Need a good sealant to put under a carnauba wax

P-nut

New member
Hi guys, I haven't posted in a long time here but I'm looking for some advice. I have a 1997 Porsche 911 that I'm going to be taking on a 4,000 mile road trip this summer, and I want to apply some good protection that will withstand the elements during the length of the trip in all kinds of weather and probably a lot of bugs too. I'll probably wash it two or three times during the trip.



The car is normally a garage queen and the only LSP I've been using is P21S Concours carnauba. The car is black with a clearcoat, and the carnauba looks fantastic on it. However, we all know the wax isn't durable at all and I don't think it will hold up very well on a long trip through all kinds of weather, plus several washes. I won't have the opportunity to reapply it during the trip. So, I'd like to lay down a good sealant before the trip, and layer some carnauba on top of that. The sealant ought to be durable enough to last the duration.



I've used Zaino in the past but don't care for the plasticky look. Any suggestions for something else that would look great, give good protection and that a carnauba would be able to adhere to?
 
Why not just get something like Collonite 845 or FK1000P? And then something like OCW to use on the road after a wash.





I would also consider getting some painter's tape or the temporary film from Griots?
 
Fk1000p (2 layers) and optiseal are both safe bets I think.



Have a blast on your trip. Would love to do one through parts of Europe at some point.
 
Werkstat Acrylic Jett Trigger, though a sealant, looks very good on dark solids. Its easy to apply, has awesome durability, and after each wash, would only take about 20 minutes to coat the entire car so could easily be done while you are on your tour. Two coats back to back before you leave and top up after each wash.
 
I use to be all about putting down a foundation of sealant (many layers) followed by wax (multiple layers) in order to either enhance looks or prolong longevity. I am sure this is blasphemy to some but i do think layering is a little over-rated these days. Previously, I would do a few layers of Klasse SG followed by whatever wax i felt at the time...but once done this way, I could never add on another layer of SG down the road. If durability is your biggest priority, i would try try some FK1000P or some 845 topped with nothing else. Assuming a prepped surface, the look would be great and durability would second to none. Plus, you can easily "refresh" the protection by putting on another layer down the road.
 
MCA said:
I use to be all about putting down a foundation of sealant (many layers) followed by wax (multiple layers) in order to either enhance looks or prolong longevity. I am sure this is blasphemy to some but i do think layering is a little over-rated these days. Previously, I would do a few layers of Klasse SG followed by whatever wax i felt at the time...but once done this way, I could never add on another layer of SG down the road. If durability is your biggest priority, i would try try some FK1000P or some 845 topped with nothing else. Assuming a prepped surface, the look would be great and durability would second to none. Plus, you can easily "refresh" the protection by putting on another layer down the road.



I agree, and besides, KSG is one of the few (if at all) products that actually do layer past the second application. The rest is hype.
 
Agree for durability but IMO there are better looking products out there than KSG, 845, and FK1000P. Again just my opinion.



Dan said:
I agree, and besides, KSG is one of the few (if at all) products that actually do layer past the second application. The rest is hype.
 
MDRX8 said:
Agree for durability but IMO there are better looking products out there than KSG, 845, and FK1000P. Again just my opinion.



I agree, especially on colors other than silver/white. Those three look great on silver or white.
 
Clearkote's Carnauba Moose is pretty durable and looks great on black. Otherwise I'd go with Opti-Seal which is really nice on black as well. I'd go one or the other and like 2005GTPinMD suggested, use OCW after each or every other wash to keep it looking its best.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions! I haven't used any of those mentioned, but I'm familiar with most of them and know they're all good products. On this trip protection is the top priority.



Scottwax - I do like Optimum products but I'm a little hesitant about the Opti-seal, as I never seemed to get very good results with Zaino Z-CS. Is Opti-seal better?
 
Then I would go for FK1000P. Bulletproof stuff. Prep is also key here. Make sure you have a good surface to work with.
 
Dan said:
I agree, and besides, KSG is one of the few (if at all) products that actually do layer past the second application. The rest is hype.



Heh heh, you and I could do another of our good :argue over that "layering" subject :chuckle:



MDRX8 said:
Agree for durability but IMO there are better looking products out there than KSG, 845, and FK1000P. Again just my opinion.



Now that I *won't* argue with :grinno: While I do actually *like* FK1000P on certain paints, I sure wouldn't call it the last word in beauty-LSPs, let alone on a black Porsche!



BUT...I really do think it'll be the best protection for this particular situation. I'd be all about *NOT* having some major paint issues when the trip is over with. Thinking about how, for example...my fresh coats of certain sealants failed to protect my S8 against bug-etching when I took that car on roadtrips. For good protection, easy cleanups, and resisance to things like touchless car washes, I think the FK would be hard to beat.
 
P-nut said:
Scottwax - I do like Optimum products but I'm a little hesitant about the Opti-seal, as I never seemed to get very good results with Zaino Z-CS. Is Opti-seal better?



Absolutely. Looks better, pretty good depth for a sealant, decent durability around here. I use it more than any other LSP I have.
 
Given that you are going on a 4,000 miles trip and that durability is your decisive concern, I'd go with a couple of coats of your chosen sealant and leave it at that. I have a black car myself, too, and prefer a carnauba wax; but during the winter months I go with a sealant exclusively. Why? Because I don't want to apply anything to the sealant that might compromise its protection. I don't know if the application of a carnauba wax will or will not compromise the durability of the sealant, but why take a chance? As far as looks ... well, you won't be able to tell the difference after the first wash anyway.



I cast a vote for two coats of FK 1000p. It washes nicely and should give you solid protection during your trip. Both of my vehicles are wearing 1000p for the past several months.



But if you want that carnauba look, why not consider a couple coats of Collinite 915?
 
Why not just use OptiCoat 2.0 and be done with it? Touch it up with detail spray if you like after a wash along the way.
 
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