BudgetPlan1

Always tried to keep the fun cars clean and shiny over the years but after getting the Subaru WRX last fall, whose 'environmentally friendly' paint seemed to scratch/swirl if ya looked at it funny, started looking into more durable protection...and down the rabbit hole we went. Started reading, researching and accumulating stuff last December in hopes of controlling paint defects. Think I might got a little carried away but found I kinda liked doing this stuff.


Once the weather broke in April, started straightening the paint issues...quite a learning experience.


Started with decontamination using Gyeon Q2M Iron and clay using some old Zaino clay:Â
http://www.zainostore.com/product/Z-18.html

Moved on to getting paint as good as I could 'safely' with a Griots Garage 6" DA, Lake Country flat pads (http://www.wolfgangcarcare.com/lake-...t-pad-kit.html ) and Meguiars cutting discs with a variety of compounds and polishes.

Corvette had some deeply etched water spots which weren't gonna go completely away, had probably 40+ hours of cutting/polishing in it. First tried test spots using Wolfgang Uber Compound (http://www.wolfgangcarcare.com/wg-5602.html) with orange Lake Country pads, then with yellow pad...nada. Tried some Meguiar's M101 ( http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-m10...-compound.html ) with same combo of pads...was getting there but very, very slowly. Finally, Meguiars D300 ( http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-da-compound.html ) with their microfiber cutting disks took the sharpness off the edges of the spots and removed the interior staining of the spots. Figrd that was about as good as it was gonna get so finished up with Wolfgang Total Swirl Remover (orange pad) and Wolfgang Finishing Glaze on white pad. (http://www.autogeek.net/wolfgang-swirl-removers.html )

WRX was in good shape, just hadda remove the dealer-installed swirls and scratches, Wolfgang 'Twins' worked nicely for this (http://www.autogeek.net/wolfgang-swirl-removers.html )

Both cars wiped down with Wolfgang Perfekt Finish Paint Prep ( http://www.wolfgangcarcare.com/wolfg...aint-prep.html ) then base coat on both cars is Wolfgang Uber Ceramic:
http://www.wolfgangcarcare.com/best-...t-coating.html

Corvette seems to prefer occasional refreshes with Kamikaze Overcoat.

Subaru prefers the occasional refresh with Gyeon Q2 Cure

Rims coated with Gyeon Q2 Rim

Tires dressed with Tuf Shine Clearcoat:
http://www.autopia-carcare.com/tuf-s...lear-coat.html


Quick wipedowns of light dust done with Kenotek Showroom Shine. Really cool stuff, incredible shine and does seem to repel some dust...quite handy on black cars.


Started this whole thing in April, accumulated a lot of product...obviously.


Lotta stuff left over...many polishes/compounds, pads that renew that paint and some real quality waxes/sealants for long lasting looks/protection:


Collinite 915:http://www.collinite.com/automotive-...ue-d-elegance/


Wolfgang Fuzion: http://www.wolfgangcarcare.com/wolfg...r-car-wax.html


Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant:Â http://www.wolfgangcarcare.com/wg5500.html


Dodo Juice Purple Haze:http://www.autogeek.net/dark-soft-carnauba-wax.html


3D/HD Poxy: http://www.3dproducts.com/detailing-...x-and-sealant/


Unfortunately, outta cars at my house. The poor 2007 Mazda 3 we're getting rid of this fall was the test mule, has had numerous compounds, polishes, waxes and sealants dropped on it over the past few months. Doh!


Cars sure are easy to keep clean now...most exterior items coated with ceramic/quartz coatings with protection/shine lasting up to a year. Long way from the can of Turtle Wax and bath towel of the old days. Bit more pricey too!


True what they say regarding paint colors on cars:


"Black isn't a color, it's a career".

0Killrwheels@Autogeek

Nice collection .... both cars and detailing products.

I wanted to add that Autogeek now offers the Gyeon collection as well as most of the 3D products. You have many products that are considered the best in class. As you offered now that the collection is complete (well its never complete, but that's another story) you have all you need for a year's to come.

With good washing and drying techniques you should see a lot of clean black rides in your garage and the coatings will help reduce the time needed to redo them as offered. Congrats !!

ronkh57

EPPPSB

Glad to see someone else into keeping things clean...and also buying products to test and play around with.


Most don't understand but i enjoy getting the best shine i can get.

Lookin good.

BudgetPlan1

It's a sickness I say. Already pondering trying another coating, maybe Polish Angel, maybe Kamikaze, maybe something else, this fall. At this point, I think it's getting to be less about the result and more about the process.

Weird.

ronkh57

I got the PA

you try Kamikaze and we'll compare.

Resistance to the addiction is futile

0Adam's Polish

Nice.....Black is indeed a career.

BlackandTan2004

Never had a black car until my Vette, I call it a lifestyle choice. Our DD's are Silver for a reason.

0Killrwheels@Autogeek

The challenge with moving away from a black ride, you always miss that crisp cool look. Nothing looks better than a well dressed black finish on the model of choice.

JoeD-C8

Black is indeed a career. Been there, done that and I have the t-shirt.....


Never again!

cmonkey713

Nothing looks better than black when done properly.

ronkh57

I miss it



Honestly, when polished properly, then coated and proper wash/dry techniques used, it really was easy to maintain.

This is 2 years after coating:

ronkh57

Living that statement right now...........