PSA - Paint Protection

Hi All,

Posting this here as opposed to the detailing forum in hopes it gains more traction. I'll preface this by saying this is just my opinion - I am not a professional detailer, I am simply an accountant with 20 years as a hobbyist - OCD keep my cars perfect - affliction.

I see a lot of posts (mostly on this forum, but some on others I visit) regarding "wash and wax" - "wax" etc... It is also very apparent, in discussions with friends & neighbors that the general public still thinks wax is the latest and greatest and has never come across anything better, or really understand how paint protection works to begin with. The reality is that wax is ancient "technology" in the world of detailing. Nowadays there are so many, easily useable, easily attainable products that just knock the socks off even a very good wax. In other words, 1/4 mile drag race between a Bugatti Chiron (the new stuff) and a Model T (the wax).

All that said, wax isn't "bad", it just really doesn't hold up (typically a few weeks and once any kind of non pH soap hits it from a car wash, it's basically toast). It is often difficult to remove, time consuming to apply etc...

Additionally, those who are not in the know (can't blame anyone, we all have lives to live and most don't enjoy detailing as a hobby), assume wax is a cure-all. Once a paint finish gets "so bad", ie contaminated etc..., a "wax job" won't really even stick to it (not much will, to be fair).

Here's my quick thoughts/advice for anyone who wishes to improve upon their paint finish or protect it better. Warning, if you get into it, it's a rabbit hole:

1. As with most things, prep is key. At least use (if needed) a clay bar or clay mitt to remove heavy surface contamination before applying any type of LSP (last step protection, ie wax/sealant/coating). Research how to properly wash a car on Youtube. Some use the "two bucket method". Personally, I am a big fan of the "rinseless" method using something like Optimum No Rinse (but I live in CA and wash my cars every weekend). Paint polishing is a whole different conversation. Personally, I hate it, it is not fun - to properly polish a car can take hours upon hours (I spent 26 hours on my S8, just on polishing). That said, alot can be accomplished with just a Porter Cable and some quality pads.

2. Ceramic coatings are NOT difficult to use or apply. The only catch is you have to make sure you remove it all. Otherwise, you're stuck with little tiny bubbles or a visible "film" look. Most coatings give you at least 10 minutes to find where you missed wiping it off before it becomes too difficult (requiring polishing or even wet sanding (with extreme coatings)). The reason good detailers charge so much for their application is often due to the prep time (polishing etc...). Anyone can do it, you just have to take your time. I can coat an entire car in an hour, it's not this big scary thing it is made out to be. Again, Youtube University.

3. If a coating isn't for you, there are a TON of products out there that, even the "bad" ones, will outperform wax. The easiest that comes to my mind is Gtechniq C2V3, it is a spray that you wipe on, wipe off (on a clean car of course). Lasts 4-6 months depending on climate etc... Easier than wax, much better longevity/UV etc.. Even Turtle Wax makes some great spray on synthetic sealants/coatings nowadays. Other brands to research are Adam's Polishes (they make a good spray coating and have alot of tutorial videos on any aspect of detailing), Gyeon, Meguiar's, Surf City Garage etc..

There is so much to consider, and at the end of the day, even getting your car washed (however the method) is better than some do for their cars. Again, this is my passion, so I realize some people just don't care, don't have the time, washing their car sounds less fun than a dentist appt. etc... Just wanted to put a bug in the ear of those who do enjoy it / are curious about it.... that there is a lot more out there than "wax" and old school techniques.

 

I’ve seen enough poorly applied ceramic coatings that I would not attempt the job myself. But I think if you want your car to look its best and actually protect the paint, it’s probably the only way to go.

 

I use Rejex on my 4runner a couple of times a year. Last far longer than wax and very easy to apply. I still get beading months after application.

 

I am a fellow accountant who enjoys the detailing of my rides in my spare time. Time spent in the garage is more fun that at my desk.

I started as a teenager using Meguiars carnuba yellow wax and this number 7 Polish. My neighbors son had a Porsche and I thought if it good enough for a Porsche it’s good enough for my Ford Tempo which was my first car.

Now I have gotten into synthetic waxes which are much easier to apply. I have not tried ceramics because I fear those films you mentioned if you miss it.

I enjoy doing my cars every few months tops so I think I am ok with synthetics. Plus my 4R and another car are stored for 6 months of MI crappy weather.

Whenever I do try a new product I usually try it on my old Accord first in an area not too noticeable just in case.

It’s fun to put on some tunes and detail your car and results are great too

 

Rejex is good stuff!

 

Synthetics are really good! Sounds like you have the game figured out and I bet even the Accord looks amazing !

 

Nice post, OP. Personally, I do more frequent light protection than long lasting occasional protection. I live in the south so winter doesn't really prevent me from washing every week or two, then doing a light coating of a spray after each wash. I'm also pretty rural so significant paint contaminants aren't a big concern (based on how my clay looks). I do still apply some longer lasting products occasionally, but I enjoy the process like you do. And, yes, it's certainly a rabbit hole to go down.

From a subjective standpoint, I did use a carnauba wax the other day and damn it seemed to have a creamy shine afterward. My 4runner is silver, which is probably the worst color for gloss/reflection, but it did make me do a double take under the garage lights.

 

Sounds alot like me, it is fun to experiment, even with the less durable products. And you're right, a good old fashioned carnauba shine is tough to beat !