Black cars...sigh

[2012Mustang]

I have a couple of black cars. It hasn't really been an issue since one is a '59 and is garaged, only sees sunny days, etc. But now I am using a new black car as a daily commuter. After a rain, water spots are very visible of course. Maybe next time I will buy a white car? Silly me.

But anyways, is there a best set of products specifically for a black car? Is this a common question? It would be nice if there was a maintenance kit specific to black cars. They're such a PITA.

For example the car currently doesn't need a wax, but the water spots from last night's rain are irritating. Is there a specific cloth/spray that won't swirl? Or will I need to wash the car yet again and wipe it down?

[wifpd4]

Re: Black cars...sigh

I guess in my opinion, it's not so much products specific to black cars but rather understanding the care and feeding a black car requires/needs/demands. The problem with black it just shows the problems easier and faster. Whether those problems are just simple dirt or complex swirls and scratches. First get rid of the swirls and scratches creating the ultimate finish and then maintain that finish.

Read a couple of articles and then start by washing the car, claying the car, then removing the defects and then possibly polishing it and finally following with a wax of your choosing.

Here are a couple of articles and a couple of kits with what you requested.

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...e-of-a-new-car!

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?44344-The-Challenge-of-Delicate-Paint&highlight=delicate

http://www.autodetailingsolutions.net/meguiars-new-car-kit.html

http://www.autodetailingsolutions.net/meguiars-paint-restoration-kit.html

(Kits are available at many retail stores. WalMart, Target, OReilly, Auto Zone, Advance Auto, etc.)


Besides these products, I might suggest a California Duster for light daily dusting followed by Ultimate Quik Detailer. Then after the car is a little dirtier and you hand wash it and give it some Ultimate Quik Wax for that shot of booster wax.

Light water spots can be handled by the Ultimate Quik Detailer and the Ultimate Quik Wax, heavier water spots will required hand washing. Etched-in water spots will require elbow grease and a product to remove them.

Long term you might consider the purchase of a dual action buffer. It helps get the car to it's optimum condition and makes it easier to keep it there.

Learning to carefully hand wash is key to most of the care of black.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Black cars...sigh

I guess in my opinion, it's not so much products specific to black cars but rather understanding the care and feeding a black car requires/needs/demands. The problem with black it just shows the problems easier and faster. Whether those problems are just simple dirt or complex swirls and scratches.

Well put. There is nothing unique product wise that will make the care and feeding of black paint any easier, and the issues that arise with black paint are the exact same as the issues that arise with any other color - they're just easier to see on black.

You should be able to routinely wipe down the car with Ultimate Quik Detailer and a few microfiber towels to safely remove dust, fresh water spots, etc. Any decent microfiber towel should work, but if the paint is really delicate - some are much more so than others - then you're going to have some extra fun. Or not. Chasing near perfection on a black daily driver will either drive you nuts or give you a challenge to revel in. How you choose to look at it is up to you.