Useful indicators are measurable outcomes, not subjective gloss or “looks black.” Focus on tracking resistance, cure time under stated weather conditions, uniformity without streaks, adhesion retention after rain exposure, and durability under traffic or abrasion. Also check reported application rate and film thickness, because many “failures” are under-application. For waterproofing, look for blister resistance, ponding water tolerance, and crack-bridging behavior. Reviews that reference test data, warranty conditions, and substrate preparation are far more credible than consumer star ratings.