question

[SVTL]

Just a question for anyone with a black car. This is my first black car so I'm a little nervous about what I'm going to use to wash it. So I'm just wondering what you guys are using to soap the car with, what you're drying with, and what kind of wax you're using, and whatever is going to protect my paint the best. Thanks.

[Dropping__Chronic]

Just a question for anyone with a black car. This is my first black car so I'm a little nervous about what I'm going to use to wash it. So I'm just wondering what you guys are using to soap the car with, what you're drying with, and what kind of wax you're using, and whatever is going to protect my paint the best. Thanks.

 

Zaino sucks unless you have a garage queen that will never see the rain.

 

I put 7 coats on my Cobra, and it got water spots from one weekend out in the elements.

 

Zaino = car polish, not car wax.

 

I just wanted to suggest what not to get, I'll leave it up to others to suggest what to get as I am not up on the latest high grade waxes. (I just use NXT Car Wax and like the results)

[SVTpower]

Mothers!! wax with Carnuba. Red bottle in a liquid form

[iceman]

I like the maguires (SP?) as it does a great job and is all the local stores. I like the entire product line and used the "Gold" verson of the wax after the wash and had great results. I used the cheap terry cloth towels for the wax but found the microfiber towels to do better for drying.

 

Others have said the MR Clean wash does nice as far as spot free but I have not tried it - I will this summer but am very happy with maguires products.

[VYOL8TR]

Lazy man's point of view....Eagle One spay & dry wax/polish! Wash by hand, then while car is still wet, spay on a little Eagle One and dry with soft towel. Do it in sections. come back with a new dry towel and wipe/shine car again...looks like your spent hours waxing. Only takes 2-3 minutes more than just drying it off with a towel. No spots to be seen on my GO Gt500. I'm sure alot will say...buy $$$$ custom made wax and spend hours waxing... What ever,...I have a life and the Shelby has a clear coat, I have better things to do... like driving the Orange Monster!

[Son of GT]

DON'T use dishwashing soap, not even the "gentle" stuff, use a proper car wash soap that has low Ph. Dry with a 100% cotton towel, and polish with a Microfiber towel (best price: Costco or Sam's Club). Some of the best WAX on the market is Zymol, but many here SWEAR by Zaino as a polish, but I can't say, as I have not used Zanio myself.

 

If you do use a paste type wax, then I recommend that you dampen the applicator pad before appling the paste onto the paint. Be sure to let it "flash" (turn powery) before removing with that Microfiber cloth that I mentioned before. If you're really ambitious, you can re-wet (cold water only, soft water being best) and dry the car one more time afterwards in order to "seal" the wax coat and bring out the paint's luster.

 

As far as the regular weekly washing is concerned, unless the car has mud or some other crud on it, or you're about to detail it again, all you really need is water to clean the car. Water and a chamois, is all you need.

 

Having a black car is a ROYAL pain in the ass (I know, cuz I have two), but when the're washed and clean, its a beautiful color. Oh yes, DON'T let bird droppings dry on the paint. Carry some quick detailer and a Microfiber cloth with you at all times to police up any droppings that may happen. And in the event that the dropping has dried, re-wet it with water before trying to wipe it off or you will for certain scratch the clearcoat.

 

This stuff is basic and I'm certain that you have waxed quite a few cars in your time, but these tips have been successful for me so I thought that I would share them with you.

Hope this helps.

[ati]

Lazy man's point of view....Eagle One spay & dry wax/polish! Wash by hand, then while car is still wet, spay on a little Eagle One and dry with soft towel. Do it in sections. come back with a new dry towel and wipe/shine car again...looks like your spent hours waxing. Only takes 2-3 minutes more than just drying it off with a towel. No spots to be seen on my GO Gt500. I'm sure alot will say...buy $$$$ custom made wax and spend hours waxing... What ever,...I have a life and the Shelby has a clear coat, I have better things to do... like driving the Orange Monster!

 

AMEN

[SVTL]

Thanks for the pointers guys. Seems like Meguire's is pretty popular. I used Meguire's NXT on my Lightning several times and liked the results so maybe I'll use it on this. What are you guys using to actually put the soap on the car once you rinse it? I used a spongey cloth thing (best I can describe it lol) on my Lightning and it seemed fine, will it be ok to use on the black paint?

