Best product for factory paint

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Lstotland

New member
I just got a 2012 civic coup. I want to get some recommendations as to what to apply. I was thinking that the paint just needs to be sealed. In the past with new cars a I have has to clay it first but this one is in better condition. Thanks.
 
I would start fresh and would clay,polish and seal it. Even if it's new I'm sure it's been out in the elements on the lot.

Good luck with the car.
 
Definitely perform the same detailing steps that you would to a car that has been outside for a month (maybe even a little more intensive).

Although the car is new, many contaminants have already had the chance to accumulate on the paint.

A second fact of life is that in the high volume arena of dealership detailing, the often overworked detailers sometimes do not have the opportunity to pay as much attention to an individual cars finish as an owner may like (or expect).

With proper methods even the paint on a new car can be improved.

I would suggest clean, polish and protect right from the start.

I can not sugggest any specific products, due to the wide differences in every cars finish. I would say to see what you like the look of, then experiment and see what works best for achieving that look for you.
 
What about preparation for clear bra. I had it on my 06 Mazda. it worked well and now I am very nervous that I will get dings on the hood before I can get the clear bra installed on Monday
 
The basic steps should be: wash, clay, pre-wax cleaner, and then some protection (wax or sealant). Also, invest in some high quality microfiber.

There are so many choices you will need to select on durability, ease of application, smell, slickness, availability, price, etc.
 
Lstotland said:
I just got a 2012 civic coup. I want to get some recommendations as to what to apply. I was thinking that the paint just needs to be sealed. In the past with new cars a I have has to clay it first but this one is in better condition. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Congratulations on the new car!

Even new cars need attention. Below is a photo of a 2011 Hyundai Elantra purchased only 3 months ago. This was a brand new clay when I started and this was from just 1/2 of the hood!

Clay-25.jpg


  1. Wash
  2. Clay
  3. Polish
  4. Seal
  5. Wax
A few suggestions,

If you don't want to spend allot of time performing a 2 or 3 step paint correction then try some of the nice 1-step products available.


Sealant

Wax

 
Lstotland said:
What about preparation for clear bra. I had it on my 06 Mazda. it worked well and now I am very nervous that I will get dings on the hood before I can get the clear bra installed on Monday
Click to expand...

The people that install the bra are going to prep the areas they apply the film to. They strip all product off so they get a good adhesion;)

As for the rest of the car as suggested clay the car and then if you are happy with the finish, meaning no marring from the dealership and transit. I would seal it up. If you can see some marring then a light polishing would be in order before the sealant is applied.
 
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