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  1. #1
    Just a regular guy Todd@RUPES's Avatar
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    The Autopia 5 Step Paint Care Cycle

    For most people our car is the second largest investment we will make, second only to a purchase of a home or condominium. If you are a car nut like me, you will spend far more time caring about your car then you will your dwelling; maintaining and enhancing the finish of your car make`s sense. Not only is it an enjoyable to spend time taking care of your car`s appearance, but a gleaming ride is a sense of pride that you can recognize as the paint gleams with a luster that makes other cars on the road or in a parking lot jealous. Beyond emotional reasoning, a cosmetically maintained automobile makes financial sense. We tend to exchange our rides far more often than we would a home, so the higher resale value of a car with a high-gloss pristine finish can keep more money in our pockets.

    Nothing is more responsible for the appearance of your car then the condition of your paint. Paint should appear wet and glossy, accentuating the curves and body lines. Dull, weathered, or “swirled-out” paint can greatly detract from not only your car`s appearance but from the pride you take in your car. So the question arises, “How do you create and maintain a high quality finish?”

    The Autopia 5 Step Paint Care Cycle.

    Whether you have an old classic meticulously hand painted with multiple coats of hand laid lacquer or a daily driver painted with today`s anon-technology water based clear coats, the principles in this article will help not only help take your finish to the next level, but help maintain it. The principles with-in also work extremely well on motorcycles and on gel-coat finishes such as those found on most water-craft and RV`s.



    The Autopia 5 Step Paint Care Cycle addresses many of the concerns about your paint system, and through a systematic approach developed by high-end car detailers and enthusiasts, eliminates many of the myths and confusion in caring for your paint and achieving a show car finish which we call The Autopian Standard. The five different phases of the Autopia Paint Care Cycle are:

    1. ) Wash
    2. ) Paint Decontamination (Deep Cleaning)
    3. ) Paint Enhancement (Paint Polishing)
    4. ) Protection (Waxing and/or Sealing)
    5. ) Maintenance


    Why does it take five separate phases to properly care for the paint? Not only is your car`s paint constantly bombarded with damaging UV rays from the sun, but it must do battle against other environmental factors such as acid rain, bird droppings, fall-out, insects, and rail-dust. Paint also tends to be extremely scratch sensitive. Swirl marks and microscopic scratches are difficult to avoid and will reduce the gloss and quality of finish over time, making your car`s paint appear dull and lifeless.



    Phase 1- The Wash Phase

    The first step in creating and maintaining your car`s paint is to wash and dry it with precise technique. All paint systems, but particularly modern clear coat paint systems, are scratch sensitive. This means anytime dirt or grit is rubbed against the paint, even softly, it creates microscopic scratches. With enough accumulation these scratches form visible swirl marks that act to diffuse the reflected light and the paint appears dull. Larger more visible scratches form swirl marks, which are visible micro scratches that ruin the appearance of the paint in bright light. Properly washing your car greatly reduces the chances of creating micro-scratches, keeps your paint free of acidic fall-out, and removes any dirt that blankets an otherwise perfect shine. Properly washing your car using high quality materials with good technique will not only help prevent or eliminate micro-scratches, but will not strip (or may even reinforce) your existing wax coating.

    How to wash properly. It wasn`t too long ago that most detailers agreed that using a large volume of water with a high lubricity car soap was the safest (and perhaps most effective) way to wash your car. Advances in lubricant, polymer and surfactant technology has made other methods popular and arguably as effective. Regardless of the method chosen, certain precautions should be used to avoid scratching the paint and scuffing the finish.

    Wash Media-
    Wash media is defined as the material you choose to wash your car with. Whatever the wash media you choose, it should be soft so that it doesn`t scratch paint, and it should hold volumes of solution.

    -Natural Sheepskin or Lamb`s Wool Mitts- Sheepskin or lamb`s wool wash mitts remain a popular choice for good reason. Lamb`s Wool is extremely soft to the touch and does not scratch paint. The long nap and large surface area hold grit and dirt off the surface to prevent scratching while allowing the mitt to hold copious amounts of soap solution. The Autopia Sheepskin Wash mitt is an excellent and affordable choice for a long lasting natural wash mitt. For those who want something more extravagant we carry the Dodo Juice Supernatural “Wookie`s Fist” wash mitt. This mitt is four times more plush than a standard mitt and made from 100% Merino wool, the softest and most gentle wool in the world.

