Dullish Paint

[mschneider]

I wash my truck often, clay bar it often and it always has a coat of wax. However, it's now 4 years old and to me my paint is starting to get slightly dull (Truck is white). What would be the best option to bring back the shine? I was thinking ultimate compound, but was not sure if that is too aggressive or not enough for my needs. I know a polisher will work but that is not long lasting. Any opinions/ideas what is the best option for my situation?

Thanks!

[thepanchmx]

Some pictures will help, but usually you go from less invasive to most. I mean UP first, UC last.

[mschneider]

Re: Dullish Paint

Yeah, agreed, that is why I'm wondering if there is a less aggressive or better suited product than ultimate compound that will give me my desired results.

[Detailing by M]

Re: Dullish Paint

If you were my customer I would try the New White Wax on a yellow pad or MF pad an D301 on a yellow pad and M66, or try M205 (Ultamate Polish is the consumer version) and yellow pad then M66 or M20.
So your options would be to use a cleaner wax or a polish..
Do you have a machine? Or are you doing this by hand?

[Murr1525]

Re: Dullish Paint

Even with wax, some dirt will build up.

SwirlX or Ult. Polish would be milder cleaners that UC, if you wanted to try them first.

The White Wax mentioned is also a good option.

[Wheelzntoys]

Re: Dullish Paint

You mentioned Clay bar often. How many times a year?

[Detailing by M]

Re: Dullish Paint

Clay any time you detail/wax or feel crud on your paint.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Dullish Paint

If you were my customer I would try the New White Wax on a yellow pad or MF pad an D301 on a yellow pad and M66, or try M205 (Ultamate Polish is the consumer version) and yellow pad then M66 or M20.
So your options would be to use a cleaner wax or a polish..
Do you have a machine? Or are you doing this by hand?

Whether doing this by hand or with a buffer, White Wax is a great way to go on lighter colors that are starting to look a bit dull and dingy. The picture below is from this past Thursday's TNOG session - the car in question is a single stage white 1987 BMW 328i and the bright areas in this shot have been treated with White Wax, the duller areas are as the car was presented to us.


While we did use the G110v2 buffer here, the product works great by hand, too. Or with the new DA Power System if you don't want to invest a full DA buffer.

[mschneider]

Re: Dullish Paint

I have the Meguiars DA and a rotary, I've just always worked on cars with much worse paint than my truck is. I'm definitely going to try the White Wax, thanks guys, much appreciated.