Black Paint 101

[pajeff02]

By way of background, our car has just had a front end re-paint to deal with 7 years of chips and abrasions inflicted by prior owners. Still a few problem areas to deal with that will be addressed this fall, including the roof panel. Following paint, the entire car was buffed with Norton Liquid Ice and then two (2) coats of Race Glaze were applied.

I have read through several older threads about caring for our black beauties. There are frequent references to Prima, Menzerna, Victorias and such -- none of which I am familiar with. To make it more confusing, there appear to be multiple selections under each brand.

I really do not wish to waste time and money trying something that isn't going to give good results... so, from those experienced with black paint care, what is recommended, about how much does it cost and where do you find it?

[blackbird0230]

I'm not familiar with these products either but I care for mine with meguiars Scratch X (walmart, autozone,advanced autozone- $8-10)
Ice liquid wax (same locations-$15)
Not recommended by many people but I use turtle wax high gloss finish wax
(same locations- unsure of price.)

[bluehawk2000]

Turtlewax Black Box, I have heard outstanding reviews on this stuff, havent got to try it myself yet but when I get back I am. It is specifically for black cars, I know a guy that used it on his t/a, and said it took all the swirls out of the paint, he put to coats on, and within that time frame it rained several times. He said there was not a spec of dirt to be found nor water spots, give it a shot if you choose.

[HOBS]

Turtlewax Black Box, I have heard outstanding reviews on this stuff, havent got to try it myself yet but when I get back I am. It is specifically for black cars, I know a guy that used it on his t/a, and said it took all the swirls out of the paint, he put to coats on, and within that time frame it rained several times. He said there was not a spec of dirt to be found nor water spots, give it a shot if you choose.

I used Turtlewax Black wax(not sure if its the same thing you mentioned) on my T/A and it worked awesome filled the little scratches nicely. I used it as more of a band-aid til I could afford to get it detailed but its impressive for how much it cost. Just be careful cuz it is black tinted so if have vinyl stickers any color but black it'll dye them. Wasn't a big concern for me my pinstripes had started to fade so it just turned them a dark gray but I didnt let it touch my ram-air decals.

[bluehawk2000]

Yea I just read about it today, and I have been researching stuff lately for car cleaning. Cause I am in Iraq right now so my t/a will definatly need a really good cleaning when I get back. But my car has alot of swirls in the paint, I noticed when I was home on leave after I bought it I would goto a car wash and hand wash it, I would always have to wash it everyday seemed to be getting dirt and its nasty all the time, hence its a midnight blue. And I wasnt sure if I should use that product since it was made just for black cars. Thanks for mentioning that to me I need to find a product now that will suite my color the best.

[third_shift|studios]

For over the counter stuff, Mequires NXT is amazing. Literally makes the car a shade or 2 darker/wetter looking.

[bgable]

high end:
Menzerna IP or SIP depending on how bad you swirls are
Prima Amigo
Pinnacle sourveran (sp?)

(auto geek) is a good place to find supplies

[Mr. Luos]

high end:
Menzerna IP or SIP depending on how bad you swirls are
Prima Amigo
Pinnacle sourveran (sp?)

(auto geek) is a good place to find supplies

Pretty much.
Although I use the Victoria's Concours Red instead of the Pinnacle.




DO NOT use that turtle wax shit.
If you must get something from vatozone, go with Meguiars.

[blackSS01]

Pretty much.
Although I use the Victoria's Concours Red instead of the Pinnacle.




DO NOT use that turtle wax shit.
If you must get something from vatozone, go with Meguiars.

+1

[pajeff02]

Thank you all for the information. I swore I would never own a black car -- but it was irresistable once I laid eyes on it for the first time on the lot.

Another thing I have noticed -- the damn thing is an absolute dust magnet. All I can think to describe it is that it has a "static cling" quality to it, especially the plastic body panels. I have a dark green truck that sits in the same garage and there is a night and day difference between the two.

[blackbird0230]

Thank you all for the information. I swore I would never own a black car -- but it was irresistable once I laid eyes on it for the first time on the lot.

Another thing I have noticed -- the damn thing is an absolute dust magnet. All I can think to describe it is that it has a "static cling" quality to it, especially the plastic body panels. I have a dark green truck that sits in the same garage and there is a night and day difference between the two.

Ain't it a bitch!? My car is the same way after 15 min of finishing the car will be dusty in the garage or out. just one of those colors. I just stay away from water and fingerprints and airblow it off with the compressor before I leave

[KMdef9]

Thank you all for the information. I swore I would never own a black car -- but it was irresistable once I laid eyes on it for the first time on the lot.

Another thing I have noticed -- the damn thing is an absolute dust magnet. All I can think to describe it is that it has a "static cling" quality to it, especially the plastic body panels. I have a dark green truck that sits in the same garage and there is a night and day difference between the two.

That "static cling" is static. All the waxing and buffing charges the panels, including the plastic. I can actually see the hair on my arms pull towards the car after waxing. As far as the dust goes, I use the compressor sometimes, but a California duster works the best, I buy a new one every year out of paranoia that too much dirt will get built up.

[blackbird0230]

That "static cling" is static. All the waxing and buffing charges the panels, including the plastic. I can actually see the hair on my arms pull towards the car after waxing. As far as the dust goes, I use the compressor sometimes, but a California duster works the best, I buy a new one every year out of paranoia that too much dirt will get built up.

I bought the california duster but I havent used it. kinda scares me to drag dust particles across the finish. Scratches come to mind everyday

[Mr. Luos]

Don't use and will never use one of those California dusters.
Much like the Absorber.

[pajeff02]

Don't use and will never use one of those California dusters.
Much like the Absorber.

How do you keep your car dust free between washes?

[35th-ANV-SS]

Don't use and will never use one of those California dusters.
Much like the Absorber.

How do you dry your car also?

[slphwk1]

I have owned five black vehicles over the years and just recently started using Zanio products. I use compressed air or the California Duster to remove dust. I would suggest getting a good buff/wet sand first then maintain it very carefully after that. I believe most of the scratch remover products are just fillers that hide the imperfections rather than remove them.

[Mr. Luos]

How do you keep your car dust free between washes?

I don't.
If it gets dirty...I wash it.
When it would get dusty sitting in the garage (sits outside now) I would use a quick detailer and a VERY plush microfiber towel.

How do you dry your car also?

Sonus waffle weave towels.

[pajeff02]

When it would get dusty sitting in the garage (sits outside now) I would use a quick detailer and a VERY plush microfiber towel.

Why is the beast relegated to the great outdoors? You can't tell me that the Grand Ma has garage privileges?!

[Mr. Luos]

Why is the beast relegated to the great outdoors? You can't tell me that the Grand Ma has garage privileges?!

Grand Ma GT is out in the street.
Slowass sits along side the house. Current living situation doesn't have a garage large enough to fit it.
Oh well. I know how to keep the paint protected.