I have a black clear coat on my 2006... I just got it back from the body shop a few days ago. I was told by the detailer that I can't "wax" (apparently wax contains silicone, and that will dull the finish on a car w/out a sealant/glaze?) the car until they add a sealant to the new parts (hood and bumper cover); for 30 days after the work.. so in a few more weeks, I'm going to take it in for the sealant.. until then, I was told it's safe to wash the entire car including the new parts.. but what about drying with a dry stick and towel? I noticed that when I used a microfiber towel (dry - dabbed in some water) to clean up some orbital polish around the corner of the hood that it created swirl-scratches (on the unsealed hood)! I also noticed under direct light that a microfiber towel dipped in water was creating small swirl scratches when I used it to take off what appeared to be sap on the spoiler? I thought microfiber towels were supposed to prevent scratching? Or is this possibly because the sap particles were getting trapped in the towel and causing minor abrassive scratches?

Sorry for the story of a post, but I've spent A LOT of $$$ in detailing products and to have this happen... Also, in the mean time should I just stick with EZ Wipes (one step applicator for washing without soap + water, basically a big *** wet nap for the car) I got em' free with a wax order, figured I'd give them a try?

 

This dealer installed "sealant" is nothing special. They'll claim that it'll last for 3+yrs whatever. It's basically just a synthetic polymer form of wax. You can do it yourself and save yourself the inflated price they charge. You can put wax over a sealant after a week of the sealant's application. Zaino sealant only takes 24 hrs to fully cure so you can add wax after. As for the microfiber towels scratching, it may have either grabbed a spec of dirt or it could be a low quality towel.

You'll want to clay your car 1st to get rid of any contaminants that have bonded to the paint. You can then polish the paint to get rid of minor scratches and add gloss. Then protect it with either a wax or sealant. Sealants last longer, on average about 6 months. Waxes will protect for about 3 months. There is a difference between the look of a wax and a sealant i'll post pics below. Some people like to put wax over a sealant.

Here's an example of my regimen:
Wash car using Meguiar's NXT car wash.
Clay car using Clay Magic (don't need to clay every time you wax, it's just recomended once a year).
Wash car again to get rid of clay residue (after this your car will feel smooth and slick).
Polish car: I used Meguiar's ScratchX by hand (really tough long work but it took care of my scratches).
Protected car with sealant or wax.

My car sealed with Meguiar's NXT liquid polymer sealant:

This was the 1st sealant I used on my car. It protected great but the look wasn't really astonishing, i hear the paste form is better.

Sealed with Zaino Z5 synthetic sealant:

I really liked this sealant. It made my car look like black glass plus you can layer this stuff.

Carnauba Wax over the Zaino sealant produces a deep "wet" look to the paint:


After applying wax over the sealant my jaw dropped! Very stunning results!

Meguiarsonline is where I got these paint care tips!

 

VERY NICE!

Where do you obtain the Zaino Z5 sealant?

I'm already an avid Meguiar's fan. Had my Screaming Yellow GT since February. Only take it out for FUN rides. otherwise in the garage. Haven't waxed. Use Meguiar's NXT Detailer inbetween washes with Meguiar's NXT car wash. Car beads up big time. I use Meguiar's detailer often, and on the front for bugs after every drive.

 

[sm=chairshot.gif] at dealers still pushing that 'paint sealer' crap! It's like asking if you want undercoating. Save the money and if you want a 'sealer' go with the Zaino then a good CARNUBA based wax (doesn't use silicone).

Oh, and on black paint, DO NOT USE AN ORBITAL! You'll get swirl marks.

 

fukken wax is the answer. No swirl marks period.

 

MY GOD THAT IS SHINY. It is almost like active camoflauge!

Can a detail shop do all this? I love cleaning my car, but i dont have a garage and they do.

 

Thanks for the comments! Here's the link to Zainostore for Z5. Z5 sealant will fill in fine swirls. A lot of their products are top notch! Z8 quick detailer spray is a good way to maintain that "pop" look between washes.

 

Use zaino and nothing else is better

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