I often see these terms used on detailing forums in respect of sealant or wax. Is there really much of a difference that you could identify in isolation or is it one of those accepted terms that everyone just uses

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But for me, on a well prepped car, there is a discernible difference between waxes and sealants. For example, on black, Dodo Juice Supernatural Hybrid gives me a really reflective look (glassy), but if I put Auto Perfection Intensify on it, it will be a much more rich/deep look (glossy/wet). There are a multitude in between and over.

As Hunty says really. I

 

've found that for my untrained eye light plays an important factor. On a dull day my car looks very flat and unappealing but when the sun comes out it comes alive but not if it's strong direct sunlight, in the shade my car looks fantastic like it's dripping wet especially in the morning or before sunset. Some times I can get a mirror shine which is supposed to be hard for silver other times you can see no shine.

 

I always use Wax as the lsp and to be honest I can't see a massive difference from Collinite 476 or ODK Glamour. I'm convinced a lot of it is a placebo.

Thanks for the responses. I'm sure the light has a lot to do with it. Be an interesting experiment to do half and half on a bonnet and roof to see what the difference is, although it might be tricky in a photo to show the difference