• If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Paint protection (dealer installed) Q

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Paint protection (dealer installed) Q

    Morning folks,

    Picked up a used 2009 Toyota Venza at the end of February 2012. It was returned off lease and (in my opinion) the interior is in great condition and the exterior isn't too bad.

    According to the dealership where I got it from, the previous owner got some added services prior to picking it up: paint protection (not a 3M-film type of product...the typically-suggested 'paint protection' when you're negotiating for a new car), interior scotch-guarding, and undercoating (I wouldn't have gotten any of them as I personally feel they're not needed and ways for the dealership to pad their wallets, but I don't want to get into a debate about that haha).

    Since receipt of the vehicle ~6 weeks ago, I have washed it a handful of times but have not done any paint correction (clay bar, polish) but plan to in the coming weeks.

    My wife is taking it on a road trip (5 hours one-way) to see a friend this weekend. After washing it this morning, I waxed (NXT 2.0 using PC7424 w/finishing pad) the hood, side mirrorrs, and bumper areas to (hopefully) make my life easier upon its return this Sunday in terms of bug removal from 90% highway driving.

    After applying the wax, letting it cure (~20 min...did the swipe test so it was good to go in terms of removing it), and removing it using a yellow Meg's microfibre, I noticed the paint was still rough and dit not have that nice smooth feel.

    I went in the house, filled a glass w/water and brought it out to the garage, dipped my finger to let a bead of water hit the hood but it didn't whizz off the car (as it I assume it typically would do on a freshly-waxed hood). Given what I saw, I'm not really sure what to think about how good of a job the wax is doing on the surface of the paint.

    Question: Can one 'wax over' dealer-installed paint protection? Will it harm the paint protection or make the wax less effective?

    I didn't ask that Q specifically to the dealer, although the salesperson said you "never have to wax your car again" w/the paint protection (which is lol)

    Caveats (as noted above):
    1. I haven't done any paint correction but intend to
    2. Although the paint is in pretty good shape for a 3yr old vehicle, I have no idea what kind of service(s) the previous owner did in terms of claying, polishing, automatic car-washes, etc. - - given this, I will assume the previous owner did not do anything to the car except for, say, washing it (whether by hand or automatic/U-serve/etc.)

    I couldn't find any specific answers on this forum, autopia.org, or after a quick google.

    Thanks in advance,
    Jeff

    P.S. Perhaps anybody who has experience with either purchasing or doing work on a few-year-old used vehicle that had dealership-installed paint protection could provide tips/info?

    P.P.S. I will say that after I do some paint correction (clay; polish), it may make a world of difference to the paint surface.

  • #2
    Re: Paint protection (dealer installed) Q

    My wife is taking it on a road trip (5 hours one-way) to see a friend this weekend. After washing it this morning, I waxed (NXT 2.0 using PC7424 w/finishing pad) the hood, side mirrorrs, and bumper areas to (hopefully) make my life easier upon its return this Sunday in terms of bug removal from 90% highway driving.
    A wet fabric softener sheet will be your friend...

    I went in the house, filled a glass w/water and brought it out to the garage, dipped my finger to let a bead of water hit the hood but it didn't whizz off the car (as it I assume it typically would do on a freshly-waxed hood). Given what I saw, I'm not really sure what to think about how good of a job the wax is doing on the surface of the paint.
    Nxt isnt really designed to bead water, so cant necessarily go by that. Should feel smooth though. But I would want clay and a paint cleaner first. Hard to be certain when steps are skipped.

    Question: Can one 'wax over' dealer-installed paint protection? Will it harm the paint protection or make the wax less effective?
    No issues with working over it.

    I didn't ask that Q specifically to the dealer, although the salesperson said you "never have to wax your car again" w/the paint protection (which is lol)
    Well, you dont 'have' to... You may want to...
    Caveats (as noted above):
    1. I haven't done any paint correction but intend to
    2. Although the paint is in pretty good shape for a 3yr old vehicle, I have no idea what kind of service(s) the previous owner did in terms of claying, polishing, automatic car-washes, etc. - - given this, I will assume the previous owner did not do anything to the car except for, say, washing it (whether by hand or automatic/U-serve/etc.)
    Well, looking good is always a start... easier than fixing a disaster.

    P.P.S. I will say that after I do some paint correction (clay; polish), it may make a world of difference to the paint surface.
    It should...
    2017 Subaru WRX Premium - WR Blue

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Paint protection (dealer installed) Q

      Appreciate the response and the info Murr...I'd heard about the fabric softener sheet to get rid of bugs but didn't know if one should use it wet or dry. I'll give the wet dryer sheet a shot.

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Paint protection (dealer installed) Q

        I worked as a service writer and service manager at a Mitsu and KIA dealership for a couple of years. The paint protection was a super thin coat of bulk polymer wax that was cut to extend the amount of product, the interior protectant was a generic scotchguard type spray that was hastily sprayed on the seats and carpet and/or floormats and the undercoating was nothing more than rubberized undercoating in a few places that were not covered by the factory undercoating.

        Obviously, not all dealers operate in the same manner, especially on high-line vehicles. I would perform an intense detail with your products of choice.

        On insects, I have used old hose wrapped around a car sponge, it works well but does not scratch paint. Just remember not to grab a new pair of hose from the wifes dresser drawer.

        Enjoy the ride.

        James
        Last edited by 1994Gen1L; Apr 19, 2012, 11:35 AM. Reason: add content

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Paint protection (dealer installed) Q

          dealer paint protection is them taking the car to the back and washing it and bringing it back to you.
          come on is there really something they have access to that would really be better than anything you find on this site.....no

          its bs
          like the sealant wax at a gas station drive thru car wash
          1985 500SEL Euro Nautic Blue
          1998 S500 Brilliant Silver
          2001 S500 Almadine Black
          2005 C320wz Granite Grey

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Paint protection (dealer installed) Q

            There wouldn't be any of that "paint protection" left after 3 years anyway, so feel free to clay / correct / wax the paint as per normal.

            I have a feeling you will need to start fresh and clay / polish, then wax in order to get that slick finish you're after.
            Originally posted by Blueline
            I own a silver vehicle and a black vehicle owns me. The black one demands attention, washing, detailing, waxing and an occasional dinner out at a nice restaurant. The silver one demands nothing and it looks just fine. I think the black vehicle is taking advantage of me, and the silver car is more my style. We can go out for a drive without her makeup and she looks fine. If I want to take the black one out, it is three or four hours in the "bathroom" to get ready.

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Paint protection (dealer installed) Q

              So we're talking about a three year old car that the previous was roped into spending good money on what was most likely a nice coat of synthetic sealant and nothing more. Along with that came the promise of total paint protection so the finish was likely quite neglected, at least as a detailing enthusiast would define "neglect". Odds are the paint is well and truly contaminated with all sorts of bonded junk. A wax alone won't remove this stuff, and until it's gone no wax alone will make the paint feel smooth, and the bonded crud can actually prevent the sort of water run off your expecting. Once you clay the finish you'll see and feel the slickness you're hoping for. You'll also find that it's easier to apply and remove the wax, and the wax will last longer, too.
              Michael Stoops
              Senior Global Product & Training Specialist | Meguiar's Inc.

              Remember, this hobby is supposed to be your therapy, not the reason you need therapy.

              Comment

              Your Privacy Choices
              Working...
              X