[SVTpower]

Thanks for the pointers guys. Seems like Meguire's is pretty popular. I used Meguire's NXT on my Lightning several times and liked the results so maybe I'll use it on this. What are you guys using to actually put the soap on the car once you rinse it? I used a spongey cloth thing (best I can describe it lol) on my Lightning and it seemed fine, will it be ok to use on the black paint?

 

 

Meguires high quality wash mitt

[VNMOUS1]

Thanks for the pointers guys. Seems like Meguire's is pretty popular. I used Meguire's NXT on my Lightning several times and liked the results so maybe I'll use it on this. What are you guys using to actually put the soap on the car once you rinse it? I used a spongey cloth thing (best I can describe it lol) on my Lightning and it seemed fine, will it be ok to use on the black paint?

 

Meguires makes a very good car wash (detergent). Try it.

 

The also make newer microfiber applicators and towels. The towels are awesome. No lint, no scratching.

 

The earier poster that mentioned Zaino is exactly right. If it's a queen, use it. Nothing will look better. If you're in the elements it sucks for protection.

 

Hybrids like NXT are neither fish nor foul. Don't waste your time with consumer grade hybrids. Also, never...ever use polymers. Most new hybrids use them.

 

If you want to do the work, here's a hot setup:

 

1. Wash a cool car with the Meguires detergent. Rinse thoroughly, preferably with an inline filter on your

hose so you reduce at least some of the contaminants.

 

2. Get the bulk of the water off quickly with a California (or similar) blade. Be sure its clean!!!!!!!!!

 

3. Dry with a synthetic chamois.

 

4. Take a nap....the rest is work.

 

5. Use Meguires #7 Pure Polish Show Car Glaze to remove surface contaminants and small scratches. DO

NOT use circular motions and unless you're a professional painter, DO IT BY HAND.

 

6. Use their microfiber towel to remove it. Cool car...small sections....frequently turn the towel.

 

7. Meguires #26 Pure Carnuba Liquid Wax

 

8. Have a beer. Take another nap.

 

bj

[svtkeith]

I use a carnuba polish, IMO, it doesn't matter what brand and I top it of with Mequiars NXT wax for long lasting protection. The #1 thing to remember, when it comes to a car's finish, is wash from the top down. I prefer to use 2 different mitts, one for the top half of the car and 1 for the bottom half of the car and lots of water. And never leave the mitt touch the bottom of the bucket. And some people use a polish like a wax and that's a no-no. You first polish the car for that deep wet look shine and than you wax it for protection. And that works just fine for me and has for years. JMO.

[SVTL]

VMOUS1, thanks for that list, I'll probably be picking up everything you mentioned in a couple days

[69deluxe]

The earier poster that mentioned Zaino is exactly right. If it's a queen, use it. Nothing will look better. If you're in the elements it sucks for protection.

 

 

What? Every web page I have visited about car finishes (car polish vs wax) says a polish is about 2X more durable! Please explain.

 

I wish I could find the thread where Allow Dave (I think) posted some useful web pages on car finishes... Spent 20 minutes searching but with no luck.

 

Edit:

Found it. See post#8 from Kb67 here. http://www.stangsunleashed.com/forums/inde...?showtopic=5091 Lot's of useful links in this thread.

[VNMOUS1]

What? Every web page I have visited about car finishes (car polish vs wax) says a polish is about 2X more durable! Please explain.

 

I wish I could find the thread where Allow Dave (I think) posted some useful web pages on car finishes... Spent 20 minutes searching but with no luck.

 

Edit:

Found it. See post#8 from Kb67 here. http://www.stangsunleashed.com/forums/inde...?showtopic=5091 Lot's of useful links in this thread.

 

Short version. Polish is exactly that....polish. It's an abrasive compound that has no protective qualities. Wax seals and nutures the paint. Pure carnuba has no polishing attributes. Even clearcoat benefits from the oils in the wax.

 

"Polishes" that are included in hybrids...and also include polymers do, in fact, last longer and are more durable than wax alone. They're also not as good for your paint. Leasing your car? Use the easy stuff (NXT etc). Keeping it? Do the work.

 

bj

[69deluxe]

Short version. Polish is exactly that....polish. It's an abrasive compound that has no protective qualities. Wax seals and nutures the paint. Pure carnuba has no polishing attributes. Even clearcoat benefits from the oils in the wax.

 

"Polishes" that are included in hybrids...and also include polymers do, in fact, last longer and are more durable than wax alone. They're also not as good for your paint. Leasing your car? Use the easy stuff (NXT etc). Keeping it? Do the work.

