Dark Car Colors, How Do You Do It

[Frodo]

Quote: "For a silver car I'm not really big on the carnauba waxes like S100 and P21s. I think those waxes are better for reds and blacks."

Trumped by PerfectLap on a detailing question---imagine that!

Like I said, I don't know what's the best approach on silver. I'm driving seal grey, a darker metallic that, like the reds & blacks, responds wonderfully to carnauba.

Hey PL, I thought you used Jeffs Werkstatt acrylic jet. Do you use both it and the FK1 1000P (which is also apparently a synthetic)? If so, I guess the Werk would go under the FK?

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by Frodo

Quote: "For a silver car I'm not really big on the carnauba waxes like S100 and P21s. I think those waxes are better for reds and blacks."

Trumped by PerfectLap on a detailing question---imagine that!

Like I said, I don't know what's the best approach on silver. I'm driving seal grey, a darker metallic that, like the reds & blacks, responds wonderfully to carnauba.

Hey PL, I thought you used Jeffs Werkstatt acrylic jet. Do you use both it and the FK1 1000P (which is also apparently a synthetic)? If so, I guess the Werk would go under the FK?

don't get me wrong, S100, Souveran, P21s are a 1000% improvement over bare silver paint. The Carnaubas bring out the glimmer in metallics. I'm just lazy or spoiled on the low effort of silver so I don't put in the effort because carnaubas don't last nearly as long as the acrylic synth waxes that give silver less mettalic sparlke but do give a great wet/glass look, especially at night.

as for Werksttat, I do use the acrylic sealant (Trigger) imediately after the Prime polish(Strong). Generally speaking I find that sealants tend to bond very well with polishes from the same brand. I only do this combination with each season change, its more protection than dressing.
For monthly waxing I use the 1000P as a base because its nuke proof it dries like cement. I could stop here and the car would be protected and shiny for 4-7 months minimum depending on 425 spray coverage. The 1000P is like adding a layer of clear coat, works very well with the spit shine method and I only get out that huge tin (FK1 have issues with portion control apparently) every couple of months or so. I think using 1000P high temp every month would be overkill. A light waxing of FK1 Pink Wax(also in a HUGE tin) for monthly use keeps the shine at 10/10's. Sometimes I'll switch it up and use Souveran liquid wax as my monthly to add a little glimmer or Aqua Wax spray for a wetter look... But 425 is always the LSP (last step product). Kinda crazy when you think about it but I'm pretty sure the paint will continue to look new for another ten years at least. I'm always amazed when I pull up next to a Honda or Ford that is no more than 4 years old and is already rusting or the paint is dulled down to the base layer.

[meerzee]

I just keep it simple I guess. I wash every Saturday morning my 2008 C350 Sport, 2004 Tahoe & 2002 Boxster S (all black) using Meguiars Gold Class Car Wash, clay rub & then a good carnauba wax only when they need it. Then I do a rim touch up and cleaning every evening and use a California duster in between just for quick cleaning. I also use Porsche top cleaner/conditioner and then Plexus for the rear window on my 02.

I am not overly obsessive but I do enjoy them looking nice and shiny.

[Perfectlap]

^so you wash four times a month?
That's allot. Have you tried using a waterless wash like Optimum No Rinse, QEW, or Poorboy's? It'll save you allot of time and be MUCH easier on the paint. You just wipe down the paint with a bucket of warm water with one ounce of the No Rinse added. More than 40 hose and bucket car washes a year is going to swirl up the paint in a hurry.

[rick3000]

That is a lot of washing, I take my car to the DIY car wash maybe every 2+ weeks or so, and for $5 and 15 minutes I do an endurance challenge car wash. It does a decent job, then I go home and use the tire cleaner and pressure washer on the rims, and occasionally give it a wax. I love my hardtop because it makes a DIY car wash a possibility. I should try the clay bars, everyone talks about them like there godly.

The ocean blue is hard to maintain, but you jut have to relax and come to terms with the fact that it is going to get dirty, and to deal with it.

[meerzee]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

^so you wash four times a month?
That's allot. Have you tried using a waterless wash like Optimum No Rinse, QEW, or Poorboy's? It'll save you allot of time and be MUCH easier on the paint. You just wipe down the paint with a bucket of warm water with one ounce of the No Rinse added. More than 40 hose and bucket car washes a year is going to swirl up the paint in a hurry.

I guess you were talking to me about the weekly washing. I use very well-made microfiber sponges/mitts and take special care to only rub lightly in the direction of the airflow over the car. I don't know how else to truly clean a dark paint car?
I cannot simply "dust" it away as that will produce far more abrasions and swirls than a mild wash would, I would only imagine. I would love to give one of your recommendations a chance.....I just *shocked* never heard of a waterless wash!
Sorry for my ignorance -- perhaps I need more info on these!

Thanks.

[Perfectlap]

well its not really a waterless wash. Its more of a hose free wash.

One large bucket of warm water, a few ounces of the No Rinse or QEW additive and one of those high quality microfiber towels, sponge, etc.
Dunk the sponge or towel and hold it over each panel to soak the car.
Then wipe down in the direction of the airflow as you mentioned. Dunk repeat.
Spray the car with a quick detailer before drying and you are done with the paint.
Use the left over water in the bucket to clean the wheels with a wheel brush.
Many pro detailers are gravitating towards this method for cars that are usually well maintained. The hose and suds is overkill sometimes.

I keep a large 36 oz ounce spray bottle full of the No Rinse to spot clean for dust or bird bombs.

here's a nice photo write up on waterless washing

[Pat]

Hey guys, that link I posted wasn't me. I just threw it up there because I was impressed with it. Sorry to mislead anyone. I should have been more careful.