New Car

[outlander]

A co-worker of mine just bought a new 2001 Acura. Color is a dark gray. Don't know for sure what colors Acura has. Anyway she asked me to wax it for her. My plan is to wash it then use Pinnacle clay. I don't know for sure if it will need a paint cleaner or not. Anyway I have PC and a brand new Flex that I got for Christmas. Have various pads. Do you think I could just do the claying and apply PB black Hole or do you think it may need more. I wish I had pics. Thanks

[richy]

Until you clay it, you have no idea the true condition of the paint. Use a soft clay so you don't add to the problem. If it is OK, I suggest DG 105 and topped with Collinite 845. It will look fantastic and you will give her killer protection. Those products are not the most expensive, but they are the most effective. IMHO of course.

[Mike Phillips]

A co-worker of mine just bought a new 2001 Acura.



Cool! Must have been in a time capsule...

:D



Anyway she asked me to wax it for her. My plan is to wash it then use Pinnacle clay. I don't know for sure if it will need a paint cleaner or not.


The normal approach is as you plan, that is wash and dry the car and then inspect it with your sense of touch and by looking at the paint in bright or good lighting.

Even a brand new 2011 vehicle can need claying, it just depends upon what's in the air around the car where it's parked and stored. So after washing and drying, feel the paint, maybe even do the Baggie Test.

The Baggie Test - How to inspect for above surface bonded contaminants (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/27967-baggie-test-how-inspect-above-surface-bonded-contaminants.html)


Then after inspecting for above surface bonded contaminants, visually inspect the paint, if possible look at the horizontal surfaces on a sunny day with the sun overhead. Look for signs of DISO and cross your fingers for the owners sake it's swirl-free.

DISO = The Dealership Installed Swirl Option (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/28401-diso-dealership-installed-swirl-option.html)



If you see swirls then let us know and let the owner know, at this time the owner is just asking for a "quality" wash and wax and you want to match your services to their needs but it's also a good idea to let them know the results of your inspection should something be wrong.

If the paint is swirl free, (and it should be since it's brand new), then it can't hurt to lightly apply a mild paint cleaner before applying a wax or sealant to "ensure" the surface is surgically clean.

The benefits of a light paint cleaner, cleansing lotion or pre-wax cleaner (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/28519-benefits-light-paint-cleaner-cleansing-lotion-pre-wax-cleaner.html)


As for types of waxes, Richy's suggestions were great, perhaps others will chime in with their opinions. Here's a few related articles...

How To Choose The Right Wax or Paint Sealant for your Detailing Project (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/23263-how-choose-right-wax-paint-sealant-your-detailing-project.html)

How to correctly fold and use a Microfiber Towel (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/29230-how-correctly-fold-use-microfiber-towel.html)

How to break open a coating of wax and remove it by creeping out... (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/28204-how-break-open-coating-wax-remove-creeping-out.html)

Increase Your Grip Strength with Microfiber Gloves (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/33009-increase-your-grip-strength-microfiber-gloves.html)

The Final Wipe – Tips for creating a streak-free, show car finish (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/19956-final-wipe.html)







Anyway I have PC and a brand new Flex that I got for Christmas. Have various pads. Do you think I could just do the claying and apply PB black Hole or do you think it may need more. I wish I had pics. Thanks



Claying and PB Black Hole Show Car Glaze followed with a finishing wax should leave a show room shine, be sure to ask for referrals when you return the car if you're looking for more work.

:)