OK, so get your mind out of the gutter about the "first time". What I mean, is that I have a new (couple of weeks) black TSX, and was looking for some advice on treating it for the first time. I don't feel any surface contaminants when I do the plastic bag on the hand thing, so I don't think I need to worry about clay bar right now, but I would like to ensure good protection, as I live in the middle of the freakin' desert and have to park my car in an open carport. I was thinking:

1. Wash with Dawn to remove any dealer applied wax
2. Klasse AIO
3. Blackfire
4. NXT Spray Wax (someone gave me a bottle)

Any issues using the blackfire on top of the klasse? How many times should I apply the Klasse? I know some of you don't like the Blackfire/polymer, but in AZ, protection is more important to me than a show shine. Don't get me wrong, I want it to shine, but the protection/durability is as important if not a little more for me.

I have been doing a LOT of reading here, autopia, properautocare.com, so if my plan is WAY off, don't flame me as a noob please...

 

Hey, congrats on the purchase. As far as your detailing, skip the dawn (especially cause your aren't using zaino). The AIO should remove all of the dealer wax. Also no need to repeat AIO, it will be unnecessary work. As far as your wax goes, if you are really in it for durability get yourself some Meguiar's #16. It looks good and its one of the most durable carnubas you can get.

Another thing you might consider is some NXT paste or liquid wax over the AIO, then seal it with #16. BTW #16 is under $15. Good luck.

 

I have #16 I find it a PITA to use. It really PUNISHES you when applied to thick. If you want a reeaallly durable wax then I suggest Collinite IW 845. You can get a bottle of it for ten bucks. This stuff lasts strong for 4+ months and the best thing is about the EASIEST thing you can use.

 

Does the Collinite give as good a shine as Blackfire, or some of the other polymers (I know, not as deep as carnuba)? Only reason I ask is that in all of my reading no one has mentioned it yet. Thanks for the input.

 

I never tried Blackfire so I cant really comment on the comparison. Put it this way, I have NXT, Zaino Z2, Z2PRO, Z5, Meg's #15, P21S, Souveran Paste Wax <-- Have yet to try it out Meg's Gold Class, Mother Cleaner Wax, Eagle One Nano Wax....etc Probably forgetting a few.

In all honesty I feel the Collinite is overlooked by many. I think it is actually one of the most UNDERRATED waxes out there. I mean I bought it mainly becuase I heard it was easy to use and SUPER Durable. When I actually used it on my car and several others I found it has the shine and wetness as Zaino does. I still think Zaino has one of the best shine and clear reflections but Collinite IW 845 is by far the easiest wax I have used to date, doesnt stain trim, and the looks far surpass many of the waxes and sealants I have. (Keep in mind I havent used Souveran yet, but I heard it will only last a couple of weeks)

Here is one site that sells it for about 14.95. There are other sites if you do a search that sells it for 9.95.

http://www.nealsharbor.com/Merchant2...ct_code=col845

 

Also Collinite is actually carnuaba based according to Collinite representative but I think they use some polymers in it. I could be wrong, but from what I hear is mostly carnuaba based. If you do a search on Autopia.org for it, Im sure lots of threads will pop up. Just search for "Collinite"

 

Anyone know where i can buy Collinite and AIO on the same site? Neals has a minimum order $amount, but no AIO...

 

It is going to be hard to find collinite and aio at the same place. That is why I recommeded #16 for you. Your best best is to just order the Collinite for someone that doesn't have a minimum and then pay the $5ish shipping. Another alternative to AIO is Meguiars ColorX, you can find this at Wal-Mart for $5! You can research ColorX at autopia, it is pretty well respected.

BTW, I am an avid Collinite 476S user (similar to IW 845). Heres my black cl with Collinite as a topper:

 

Great looking pics. Now I am in a toss up over the Blackfire and the Collinite! Too many choices is better than not enough I guess...

 

Any issues with getting Collinite on trim, etc...? Does it leave "stains" or hard to remove residue?

 

Collinite IW 845 will not stain trim. Simply the easiet last step product i have ever used. It doesnt need cure time like sealants do and doesnt make you pay with labor when applied too thick. What I do is apply it to the whole car then when im done applying it, I go back to where i first started and start buffing it off.

 

OK, I am sold. Ordering some Collinite on Saturday...

 

Just keep in mind that prepping the paint properly (Clay, polishing, cleaning) will have more positive effect than just applying a coat of wax. Prep is 90% product is 10% But it is sure nice to have that extra 10% when you are with the prep

 

I second that. I believe in always claying, esp if the car never has been clayed. New cars can need it just as much as older, contaminants fall on all cars, esp in transit, train rail brake dust, pollutants.
you want the paint pristine clean, and clay removes particles soap can not.
good luck..

 

in the pics above I used a paint cleanser (didn't need clay), nxt, then 24hrs later I sealed it with collinite.

Heres an official collinite distributor in Arizona:

Distributor: Lake Racer
Contact: Art Witzell

Phoenix AZ 85027
Phone: 602-318-5785
Fax:
E-Mail: LakeRacer.com

 

01bluecls, 123456SPEED, I did the plastic bag over the hand thing and couldn't feel any bumps or rough spots on several body panels, so I think I may be OK for this time. In six months, DEFINITELY clay bar. For now, I will just use AIO first, then the wax. By the way, what do you guys use to apply 303 to the interior with? MF, an applicator pad, small dead rodents, etc?....

 

I usually use a foam applicator to apply 303 on the dash and vinly parts of the interior. If u use it just right you can basically just use the foam applicator to work in the 303 to a nice matte finish. If not and you apply way too much, buff the excess off with a dry MF towel. Clay bar will help the clarity of the paint a little on a brand new car. THe rail dust and things of that nature are tiny particles that sometimes cant be felt through the platic bag method. Plus claying give the surface proper prep for any products to bond to the paint instead the micro layer of film that may be on the car.

 

Seal that baby up!

Claying is essential for a brand new car since most of it are transported by rail to an area closest to your dealer. Rail dust "clings" to the surface like microscopic knives cutting the surface of your clearcoat.

Do it one panel at a time, clay bar first, then apply a good polish then seal it with a sealant like Menzerna or Klasse AIO/ SG. Wax as the term implies, is just a layer of Carnauba on top of the clearcoat that diminishes after a few weeks. Pure Carnauba (not the 'Cleaner Wax' type) adds wax protection on top of properly cured sealant. Also, use a very small amount of product (usually a size of a quarter) on surface that is pre-sprayed with some form of QD (Megs #34, Mother's Showtime). More product does not mean more protection, but a second application ensures better coverage.

ColorX contains minor abrasives and chemical cleaners and can be considered a cleaner wax. Cleaner waxes are "all-in-one" products that will remove any product previously applied inlcuding sealants.

Also a good set of MF cloth are essential.

My routine is:

Clay-bar (once per year only)
Klasse AIO
Klasse S/G (4 layers spaced 24 hours apart)
P21S/ S100 Carnauba weekly.

That protection lets the SSM finish make it thru winter.