick detailer in that is contains the extremely hydrophobic substance SiO2. Using Pinnacle Black Label SiO2 Detail Spray on your car will also allow you to replenish the protective properties of whatever was, sealant, or coating you have applied to your paint!


What it is:

A spray-on, wipe-off detailer


What it does?

Removes light dust, fingerprints and smudges. Restores that just detailed look. Creates a super hydrophobic surface that repels water while creating a self-cleaning effect. Restores and maintains gloss, slickness, shine and protection.


When to us it?

In-between a normal wash or anytime you want to restore that just detailed look.





Pro Tips
Yeah I know, a spray detailer is a simple product. You spray it on, spread it around and wipe the panel dry. Not much to it. And "yes" while that is true, besides the product, there are 2 other things that you should know about to get the maximium performance out of any spray detailer.


1: Use the right microfiber towel

While any microfiber towel can wipe a liquid off a smooth surface, some towels do perform better than others. I tired 3 different microfiber towels and out of the three, the towel I found to work best was a simple, short pile, closed-loop weave towel.


These are called, Storm Gray Edgeless Microfiber Polishing Cloths. (They are probably referred to as cloths instead of towels for search engine optimization). Notice how many I have stacked up ready to go. I count 14 but I'm not going to use them all. The big picture idea is, to safely wipe your car down to clean it using only a spray detailer you want to use plenty of clean, dry towels. Swap out to a fresh clean towel often and then you won't risk rubbing dirt removed from one panel to over a new panel.

Here's the towel spread out,

Here's a close-up of the weave - it's a tiny closed loop.

This towel worked well to spread the SiO2 spray detailer out to remove dust, fingerprints and smudges. Then you can either flip to a dry side to give the panel a final buff or switch to a second towel to give the panel a final buff.



2: Set the spray nozzle to spray, not stream.

This is a REAL simple tip but I've seen people use the wrong nozzle setting when using a spray head and it's just the wrong technique. Most spray heads offer either STREAM or SPRAY. Using the stream option is like using a Squirt Gun. You spray down a thin line of product to a small area. Don't do this. You waste product and reduce your effectiveness. Instead, be sure to turn the spray nozzle to the word SPRAY on the nozzle or the picture that shows a wide spray pattern. See pictures below.



Here's the OFF setting.

Use this setting when storing the product at home in your garage or in your car when travelling.

Here's the STREAM setting - DON'T USE THIS SETTING

Here's the SPRAY setting - DO USE THIS SETTING

How and why it works

By using the SPRAY option on a sprayer you will better atomize the liquid to fan it out over a larger footprint. This will enable you to get more mileage out of the product and also help to saturate the area more evenly to make cleaning and shining faster and easier.





The purpose of a Spray Detailer

Some people get confused over the role of a spray detailer. It's often confused with a Waterless Wash. Let me explain the purpose and role of each category of product.

Spray Detailers

Spray detailers are for removing,

1. Light dust
2. Fingerprints
3. Smudges

Spray detailers are not for cleaning a neglected, caked-on mud, dirty car. The focus is on restoring "that just detailed look" in-between a normal wash job and a regular wax job.



Waterless Washes

A quality brand waterless wash is for cleaning dirty cars when other options to clean the car are not available. There is more focus on cleaning for a waterless wash formula.





Demo Car - 2014 Mini Cooper - Daily Driver


This car belongs to a co-worker. They told me they washed it last weekend. Since last weekend, it's rained every day. This means the car has a film of dirt on it caused by dirt in the air and the rain creating the film on the car. I took a number of pictures of the car but you couldn't really see the dirt film on the paint. You can however see the dirt film and water spots on the side glass. This same film and water spots you see on the glass is also all over all the rest of the exterior of this car.


Light dirt

Swirls

Here you can see this car has normal swirls and scratches. A spray detailer will not remove swirls and scratches. This just documents that this car is probably not regularly polished and waxed. I'll tie this back into this new spray detailer when you see the water beading pictures later in this review.

How to use a Spray Detailer


Step 1: Starting at the top - spray a section of the roof with the Pinnacle Black Label SiO2 Spray Detailer.

Step 2: Spread the product out using one side of a clean, folded microfiber towel.

