add one or two more steps or start w/ something new

[imported_Brock]

Hi guys,



I haven't posted here in a long time but I recently got a new car and it's got me evaluating my approach.

My old car is an '04 VW GTI that my wife is now driving. My standard maintenance on that is Klasse AIO and UPP. I clay once or twice a year and use a swirl remover like no 9 when needed. I think I'll keep that car the same since I dont' want to do more work than I have to...my wife likes a clean car but isn't as picky as me.

My new car is a bright blue WRX. I don't know if it's just me but the UPP doesn't really seem to add much as far as deepness or wetness. It does have good durability and I like that but it doesn't do anything special for me.

What I'm wondering is if I should add a step or two or change my whole system for the new car....?

I was wondering if adding a polish before the UPP and toping with a carnauba would give me a lot more depth and wetness? I'm looking for an easy to use and hopefully long lasting product. I'd rather spend a few hours waxing every 3-4 months than having to wax every few weeks. I still wash the car every 2 weeks even if the weather is crappy but I have a hard time motivating myself to wax more often. Plus I'm just really busy.

What are some product suggestions if I go that route?



My other idea was to go with the whole Zaino system. I'd been looking at that stuff for years but it seemed like a lot of work. It looks like with their improvements it's a lot easier to use. Of course, this route would be more expensive and if I can get similar results and only have to buy a polish and a wax then I think that would make more sense to me.

another thing is I would need products where I wouldn't have to wait a day to apply the next step. That's not always possible around here.



Thanks!

 

[imported_Neothin]

I worked on a blue RX-8, a blue that was very similar to the world rally blue of the subies. as you said, AIO/UPP doesnt really add much in the depth and wetness department. instead it brightens up the paint significantly. If you want to make the paint appear wetter, I'd try out a carnauba topper. Natty's blue, S100, P21S, Souveran, etc etc are all great carnauba toppers that would give you the look you want from your AIO/UPP combo. just note that once topped, you're not going to be able to layer UPP anymore so i'd suggest that you added 2-4 layers before you top (24 hours apart of course).

 

[imported_Brock]

Thank you for the feedback!

That's sort of what I was leaning towards. I really like how the UPP protects and it lasts a while but I want to bring out the "candy" in the paint. It's a really cool color and I know it can look great.

Would it help at all to do a glaze before the UPP? Is there a product that I could apply before that and it wouldn't counteract? Like you were saying, I was reading that the synthetics like UPP don't like to be layered on top of most products.

I've used the 3M Imperial Hand Glaze before and liked the results but it doesn't last long and I don't think you can "seal" it in. I'd like something with a similar result but that I can "lock" in with UPP or another sealer.



Thanks!

oh, I was thinking of giving S100 carnauba a shot since I can pick it up locally. I don't mind ordering stuff but it's nice to get that instant gratification.