 

Yeah, I think the word "polish" is used too loosely. Zaino, while called a polish on the bottle, contains no abrasives. It's cross-linking polymer that offers UV protection, etc. I prefer to spend the extra time, if only to get out of the house... I put three coats of Zaino on my car and it looks amazing! Much better results than I ever got with carnuba IMO.

[scgt5c]

I've used a lot of different waxes and polishes- McGuiar's, California Gold, Turtle Wax, Clean & Brite, Mother's, Zymol, Malm's, Top of the Line, Eagle One, Adam's, Zaino -- may have missed a few. Conclusion, Turtle Ice carwash soap, soft sponge for painted surface, bug sponge for front bumpers, windshield, rear view mirrors and lower quarter panels, CR Water de-ionizer, pressure washer, air compressor, good chamois, chamois wringer, clay bar entire car, use any good caranuba wax (I use Zymol for my Med Blue Expedition) or Polish (I use Zaino on my White GT500 and Smokey Granite Lexus) - apply by hand, Wax Master Orbital Polisher to remove wax or polish and Grape Tire Dressing.

 

Just keep it clean.

[Dropping__Chronic]

What? Every web page I have visited about car finishes (car polish vs wax) says a polish is about 2X more durable! Please explain.

 

I wish I could find the thread where Allow Dave (I think) posted some useful web pages on car finishes... Spent 20 minutes searching but with no luck.

 

Edit:

Found it. See post#8 from Kb67 here. http://www.stangsunleashed.com/forums/inde...?showtopic=5091 Lot's of useful links in this thread.

 

I spent close to $200 dollars on Zaino and was a fanatic about it's application both the initial, between care, and re-application.

 

And then it got water spots that had to be wet sanded out, the car was never the same.

 

This is a Cobra that I daily drive, so it sees the elements and it may as well have had tissue paper on it for all the help the Zaino did.

 

Garage Queen - Zaino all day long. NOTHING looks better. Period.

 

Actually Driven Vehicle - Anything But Zaino - Period.

 

 

Hope this helps, trust the words from the horses mouth. Been there, done that, have the t-shirt.

[lambbo]

Just a question for anyone with a black car. This is my first black car so I'm a little nervous about what I'm going to use to wash it. So I'm just wondering what you guys are using to soap the car with, what you're drying with, and what kind of wax you're using, and whatever is going to protect my paint the best. Thanks.

Look here, They will answer any of your questions. They helped me out with Glaze, sealants and wax to protect the Zaino Polish and give it that depth I was looking for.....

 

I hope I can find the time while I'm home to do it all...

 

http://www.specialtymotoring.com/

[brianspony]

Spend a few dollars and buy the Mr. Clean car wash kit at Home Depot. I wouldn't wash my everyday Ford's with this ($$), but for both my 07 Shelby and my 66 coupe it's the only thing I will use now. It works and saves tons of time from having to hand dry. I've yet to do a polish so I'm still weighing my options on it. I bought the 5 Star Shine kit last fall, but didn't use it yet. I was looking at the NTX McGuires the other day. I have the dark Alloy on my Shelby so I have to be carefull also. I have bought the micro covered sponges and keep them well rinsed and clean during wash process. Mr. Clean is well worth the money in my book and for me to use anything on my trophy winning coupe it has to be good.

[Alloy Dave]

another option is Griots...Google it.

[GT500FLYBOY]

Any input on the paint sealant the Ford dealer wants to put on - or any other sealant for that matter? They said list was $595, but for me (after the sucker premium) they'd do it for $295. I'm not sure that they're actually doing anything worthwhile. I do remember reading soemthing in another topic about a special sealant for the frontend to avoid road debris nics, but can't find it. I wonder if that's something to do on the entire car. I'm guessing no since that may too drastically affect the finish. Any input on what to do with my black convertible would be great. I know this Ebony clearcoat is going to be a chore - I had a couple water spots that I too quickly took a towel to - scratched the clearcoat immediately. It's amazing how little the surface can take. I've had it two days and already I scratched it. And it hasn't even been out of the garage since I drove it home. I can't even imagine actually getting on the road where I could get behind trucks or below a flock of birds.

[badpuss]

One of the most important things when washing any car and especially a black car is technique.

 

1. Don't ever use a sponge on the paint, traps dirt.

 

2. The first pass on the panel your washing, don't press down very hard, just pull the soapy water and dirt off the car in the direction of the panel, no swirling motions.

