Suggestions on paint care for new auto

MUGEN SI

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I just purchased a Acura TL in Metal Mettalic. I need some suggestions on what to use. I want to just clean up the paint and lay down a layer of protection. Should I clay. If so can you guys reccomend me some clays/waxes for new paint so I can get some protection!

thanks!!
 

I would clay the paint. As far as what wax to use, there are about 100 different types sold at Autogeek



:buffing:





 
Yes, CLAY. Clay very well. You wouldn't believe how much crap was in my cobalt's paint when I got it (Given, it was sitting in Atlanta for a couple of months)

I use DP universal detailing clay but have had great success with Pinnacle products and even OTC Mothers and Meguiar's claybar kits that are sold here as well. As far as wax...what is the climate like where you live? I am partial to DP Poli Coat for a long lasting synthetic, but DP Max Wax is a great carnauba and Poor Boy's Natty blue wax is great as well.
 
Climate is very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. If I clay can I go straight to a wax or sealant or should I use a paint cleaner like p21s or pinnacle?
 
Climate is very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. If I clay can I go straight to a wax or sealant or should I use a paint cleaner like p21s or pinnacle?

I suggest a synthetic wax then, the paint will not look AS great as with a carnauba, but it will last much longer and still look very good. Polymer sealants give the car a "glassy" finish and last much longer than carnauba waxes in harsh climates such as yours. You can also layer a polymer wax atop a carnauba wax.

AG has a good deal going on now with DP Poli-Coat (A synthetic wax):
DP Poli-Coat Paint Sealant, polymer paint sealant, auto paint sealant, DP Policoat paint sealant, paint sealer

This car was finished with DP Poli Coat by Matt:
dp-policoat-2.jpg



And YES, you can skip straight to waxing or sealing after clay-barring if you don't plan on polishing. Just make sure that if you're going to use a cleaner wax or polish you use it after clay bar and BEFORE wax.

The general way to go is:
Use good wash (Dawn or Cleanse all Exterior) to get rid of all grime and previous wax-->Clay bar entire vehicle-->Rewash car-->Use compound-->Use polish-->Use glaze-->Use wax-->Use sealant-->Use detailing spray
Of course, you can omit steps if they're not required.
 
My bread and butter is new car protection packages here in Germany. A mild clay followed by a couple of coats of sealant (I use Klasse High Gloss Sealant) and a coat of caranuba wax (DoDo Juice). Your new car will look better than showroom new and remain scratch and swirl free as long as you wash properly maintain the protectant. Here are some examples of New car details I've done this year using above technique.

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And finally my personal ride a 2007 Acura TL Type S. It has never been polished, but always sealed and waxed since new. Despite 3 harsh German winters, road salt and not garaged, the finish remains fresh, shiney and (relatively) swirl and scratch free. I do plan to do a light correction this summer, but this is a testament to the Sealant/ Wax protection.

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Good Luck!
 
I just realized I have some 1Z polish/wax, I may just use those. Any thoughts?
 
DP Fair price easy to use, others say it lasts. I just bought it. Sealer and MaxWax
 
No thoughts on the 1Z products?

1Z makes fine polishes. I have used them in the past and still use them just to use them up or I donate the products to forum members on another forum that I participate in.

I personally have settled in on the Menzerna product line and have stopped looking for another polish.

As to your original question:

I would wash
Clay
Then apply Menzerna PO85RD on a blue pad using a PC set on 6.
Final wash or an IPA wipe down.
5 coats of Zaino Z2P waiting 24 hours to apply coats 4 and 5.
2 coats of Fuzion waiting 24 hours to apply the second coat.

This will give you a very deep wet look that enhances the sparkle in the paint.

The entire process should only take 3 days and last through the summer.
 
Definitely clay the car, even if you can't feel anything on the finish often times claying will remove contaminants you can't feel plus it ensures the finish is free from any above surface bonded contaminants.

You could also do the Baggie Test. The Baggie Test is actually very revealing, it does in fact increase the sensitivity of your touch to enable you to feel contaminants on the paint that you could otherwise not feel.

And if the surface is free from any above surface bonded contaminants, then it will reveal this also...




NonAbrasiveMethod057c.jpg



Here's a video on claying...

How detailing clay works and how to use detailing clay to remove above surface bonded contaminants



As for a clay, the Pinnacle Ultra Poly is an Ultra Fine Grade and should tackle most new cars with no problems.


As for 1z Einszett Car Care Products, we actually carry quite a selection of their line...

1zproducts.jpg





Do any of your products match the above paint care products?


:)
 
Yes, I have the last 4 items in that pic with the exception of ultra paint polish. Id hate to waste them if I already have them!
 
Mike, since I wont be using a porter cable, after I clay which of these 1Z should I use if I want to do it by hand and in what order? Thanks!!
 
Mike, since I wont be using a porter cable, after I clay which of these 1Z should I use if I want to do it by hand and in what order? Thanks!!

You still working on this?

Sorry, I never saw your follow up question as to the order to use...

Normally you would

  1. Wash
  2. Clay
  3. Clean
  4. Polish
  5. Seal
If you have the last four products in the picture AND the paint is in excellent condition, then you could/would,

  1. Wash
  2. Clay
  3. Glanz Wax
If you think the paint needs some cleaning to full prep the paint for application of the Glanz Wax you could pre-clean using the Paint Polish.

If you don't want to do two steps then instead of using the Paint Polish and the Glanz Wax, simply

  1. Wash
  2. Clay
  3. Metallic Polish/Wax
The Metallic Polish/Wax is a cleaner/wax and will clean, polish and protect the paint in one step.


:)
 
I have been so behind at work I havent had a chance to do anything yet, I have all the products ready to go. Thanks Mike!!
 
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