    -Microfiber Towels or Wash Mitts- Microfiber wash mitts or towels are a popular choice for rinse-less and waterless wash media, but work remarkably well for traditional wash methods. Microfiber is an extremely soft man made material that will hold an ample amount of solution. Microfiber comes in various densities and pile length; for washing you will want to use a plush microfiber made from high quality material. I recommend using a Pinnacle Microfiber Detailing Mitt, or a Carrand Max Premium microfiber Wash Sponge.

    -Sponges- Wash sponges remain a popular choice for car enthusiasts around the world. While sponges sacrifice a long soft nap they make up the difference with the ability to rinse clean and their long lasting durability. Wash sponges hold a huge amount of solution making them ideal for all washing methods. Sponges can either be man made or carefully hand selected from the ocean. Each wash sponge sold by Autopia-CarCare has been tested to be gentle to paint. The Lake Country Ulti-Mitts hold huge amounts of solution and are extremely soft, while the Lake Country Foam Car Wash sponge uses a specially made foam that traps and holds dirt far from the paint`s surface.

    Todd says: I generally use a gold Lake Country Ulti-Mitt for general washing duties, and a soft blue Cobra Microfiber towel for washing more difficult areas, creases, behind the hood handles, and other areas I cannot fully reach with a sponge. I have used everything from a natural sea-sponge to a sheepskin wash mitt and all are paint safe. The best wash media is going to be the one you are most comfortable with, but always remember to keep your wash media clean and free of paint damaging grit and dirt.

    A final note on wash media: Perhaps more important than the actual selection of the wash media is how it is cared for. Using your favorite wash media on heavily soiled areas such as the wheel wells or on the wheels will impregnate them with hard to remove grit. Instead use a separate wash media for those areas. Also, we recommend rinsing out your wash media after washing each section. The most effective way of doing this is to have a separate 5 gallon bucket filled with water to rinse and wring your media into.

    Wash Method Types-
    There are three main types of washing methods: Traditional Washing, Rinse-less Washing, and Waterless Washing. Each type has advantages and draw backs.

    -Traditional Washing- Traditional washing consists of using a car soap solution and ample amounts of free-running water to encapsulate dirt and debris and float them safely off of the paint. This method is the most ideal for heavily soiled cars as the constant flushing of the surface with solution provides the greatest barrier between the damaging girt and your paint. It is recommended to always use a Two-Bucket Method where a second bucket is used to rinse out your wash media frequently, in combination with a high quality wash media. Wash and rinse each section of the car separately making sure to use an ample amount of solution. Use a high quality car soap such as Blackfire`s Gloss Shampoo, Pinnacle Bodywork Shampoo, or Meguiar`s Gold Class.

    -Rinse-less Washing- Rinse-less washing has gained popularity in recent years as increases in product chemistry have led to solutions which encapsulate dirt and grit and safely remove them from the paint without the use of rinsing. Rinse-less washing is ideal in areas where water is restricted or times when speed and efficiency are critical. Popular Rinse-less wash solutions include Detailer`s Pro Rinseless Wash and Gloss and Optimum Polymer Technology`s No-Rinse and Shine. As a benefit, each of these wash solutions utilize synthetic polymer technology that not only cleans the paint but adds a layer of protection and shine to the finish, making them ideal for maintenance washing as well.

    -Waterless Washing- As the name implies, waterless washing uses a highly concentrated formula of surfactants and polymers to encapsulate dirt and grit to help prevent scratching. These are mist and wipe solutions that are ideal for areas where water use is extremely restricted or when your car is lightly soiled. Detailer`s Pro Waterless Auto Wash, Optimum Opti-Clean, and Ultima Waterless Spray Wash Plus are great choices for this method of car washing.

