Best care for new paint?

[philbaz]

I just got a brand new convertible (plum color). I'm really liking this color the more I see it, especially in full sunlight. So now what do I do to preserve and improve it? I'm not a real fanatic for detailing and such, but then I never owned a car that I bought primarily for looks and style. I'd love to get the paint to that wet look I've seen at car shows. Is that possible with factory pain? Maybe even get some old school pinstriping in the future. In the past I've color sanded and polished old paint with pretty good results, but this paint is brand new and already very good. Can it be improved?[:I]

Thanks, and I love all the tips, especially turbomangt's...[|)]
Phil

[purple04]

I'm sure turbomangt will speak up, but the best I can offer is to clean it a well as possible, and put the best protectant you can find on properly. A true show-car finish is possible with a full color sanding and polish, but unless the car is treated like a show car (kept out of the elements and constantly clean), I'd say the best way is to keep all the finish on there and protect it. Sanding will smooth, but you lose some paint. If you see a survivor car (mid 60s) with original paint, it's smoother than when new due to the polishing over the years. It doesn't have all the paint it used to when new. I've got a Dark Plum Base, and the color really pops when it's detailed.

[turbomangt]

Hi Phil, welcome to LInks, glad you found us. People tned to think that because todays finishes have a clear coat on them that they are infalable. The clear coat which is non-pigmented paint is only about 3-4 mils thick (The thickness of a piece of paper) You need to:
A. Keep is as clean as possible and
B. Keep it protected from outside contaminents

I have said this many times, wax will only last 30 days under most driving conditions. A synthetic sealant will last 6 times longer. If you want that deep wet look, don't drive your car ever, (just kidding I couldn't resist) seriously though, once you apply a sealant, you should be good to go for 6 months with regular washing. A polish will enhance the finish and is an option BEFORE applying the sealant. YOu don't need to use a buffer to attain that look either, especially on a new car. If you need more info let me know. Gary

[Jimbo]

Phil, welcome to this forum.There is one more thing that you should
do, if your going to drive your car. Carry a bottle of Gary's spray and shine or some other quick detail spray with you. That way when the little birds come to pay their respects to your car,you can remove therir respects as soon as possible.

[dicept1]

The absolute best place to learn how to take care of your finish <www.autopia.org>
I would never sand and oh yeah that's "wet sand" a new car unless the orange peel was awful or it was a "garge or trailer queen". You only have 1/2 the work with a vert. anyway.
my reccomend would be:
#1-clay bar
#2-Meguiars dual action cleaner polish
#3- 2 coats of Meguiars NXT done a day apart and NO water getting on the finish.
#4- wash the baby at least once or twice a week whether it needs it or not. And immeditely wash any birdie poopie, bugs, tree and berry sap off.

[turbomangt]

You have to be careful over there, more weekend warriors than professionals. too many DIFFERENT opinions. If you disagree with someone you better to ready for a fight. Since I teach detailing, I do post there only to give advice to those that want solid info. decept1 welcome, what kind of cruiser do you have? Gary

[SuGamer]

Come on people! I suggest you guys listen to Gary. He is a professional detailer after all, and from what I've seen, his products are the best in the market; I personally have never liked Meguiars products. They just don't last as long as other products I've used in the past. I have not used Gary's products yet for 2 reasons. First, I brought a ton of stuff for my old 2001 PT, and want to just use it up and get rid of it [:0] and second, I'm waiting until this holiday crap is over with so I'll finally have some money left to invest in his quality products. [B)] Oh, and Gary; (as per another forum topic) I'd pay for a calender with our car's too! [:X] I'd pay quadruple if my car could be on the December picture! [][?]