Critique Detailing Strategy

metroplex · 11-02-06, 05:17

I'm looking for long-lasting paint protection rather than a show-car shine that wins awards.
My strategy is to first hose down the car and then use a chenille wash pad + wash-n-wax to clean the surface. I will follow that up by using Klasse AIO and then about 2-5 layers of the Klasse Glaze on the top surfaces (exposed to the most UV radiation). For the plastic panels, headlamps, and interior I plan to use 303 Aerospace Protectant.

My goal is to have maximum protection rather than the best quality shine/appearance.

Any comments or suggestions?

Gottabekin · 11-02-06, 05:25

Put the car into the garage?

metroplex · 11-02-06, 05:26

That's my first plan but since I have to use the car, it won't be in the garage 100% of the time. Maybe 99.9%

Gottabekin · 11-02-06, 05:40

Sorry I couldn't offer more advice I am pretty new myself. From what I read the new Optimum product line gives pretty good protection.

yakky · 11-02-06, 06:37

Everybody here has an opinion on what will make the paint last the longest but no one seems to keep using the same product long enough to make a valid point. I've been using Zaino on my truck since I got in it 2000 and its been outdoors for most of its life. Paint still shines like new without any polishing, I do however need to polish it due to a little bit of micro-marring from at times careless washing (hey its a truck, it gets really dirty!).

bigfoot · 11-02-06, 06:42

Well, I have hread about the Poorboys line being really good. You can use it on the shade or sun, hand or machine... I'm looking into that line too! Hope this helps!

Joey

Accumulator · 11-02-06, 10:04

metroplex- If you don't plan on keeping it "near perfect" I would use a wax based approach rather than a sealant. I've been using both the Klasse twins and Collinite waxes for many years and the Collinite hides flaws better and lasts almost as long. I've used it on outside-24/7 vehicles for a long time and it's a good choice. I only use Klasse if I can get (and keep) a finish basically perfect.

I used Collinite on our Volvo's single stage (sorta fragile compared to b/c paint) and it worked great with the car outside 24/7/52. It's new owner is still using Collinite and it's still working well (car's still outside all the time too). That wax has been protecting that car for many years, great stuff.

Speaking of sticking with a product for a long time, I would've recommended #16, based on about *30 years* worth of experience, but that stuff's getting hard to find. Collinite lasts longer anyhow.