Exactamundo! 
White car shine
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,922
Likes: 219
From: West Branch, MI
White car shine
I know there has been plenty of white Vette threads in the past. I've started some of them myself. I'm thinking along a different line atm and was wondering. Any tips or ideas on getting the most gloss/shine from the white Vettes? My 98 still looks amazing when kept clean. I still get people asking "Is it new?" I'm wondering what one might do to take it to the next step? If you've got pics of your results, that would be great as well. I know it will never have the "deep" shine of a dark car, but can I take it further (on a white car) than this picture shows?
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,765
Likes: 3,282
From: Phoenix area, AZ
A good clay bar treatment will provide the best results for bringing out the most in the arctic white. I know when I do mine that you can't look at it in direct sunlight without sunglasses on or it will literally hurt your eyes.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 20,393
Likes: 431
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
NCM Member '09
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,510
Likes: 15
From: Ga
I clean cars all the time and white, like black can be a tricky color if not done right. White is a bit easier to work with than black. However, white is really tough to get that deep pop like black. On that note, I have never seen a product that when applied to white paint, gives a deep gem like shine than Pinnacle Souveran wax. It's costly, but well worth it.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 218
Likes: 1
From: Baton Rouge Louisiana
White can be a great looking color when done right. I detail cars for a hobby and have countless hours of research into detailing -its almost sickening lol.
Anyway, back on topic, white like any other color car can look "wet" but that deep wet look always comes from an optically clear clearcoat. If you have swirls, hazing, scratches, holograms, etc it will take away from the depth.
If you REALLY want to take your car to the next level, do a two step polish on it and top it with just about any quality wax/sealant you like.
My favorite waxes:
Pinnacle Souveran
Chemical Guys Petes 53
My favorite sealants:
Four Star Shine
Chemical Guys Blacklight
Anyway, back on topic, white like any other color car can look "wet" but that deep wet look always comes from an optically clear clearcoat. If you have swirls, hazing, scratches, holograms, etc it will take away from the depth.
If you REALLY want to take your car to the next level, do a two step polish on it and top it with just about any quality wax/sealant you like.
My favorite waxes:
Pinnacle Souveran
Chemical Guys Petes 53
My favorite sealants:
Four Star Shine
Chemical Guys Blacklight
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 363
From: Midland TX
If I had a white C5, I would RO out all the defects and then add Z2 layers until I passed out, then maintain with Z8. White will never look "deep" like a dark color, so might as well go for maximum refraction and bounce light off of it like crazy!
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,735
Likes: 14
From: Visalia CA
Seems the only way I can show my car's shine is closeup and in the shade. Outside in the sun doesn't do a white car justice.
Seven years ago, I started out using Meguires polish. I should have just clayed the finish from the start, but I did end up with a glass-like finish. I currently use Adam's Brilliant Glaze and their detail spray to maintain the finish.
Seven years ago, I started out using Meguires polish. I should have just clayed the finish from the start, but I did end up with a glass-like finish. I currently use Adam's Brilliant Glaze and their detail spray to maintain the finish.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,725
Likes: 53
From: Warrington Pa.
The main thing to keeping a white car white and reflective is to use light colored products. First I clay using Dawn and water in a spray bottle, buff with green pad and 3M Fineness-It ( white) buff till all haze is removed, then a watered down Fineness-It with a red pad and buff till gone not hand removed. Next is Zaino Z-5 two coats topped off with Z-2. Remember to apply and remove polish in a straight line, up and down on the sides and front to back on top surfaces. Using a circular motion puts swirl in the finish. The problem with Carnauba polishes is that they are most times yellow. I parked next to a guy who has a white 99 and he asked if I had my car re painted because it was much brighter and whiter, he had been using Mothers Carnauba.
Last edited by Bill Vett; Mar 19, 2014 at 09:59 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 4,496
Likes: 856
From: Walhalla South Carolina
clay bar
Not familiar with clay bar, somone please educate me. Where can the bar be purchased and how much. I have a silver grey vette and I use McGuires but can't get that deep shine and maybe with that color that is best results I can get. Give me your advice. Thanks
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,765
Likes: 3,282
From: Phoenix area, AZ
Meguiar's sells a clay bar kit that comes with everything you need for about $20 at Wal Mart, or for a few dollars more at most parts stores.
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,765
Likes: 3,282
From: Phoenix area, AZ
http://www.autogeek.net/detailing-clay-bar.html
Pro
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 697
Likes: 7
From: Kansas City Missouri
It's pretty easy to use. Cut yourself off a little chunk off the main bar and work it with your hands until it's soft. Then spray a lubricant or water on the surface you are going to clean. Move the bar back and forth in straight lines until you can't feel anything with your finger tips. It should feel smooth to the touch.
Before you use the bar run your finger tips over the surface and see how it feels then do the same after you use it.
Before you use the bar run your finger tips over the surface and see how it feels then do the same after you use it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,352
Likes: 103
From: In the pit, trying to love someone.
99 with original paint except for the hood, front splitter, side skirts and rear spoiler. There was a small spot on the front fascia that I had a friend touch up with an airbrush. I just keep it clean, and in the garage overnight and all winter long. I wax it sometimes, thinking of trying that "Chadwick" stuff after reading a few reviews.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,280
Likes: 1,097
From: Pittsburgh PA
If you haven't used zaino polish you might give it a try. the clay bar is a cleaning product for the clear before you polish for the shine. I like polish instead of wax for a deep wet look.