Step 2: Flip to a dry side of the towel and give the section a final buff to remove any excess product, streaks or smears.

Repeat this to the rest of the car. Start at the top and then work you way down and around the car.

Pinnacle Black Label SiO2 Spray Detailer can be used on any hard, smooth surface, including glass.

After roof and side glass, next tackle the hood and if the car has a trunk lid, do it too.




The Multiple Towel Approach

Spray a section of the hood with the PBL SiO2 Spray Detailer and then using a clean folded microfiber towel, spread the product out.

Note the 2microfiber towels on the windshield

Use one towel to spread the product out....

Then switch to the other towel for the final wipe...

As you work around the car, continually refold your towels and use clean sides for each section of paint cleaned. The idea being to avoid cross-contamination of removed dirt, fingerprints, smudges, etc. to the next area to be cleaned.


Spray a section of the car....

Note the 2 towels on the roof

Spread the product with one towel...

Then switch to the second towel for the final wipe.

Repeat this to the sides of the car after knocking out the horizontal panels....

Clean and shiny!

Review

This is a really nice product. I don't write that unless I mean it sincerely. There are scads of spray detailers on the market and Autogeek has plenty of them to choose from. What sets this spray detailer apart form all the rest is that as you use it - it lays down a layer of SiO2 or nano sized particles of silica. What the silica does is this,

1. Makes the paint very shiny.
2. Makes the paint very slick and slippery.
3. Creates a hydrophobic surface.
4. Helps to keep the car cleaner, longer no matter what your normal wash routine and frequency.

I've been detailing cars and teaching car detailing classes for decades. The number one thing people look for when it comes to a spray detailer, besides good cleaning, is whether or not it will make the paint feel slick and slippery. After that, people want a spray detailer that will help prevent dust from building up on the car. The SiO2 in this product dramatically makes your car's paint feel slick and slippery. I don't know if it will help repel dust but even if it doesn't, it will create a self-cleaning effect to the exterior and that will help to remove dust.

I shared the 2-towel technique for applying and wiping a spray detailer because using a second dry towel for the final wipe just works better than using a towel that is dampened and even wet to try to do a final wipe. This is more important on dark colored cars for visual reasons but the practice works for any color of car. Unlike a lot of spray detailers that use traditional ingredients to create gloss, shine and slickness, the Pinnacle Black Labe SiO2 Spray Detailer uses the real-deal. These are nano particles are solids in the liquid emulsion and you may see these solids as a smear or streak on the paint. That's not a negative characteristic, it shows you you're really laying down some substantial SiO2 anytime you remove light dust, fingerprints and smudges - AND this is where a dedicated secondary dry microfiber towel will work better for the final wipe versus using the same towel you applied the product with to also wipe the surface dry.


If you're like me and you like your car's paint to feel slick and slippery - you're going to love this new spray detailer. And because it's important to use the right microfiber towels to get the best results from this SiO2 product, I've included the link to a 12-pack below.



On Autogeek.com

Pinnacle Black Label SiO2 Spray Detailer

12 Pack Storm Gray Edgeless Microfiber Polishing Cloth

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Continued....


Later in the afternoon it rained. A true South Florida rain which is like barrels of water coming down at one time, not drops of rain. Andre told me this product makes water bead-up really well too, so I grabbed phone and took these pictures.


I don't think this car has been properly detailed since it was purchased used. By properly detailed, I mean I don't think the exterior has seen a clay bar, (mechanical decontamination), an iron remover, (chemical decontamination), any type of compounding or polishing, or sealed with a wax, synthetic paint sealant or ceramic paint coating. The reason I think this is from the way the paint looks when I tried to photograph the light film of dirt on the car.


Below are the pictures I posted previously. This first picture shows the car was in fact lightly dirty. I tested this product on Tuesday, the owner washed the car on a Saturday. So only a few days have passed since it was washed. This would fall into the category of light dirt and the picture of the glass shows this.


Light dirt

Then I shared these pictures.... to me, this shows the car has not been properly machine polished in the last few years or so and possibly not regularly waxed. The point being, cars like this don't usually BEAD WATER really wells.


