TH3M B0N3Z
09-08-2013, 08:31 AM
I'm thinking I'll be on the hunt for a new paint sealant. So far I've used 3M Performance Finish, Menzerna Power Lock, and now Meguiar's ULW. I need some suggestions and advice on some really good paint sealants.
So far with the ULW, not really sure that I'm liking it. Why? The scent of it. It bothers me. I have no idea why, but it bothers me so much that I don't want to use it. :laughing:
When I was using MPL, at first, it was great. Easy on, easy off, great slickness and water beading. But the more I used it, it seemed to fail me. Last time I ever used it, I stripped the paint of any wax, used Iron X, clay and then applied two coats of MPL 8 hours (or more) apart. Say about 3 weeks later, a couple of routine washes, driving through some heavy rain, the paint would not bead any water. It just SLOWLY sheeted off. I've heard sealants have a sheeting effect more so than beading, but damn, I'd run my clean hand over the clean paint and it felt as if no sealant was there. No slickness, no beading... very frustrating.
I used 3M PF for several years, and it seemed to really work well, but I was also not into detailing like I am now. Sometimes I wonder if I should just stick with what I know works or if I should just stop being so obsessed about it. I have no clue.
I've been looking at CG Jetseal 109, which is an "anti-corrosion" sealant, something I've never seen on any other paint sealants other than paint coatings, which is something I've been considering, but I like to experiment. Although, I just recently polished the hood of my car because I got some bird poo stains right after the last full detail, and I just noticed yet another new water spot. I'm working with factory paint here and it really sucks. My last car had hardly any factory paint left over and it was a lot stronger and more resistant as far as I could tell. Since the paint is silver, those little water spots can just stay there. In the direct sunlight, forget about finding defects. Seems like I can only find them under a street light at night.
What I'm looking for in a paint sealant is strength and durability. I seal the paint somewhat regularly, so I'm not looking for a miracle product that can last a year untouched. Most of the sealants I've used are good for at least 6 months and I still seem to use them at least every couple of months. I see lots of you guys post your beading shots and the paint will bead for months on end. It just doesn't seem to work like that for me. I sometimes wonder if the soft water I use is breaking the sealant down or maybe even the soap I use, which is CG Maxi Suds II, but it's a maintenance wash shampoo, and I use an ounce or so in a 5 gallon bucket.
One thing I don't like about certain sealants is cure time. Might sound silly, but the kinds of sealants that need overnight curing and can't be exposed to moisture within 24 hours, that won't work for me as I live in an apartment and I have to use my parent's garage for whatever detailing I do. If I ever have my own home, I'll let the stuff dry and cure all night, I don't care, but at the moment, it's not all that simple.
So now I'm looking for paint sealant suggestions. Please share any info you guys have. Break it all down, because I'm somewhat at a loss anymore. Almost wish I had a junker that I didn't have to take care of.
So far with the ULW, not really sure that I'm liking it. Why? The scent of it. It bothers me. I have no idea why, but it bothers me so much that I don't want to use it. :laughing:
When I was using MPL, at first, it was great. Easy on, easy off, great slickness and water beading. But the more I used it, it seemed to fail me. Last time I ever used it, I stripped the paint of any wax, used Iron X, clay and then applied two coats of MPL 8 hours (or more) apart. Say about 3 weeks later, a couple of routine washes, driving through some heavy rain, the paint would not bead any water. It just SLOWLY sheeted off. I've heard sealants have a sheeting effect more so than beading, but damn, I'd run my clean hand over the clean paint and it felt as if no sealant was there. No slickness, no beading... very frustrating.
I used 3M PF for several years, and it seemed to really work well, but I was also not into detailing like I am now. Sometimes I wonder if I should just stick with what I know works or if I should just stop being so obsessed about it. I have no clue.
I've been looking at CG Jetseal 109, which is an "anti-corrosion" sealant, something I've never seen on any other paint sealants other than paint coatings, which is something I've been considering, but I like to experiment. Although, I just recently polished the hood of my car because I got some bird poo stains right after the last full detail, and I just noticed yet another new water spot. I'm working with factory paint here and it really sucks. My last car had hardly any factory paint left over and it was a lot stronger and more resistant as far as I could tell. Since the paint is silver, those little water spots can just stay there. In the direct sunlight, forget about finding defects. Seems like I can only find them under a street light at night.
What I'm looking for in a paint sealant is strength and durability. I seal the paint somewhat regularly, so I'm not looking for a miracle product that can last a year untouched. Most of the sealants I've used are good for at least 6 months and I still seem to use them at least every couple of months. I see lots of you guys post your beading shots and the paint will bead for months on end. It just doesn't seem to work like that for me. I sometimes wonder if the soft water I use is breaking the sealant down or maybe even the soap I use, which is CG Maxi Suds II, but it's a maintenance wash shampoo, and I use an ounce or so in a 5 gallon bucket.
One thing I don't like about certain sealants is cure time. Might sound silly, but the kinds of sealants that need overnight curing and can't be exposed to moisture within 24 hours, that won't work for me as I live in an apartment and I have to use my parent's garage for whatever detailing I do. If I ever have my own home, I'll let the stuff dry and cure all night, I don't care, but at the moment, it's not all that simple.
So now I'm looking for paint sealant suggestions. Please share any info you guys have. Break it all down, because I'm somewhat at a loss anymore. Almost wish I had a junker that I didn't have to take care of.