Claying and waxing

[MPCIII]

I recently wanted to use some paint sealant, Blackfire Crystal Seal, but realized after washing that I would have to clay the paint to remove all contaminants. After doing that should I polish and then apply wax or can I polish and just use the paint sealant? Also, after doing all this isn't it just going to get contaminated and gritty again in a few days? I mean, I like a shiny clean looking car but I don't want to spend my life doing it constantly!

What's the best thing to go a few times a year to keep the paint looking good and protected that won't make me have to quit my job and spend every minute of the day cleaning my car?


Thanks,
Mike

PS - I'll never be a fanatical car detailer, but really do want to keep my new car's paint protected for as long as possible.

 

[BradsDetailing]

Typically, with daily drivers the norm is to clay them twice a year and apply a quality sealant twice a year also.

You should only polish to remove swirls and other light surface blemishes or when you want a real clean surface for a coating or sealant.

 

[07gtcs]

CS is the easiest paint sealant you can find and looks fantastic. May I suggest picking up some BF poly seal to use as a touch up to CS after every couple washes. This won't break your bank or take to much of your time and your ride will look better than 90% of them out there.

 

[Desertnate]

CS is the easiest paint sealant you can find and looks fantastic. May I suggest picking up some BF poly seal to use as a touch up to CS after every couple washes. This won't break your bank or take to much of your time and your ride will look better than 90% of them out there.

How is the durability of CS compared to something like Klasse SG or Collinite 845 that lasts 5~6 months?

 

[MPCIII]

Re: Claying and waxing - revisited

CS is the easiest paint sealant you can find and looks fantastic. May I suggest picking up some BF poly seal to use as a touch up to CS after every couple washes. This won't break your bank or take to much of your time and your ride will look better than 90% of them out there.

I guess my other question is, after claying and sealing (with BFCS in my case), regular road grime and contaminants will still gather on the car's surface right? Do you basically just have to live with that until the next time you clay and seal? Is there anything that will really help to limit environmental grime from collecting after claying and sealing. My goal is to find a way of getting the most protection with the least amount to work. I don't mean to sound so lazy, but want to find a good balance between effort and results.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[Desertnate]

Using the sealant and regular washing will slow down the accumulation of contaminates in the paint.

There really is no way to totally prevent it from happening unless you seal the car up and never take it out. As long as you keep it clean and clay it once or twice a year, you should be fine.