Reccomendations for paint on a Brand New car

[MPBGT]

We just added a new car to the family, actually my parents did. It's a brand new Dodge Charger in a charcoal metallic color. They are not the most proactive on paint care and inevitably I end up having to spend hours compounding, etc their paint after a couple years to make it look right again. What does everyone think for long term paint protection and approximate reapplication? The car is normally garaged and is mostly driven around town.

[Shortspark]

I was recently in the same boat. I bought my dream car after wanting one for many years - MB ML350. Because I like paint, I bought the highest priced paint option Mercedes has, their Diamond White. Five layers of the best German paint and it is indeed beautiful. I then pondered the best way to care for it. Like your parent's car, this is garage kept and is only taken out a couple times a week (I'm retired).

I have been washing and waxing cars for over fifty years and always by hand. I decided to do it right and bought a Griot 6" polisher for the Mercedes. I really think this should be your first move to be sure their new car looks that way for years to come. At first I was scared to use it but the more I got use to it on household items and older cars the more confident I became. Now I don't know how I went so long without one.

I think there is a certain simplicity to keeping a new car in good shape that we often overlook, and we tend to make things more difficult than we need. We buy soap canons, brushes, multiple buckets and a million different detailing products. Generally speaking (unless we are big on experimenting) we are guilty of overkill by purchasing all this stuff.

Here is what I do. I wash weekly with ONR or Duragloss Rinseless with AquaWax - both are good. Look up the "Gary Dean Method" for a good rinseless washing technique. I use a mild Chemical Guys shampoo if the car is really dirty. I always top with AquaWax. I seal the car twice a year in Spring and Fall with Duragloss products such as 601, 105, 111, etc. and again top with AquaWax. I always prep with a mild clay even if the car is fairly smooth. Since their car is garage kept and driven just around town, you probably do not need to seal more than twice a year. If you prefer wax, you can probably go twice a year as well if you stick with something like Collinite 845, a time tested performer. Actually, I sometimes think 845 is more sealant than wax but wax it is and I'm sure you'll love it.

Rather than complicating things I have decided to stick with Duragloss because of performance, look and price. It makes everything simple and easy and I never have to worry about will this bond with that or the other thing, are they compatible, etc. I suggest you do the same even if you choose other products and manufacturers. Stick with something you like and trust and keep it simple. Do not wash more than once a week if you can help it and do not keep rubbing on the paint. When you do, make sure it is with a specific purpose in mind not just because you like rubbing on a new car. You must resist that temptation. Follow label instructions, look to AutoGeek "how to's" for instructions and tips and just use common sense. Your mantra should be too much of a good thing (or product) is a bad thing. You'll save work, money and time and the new paint will look great forever. Good luck!

[Mike Phillips]

It's a brand new Dodge Charger in a charcoal metallic color.



You say a metallic finish huh?


Sounds like a good candidate for a Opti-Coat II using the Autogeek method of simply using quality products, tools and techniques...


1977 Can Am Corvette - Modeled by Amy and Janna - Pictures and Video! (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/pictures-autogeek-s-car-week/41292-1977-can-am-corvette-modeled-amy-janna-pictures-video.html)



All work done using 3 products form Optimum Polymer Technologies (http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-wax.html)
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1261/CanAmCorvette066.jpg


And now some beauty shots...
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1261/CanAmCorvette067.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1261/CanAmCorvette072.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1261/CanAmCorvette073.jpg



Check out the results on this 1977 Can Am Corvette with multicolor metalflake black paint!

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1261/CanAmCorvette008.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1261/CanAmCorvette009.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1261/CanAmCorvette010.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1261/CanAmCorvette011.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1261/CanAmCorvette012.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1261/CanAmCorvette013.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1261/CanAmCorvette014.jpg


:D

[primo spaghetti]

:iagree: OC 2.0 for sure...dont let the application stories scare you away from an excellent product....

it is very easy to apply...and correct if you do make an error.

[AeroCleanse]

Gtechniq C1 topped with GTechniq EXO will give you the best durability and gloss. If applying C1 scares you, the EXO is fine by itself.

[Mike Phillips]

Gtechniq C1 topped with GTechniq EXO will give you the best durability and gloss. If applying C1 scares you, the EXO is fine by itself.