    Todd says: I tend to use the traditional wash method in combination with the Two-Bucket Method or moderate to heavily soiled cars. Nothing is going to protect the paint as well as an ample amount of water to flood dirt off the paint. However if the car is just moderately soiled, or if I am washing my own car (because it never gets too dirty) I prefer a rinse-less was such as DP Rinseless Wash and Gloss or Optimum`s No-Rinse. Both of these formulas leave the paint protected and glossy, so my personal car constantly looks `just-detailed.` If I have just driven around town and got caught in a light rain storm I will use a waterless wash such as Optimum Opti-Clean to safely remove the water spots and light soiling.

    A final note on wash methods: Select the wash method that best suits the needs and paint condition of your automobile. Many professional detailers and enthusiasts will use different methods depending on the level of soiling as well as time restraints. Traditional washing is usually the most time consuming yet is safe enough to tackle heavy soiling, where as a mist-and-wipe waterless wash is very efficient but may not provide the lubricity needed for extremely dirty cars. In the middle, rinse-less car washing provides near the efficiency of waterless washing while offering many of the benefits of traditional washing. Regardless of the method you find to best suit your needs, it is critical that you practice paint friendly techniques to avoid scratching or scuffing the surface. It is almost always best to wash your car in the shade out of direct sunlight and to wash more heavily soiled areas last.

    Drying-
    Most of the swirl marks and damage to the paint is caused during the drying process. Car wash solutions feature high lubricity that allows dirt, grit and even towels to glide across the surface. Once that solution is rinsed off your paint is at risk from abrasion. While the actual drying technique is dependent on the method you use to wash your car, a couple of pointers will help keep your car swirl free and shiny.

    -Flood the paint- If you are using a traditional car wash method, remove the nozzle from your hose and let the water flow out in a steady stream. Water is viscous in nature, and by flooding the surface with a pool of water, you will cause it to sheet itself off the paint. It is possible to remove more than 90% of the standing water by simply flooding the surface with a steady stream.

    -Blow dry the paint- Using a high speed air blower such as a Metro MasterBlaster to blow standing water off of the paint and out of nooks and crannies such as light housings, body lines, and door handles. The more water that can be removed with out physically touching the paint the less the chance of creating marring or swirl mark damage.

    -Use a high quality paint friendly towel for final drying- Using a paint friendly non-scratch towel for final drying is imperative. Many people incorrectly use a cotton bath towel. Unless the towel is a true 100% cotton towel, it is made from cotton loop attached to a nylon backing. Nylon will scratch paint. Our recommendation is to avoid use if the towel feels any less that baby soft to your skin. Instead use a high quality waffle weave drying towel such as a Cobra Supreme Guzzler or a Meguiar`s Water Magnet. Alternatively you can choose to use a synthetic chamois such as P21s`s Super Absorbing Drying Towel or a natural man made chamois like a Prince of Wale`s. Regardless of the drying media, make sure that it is clean and free of grit or dirt. If you live in a dusty area it is often better to stick with a waffle weave microfiber drying towel as it has some nap that will prevent dust from grinding into the paint`s surface.

    -Drying with a detail spray- As an optional step, many detailers and enthusiast prefer use a high lubricity detail spray in combination with their favorite waffle weave drying towel to add lubricity to the paint (preventing towel marks), remove any fresh water spots, and boost the shine of their paint.
    Last edited by Todd@RUPES; 08-29-2011 at 04:26 PM.

  2. #2
    Just a regular guy Todd@RUPES's Avatar
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    Re: The Autopia 5 Step Paint Care Cycle




    Phase 2- The Paint Decontamination Phase (Deep Cleaning).

    The second step in creating a show quality shine is to remove any impurities from the paint`s surface by deep cleaning it in a process known as Paint Decontamination. Your car is bombarded by environmental elements such as industrial fall out, paint over-spray, rail-dust, or high-calcium water spots. These elements can attach themselves to the paint and cannot be removed by traditional washing methods. Some forms of this contamination will harm your paint over time. Contamination also creates an opaque film that reduces your paint`s gloss potential, like sunlight struggling to shine through a hazy window. A film of contamination also limits the ability of wax or a synthetic paint sealant to bond to the paint, reducing the effectiveness and durability of the protection. If you plan on polishing your paint to a high luster (the next phase) you should decontaminate the paint to avoid contamination of the polishing process. First, you must inspect the paint to see if there is any contamination present. There are two ways of removing contamination from your paint: by using detailing clay or by using a chemical process.