Swirls and scratches

South Florida Rain
After I tested out this product, I moved the owner's car back outside to the parking lot. Within about an hour it rained. So I walked out to see how the water beading looked. Assuming the car has not been regularly polished and waxed, it should NOT bead water really well.

But check this out....

Here's the car in the parking lot after it rained.

In my opinion, the water beading is exceptional from merely a spray detailer.

Then the next day, after the owner arrived to work and parked his car I took this shot. Clean and shiny!

Final comments....

If you appreciate the best of the best when it comes to a spray detailer - you're going to love Pinnacle Black Label SiO2 Spray Detailer. I'd recommend getting a bottle of it first and then after using it - go for the 1-gallon jug. It's that good.



:dblthumb2:

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Here's video showing PBL SiO2 Detail Spray in action.....

:xyxthumbs:

 

[acuRAS82]

I have 32 ounces of PBL Diamond Coating Detailer. I believe that has traces of SiO2, but not much. Is this new product different in that it lays down more substantial SiO2 protection? Maybe similar to WG WW but less cleaning ability?

One thing to note: As of now there are no gallons of this product for sale. Only the 32oz... but a gallon would be a nice option.

 

[tim500]

how is this product different from blackfire si02 or CarPro elixir?

 

[acuRAS82]

It has cleaning ability unlike BF SiO2. It likely leaves more SiO2 protection than Elixir, but Elixir is in the same category, QD w/SiO2.

 

[Jclarx]

Can Blackfire's SiO2 detailer be used as a clay bar lubricant?

 

[acuRAS82]

Can Blackfire's SiO2 detailer be used as a clay bar lubricant?

Clarification: I assume you are asking about Blackfire SiO2 Spray Sealant. If you meant PBL SiO2 Detailer, then reasons 2 and 3 still are enough for me to not use that as clay lube.

Don’t do that. 1) That’s not going to provide long lasting lubrication, 2) it’s putting down way too much protection and 3) using up way too nice of a product.

Use a waterless wash, quick detail spray or even a normal car wash.

 

[The Guz]

It has cleaning ability unlike BF SiO2. It likely leaves more SiO2 protection than Elixir, but Elixir is in the same category, QD w/SiO2.

Is this well known? We don’t know the exact amount of SiO2 in either product. It’s probably minimal at best for either one.

 

[acuRAS82]

Is this well known? We don’t know the exact amount of SiO2 in either product. It’s probably minimal at best for either one.

I’m drawing some conclusions from Mike’s write-up. But you’re right, I don’t know how much protection is really being laid down from PBL vs Elixir. I may have gotten carried away with Mike’s initial beading shots.

 

[vobro]

I’m drawing some conclusions from Mike’s write-up. But you’re right, I don’t know how much protection is really being laid down from PBL vs Elixir. I may have gotten carried away with Mike’s initial beading shots.

Obviously PBL has more because it costs more,right?

 

[acuRAS82]

Obviously PBL has more because it costs more,right?

We shall see during the first comparison test! Now who’s going to do it and post?

 

[The Guz]

I’m drawing some conclusions from Mike’s write-up. But you’re right, I don’t know how much protection is really being laid down from PBL vs Elixir. I may have gotten carried away with Mike’s initial beading shots.

I had to go back and look at the beading. Based on the the photos and comparing it to my review on Elixir, Elixir has tighter beading.

 

[acuRAS82]

I had to go back and look at the beading. Based on the the photos and comparing it to my review on Elixir, Elixir has tighter beading.

Did you by any chance hold out for longevity of the Elixir? I was always under the impression that the Merlin mix with Reload only lasted a few days.

 

[WRAPT C5Z06]

Obviously PBL has more because it costs more,right?

LOL

Don’t be fooled into equating PBL products high price tag with breng the best. Not saying they’re bad products, but they’re WAY overpriced.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[tim500]

LOL

Don’t be fooled into equating PBL products high price tag with breng the best. Not saying they’re bad products, but they’re WAY overpriced.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I feel like blackfire provides very little protection

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Because this is your first post on this forum,

Welcome to AutogeekOnline! :welcome:

Can Blackfire's SiO2 detailer be used as a clay bar lubricant?

