Newbie from NY - Interested in Sealants

[sng007]

Hey everyone,

I'm very much a newbie to detailing and love this website. The amount of information from products reviews to detailing techniques is amazing. While I would love to spend hours detailing my car, I need to take a more practical approach to taking care of my daily driver. Apt living without a driveway let alone a garage makes it hard to maintain a show room finish. (I borrow my parent's driveway a couple of times a year to wash my car).

Based on what I have read so far, I gather that the best protection I could provide is to use the Klasse twins two to three times a year with intermitent maintenance in between. I am used to washing and waxing by hand (I use the Meguirs 1-2-3 step products that are off the shelf), but will take the plunge in getting a PC this year and buy better products.

Any other recommendations? I can see myself using claybar, Klasse AOI, Klasse sealant, and a carnuba wax several times a year.

Thanks for the feedback.

Scott

[killrwheels@autogeek]

Klasse Twins are likely the most durable of sealants offered here. Not sure they protect any better or less, just need to apply them less. You should be able to get away with two applications annually, and all the nuba toppings you want in-between.

[tuscarora dave]

I suggest Poorboys World products. especially if you will be working in derect sunlight. The fact that the PB line is formulated to be used in direct sun or not is what first sold me on it , But I found many more reasons to continue using it.

[sng007]

I have been reading about EX-P as a possible alternative to Klasse Sealant. It does appeal to me that it can be used in direct sunlight as I don't have the benefit of having shade or a garage to work in.

Is EX-P easier to apply and wipe off than Klasse sealant?

[killrwheels@autogeek]

Klasse Sealant is a bear unless you use my tricks.

1. Transfer some SG to a small travel size spray bottle
2. Spritz each panel once to twice max
3. Spread around with a MF towel, then flip towel and immediately buff
4. Stubborn areas --respray and immediately buff
5. Allow 12-24 hours to cure before another coat

Then you can top with any pure carnauba wax, detail spray, or spray wax or sealant to add additional gloss and reflection as desired.

[sng007]

Thanks for the tips...I did take note of them from another thread you responded to. Reading about the difficulty of removal when applying Klasse SG did make me uneasy about buying it.

Based on your tip, I would assume applying by hand rather than a PC is preferable?

[killrwheels@autogeek]

Originally Posted by sng007

Thanks for the tips...I did take note of them from another thread you responded to. Reading about the difficulty of removal when applying Klasse SG did make me uneasy about buying it.

Based on your tip, I would assume applying by hand rather than a PC is preferable?

never tried by buffer ... SG is quite liquid in design and needs to be applied rather lightly and evenly. The smaller mist spray seems to do just the trick. I will say the durability of Klasse Twins (AIO and SG) is still quite amazing.

[frosty]

I'm a noob as well when it comes to getting serious about detailing. I just tried the Wolfgang Deep Gloss 3.0 that was recommended by AutoGeek. It went on and came off easy enough. I left it on for 50 minutes.

I have a black 09 C300 MB and it looks great.

The only thing I don't like is waiting 12 hours for the sealant to adhere. I ordered the Zaino ZKit1 as they have an accelerator that's supposed cut the curing time out. I'm not sure if AG sells it. If not, is there a product comparable to the Zaino you can layer and has an accelerator so you don't have to wait so long for it to cure?

[ricka]

Actually, 12 hours isn't so bad. I'll apply a 12 hour cure sealant like Wolfgang 3.0 or UPGP around 5 or 6p when I know the ride is staying in the garage overnight. Consider it cured by early morning. Good to go.

[tuscarora dave]

Originally Posted by sng007

I have been reading about EX-P as a possible alternative to Klasse Sealant. It does appeal to me that it can be used in direct sunlight as I don't have the benefit of having shade or a garage to work in.

Is EX-P easier to apply and wipe off than Klasse sealant?

There are easier applied products than EX-P But if you use a MF applicator dip it in a container of water then squeeze (not wring) it out then apply the sealant to the applicator. Rub onto the paint as thin a layer as you can. The thinner the better and straight back and forth strokes is best. Let stand on car for maybe 30 min. then buff off with Quality MF towels (the kind made in Taiwan).

EX-P can take a good bit of buffing to get back off but it is really worth the effort IMO. Good luck with whatever you choose. TD