highkrausen
03-24-2016, 07:11 PM
Let's say, for baseline comparison, I have relatively new (or well maintained) paint. My protection routine: wash, clay, light polish, seal and top coat with wax. Should look beautiful and have solid protection that will last about 6 months, right?
1. How do you know when it is time to re-apply sealant/wax? Obviously, the protection wears down over time of washing, QD wiping, driving, etc. It's not about time; it's about wearing out. Without measuring thickness, is there a way to know when these protective coatings have worn out and need to be re-applied?
2. When you have decided to re-detail the vehicle, is it necessary (or beneficial) to remove all previous protective coatings: sealant, wax, etc. Or do you just wash/clay and protect again? (assuming paint is still in good shape)
3. What is safe with regard to waterless washes and quick detailing? Let's say the vehicle has been out in rain and snow and comes into the garage with some mud spray on the lower 1/3 of panels. With a waterless spray or QD, is that safe to wipe down (changing to a new side of the MF towel frequently) ? Is weekly "wiping" factored in to the "6 months of protection" ?
I know there are lots of depends in answers (paint hardness, what type of sealant/wax, etc) I'm looking for more general guidance on strategy than a warranty.
Thanks!
1. How do you know when it is time to re-apply sealant/wax? Obviously, the protection wears down over time of washing, QD wiping, driving, etc. It's not about time; it's about wearing out. Without measuring thickness, is there a way to know when these protective coatings have worn out and need to be re-applied?
2. When you have decided to re-detail the vehicle, is it necessary (or beneficial) to remove all previous protective coatings: sealant, wax, etc. Or do you just wash/clay and protect again? (assuming paint is still in good shape)
3. What is safe with regard to waterless washes and quick detailing? Let's say the vehicle has been out in rain and snow and comes into the garage with some mud spray on the lower 1/3 of panels. With a waterless spray or QD, is that safe to wipe down (changing to a new side of the MF towel frequently) ? Is weekly "wiping" factored in to the "6 months of protection" ?
I know there are lots of depends in answers (paint hardness, what type of sealant/wax, etc) I'm looking for more general guidance on strategy than a warranty.
Thanks!