Birds, trees, and kids......oh my!

B

BostonBull

New member
Parking under trees, Hickory Trees to be exact, in the driveway. Birds crapping all over the passenger's side of my car and in the fall I get Hickory nuts banging off of it. On top of that we have 3 year old twins who LOVE to touch the paint!



Looking for something that will protect from all of this, as best as possible, last a while, 6~ months?, and allow washing debris/stains off easily.



Will be working all of this by hand, no machines.







Cars are:

2010 Honda Accord Alabaster Silver Metallic

2012 Honda Pilot Touring White Diamond Pearl









What will "protect" the interior trim, like a wax/sealant, from the kids unique messes? Food, drinks, sticks, glitter, etc. Those with kids I am sure can appreciate this!



Located in Massachusetts, just north of Boston to give you an idea of temps, rain, and climate.
 
You can't beat Duragloss 105 for durability at a reasonable price and if you buy direct from DG the shipping is a flat rate. If the paint really needs cleaned use a coat of DG 501(Marine version of 105 with more cleaners) first then add a coat of 105, then maintain with AquaWax (spray wax). When applying 501 and or 105 mix 4 parts with 1 part 601 (bonding agent) which will speed cure time to 2 hours and allow you to add the next coat if you are topping 501 with 105. When I lived in NH I was getting 6 months protection from DG105 through NH winters. Duragloss Some NAPA and CarQuest stores stock it locally or you can order here also https://www.autoality.com/store/pc/home.asp



I don't think anything is going to give you full protection from typical kids activity, but you could try Optimum Leather Protectant, 17 oz. (a.k.a. Protectant Plus) - Optimum Optimum Protectant Plus--has cleaners in it, makes the surface easier to clean and is easy to use.



Another thought--Do you use Optimum No Rinse for washing? If not you may want to give it a try -- once you develop a routine you can wash and dry the car in 30 minutes so perhaps since it's less of a hassle to a traditional wash you could then wash it more often.
 
I feel your pain BostonBull! I live in a city, a pretty dense one at that...with curbside parking only under a giant pine tree and neighbors who have 3 boys that love to play football in our front yard.....right next to the cars at that! Then at work, if you're the sorry soul that parks under the walnut tree so that your car is under the shade and cool for the trip home.....expect no less then 40 bird bombs when the birds are hanging out!!

Can't really give any advice as my DD has been severely neglected....everyone elses rides are looking good though. :errf:
 
I wouldn't rely on a protectant lasting 6 months......



I'd find a polymer paint sealant that is easy to use and keep applying a layer as often as possible. Maybe one of those Wipe On Walk Away (WOWA) products like Optimum Opti-Seal or Zaino Clear Seal.



Oh, and invest in an electric fence for twins :)
 
Thanks for the great posts!



I figured their isnt one BEST choice, but rather a few GREAT choices for paint protection. Not overly concerned with the depth, or other features. With kids it is all about the protection. :)



Leather cleaner safe to use on Vinyl as well? The leather I have a cover under their car seats, so less of a worry, but the vinyl and plastic trim gets hammered!!!



I don't currently use ONR, I really should try it, I don't have any good excuses of why I haven't.....laziness of ordering it. Can I buy OTC anywhere?
 
I'd use something gentle, but effective on the interior. Something like Optimum Power Clean or HD TOTAL.



ONR is about as easy as it gets to washing as well. You can actually use a damp towel soaked in the wash solution to wipe down the interior while you're at it.
 
DG 501 and 105 are both polymer paint sealants and Aquawax (even though it's called "Wax") is a polymer sealant, but you will like the look as it does have some depth to it--especially after applying AquaWax. However, you can top 105 as often as you like with something like OptiSeal or you can use OptiSeal alone, but it has no cleaners in it. If you use 501 or 105 apply a very thin coat and it will be very easy to buff off by hand.



The Optimum Leather Protectant is also called "Protectant Plus" It is actually a water based product so best for 95% of the leathers in cars but it is also great on vinly so it makes it very simple to do the entire interior. As David mentioned you can wipe the entire interior down with ONR for weekly cleaning. I've found the Protectant Plus makes the vinly easier to clean.



Ofcourse the one ultimate solution to your issue would be to apply a coat of OptiGuard 2.0 Store - Opti Coat 2.0 (They carry it at Autoaulity also) but it is permanent so you would need to have any swirls or scratches buffed out before you apply it.



You really should give ONR a try--the new formula makes the car easier and easier to keep clean. I don't know of anywhere you can purchase it OTC. If you spend $50 at Autoality shipping is free--they carry both Optimum and DG products.
 
Looks like some ONR, and at least Opti Seal are in my future. DG sounds great too!



How about the wheels, I am just using Megs APC full strength right now and a nylon brush.



Engine? I am doing same as wheels at the moment.
 
With all that going against you a High gloss vinyl (looks like its been painted and a clear coat added) should go a long way to help keep your car looking good

Glossy-Vinyl
 
ONR, Opti Clean, and a few new microfibers from Autoality on their way. Ill report back after I use them all later this week/weekend.



thanks for the help everyone!
 
I have washed the car with ONR, very impressed how simple and effective this is, I may never use a hose again with normal washes.





I washed, clayed, washed, and Optimum Car Wax'ed the 2010 Accord. Came out stunning!



I will need to AIO the paint soon, and there are some marring and scratches that need attention with a machine. At this juncture though I am more interested with just protecting the paint, then I can have corrected in he future.





AIO will be applied by hand, paint is still pretty dirty, would like something very effective by hand, but that I can still use on both this Accord and the brand new Pilot.
 
Looking for something with some cleaning properties for sure, my 2010 Accord has some light etching in the paint that the clay couldn't get out.



Doesnt necessarily have to be an AIO either.
 
HD UNO is my suggestion, even by hand. Easy to use as well. Cuts deep, cleans up (wipes off) without any effort. Or HD SPEED, but UNO will naturally cut better.
 
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