Paint Protection

[Monk]

Re: Paint Protection

Beth,

I think you've had cars that are this sensitive before, but a black finish is going to show you the flaws you introduce. Especially if the finish is in good shape and the new flaw(s) stands out.

I can vouch for the Meguiar brand MF, Water Magnet, and terry cloth drying and polishing towels, grit guard, etc. Howerver, I also have some comprable towels I bought at local Target and Wal-Mart stores, just out of convenience. Let's be honest, I seriously doubt that Meguiar's is in the business of manufacturing towels. While I'm sure they have their specs and standards, someone else is making those products and they are not the products that I would say differentiate Meguiars. I think those differentiators come mostly in bottles. Don't use old bath towels-- as I have done for years before reading here-- and don't use softener on MF towels when you wash them.

All MF's are not created equal. At a minimum, I know they are made from different blends. And I have bought some quantity purchases from Costco and Target, and they are linty. When Meg's puts their name on something, you can trust it. They are not going to develop and market a great wax or sealant, and then sell (put their name on) a MF to use with it that will leave lint on your finish. I do get use out of the bulk purchases for wiping off polish during the polishing process, though, but not for my last step or drying work.

[lexus5544]

Re: Paint Protection

How do you handle COLD times where you are? It's been in the 30's and 40's this week and the car really needs a wash, I'm just not that hardy.

The great lawn care people at work have covered the front with grass and the trees have put a nice dotted goo on it. The stuff seems like it will come off pretty easy. I've tried only on the glass, but either way between the grass, goo, birds and dust (boy do I have dust) I'm concerned about letting it go much longer.

Is there a temp that you just don't detail at?

Thanks for all the advice. I've already checked out my local auto parts place and they sell most of the Meguiar's products so I think I'm going to be set in that department. Any advice on what the wash mit should be made of?

[lexus5544]

Re: Paint Protection

Ok, I'm getting ready to wash the new car for the first time this evening - and boy does it need it.

I've not been able to get everything that folks suggested (will have to order later). Here is what I do have:

2 buckets
Deep Crystal Car Wash
Quick Detailer
Quick Detailer Interior
Scratch X
Gold Class liquid wax

Non Meguiars - MF Mit and Towels

What MUST I find before I start?

Any other suggestions welcome. Thanks to all who have posted. If this goes well - I'll share pics. I did learn a new lesson today - top down + long drive MUST = Sunscreen

[Monk]

Re: Paint Protection

Good luck and have fun. Its a hobby so it is supposed to be fun.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Paint Protection

For drying, my choice is a synthetic towel called the absorber. IMHO it works great. Then I follow this up with a megs water magnet. Hope this doesnt confuse you.

[lexus5544]

Re: Paint Protection

No that helps. I actually found the Megs super shine today and some Gold Class Wash. Still haven't found the clay bar. It's a new car so I'm hoping if I wash good and get some wax on it that will carry me until I can get one.

[TKDDAD]

Re: Paint Protection

Beth,

I don't mean to sound like a Meguiars salesperson here, but I only let meguiars brand applicator pads, terry cloths, wash mitts, microfibers, etc touch my paint. One time I used another companies brand of terries and noticed swirl marks in the pattern I buffed after doing a ton of work. On another occasion I bought another brand of microfiber- and it wasn't exactly inexpensive, well same thing happened but even worse, almost immediately after using it on the hood I could see swirls in the pattern I had just buffed.

... I've tried lots of different MF products and applicators...ONLY Megs will do..their Supreme Shine MicroFibre is by far the best out there...you'll get what you pay for and in the end, you'll get a lot more work to do...new car, I'd do it right from the beginning...and good luck with the black car...I have my first one and MAN she looks great when she's swirl free but it takes tender loving care to keep it that way...especially since it's a daily driver...but it's fun trying !!

[RamAirV1]

Re: Paint Protection

If your paint swirls that easily, you should blot instead of wiping the water off the paint after you rinse. Rinse with a flow of water instead of a spray to roll most of the water off and minimize hand drying.

YMMV, but I dusted my black TA every day (weather permitting) and it never swirled the paint. You just need to have the right products, like a good body duster, a good QD like the NXT Speed Detailer, and some Supreme Shine MF and the Quick Detailing Pad. I used the body duster to get most of the dust off and the NXT Speed Detailer to get the remnants. Last Touch is also a good QD. This method is for light dust and should be done every day or two as long as the paint has not been rained on. If the dust is really heavy, or has been wet from dew or rain, or you have mud splatters, then you cannot use this method.

IMHO, if you let the dust build up too much, you are that much more likely to have swirls when you wash. My experience has been that more swirls are induced by washing than by quick detailing. Of course the paint it dirtier before a wash then it is before a QD session so that has something to do with it.

RamAirV1