I am having issues getting Meguiar's M21 to bond to my paint

[effimero89]

For whatever reason my M21 is not staying on my paint. I have done everything by the book as far as prepping the paint for the sealant and I have followed Meguiar's recommendations to a T.

I have an album here of my full process: http://imgur.com/a/vC0F7
In short, I wash and dry the car, clay bar it, then I apply the sealant, wait the recommended time and wipe off. I always apply within the temperature range and never in the sun.

I have done this three times now and every time it rains or I rinse my car the sealant just washes off.

Its worth noting my car is outside 24/7. We have a garage but it is currently being used by other cars already.

Should I try applying and letting it cure in my garage next time to ensure nothing is getting on it while it cures? I have a large yard with lots of trees.

[DasBurninator]

Re: I am having issues getting Meguiar's M21 to bond to my paint

What are you using for a car wash soap?

[The Guz]

Re: I am having issues getting Meguiar's M21 to bond to my paint

How long has it been on the paint before you notice the performance degrade?

[effimero89]

Re: I am having issues getting Meguiar's M21 to bond to my paint

I notice within days. After one of two very light rains or one or two very like rinses. The beading is fantastic at first then goes back to sheeting (not good sheeting, really bad slow moving water)

[effimero89]

Re: I am having issues getting Meguiar's M21 to bond to my paint

I always use ph balanced. Griots or Meguiar's is what I currently have.

[Nick Winn]

Re: I am having issues getting Meguiar's M21 to bond to my paint

How long have you owned the product & where has it been stored?

[effimero89]

Re: I am having issues getting Meguiar's M21 to bond to my paint

How long have you owned the product & where has it been stored?

The product was purchased in February/March of this year. The product has been stored in my garage. I live in the southeast and we have not had any sort of extreme weather.

[drumdan]

Re: I am having issues getting Meguiar's M21 to bond to my paint

How thick/thin are you applying? Any videos?

I have a very difficult time removing that product from my application pads. Even full strength pad cleaner won't remove it, and I have to use something else.

Often what happens, is the paint surface becomes contaminated with road grime, dust, dirt, pollen, etc. This will have an adverse reactions to the sealant. Sometimes just washing the surface will reveal repellency properties.

The other thing is surface prep. Claying is great, but M21 doesn't have any cleaners in it. You paint probably could use some paint cleaning. A light polish, like SwirlX, M09 Swirl Remover, Ultimate Polish, M205, and Polishing Compound will remove the layer of grime/Inbedded dirt and give the paint some gloss. The carrier lubricants also actually help the sealant as it bonds to the surface.

For maximum performance of M21, keep the sealant from getting wet for 4 hours, and don't wash it for 12 hours.

Most mistakes I see are from applying too heavy a layer, and dirty paint.

[greg0303]

Re: I am having issues getting Meguiar's M21 to bond to my paint

Clay bar and pre-wax cleaner, like Ultimate Polish, will definitely help to get maximum protection.
You could also apply the second coat of M21, after at least 24 hours, to ensure uniform coverage.
If still not satisfied with its protection period then try to top it with Ultimate Fast Finish, again after at least 24 hours.

[effimero89]

Re: I am having issues getting Meguiar's M21 to bond to my paint

How thick/thin are you applying? Any videos?

I have a very difficult time removing that product from my application pads. Even full strength pad cleaner won't remove it, and I have to use something else.

Often what happens, is the paint surface becomes contaminated with road grime, dust, dirt, pollen, etc. This will have an adverse reactions to the sealant. Sometimes just washing the surface will reveal repellency properties.

The other thing is surface prep. Claying is great, but M21 doesn't have any cleaners in it. You paint probably could use some paint cleaning. A light polish, like SwirlX, M09 Swirl Remover, Ultimate Polish, M205, and Polishing Compound will remove the layer of grime/Inbedded dirt and give the paint some gloss. The carrier lubricants also actually help the sealant as it bonds to the surface.

For maximum performance of M21, keep the sealant from getting wet for 4 hours, and don't wash it for 12 hours.

Most mistakes I see are from applying too heavy a layer, and dirty paint.

Yes! that appeared to be the issue! So happy that was what was going on. I used a clay bar in addition to a paint cleaner/polisher like you suggested. And it has had no issue since. Thank you so much!

[Nick Winn]

Re: I am having issues getting Meguiar's M21 to bond to my paint

Yes! that appeared to be the issue! So happy that was what was going on. I used a clay bar in addition to a paint cleaner/polisher like you suggested. And it has had no issue since. Thank you so much!

Happy to hear you found out what the issue was!