Good to know there's no reason to wait... If I seal a brand new car, would there really be any reason to polish first? I've been using Rejex lately, and their site says it's best to put right on top of the paint if it's clean.

 

A true polish is a mechanical action...so you can wipe it off and then seal, wash again if you desire.......and yes, the magic of gloss in detailing is the polish, not the final seal/wax...A good polish for a new Vette and Rejex is Meguire's 205.

 

Do Vettes really not come polished from the factory?

I'll try the 205, does that work with a 10" orbital or does it need to be one of the smaller (6"?) units?

 

A 6 in random orbital is a good choice, not a rotary...make sure you know the difference. 205 can be used by hand too if you are unsure of machine polishing.

And no, the cars come FAR from polished....

 

The cars get pretty dirty coming over from the factory and then stopping at the gas station for a fuel fill. Lol

 

Mine's a daily driver and I have my car wash hand "wax" it once a quarter with a polymer product to keep contaminents and harsh sun from dulling the paint. First coat went on the C7 at about 60 days, but I could have done it sooner.

I could do it more often and/or use better product, but mine's not a show car and I want to spend my time and my money elsewhere.

Using this procedure, my 9-year-old C6 paint still looked new when I traded for my 2015 C7.

 

No rational reason not to. Regular car washes are designed not to take off wax and polish. When it comes from the factory and going through transportation there are plenty of contaminants and residue on the paint. Dish detergent ps made to dissolve grease and other foreign contaminates.. That makes for a pristine surface to apply polishes,waxes and sealers. Don't understand your rationale.

 

Great recommendations.
I love the black fire products and follow this for both my wife's SUV and mine. The Vette gets special monthly TLC from Zaino and Adams but its cheaper than a therapist for me. Adams also has a new H20 activated sealant (wipe on, and that's it) that is so easy that I have put on top of the blackfire.

 

I used Rejex on the day after buying the car and will reapply every six months as has been my ritual for years. This car took longer than my C6 did, as it has more vents and louvers that I try to avoid with my orbital buffer. I hand-applied the Rejex about 6" around the numerous obstacles and hit the rest of the car with the orbital buffer.

 

I just purchased some rejex sealer. Does it work as well as they say it does?

 

Detailed the C7 when it had 50 miles on it.....

Hand Wash Meguiars Gold Car Wash
Mothers Clay Bar Kit
Wash again Rain-X Rinseless Wash
Polish with DP Prep Polish
Appy the Pinnacle Black Diamond Paint Coating
Let cure 24 hours
Apply Pinnacle Synergy Wax by hand and hand buff

 

There are lots of great alternatives today. Look at mmvettec7's TR car among others - how can you argue with success?? I've painted several cars over the years that I've shown in the ISCA with great results. Below is what I do/use, but most of the suggestions and products mentioned by the posters in this thread are spot on.
* You don't have to wait at all. The days of waiting for a paint to 'cure' are long gone. The paints used on our cars are catalyzed and completely ready to go.
* I wash my car the first time with Dawn. This is to remove any grease and other chemicals that might have been left on the car from manufacturing and transit. For those concerned about Dawn or other detergents, there is not a single problem using them. Just don't use them after you've waxed because they will remove the wax - unless that's what you're trying to do.
* I generally don't clay unless there is a good reason to do so - like after a long road trip, and then only if necessary.
* I use Zaino products, and have for several years. Lots of other good products out there too. I start with Z2 (the first coat I'll often use the Zfx accelerator), then finish off with Z6 or Z7 sprays. If I have a few scratches I use Z5, and then overcoat with Z2. A week or two later I'll go with another coat of Z2.
* Maintain with Z6 or Z7 sprays after washing the car each time if you want a killer shine. Every month or two I might do another coat of Z2.
* One advantage I've found with these products, and I'm sure it's true of others: just prior to a long road trip I'll do a quick coat of Z2 followed by Z7 spray. Splatted bugs pretty much just hose off.

 

Grabbed a girot 6" and some meguiars 205 to try when my new Vette arrives next week from the factory. The 205 instructions says it removes wax, is it really necessary to strip the new car with Dawn to start with?

 

You need to wash it, anyway, so why not use Dawn? Chances are, it's already in the kitchen (or an equivalent brand).

 

I am pretty sure that Glen e suggests using Dawn, and I would agree with Glen e.

It will not hurt to take the extra step as Dawn will cut thru grease or any oil that might be on the surface of the C7 once it arrives that you can not personall see with the human eye.

Then use our Griot's 6 and the 205. You will be pleased with the results.
Make sure you use a "polishing pad" on the Griots 6".

There are different pads for various types of applications from cutting to polishing to finishing.

Post a few pics after you complete the detailing project.

 

Haven't done extensive research but I've heard of the dish soap drying out rubbers.

I grabbed the girots 5.5" black foam finishing pads for the polishing. Auto geek site says it's for light polishing. Will do on the pics.

 

I dust mine off after each drive, use some bug remover where needed and then go over the car with spray detailer. The only water that gets on it is used to rinse off the wheel cleaner.

 

I would not suggest using a 5.5" pad on a 6" Griots machne polisher.

You do not want the edge of the 6" disc of the polishing machine exposed to hit the paint surface.

The pad needs to cover the entire disc that is attached to the polishing machine.

 

Also got the 5" adapter plate.

 

There you go, good move.

You scared me at first with the 5 1/2" pad on a 6" plate.