I have been using this polish for a decade now, and I do not have many problems with it. It creates a mirror finish in two or three well applied coats, one coat will give you a good black polish. The problem with this product is the liklihood of flaking... a problem not really experienced with traditional black. I always put two coats of normal black on the shoes as a good initial base, to counteract the effects of the high silicone content (which i assume causes the flaking). I will continue to use this polish to have smartly polished shoes; it would be difficult to find a polish with a reputation of consistent superiority.