New car with lighter color paint-should I change what I use to wash/detail

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ruleof72

New member
Hi all,



Haven't posted in a long time but that's because everything has been going great.



I just picked up a new VW Jetta SportWagen TDI last week. The color is White Gold and it has the Cornsilk Beige interior. The car has about 400 miles on it and I am planning on washing it here this week. I'm wondering though if I need to change my products to match the car. Here's what I've been using for the past 4 years:



Optimum No Rinse for the wash.

Duragloss 105

Duragloss Aquawax

303 Aerospace Protectant for vinyl/rubber



I've been very happy with the ONR & Duragloss stuff but I haven't kept up with their product lines. Do they have something newer/better, especially for the lighter colored paint? The car has the "leatherette" seats. Is there anything the community would recommend that does a good job of cleaning and protecting it?



Also, is there a preferred procedure for a first wash to best prepare the paint for years of trouble free service?



Thanks in advance for the help!
 
ruleof72 said:
Hi all,



Haven't posted in a long time but that's because everything has been going great.



I just picked up a new VW Jetta SportWagen TDI last week. The color is White Gold and it has the Cornsilk Beige interior. The car has about 400 miles on it and I am planning on washing it here this week. I'm wondering though if I need to change my products to match the car. Here's what I've been using for the past 4 years:



Optimum No Rinse for the wash.

Duragloss 105

Duragloss Aquawax

303 Aerospace Protectant for vinyl/rubber



I've been very happy with the ONR & Duragloss stuff but I haven't kept up with their product lines. Do they have something newer/better, especially for the lighter colored paint?
Click to expand...



If you're happy with what you've been doing, I'd just stick with that. I sure wouldn't get caught up in the "this or that for light/dark paint" stuff.



OK, I'll still mention my ongoing love of FK1000P, but I do think people spend too much time/effort/money trying to fix stuff that's not broken.



The car has the "leatherette" seats. Is there anything the community would recommend that does a good job of cleaning and protecting it?
Click to expand...



I think you'll find that they wear like iron and require very little special treatment. I would't even bother protecting them myself, I'd just keep them clean with whatever you normally use for interiors.



Also, is there a preferred procedure for a first wash to best prepare the paint for years of trouble free service?
Click to expand...



OK, here's where I do get kinda involved....I'd give that light colored paint a thorough decontamination since any "rust-blooms" from ferrous contamination (think "rail dust") can be a huge issue with lighter colors. I like AutoInt's "ABC" (eh, their website was down recently so I won't try to post my link) but FinishKare offers something similar and vendors like We Are Car Care -- Car Wax, Car Polish, Auto Detailing Supplies, Car Buffers & Car Accessories Store have it. Or you could try Iron-X (I forget where I got mine :confused: ).



The decon is better than just clay. Really. And no, I sure don't have anything against clay, I even use it in conjunction with the decon stuff now and then.





And the decon is simple; basically just giving the car a few extra washes with the "special stuff". Piece of cake, good peace of mind knowing that you really did start with a truly clean slate.
 
I agree, if you're happy with those products then just stick with them. Keep it simple, dont get caught up in picking products based on the paint color. If you want to try a new sealant/ spray on product Id go with Blackfire Wet Diamond and Optimum Car Wax.



For the leather I'd go with Leather Masters or LTT Solutions. I actually prefer LTT over LM personally, but you can't buy it in the US.
 
Thanks for the feedback! I ordered a new supply of 105, AW, ONR as well as some Optimum Power Clean. I was searching for paint decon products and came across Iron X. It looks like a very easy to use product (only one step). Any feedback on that?
 
ruleof72 said:
I ordered ..some Optimum Power Clean. I was searching for paint decon products and came across Iron X. It looks like a very easy to use product (only one step). Any feedback on that?
Click to expand...



I think you'll like the PowerClean, I sure do. (Props to David Fermani for talking me into trying it!)



I haven't used my Iron-X yet, it's just sitting on the shelf. I got the "wash gel" version instead of the spray as I think it'll be easier to exercise control over, but either one oughta be great for the acidic step/removal of ferrous contamination.



BUT...I'm still a big fan of first using something like AutoInt/ValuGard's "A" or FK's 1119 (think that's the right number) for a "super shampoo" wash.
 
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