    Inspecting the Paint for contamination-

    Paint contamination is sometimes visible but the best way of determining if it is present is by touch. To inspect your paint for contamination, lightly rub your finger tips over it. You can place your hand in a plastic bag to increase your sensitivity. Clean and healthy paint should feel very smooth. If you feel small bumps, a rough sand paper like feel, or a pebble like texture your paint needs to be deep cleaned. You should inspect your paint frequently by touch and decontaminate when needed. The rear of your car including the trunk lid, (engine cover if rear/mid-engined), and rear bumper tend to be the first to become soiled due to aerodynamic flow.

    Detailing Clay-

    Detailer`s clay gained popularity in body shops overseas as a method to remove over-spray. Today it has become common place in almost every detailer and enthusiast`s tool bag. Detailing clay works by floating over the paint surface on a lubricant and gently abrading any bonded contamination. After washing and drying your car completely, use a high quality lubricant, such as a detail spray, to gently glide the clay over the surface in a back and forth motion. You can feel the clay work as the paint becomes smooth to the touch. Work a 2` x 2` section at a time and wipe away the lubricant with a quality microfiber towel to reveal a smooth paint finish. Autopia-CarCare offers the best in detailing clay and accessories including Blackfire`s Poly Clay II, Pinnacle Ultra Poly Clay, and Wolfgang Elastic Polyclay as well as professional Detailing Clays from Meguiar`s.

    Chemical Decontamination-

    While chemical decontamination does not remove the need for claying, it can be particularly effective on certain types of decontamination; particularly on rail-dust. CarPro`s Iron-X is extremely powerful against iron particulate that affixes itself to the paint by destroying the bond between them. Simply mist on a car that has been washed and thoroughly dried and wait for the product to change colors and the iron fall-out is eliminated, then rinsed off. Finish Kare offers a 3 Step Paint Decontamination System that uses a combination of alkaline solutions, acids, and pH neutralizers to remove contamination above and below the paint`s surface.

    Todd says: Detailing clay is an essential step after washing your car as you progress through the Autopia 5 Step Paint Car Cycle. If maintaining my personal ride I will inspect the paint by touch and spot clay any area`s that are not smooth with an ultra-fine clay such as Pinnacle Ultra Poly Clay. If am I am going to machine polish the paint for a client, I will use a slightly more aggressive paint friendly clay like Blackfire Poly Clay II to reduce the chances of any paint contamination interfering with the polishing process. Lastly if the paint is heavily contaminated and in bad shape I will for reach a professional grade clay like Meguiar`s Detailing Red Aggressive Clay. Chemical decontamination is a valuable and time saving process on car`s that have a lot of rust specs (rail dust) on the surface.

    A final note on Paint Decontamination: Care should always be taken with when using detailing clay to make sure the surface of the paint is clean and no pieces of grit have become embedded in the clay. This prevents sharp particulate from grinding and scratching the paint. When the clay becomes soiled, fold the soiled side onto itself to expose a fresh clay surface. Use plenty of lubricant, gentle pressure, and work a section a time until the paint is smooth and free of contamination. If you drop your clay on the ground, throw it away. It is impossible to remove the grit that becomes embedded and you run a high risk of scratching the paint.





    Phase 3- Surface Enhancement (Paint Polishing)

    Paint that is smooth and level will reflect maximum light and shine with brilliant clarity. Less than ideal wash methods and less than perfect care will dull the paint over time. This is because reflected light will disperse amongst the varying angles caused by the microscopic scratches instead of reflecting evenly. Surface enhancement which is also known as “polishing” or “paint correction” is a process that uses micro-refined abrasives to re-level the paint or clear-coat creating a mirror smooth finish that reflects brilliantly. Even brand new cars often fall short of their potential as they are washed at the factory and dealer lots with less than ideal methods. Surface enhancement removes or reduces paint defects such as swirl marks, light scratches, some water spot etching, while creating a blindly rich shine.