Do you mean Pinnacle Black Label SiO2 Spray Detailer?

Assuming that's what you meant, I would say not realistically.

Because it's a liquid it would probably work but it would be a very expensive clay lube. It would be better to use it as intended and that is to remove light dust, fingerprints and smudges while leaving behind SiO2

 

[The Guz]

Did you by any chance hold out for longevity of the Elixir? I was always under the impression that the Merlin mix with Reload only lasted a few days.

No I did not. When it comes to a spray on product I would not even worry about longevity given how easy it is to apply. Also Elixir is more than just Merlin's mix. CarPro claims a month's of longevity.

 

[acuRAS82]

No I did not. When it comes to a spray on product I would not even worry about longevity given how easy it is to apply. Also Elixir is more than just Merlin's mix. CarPro claims a month's of longevity.

Ah, ok. I didn’t realize the extras that Elixir has.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

I have 32 ounces of PBL Diamond Coating Detailer. I believe that has traces of SiO2, but not much. Is this new product different in that it lays down more substantial SiO2 protection?

Maybe similar to WG WW but less cleaning ability?

One thing to note: As of now there are no gallons of this product for sale. Only the 32oz... but a gallon would be a nice option.

Good questions and comments, I'm see if I can get answers. I don't know off hand. I do know that upon my initial use, the new PBL SiO2 Spray Detailer was laying down what appears to me to be a higher concentration of solids. This is why I used the microfiber towel that I chose - it helped me to wipe off the solids.

how is this product different from blackfire si02 or CarPro elixir?

To my knowledge, BLACKFIRE does not have an SiO2 "spray detailer". It has a "Sealant". Very different products.


It is in the same category of CarPro Elixer. Here's the store page where I'm going to share their info. See the BOLD BLUE passages below - copy reads like EliXir is a spray detailer for removing light dust, fingerprints and smudges.



CarPro EliXir Quick Detailer 1 Liter

There are many different types of contaminants to which your car is subjected. Each of them has varying level of severity and resolve. Of course, there are the incredibly tough contaminants that require nothing short of compounding remove effectively, but the clear majority of contamination is minor and light. Even this light contamination can still ruin a flawless shine. When you need to remove it effectively, there is no point in busting out your wash buckets and hose just to get rid of some light dusting 3 times a week.

CarPro EliXir Quick Detailer gives you the perfect solution to this unavoidable issue that all car owners face. Instead of needing to wash your entire vehicle to get rid of this contamination, CarPro EliXir Quick Detailer can be used to quickly and safely remove the light soil from your paint. All you have to do is spray CarPro EliXir Quick Detailer on, buff it in, and buff it off!

Is this well known? We don’t know the exact amount of SiO2 in either product. It’s probably minimal at best for either one.

I don't know. I tested the product on the Mini Cooper. Seem to need the right towel to wipe off cleanly. It didn't "flash" dry fast and what I was wiping of seemed to be substantial. AFTER wipe-off the paitn was slippery and slick. Then after it rained, water was beading up very well. So this leads me to believe, based upon experience that this product is truly laying down some SiO2 protection.

Obviously PBL has more because it costs more, right?

According to your logic - yes. Whether it's factually true I don't know.

I'd say go with the brand you already like. rops:

I had to go back and look at the beading. Based on the the photos and comparing it to my review on Elixir, Elixir has tighter beading.

Just to chime in - AND I shared the pictures of the SWIRLS in the paint AND THEN made the point, due to the swirl level in the paint I DON'T BELEIVE THIS CAR HAS BEEN PROPERLY MACHINE POLISHED AND SEALED WITH ANYTHING FOR SOME TIME. My guess is it needs to be clayed AND machine polished to get the paint clean and smooth again. THEN when a product that contains SiO2 is applied, this "could" dramatically alter visual water beading results.

Now about your Elixer review - what was the condition of the paint?

The best way to comparative test these two products would be on the same car and keep ALL other factors the same.

LOL

Don’t be fooled into equating PBL products high price tag with breng the best. Not saying they’re bad products, but they’re WAY overpriced.

Thanks for chiming in Mark. One thing I learned when I came to work for Autogeek from one of my co-workers in sales,


Never spend another man's money

rops: