I have a 2014 Subaru Crosstrek with silver paint that is a daily driver with mostly interstate (30 miles a day, high speed impact bug and debris) drive time. This car is parked outside 24/7 in south central Florida (hot) weather. I'm looking for the easiest and quickest method of maintaining this car that doesn't cost a fortune. I have an older PC 7424 (non-xp) with 5" and 3" backing plates. When I get this car finished I plan on doing weekly No Rinse washes but I still want something on the surface that will protect the paint for a long time so I am not having to wax/seal a lot unless it is part of the No Rinse process. I know the prep is key and I would like it to be as fast and painless as possible. Thanks for any recommendations on prep and maintenance!
Easiest, fastest and economical method?
- Thread starter jem7sk
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OP here... LOL... been doing some research so I think I have decided on HD Speed as an AIO and will follow up with the blue ONR Rinse-less Washes. I'm going to use Meg's Ultimate Quick Wax (because I have a lot) as a drying aid to the Rinse-less wash and it can also double to add some shine and protection. I will use Opti seal after the HD Speed and on occasion to get a good seal on the shine and paint to maintain the protection/paint. I plan on using Black Wow to restore the faded black trim.
I'm not sure if I need to prep the surface before the HD Speed other than a good washing? If I need more what would be a good, quick and easy prep?
How long do you think this method will last until I need to use the HD Speed again?
I'm not sure if I need to prep the surface before the HD Speed other than a good washing? If I need more what would be a good, quick and easy prep?
How long do you think this method will last until I need to use the HD Speed again?
Kamakaz1961
New member
- Aug 23, 2013
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Prep is the MOST important PERIOD! Based on what you have stated, if it were me I would COAT the vehicle. If it were a garage queen then I would sealant/wax. Another option would be to apply a sealant and top off with a wax. But again a coating would still handle the external elements better than a sealant and wax.
If you do an AIO you will have to re-apply a sealant or a wax in a short period. With a coating you don't. If you want an easy to apply coating with about 6 to 9 months of longevity, Gyeon CanCoat is something I would look in to.
I use CanCoat for my wheels. I use Wax for everything else on myride because it is a garage queen. BTW, CanCoat is not that expensive and REAL EASY to maintain.
I hope my 2 cents worth is OK.
Please let us know what route you went.
If you do an AIO you will have to re-apply a sealant or a wax in a short period. With a coating you don't. If you want an easy to apply coating with about 6 to 9 months of longevity, Gyeon CanCoat is something I would look in to.
I use CanCoat for my wheels. I use Wax for everything else on myride because it is a garage queen. BTW, CanCoat is not that expensive and REAL EASY to maintain.
I hope my 2 cents worth is OK.
Please let us know what route you went.
luckydawg
Active member
- Jan 19, 2016
- 1,117
- 1
If it was me ( in your described situation) after getting it prepped, how ever far you intend to go with that
I would use something like Hydro 2. Its just not going to get any easier to apply than that and is as hydrophobic as any(most any)
I would use it every third or fourth wash(I do ) , not on the sides but on the front and hood/ roof area.
Only negative to Hydro 2 is it is VERY PRICKY in regards to any sunlight-- will streak if its applied in sunlight. MUST wait till the sun goes down or 100% full shade
I would use something like Hydro 2. Its just not going to get any easier to apply than that and is as hydrophobic as any(most any)
I would use it every third or fourth wash(I do ) , not on the sides but on the front and hood/ roof area.
Only negative to Hydro 2 is it is VERY PRICKY in regards to any sunlight-- will streak if its applied in sunlight. MUST wait till the sun goes down or 100% full shade
Mantilgh
New member
- Dec 6, 2014
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I think your plan sounds fine, but it wouldn’t hurt to clay also. It may marr the paint but if you plan to polish with Speed should clear it
up.
Opti-Seal is is great. Very easy to use and very little is needed.
I’m not sure about Black Wow. I like McKees Plastic Trim Restorer.
How long will “swirl free” paint last? That depends on how it is cared for and how soft the paint is.
Mine only get rinseless washed now. I have a older Toyota that the paint seem a little harder on and it has held up well over a year with very few swirls showing.
Though the Subaru I bought last fall is already showing swirling in my test spot but I have not been very cautious because the paint is a wreck.
up.
Opti-Seal is is great. Very easy to use and very little is needed.
I’m not sure about Black Wow. I like McKees Plastic Trim Restorer.
How long will “swirl free” paint last? That depends on how it is cared for and how soft the paint is.
Mine only get rinseless washed now. I have a older Toyota that the paint seem a little harder on and it has held up well over a year with very few swirls showing.
Though the Subaru I bought last fall is already showing swirling in my test spot but I have not been very cautious because the paint is a wreck.
- Thread starter
- #6
Just curious if using only HD Speed after a good wash is good Prep? Also, shouldn't the Opti-seal applied as a drying aid once every two or three months be a good enough coating?
I looked at the Can Coat on Autogeek's site and they were putting it on an Impreza similar to mine which was cool. Looked pretty easy but I already have the Opti-seal on the way and Opti-Seal can go on wet... not sure about the Can Coat
Thanks for the recommend. I will check that out but it might be more prickly than I want but I'll still check it out.
Good to hear Opti-Seal is great because it seemed to be the easiest looking thing to use along side ONR after a Rinse-less wash and seems to protect well and long.
What is the fastest, easiest way to clay or equivalant? When I have used clay bars before it seemed to be a bit of a pain. I don't mind using a DA because it does all the work and was hoping HD Speed would do the cleaning as well.
I have one more question... If I can keep it maintained every week as I plan and keep the paint in great shape and have some free time and desire to top it with something that will make it really "Pop" and be slick for the bugs what would you all recommend? You know something quick and simple that might even help the protection and shine last longer. Or is what I have planned good enough?