    While paint polishing is an abrasive method, developments in polish technology in combination with dual-action random orbital polishers have made creating a high gloss finish accessible to the enthusiast in an a relatively safe manner. There is too much information about paint polishing to cover effectively in this introductory article but nothing is more responsible for the appearance of your paint then having a swirl free, high gloss finish. A finish that will truly be show stopping and make your car the envy of every parking lot.

    Autopia-CarCare carries the latest in dual-action random orbital polishers made by Porter Cable, Meguiar`s, and Griot`s Garage. Additionally we carry the best performing and easiest to use polishes from Blackfire, Pinnacle, Meguiar`s, Menzerna, Optimum, and Wolfgang. Please visit this page to learn more about machine polishing and to select the kit that will best suit your needs.

    Inspecting the finish for paint defects-

    Paint defects create a paint surface that is uneven and sharply textured. This dramatically reduces the quality of reflected light. To inspect your paint for defects look at your paint under direct light such as the sun light or using a hand held Brinkman “Swirl-Finder”. The light source should reflect perfectly. Look for scratches or haze on the paint`s surface that is adjacent to the light.

    Todd says: Surface enhancement is truly an art forum. Regardless of the wax or sealant you choose to use, and no matter how carefully you wash and decontaminate your paint, nothing is going to outshine a highly polished surface. I made a living as a detailer polishing some of the rarest and most valuable cars in the world, including cars that have won best paint awards at some of the most prestigious shows in the world. With today`s technology and Autopia-CarCare`s huge selection of easy to use polishes, polishers, and kits, it is really easy for the novice to create a near flawless finish in the comfort of his own garage without shelling out a thousand dollars or more for a professional.

    A final note on Surface Enhancement: Surface enhancement by machine polishing will result in the most dramatic difference in gloss and reflectivity for your paint system. It is an abrasive method, and while much safer techniques have been developed, we suggest anybody considering machine polishing their paint to educate themselves thoroughly by reading articles on Autopia-CarCare.com, AutopiaForums.com, or calling Autopia Customer Service at 1-877-855-3125.





    Phase 4- The Protection Phase

    After your paint has been washed, decontaminated, and polished it will look dramatically better. Now is time to select and apply the products or combination of products that will help protect the paint against environmental damage as well as locking in the shine.

    Paint Protection Types-

    Paint protection types, also referred to as LSP`s (Last Step Protectant/Last Step Process) can be divided into four distinct types: natural waxes, synthetic polymer paint sealants, blended sealant/waxes, and paint coatings.

    -Natural Waxes- Natural waxes are most often made from a primary ingredient of carnauba wax. Carnauba wax is an extremely resilient and hard wax that grows on the leaves of the Copernicia prunifera palm tree in particular parts of Brazil. Carnauba wax is renowned for its ability to protect the paint from UV rays and bird bombs, as well as impart a deep, wet shine on the paint referred to as `jetting.` Autopia-CarCare carries some of the most exclusive carnauba waxes available including the world famous lines from Dodo Juice, P21s, and Pinnacle Natural Brilliance. If you are looking for the ultimate in deep, wet reflections and natural protection please view our extensive wax collection here.

    -Synthetic Polymer Paint Sealants- Paint sealants utilize the latest in polymer technology to form a bond with your paint. In general paint sealants will last longer than natural waxes and tend to produce a brighter, glossier shine. Select a paint sealant when longevity and ease of use are a primary concern, or if you appreciate the highly reflective shine. Autopia-CarCare carries some of the most renowned paint sealants in the world including standouts such as Blackfire Wet Diamond, Detailer`s Pro Poli-Coat, Klasse Sealant Glaze, Meguiar`s M21 Synthetic Sealant, Meguiar`s Ultimate Wax, Optimum Opti-Seal, Ultima Paint Guard Plus, and Wolfgang Deep Gloss 3.0. View our selection of the highest quality paint sealants here.

