paint cleansers?

S

sharky nrk

New member
I was curious if these products could be used say once a month or so by pc with a sonus blue pad in order to help correct/hide the very very faint marring that you just can't help but introduce into the finish.



I was thinking in my head about a paint maintenance schedule for the car to keep it in tip top shape (well for an abused outside living paint job at least) and this is what I was coming up with



weekly wipe with oxo duster and QD

bi-weekly wash (being as careful as possible to wash correctly or marr-free)

bi-weekly application of lsp (I tend to use pure carnuba products but that could change)

bi-weekly application of exterior trim protectant

monthly () <-

bi-annual full polish/restoration job



I am looking for something I can do once a month inbetween the 6 month restore jobs - is paint cleansers the answer? What is the answer
 
IMO a paint cleaner isn't quite right for this because it'll basically take you back to square-one (clean paint) and then you have to put the fillers/LSP/etc. back on.



Noting that I kept my Volvo wagon outside 24/7/52 when I had it, I'd probably do something more like this:



Don't touch it at all between washes to cut down on new marring.



Wash it properly to further limit new marring (OK OK, that's a crappy way to put it, saying "properly" :o but you really can wash without inducing marring). Some LSPs shed dirt better than others and that can help keep the marring down. If you're not already using a foamgun, note that I wouldn't wash without one.



Reapply the LSP before you think it needs doing and stick with LSPs that a) self-clean in the rain, b) hide minor flaws, c) last a long time, and d) provide a good sacrifical layer. I'd use Collinite 746S or 845, but on the Volvo I also did well with #16 (hard to find these days though). BUT I don't see doing it bi-weekly, the Collinite would work fine with monthly applications. Maybe use a leaves-something-behind QD (e.g. FK 425) after the wash.



I'd consider a LSP-type approach for the external trim, it'll last longer than the dressings and won't run down onto the paint when it rains. AIO is a great start, and Collinite waxes (especially 845) are pretty trim-friendly. I haven't found much exterior trim that I can't use Collinite or the klasse twins on.
 
so you think collinite 845 would be a good for both paint and trim?? If so I will pick some up. I really just want something that I can apply by the pc or by hand that will maximize the look and more importantly protection. I will look into a foam gun as well, for now I am taking your adivce from the other thread on the non foam gun approach with the sheepskin mit. I don't think I am quite ready for the klasse approach but I am willing to run with the collinite if you think its the best approach.
 
Yeah, I'm pretty confident about recommending the 845. I used it on the Blazer's black plastic trim back in Sept. and it's only now failing on the pieces that take the most abuse (on the lift gate). I've used it on other black trim too and it always worked fine right up until it needs redone (when it *does* look kinda bad...like the compromised wax is a film over the plastic...cleans right off though and reapplying makes it nice again).



My niece-in-law (who doesn't care about detailing) now has the Volvo...she's still using 845on it and she thinks it's so easy (and good looking) that IMO she applies it more often than she needs to! So if you do want to apply the Collinite very frequently, it oughta be nice and easy.



The 476S paste wax does last longer for me, and it's usually trim-friendly too, but the 845 is certainly worth a try.
 
I generally find that just cleaning it works fine. Stuff like AIO or even the 1z polishes ususally works well. It seems that taking off the oxidized bit of material on top (which these products appear to do) gives you an OK surface for the 845, and the oils/etc. in that finish the job.



It might not look as great as you can get with dressings, but after a few days it looks about the same to me and after a few weeks it's no contest (and that's leaving out the "running in the rain" thing).
 
I wash biweekly usually and for me I like Four Star UPP trigger and wipe down the car with it every other wash or so...its not the longest lasting but I do it often enough that it creates an awesome layer of protection and I love how slick it leaves the paint. I got a nice hand size foam applicator free with some order from autogeek, a few sprays, I wipe in straight lines to get coverage on a panel, then come right back with a MF and wipe it off..looks great. If you want to do something a more once a month/two months kinda thing the 845 is HARD to beat, I just find it takes me longer to apply then a quick mist/dry/wipe off of UPP.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top