Hello. New member here and please forgive me if I am just overlooking a "wash and wax" section of this forum. I know there are always a multitude of opinions on this subject, but I want to ask fellow TL owners who have Crystal Black Pearl paint jobs. I just got my new 2010 TL Sh-AWD 6 speed and need some quality guidance.

First, while I go for the first several months being maniacal about keeping the paint pristine, that phase usually wanes and I am generally lazy. I also have not purchased a new black car in a while, so I am unfamiliar with the newest products out there (I've seen references to sealants??? WT heck?). Finally, I'm in Florida and we have the dreaded "lovebugs" in both May and Sept/Oct that just kill paint jobs --- so I'm looking for the most protective solution (not necessarily the best show-quality, "wet" solution).

So, any ideas on what to use regularly that won't kill 6-8 weekends a year? Should I get an orbital buffer? If so, what kind?

Again, sorry if this should have been posted somewhere else and thanks in advance for the great advice. I'll post photos eventually once I accrue enough posts. Peace. Mike

 

POLYMER SEALANT
Maguires Polymer Sealant 2.0, $20 16oz. Be sure to clay bar first or otherwise remove contaminants before applying. PM "bluecarbonfiber" for info as he just applied this to his TSX and highly recommends it.

 

I would get this, it's an outstanding price and a very good machine.

http://www.shopnbc.com/Griot_s_Garag...ree_text=griot

 

Hey, not a bad price at all. Have you used the sealer? I prefer the 10" as it covers more surface area...but you get a free DVD. This is actually a great idea for us visual folks.

 

the 10" machines suck compared to that or the pc...the machine made by griots, or the porter cable 7424 or pc are made for paint correction which is a great asset to have...you cant correct paint imperfection with one of thoes 10" machines you get a wallmart or sears, besides, i can put down a coat of sealant faster with my pc and 6" pads then you could with a 10" machine just with the speed of the machine alone.

a black car is going to require some special care to keep it looking good...

get over to the wash and wax section and start doing some research, or go to www.autogeek.net and click on the detailing university and get caught up...

 

Wow??, slow your roll and chill out. THE OP WANTS TO SEAL HIS CAR. I'm on my sixth black car, according to your signature, you don't even own one. I have a lot of experience with gears and grease, but very little with paint and body work. The 10” has covered my needs. It would seem that the OP is in a similar boat. Personally, I was going to buy a 6" air orbital last week, but I couldn't find supplies for it so I just bought another 10" because the tool place had all the pads and products for it. If I need a run or orange peel removed, I will take my ride to Precision Auto Body in Beaverton as I don't know at which point I'm going to burn a hole in the fucking paint. I'm actually surprised at your response, you usually don’t bash so much. Having a bad day? Otherwise, stop tossing your shit in my direction.

 

I just used the m-seal from Chemical guys. They have other sealants as well.

http://www.chemicalguys.com/Auto_Det...alants_s/3.htm

I picked the m-seal after reading these recommended sealants and waxes by car color on another forum. It is not our car, but I figured the results should be similar.

http://g35driver.com/forums/care-det...ti-paints.html

 

I wouldnt even waste my time with a 10" pad..........5.5" or 6.5" max.......
Word...........Vin knows his s***........

 

Ok for the love bug issue I'd suggest a bra for those few weeks and road trips. I have one for my TL and use it when needed ,,, Acura makes a very good one.

Regarding the 6/8 weekends a year and the Florida heat a sealant is the way to go .. they withstand the heat and if treated right last a few months not weeks like a Carnuba will in the heat.

As for a buffer .. If your looking to use it to apply the sealant a PC with a 3.5" backing plate and a 4" pad works great. If your looking to remove swirling the 10" won't do it.

Mr Marco .. sorry your offended but vinnier6 knows his stuff and he might not have a black car in his signature nor do I but I have owned many and specialize in detailing black cars/trucks so if thats the criteria .. I know what I'm talking about .

 

a lot for the recommendations. I'll look into obtaining a bra as well. Question: is the bra a Pain in the A** to put on and take off?

So, just to sum up (here's what I need to do):
a) wash car properly and totally dry;
b) clay entire paint (you do not clay painted plastic however, right?);
c) apply sealant
d) final wax coat (looking at Optimum products, cool?)
e) quick detail as needed between washes and waxes;

Use bra during lovebug season and on road trips. Final question in post: Can I just leave the bra on permanently or is that asking for permanent paint difference (under the bra)? I also think I am screwed on the bra as I seem to recall it does not work with the front spoiler that comes with Sport Package B?

Peace all. Mike

 

See bold.

 

Jesstzn:

Thanks for your wisdom and confirmation. I have a CBP (Black) 2010 TL SH-AWD Manual Tranny that I had the dealer install Sport Package B on (here's the link:
http://www.acura.com/Accessories.asp...cId=TL00011602

Well, I busted my ass this morning and will have to do more work in the near future: my car must have sit on the dealer's lot and got some pretty bad water marks etched into clear coat around edge of trunk lid and front edge of hood. Also, the shmucks at the dealer's work with the orbital has left cobwebs visible over the entire car (not real bad, but all over).

I got up before sunrise. Washed the entire car each section at a time in the shade (used both a very clean CA Water Blade and Absorber as I went --- there's no way in hell the waterspots are due to my wash job this morning!). I then pulled the car into the garage and clayed the whole thing (using Meguiars clay kit). Then I did a complete hand wax with Meguiars NXT Tech Wax 2.0 liquid. I used all clean, high quality microfiber towels for the claying and waxing stages. So, I clearly do NOT think I caused the cobwebs (I also wipe in lateral motions as much as possible- in claying and removing wax).

Many of the pros here say not to let the dealer touch the car (for detailing). I guess I should not have complained about the detail when I picked up the car (which led them to take it back through their detailing department again! AAARRRGH!!! ).

So, I'll spend the next couple of weeks purchasing a DA machine, some pads, polish and sealer to do the nominal paint correction and get it perfect here during the first couple months of ownership.

Looking at going with the Optimum products (spray on polish and then wax). What say you Jesstzn about that product line? Or should I go another route?

Thanks for the exceptional insight and advice. Peace. Mike

 

All the polishes I use are Optimum.. good line ...

Just a suggestion .. drop the water blade and the Absorber .. both are going to cause swirling. Look at using a couple waffle weave drying towels.