    -Blended Sealant/Waxes- Blended sealant/waxes are a combination of the best properties of a natural wax blended with the best properties of a synthetic polymer paint sealant. High quality, boutique blended sealant/waxes often feature a best of both worlds result. Super high quality premium examples include Dodo Juice Supernatural Hybrid, Blackfire Midnight Sun , and Wolfgang Fuzion Estate Wax.

    -Paint Coatings- Where as the previous three types of paint protection products feature a sacrificial barrier of product, paint coatings last for 3 years to forever. Extreme care should be taken when applying a paint coating to ensure that the paint is at its highest level of polished shine;once a coating is applied it can only be removed through abrasion. We carry two of the most respected paint coatings available in the United States: Optimum Opti-Coat 2.0 and CarPro Ceramic Quartz.

    Todd says: Wax, sealant, or coating selection often comes down to the individual. Pure carnauba waxes tend to produce the deepest shine but require more maintenance. Some sealants such as Blackfire Wet Diamond or Wolfgang Deep Gloss 3.0 come very close to mimicking the deep rich shine of a premium carnauba wax while offering increased durability. Ultimately it comes down to what you are looking for in a wax or sealant. Coatings are extremely nice and offer beyond excellent longevity, but this may be of little benefit if you are like me. I love to be in my garage wiping the newest offering on my paint and enjoying the varying characteristics in shine. However if I had to pick a favorite for my daily driver it would be the Blackfire Wet Ice over Fire combination kit. This features the excellent Wet Diamond sealant as a base and two coats of the premium Blackfire Midnight Sun Ivory Carnauba Paste on top, creating a truly three dimensional shine that dances across the paint.

    Final note on the protection phase: Follow the manufacturer recommended procedure for the individual product to guarantee best results. This often mandates cleaning the paint with a specific cleaner or prep-agent. We recommend two thin coats for maximum and even coverage. Reapply your favorite product when you notice a dramatic difference in the way the paint beads or a fall off in appearance.



  3. #3
    Just a regular guy Todd@RUPES's Avatar
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    Re: The Autopia 5 Step Paint Care Cycle




    Phase 5- The Maintenance Phase.

    With your paint deep cleaned, polished, and topped with your choice of protectant it will look amazing. Now the focus becomes maintaining that freshly detailed appearance for as long as possible, to keep your car looking its best for the entire time you own it. If your car is garage kept and rarely driven this will be relatively easy. A periodic rinse-less wash and a topping of wax or sealant will go a long way. A daily driven car requires more care.

    To truly maintain that just detailed look requires a combination of the previous steps with some unique twists.

    -Car Washing- The goal, now more than ever, is to prevent damaging the paint or inflicting new microscopic swirl marks when washing the paint. Frequently washing your with correct technique is necessary. The less dirty you allow your car to become, the less chance of grime and grit causing damage and the less time contamination has to bond to the paint. If you plan on using the traditional soap and water method of washing your car consider using a wash and wax solution that will replenish your finish with synthetic polymers or natural waxes. Autopia-CarCare carries the highest quality maintenance shampoos on the market including 1Z Einzsett Perls Auto Shampoo, Dodo Juice Sour Power Gloss Enhancing Shampoo, Meguiar`s Ultimate Wash and Wax, and Mother`s California Gold Wash and Wax.

    After washing your car, dry it with either a high quality detail spray to add gloss and reduce the chance of scratching such as Meguiar`s Ultimate Quick Detailer, Optimum Instant Detailer and Gloss Enhancer, or Wolfgang Instant Detail Spritz.

    Periodically switch from a detail spray to a high quality spray-able car wax or sealant to reinforce the existing protection and extend its life. For carnauba lovers Dodo Juice Tropical Mist Protection Spray Wax, Optimum Car Wax, Pinnacle Crystal Mist, or will add a deep rich shine with natural ingredients. Those using a hybrid wax or a synthetic sealant will enjoy Blackfire Deep Gloss Spray Sealant, CarPro Reload, or Wolfgang Deep Gloss Spritz Sealant to keep their synthetic surfaces looking pristine.

