I'm looking for a product that will clean the paint and put down a nice layer of protection at the same time. I really don't want to remove clear coat but if it doesn't cut much ill just use a wax pad instead of polishing pad to help even more. The reason is that my wife just got a tahoe and damn its alot of real estate to cover. Its a darker gunmetal with metallic flake My got to for my tacoma is blackfire wet diamond gloss enhancing polish. then the sealant, then top with the black ice hybrid. I really don't want to do all those steps with it as it would take me (by myself) forever. I have some Klasse but i feel like there might be something better. Not that Klasse is bad but just wanting to see what the experts say. Would an all in one from say blackfire or the like be my best bet or what other options are there?
AIO or other product?
- Thread starter lucky417
- Start date
Blackfire One Step and 3D Speed seem to be the most popular AIO's on autogeek. Since you already have some blackfire LSP's and in case you decide to top up the tahoe i would go with blackfire just for that reason.
I'm sure someone will chime in about the differences of the 2.
I'm sure someone will chime in about the differences of the 2.
weekend warrior
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- Dec 17, 2012
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I also use Blackfire AIO one step....then top it with Blackfire SIO2 spray sealant....3D speed like noorth said is also a good product...I just never used it...
PaulMys
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- Jan 14, 2014
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I have (and use) both. Speed is every bit as good as BF One Step, and in my opinion leaves the paint way slicker.
BF gets the nod for correction ability (but not by much).
Also note: The metallic will hide a ton of smaller imperfections. Either product will work great for you.
- Thread starter
- #5
I was leaning towards blackfire but i really didnt want to remove clear coat if possible. Would using a sealant (black hex logic) pad reduce to cutting by a discernable difference? Or do all AIO remove some clear? Im just worried that using it a couple times a year over several years might cut through the clear or damage paint
opie2
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- Mar 6, 2021
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You should not be using an aio or polish...hell any abrasives for that matter more than ONCE a year. Your washing your vehicles all wrong if you need to do that.
Why not polish it once and ceramic coat it??...then maintain it by regular washes for then next 2-3 years...with the yearly iron remover bath. Way less labor intensive if you ask me
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PaulMys
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The amount of clear that you would be removing is negligible with an AIO product. And, if you keep the paint in good condition with the proper washing/detailing techniques, you will have very little correcting to do.
This means that after washing and decon/claying, you will be able to simply do a quick "once-over" with your AIO.
2black1s
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- Jan 23, 2015
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I'd say you've got 20 or 30 years or more to go before you start worrying about clear-coat removal.
But if you can't wrap your head around that and the concern remains, try something like Meguiar's OTC Cleaner Wax in the maroon bottle. It's a really good non-abrasive AIO.
- Thread starter
- #9
I dont/wont use it for corrective value, just protection. Im just trying to make it easier to maintain hence why I was looking at AIO since they clean and laydown a layer of protection at the same time. Ive looked at ceramic coating but I have no confidence in me not screwing it up lol. What ceramic coat you like?
- Thread starter
- #10
Ill look into meguiars. Ive found their products to be hit or miss though.
If you're not taking advantage of the correcting properties of an AIO, use a straight sealant. It's going to be much more durable.
2black1s
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Even though the OP is not really looking for corrective abilities, an AIO is still the most appropriate product type for the circumstances.
There is always going to be road film to deal with and that is where the AIO comes into play. A straight sealant or wax won't remove the road film.
PaulMys
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Bingo.
My truck is getting its yearly "exfoliation" tomorrow. The machine polishing will be only about 5% correction, and 95% "polishing" in the true sense of the word.
This is possible because I use good techniques to wash/clean the paint year-round.
I think too many guys/gals get the idea that using a machine to correct/polish is some kind of torture test on the paint every time. When in fact, it is the most beneficial step of all for achieving the most satisfactory results.
- Thread starter
- #14
Exactly. I need something that will cleanse the paint, remove any old waxes/sealants and lay down protection at the same time. at best id like a slight corrective property. Like I said ive been using Klasse and its ok.
Yeah, with some mechanical input, either from your arm or a machine. But clay or one of it's synthetic counterparts would do this as well.
Bottom line, a quality AIO isn't going to take away much clear in 4-5 passes, give some correction and give some protection. I do an AIO once a year to polish things up and a quality sealant for the winter when I want durability.
TMQ
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- Mar 4, 2015
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Just get the Blackfire One step....
Like 2black1's said---gonna take 20 years before you need to worry! (Note: he's a painter and he knows what he is talking about!)
And spray down some Blackfire sealant couple times a year.
You'll be fine---don't overthink.
Mr Tommys
Like 2black1's said---gonna take 20 years before you need to worry! (Note: he's a painter and he knows what he is talking about!)
And spray down some Blackfire sealant couple times a year.
You'll be fine---don't overthink.
Mr Tommys
opie2
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I buy from a local pro outfit near me in PA. Never tried any coatings from AGO. Nor have i tried a one step. Sounds like that might be your best choice for what your looking for.
Could always try cancoat or similar as paul a suggested. Ive never tried it. But many others on here have, and can attest to it.
And dont be scared to try a coating lol. It is not that hard...seriously, just have to pay attention a little. Makes the paint look like glass!
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weekend warrior
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- Dec 17, 2012
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Lucky 417....I am not an expert but doing my own cars for 60 yearsI am 80 now and still do my cars......you hva experts here giving you advise....go with Blackfire AIO one step...it cleans ...polishes and protects its easy on clearcoat....then between use Blackfire SIO2 sealant...you will be happy...both products go on and off easy..