Shopping List Help: Pre-Wax Cleanser and Sealant

J

jeepngli

New member
Preface: you guys have been super helpful so far!!

In anticipation for my big NE Fall detail (the one where I basically tuck in and kiss the car goodnight for the winter), I've been making a shopping list. Got most of the stuff I need picked out thanks to you guys. I've PM'd some of you and you've been very honest and straightforward. Much appreciated. Still on the fence about which wax but thats another story.

In any case, after I clay, it seems best based on recommendations to Pre-wax Cleanse the paint. I have the time so I don't mind doing it. After the cleanse, I plan to uses CG Blacklight and then a sealant and finally a wax(mostly for me to look at until it wears off). I think most people favor BlackFire Wet Diamond Sealant.

So my question: what's your favorite Pre-wax cleanse(whatever you wanna call it) and favorite sealant? If you agree with Blackfire, let me know. Thanks!


Tried to upload a photo but having trouble
 
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There we go. Here's a picture of the reflection from Black Light a few weeks ago. Super bright out so the picture got a little white-washed but you get the idea
 

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All great suggestions, I'd add P21S Gloss-enhancing Paintwork Cleanser in the mix for consideration. Super easy to use with excellent results.
 
Wolfgang deep gloss sealant is great. Granted, I haven't tried that many. I top with 915 and my car looks great IMO
 
I like Pinnacle Paint Cleaning Lotion as a good paint cleaner. One of my favorite sealants is Blackfire. Very easy to use, great look, and decent durability.
 
Again, seems like Blackfire is pretty popular. Think that'll hold well with the car sitting in the garage all winter?
 
I meant is that good choice for the long winter months. Get pretty cold and snowy up here. Even in the garage, I've found the sealants and waxes degrade over time. Some more than others.
 
Yeah if you're just gonna park it all winter and not take it out, I wouldn't be too concerned with durability. Heck an OTC wax will probably hold up all winter in that case. Also if you're looking for durability, isn't black light a glaze? You will want to apply your sealant over bare paint right after using the paint cleanser (whichever you choose).
 
Yes, Blacklight is a hybrid glaze type. I may skip it so the sealant locks in to the paint better. So I agree completely. It's nice for the summer when I want that extra pop but not needed for the winter.

That's interesting you say it doesn't degraded. Last year, I used a sealant then two coats of Lava. That was in end of October. By January, I was in the garage and I notice it wasn't as smooth. By the spring it was definitely off. I have emailed multiple companies to see what they thought and they all agreed that even in the garage the products will eventually degrade after a few months, most even said a few weeks for the summer months with the heat. I would have called bs too if I hadn't seen it. We had a pretty rough winter so that didn't help.

While an otc would be fine, its kind of my therapy. Do one more good job on I before I put her away. You know what I mean? Plus its nice to go into the garage every once and awhile and see her shine. Total overkill, no doubt. But I got time so why not?
 
I've never had a LSP degrade when in storage for a one-winter period.

There are always lots of BF suggestions...but I didn't really like it. Darkened (silver) paint too much for my taste (that effect might be perfect on another color) and didn't last long enough for me (even some waxes last longer). Mine sits on the shelf while I use other stuff. I'm not slamming the choice, but I do wonder what people like so much about it.
 
Pats300zx said:
I like Pinnacle Paint Cleaning Lotion as a good paint cleaner..
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Nice to see somebody still uses the PCL! That's one of my all-time favorite paint cleaners. I like it *MUCH* better than the P21s GEPC for instance. I'd probably choose an AIO for use under a sealant though, only seem to use PCL under waxes.
 
jeepngli said:
Again, seems like Blackfire is pretty popular. Think that'll hold well with the car sitting in the garage all winter?
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I use carnuabas on all my garage queens. Never had an issue with "degredation". As long as they are not exposed to the elements I doubt you are going to have any issues with a sealant it carnauba.
 
Accumulator said:
Nice to see somebody still uses the PCL! That's one of my all-time favorite paint cleaners. I like it *MUCH* better than the P21s GEPC for instance. I'd probably choose an AIO for use under a sealant though, only seem to use PCL under waxes.
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Thanks for the info on Pinnacle. Why wouldn't a PCL work after clay barring and before sealant?
 
jeepngli said:
Thanks for the info on Pinnacle. Why wouldn't a PCL work after clay barring and before sealant?
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The PCL leaves some stuff behind despite leaving the surface "squeaky clean" so it might interfere with bonding in some cases. Shouldn't be a problem with products like BF (which can be applied after their similar product, which also leaves stuff behind) but might be with some other stuff.

For some reason, probably just me being stuck in my ways, I just think of it as a pre-WAX-cleaner. Now somebody prove me wrong!
 
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