 

3. Keep the soft washing cloth rinsed and dirt free.

 

4. Repeat the washing process with more pressure the second time on the panel.

 

5. Always wipe the car dry, again moving in the direction of the panel your working on.

 

To make it simple your washing the car twice, the 1st time your just knocking the dirt off, the second time around your using more pressure.

 

I like Meguires products, reasonable and accessable and they do have professional products too available at auto paint supplys.

[KingCobra666]

I just bought me a boat load of Zaino stuff and now I read that its no good in weather....

 

 

Zaino claims to offer protection with this stuff is any of the Zaino good in weather? What about using Zaino under like a Mequiars?

 

KC666

[TwinTurboBoss]

.

[GT500FLYBOY]

Any input on the paint sealant the Ford dealer wants to put on - or any other sealant for that matter? They said list was $595, but for me (after the sucker premium) they'd do it for $295. I'm not sure that they're actually doing anything worthwhile. I do remember reading soemthing in another topic about a special sealant for the frontend to avoid road debris nics, but can't find it. I wonder if that's something to do on the entire car. I'm guessing no since that may too drastically affect the finish.

[68fastback]

Any input on the paint sealant the Ford dealer wants to put on - or any other sealant for that matter? They said list was $595, but for me (after the sucker premium) they'd do it for $295. I'm not sure that they're actually doing anything worthwhile. I do remember reading soemthing in another topic about a special sealant for the frontend to avoid road debris nics, but can't find it. I wonder if that's something to do on the entire car. I'm guessing no since that may too drastically affect the finish.

 

I think it's just a money maker for the dealer ;-) They have no magic stuff.

 

Clay bar once or twice a year, then wax. In between quality polish and wax. Wash often with good/name-brand auto soap that doesn't strip off wax like detergent does!.

 

The new ICE polish-wax (polymer-based -- Grabber just did his car with it, last 6 of his arrival pics) is quick and easy and no white powder -- even on flat black areas and rubber -- but you can't go wrong with a quality polish and carnuba wax with a fine clay bar substituting for the polish once or twice a year, imo.

 

.

[shel-b001]

just a cash grab doesn`t last. IMO

[68fastback]

just a cash grab doesn`t last. IMO

 

Well, they'll probably use a rotary polisher on it (dunno) and use some high-quality finishing wax/sealer. I'm not saying it's a rip just I wouldn't want it... and if you do it with a clay bar by hand and your own quality finish/wax it will be as good or better, because you'll be really careful and you'll find evey little imperfection.

 

It's not a cash grab, I don't think... 6 hours, maybe, at 80/hr or so? But there's no magic -- they have nothing you can't buy or do, that's all and you can buy an SCT tuner with that ;-)

 

For most consumers it's an impulse buy -- just bought a new car, let's start off 'right' and seal it ... that's the thinking they are playing to, I think... good marketing and, if people are happy with it, cool! Most consumers don't have the car savvy of car-enthusiast. And if the job is less than perfect, most consumers would not even notice. Believe me, there's nothing you can rub onto paint that will prevent chips or make it tougher in any way (except a 3M clear applique).

 

I certainly would not let a dealer even TOUCH the car, or prep it, let alone play with the finish! Too easy to damage the clearcoat if they're not really diligent and know what they're doing, imo.

 

Good luck whatever you decide -- hope it works out for you, shelby001

 

-Dan

[carnut]

I think it's just a money maker for the dealer ;-) They have no magic stuff.

 

Clay bar once or twice a year, then wax. In between quality polish and wax. Wash often with good/name-brand auto soap that doesn't strip off wax like detergent does!.

 

The new ICE polish-wax (polymer-based -- Grabber just did his car with it, last 6 of his arrival pics) is quick and easy and no white powder -- even on flat black areas and rubber -- but you can't go wrong with a quality polish and carnuba wax with a fine clay bar substituting for the polish once or twice a year, imo.

 

.

Most of those sealant systems cost the dealer less than $100 to apply. They usually sell you a waranty and you have it put on every 6 months. And most of the them charge up the ying for them. They want 2 grand for my vette for 3 years. Do the math and wax it yourself

[dodgr31]

Ok, another question that may have been covered? I have a black coupe w/ tungsten stripes. After washing, do I use polish, then wax, just wax? When waxing do I use a circular motion or some other method? I have owned many cars and waxed them etc. I have never owned a black one, I can see already that the smallest mistake will show.