Taking on first black car

[DENALI]

Wanted to know what finishing products/procedures bring out the best in black paint? Especially interested in what product everyone uses to protect it once final polished. Thanks

ETA I also live in a town with sand roads so dust is a problem. Is there any wax's out there that are better at repelling dust? Thanks

[DENALI]

Re: Taking on first black car

Just wanted to add its a 78 Z28 I just bought identical to this car and I want it to look just as perfect when I am done

http://akita.net/junk/78z28.jpg

[DENALI]

Re: Taking on first black car

[The Guz]

Re: Taking on first black car

It depends on what you are looking for. Are you looking for long term protection then pick a sealant like NXT or Ultimate Wax. Both are polish waxes and UW will darken the paint a little more. If you like the warm glow then perhaps you want a carnauba. It won't last as long as a sealant. M26 would be my recommendation.

Or if you are after a combination of both then you can put a sealant first and then top with a wax.

You have a variety of options.

For me personally I would put a sealant if you daily drive it or spends a lot of time outside. If it's more of a weekend car or show car then a carnauba would be good.

[Top Gear]

Re: Taking on first black car

Classic Z28!

Guz is right, and there's so many choices it's downright confusing. Personally, I like the carnauba thing, so I started in Meguiar's world with Gold Class liquid, and recently moved to Detailer D301 Finishing Wax, among a number of other changes to my kit. These are only two of the carnauba waxes, not including all the sealants, so take some time to read up. I maintain it with Ultimate Wash & Wax Anywhere and Gold Class Quik Wax. For the dust, get a "California" duster, which will help you quickly dust the car (if otherwise clean) without necessarily having to do anything further.

[lsiberian]

Re: Taking on first black car

That is a sweet looking ride. I love carnuba based liquid waxes. I like waxing period so the shorter lifespan is fine for me.

[Coach]

Re: Taking on first black car

Hi Denali,
Guz and are Top Gear are right on. I have three black cars in my driveway! To add to their recommendations... claying the finish is so worth the effort! It smooths out the surface of the paint/CC and gives you the best foundation to work from. High Def reflections will result from claying.
Here's a solid regimen for black paint...
- Clay at 6 month intervals
- Polish with Ultimate Polish or M205 at 6 month intervals
- Seal with Ultimate Wax - 2 or 3 month intervals
- Wax with Gold Class Wax or M26 (both carnaubas) - every month
- Maintain with Gold Class Quik Wax - every week or more if needed
You can tweak the timing to your preference.
Sweet ride you've got! I'd be all over that too!
Enjoy.
Coach

[Coach]

Re: Taking on first black car

I meant to ask... do you already have a dual action machine?
A black finish tends to need more love and attention than any other color. It will make your detailing work faster, easier but most importantly, better!

[davey g-force]

Re: Taking on first black car

"The pop is in the prep".

Do the preparation work right, and it will look beautiful, no matter what wax / sealant you put on there. It's true that different waxes can impart a very subtly different look, but that part is personal preference.