    -Inspect your finish frequently- Besides careful washing techniques and utilizing spray products to quickly boost your existing protection and shine, frequently inspecting the paint will give a good indication of what your car needs. Inspect the paint by touch monthly to inspect for bonded contamination and spot clay as necessary. Make sure to apply a fresh coat of wax or sealant to any areas that have been clayed. Further inspect the paint in the sun light to check for any swirl marks or light micro-scratches induced during the wash process. These can be valuable to make adjustments in your wash routine. Even with the most careful technique it is possible to get a very light scattering of swirl marks from washing. The great news is these marks will be extremely shallow and usually polishing with just a final polish will restore the luster to the paint.

    -Inspect your wax or sealant coating frequently- Observe how the water beads off the paint in relation to the day you first applied your protectant of choice. Over time you will notice a slight degradation which you can boost to like new using a spray wax or sealant. Eventually the beading will lay flat and the paint may lose its luster, even with a boost product. At this time the wax or sealant is gone and it should be reapplied. Since most of us who have read this far are car nuts, we may never get to this point, since it is fun to wax or seal the paint. Instead get on a regular schedule of waxing or sealing the paint every 2-3 months, maintain the coating with booster sprays, and you will likely never see a change in the protection of the paint for as long as you own your car.

    Todd says: I like to keep my personal car, as well as my client`s cars on a regular maintenance schedule tailored to each car`s specific needs. Since my car is daily driven but garage kept, I will usually reapply a wax or sealant every two months to be sure it is always well protected, although I could probably stretch that to 5 or 6 months since I use a booster spray monthly. The best bet is apply a new coat before you notice any degradation, that way you can be sure your paint is always well protected.

    Final note on maintaining your car`s finish: Wash using quality techniques and products often to ensure your paint never gets too soiled and contamination is rinsed off frequently before it can bond. Use quick detail sprays and wax/sealant booster sprays to keep the protective coating fresh and your paint looking its best. Finally reapply your favorite wax or sealant often to ensure that there is always a tough layer of protection on the paint.

  4. #4

  5. #5

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    Re: The Autopia 5 Step Paint Care Cycle

    superb write-up todd. fill up the printer, another article for the detailing notebook....

  6. #6
    Ummm.... Ya..... TroyScherer's Avatar
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    Re: The Autopia 5 Step Paint Care Cycle

    Great write up Todd. Sticky this!!!

  7. #7
    Garry Dean Quality! Garry Dean's Avatar
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    Re: The Autopia 5 Step Paint Care Cycle

    Todd, you are a very good writer. I am sure this will be very helpful to alot of people.

  8. #8
    mrclean81's Avatar
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    This is a very good write up. +1 on the sticky

    Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

  9. #9
    Just a regular guy Todd@RUPES's Avatar
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    Re: The Autopia 5 Step Paint Care Cycle

    Thank you guys for the compliments! I hope it does help people better grasp the concepts of paint.

  10. #10
    Detailing Gnosis Bunky's Avatar
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    Re: The Autopia 5 Step Paint Care Cycle

    Similar to a comment I made in a new thread, you could use this as the framework for the ebook. I still have the original autopia guide but do not have the password even more

    Al
    The Need to Bead


  11. #11
    Just a regular guy Todd@RUPES's Avatar
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    Re: The Autopia 5 Step Paint Care Cycle

    Quote Originally Posted by Bunky View Post
    Similar to a comment I made in a new thread, you could use this as the framework for the ebook. I still have the original autopia guide but do not have the password even more
    Thanks Al. It is something, when a million other projects are complete, that I will seriously look into. I appreciate it!

  12. #12
    Just a regular guy Todd@RUPES's Avatar
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    Re: The Autopia 5 Step Paint Care Cycle

    Links to articles written on post 4 added 12/26/11

  13. #13
    cmichael258's Avatar
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    Re: The Autopia 5 Step Paint Care Cycle

    Excellent!

  14. #14
    Just a regular guy Todd@RUPES's Avatar
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    Re: The Autopia 5 Step Paint Care Cycle

    Quote Originally Posted by cmichael258 View Post
    Excellent!
    Thanks!

  15. #15
    CEE DOG's Avatar
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    Re: The Autopia 5 Step Paint Care Cycle

    Excellent writeup Todd! This will help a lot of people.

 

 
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