A also agree with this option... I'm not a huge fan of the application method for the C1 but I love the application of EXO. It's just as easy as using any spray-on wax, even easier.





We just added a new car to the family, actually my parents did. It's a brand new Dodge Charger in a charcoal metallic color.

Here's a few pictures and the link to a car we applied EXO to...

Video & Pictures: 1965 Fastback Mustang - Gtechniq EXO Show Car Makeover! (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/pictures-autogeek-s-car-week/53807-video-pictures-1965-fastback-mustang-gtechniq-exo-show-car-makeover.html)


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1511/65Stang025.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1511/65Stang023.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1511/65Stang024.jpg


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1511/65Stang021.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1511/65Stang022.jpg






They are not the most proactive on paint care and inevitably I end up having to spend hours compounding, etc their paint after a couple years to make it look right again. What does everyone think for long term paint protection and approximate reapplication? The car is normally garaged and is mostly driven around town.



Both products will last a long time on the surface but just because both coatings last a long time a person cannot use this to justify running their car through and automatic car wash.

Whatever product you choose to use to protect their new car, (nice of you by the way), you should and are already planning on educating them at least a little about how to avoid damage.


:xyxthumbs:

[Mike Phillips]

Here's a how-to article on how to use GTechniq EXO


Gtechniq EXO Application Instructions with Trista (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/53967-gtechniq-exo-application-instructions-trista.html)


Applying Gtechniq is so easy even a Trista gets professional results her first time...
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1511/EXOApplication007.jpg


:xyxthumbs:

[AeroCleanse]

Gtechniq EXO Demonstration - YouTube (http://youtu.be/TQB0oRKDJ_Y)

Gtechniq EXO Demonstration part II - YouTube (http://youtu.be/qbmz25noz-o)

C1 isn't as hard to apply as people think. I have had C1 on my car for 2 years and it still beads like it did on day one.

As for EXO, I see AG now carries the smaller size as well.

[Mfour]

dang that vette looks awesome

[Mike Phillips]

dang that vette looks awesome


It looks even better in person...


When I first saw the car and then inspected the paint I thought it was such a crime to have such a cool car with such a cool paint job to look so bad...

Dave the owner was blown away with the results... he told me he'll never sell the car...



:xyxthumbs:

[Mike Phillips]

[QUOTE=AeroCleanse;778789]

Gtechniq EXO Demonstration - YouTube (http://youtu.be/TQB0oRKDJ_Y)

Gtechniq EXO Demonstration part II - YouTube (http://youtu.be/qbmz25noz-o)


Kelly does great work, met him at SEMA, when I go to the UK we're going to try to do a tag team project together...

Kelly Harris of KDS Detailing and Dom Colbeck from Dodo Juice! (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/company-forum-news-headlines/57156-kelly-harris-kds-detailing-dom-colbeck-dodo-juice.html)

Kelly is on the left and Dom from Dodo Juice is in the middle...

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1599/SEMA_Friends_2012_007.jpg


Besides the excellent video by Kelly on how to use C! we also shot a live broadcast showing how to use it on a 2012 Scion in High Voltage Yellow.

The middle video shows the application and removal, the first video shows the before condition and the third video shows the after results...



Video & Pictures - GTechniq Makeover - 2012 High Voltage Yellow Scion tC 7.0 (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/pictures-autogeek-s-car-week/52900-video-pictures-gtechniq-makeover-2012-scion-tc-7-0-a.html)



Limited production 2012 High Voltage Yellow Scion tC 7.0

Here's a quick video I made before I go out and wash the Scion using GTechniq's G4-Wash



2012 High Voltage Yellow Scion - Before Condition - Swirls & Scratches


Gtechniq On 2012 Scion Project at...


Here's the Live Broadcast Video showing tips and techniques for applying GTechniq's Advanced Coatings.



2012 High Voltage Yellow Scion - Gtechniq Show Car Makeover

2012 High Voltage Yellow Scion - Gtechniq Show...



Here's the walk-around video to show the results from the Gtechniq G1 Crystal Lacquer



2012 Scion Show Car Makeover With Gtechniq -...


:dblthumb2: