Platinum on a Black Av--Pics

Beach15

New member
We've had our Onyx Black Avalanche for a little over 2 months now. Over the past month or so, I've accumulated 3 coats of Klasse AIO and 3 coats of SG. I was very pleased with the protection and water-shedding abilities, but not impressed by the typical plasticky, sterile shine it gave on the pure black. So, off to an internet quest I went, finally ordering some Platinum after a week. I got the Platinum wash shampoo, paint protection, and QD spray. Last night, I finally got a chance to put some on after receiving it Friday morning.



First, to make sure the paint was cleaned off properly, I used my wash mixture of Meguiar's Gold Class Shampoo & Conditioner plus a little Klasse AIO. After having tried this out once before and seeing the incredible results it gives as a wash mixture on a Klasse'd vehicle, I thought I'd try it again. And, it worked like a charm. Giving the Av some time to completely dry and taking it for a little spin to blow some more water out of the crevices, I went and got my bottle of Platinum and a Meguiar's foam pad and went to work.



First impressions, it's a very smooth and easy to use liquid and a little drop really goes a long way. I did the whole car and then waited about 15 or 20 minutes before buffing it off. As I buffed it off, I couldn't believe how easy it was compared to Klasse, especially the SG. I looked at it afterwards, and being in the evening, I really couldn't tell that much of a difference compared to it just having Klasse before. Then, I added a second coat, as easy on and off as the first. It looked and felt really good afterwards, but I couldn't tell much as it got darker out.



Then this morning, I saw it in the sun. A really, really nice gloss and shimmer, just about as close to the look of a pure Carnuba you can get from a Polymer. Overall, I really like the look and am even happier with the ease of use.



I think I'm going to go out this evening and add another coat or two just for the added shine and protection, and because I'm nuts! If you're interested in Platinum, all I can say is buy some and then admire the results with very little work.



I'll put up a link to the pics in a few minutes.:D
 
Congratulations. Black is unbelievable when it is done right.

I have a question about the Platinum application. You evidently applied it on top of what was on your car before, is that right? I understand you washed it, but I didn't see where you referred to any paint prep products. For some reason, I have the notion that you need to start with a wax free surface before applying a synthetic such as Platinum. Either I must be wrong about that or maybe Platinum isn't a synthetic. Would someone please help me out a little on this?



Charles
 
Yes, I did apply Platinum over 3 layers each of Klasse AIO and SG. It's my understanding that Platinum is a polymer, but it can be put on top of a product like Klasse. It was Tim from tascar.com that told me he had Platinum over AIO on his black Explorer and it worked very well with a great shine, so that's why I did it. Also, the paint surface was quite clean and mark free, so I felt no need to do any other prep work. I'm not certain on true long-term durability yet, but from what I've read, the Platinum should last at least 3 months.



Pics in the next post!:)
 
Okay, here's the pics! The first link is to the album, and the second is one of the pictures showing my reflection. Enjoy!



Black Av with Platinum pics



DSCF0012-or.jpg
 
Beach, I am glad the Platinum work for you. I have been using Platinum for the past 3 weeks and I agree It's easy to put on and take off and the shine is rich and deep. One question did you put it on and take it off by hand or by machine. Also there gloss enhancer is great.



:bounce
 
Shiny Lil Detlr said:
there are still swirls on the hood I can see..... shouldda used Z5...... hmm....... :wavey



Ahhh yes, the cure all Zaino. That sounds like the best recommendation, considering that is the last product you should use to diminsh the appearance of swirls. That doesn't really look like swirls anyway, looks more like water spots or something.
 
Yeah, I know what you guys are talking about. I took the pics this morning and didn't see them all in detail until after I had uploaded them. That was when I saw what looked like swirls on the hood! MF towel and QD in hand, I went out and did the hood. What were those marks may you ask? Not swirls, but rather a actual spiderweb remnants and a little dirt left overnight. To be sure, I even moved the Av around in the driveway to view the hood from different positions in the sunlight, and voila, there were no more marks.



It's weird, half the time I think there's marks in the paint, it's either something from the air, dirt, or actual spiderwebs which seem to appear quite often. Jeez, even the spiders won't let me keep the car clean!
 
Hey, guess what I just did? I spent another 45 minutes outside this evening adding 3 more coats of Platinum! It's just so easy on and off, and looks so good, I couldn't resist!



So I know have the following on the Av's beautiful pure black:

Klasse AIO x 3

Klasse SG x 3

Platinum Ultimate Paint Protection x 5



Talk about paint protection and shine! I can't wait to see it tomorrow when the sun comes out! I love the Platinum and will continue to buy more. 5 coats and I've hardly used any of the bottle! Maybe more pics are on the way....!
 
AlBoston said:




Ahhh yes, the cure all Zaino. That sounds like the best recommendation, considering that is the last product you should use to diminsh the appearance of swirls. That doesn't really look like swirls anyway, looks more like water spots or something.



al....... I know you hate the idea of waiting for the swirls to go away after you coat the Z on...... but it DOES work - you just have to use an abrasive like SMR before to make the Z fillers do their job better and easier.......
 
Hey, I just went outside while the car while still here and snapped another 4 pics of the Av, this time with 5 coats of Platinum over the Klasse. Take a look!



Oh, and before you think there's swirls on the hood again, these pics were taken after a little road trip this morning which made for some bug and dirt splatter!



DSCF0027-or.jpg




And here's the album. The new pics are the last 4 (#24-27):

Platinum on Black x 5
 
Its a nice vehicle. I Just wish they had aftermarket replacements for all that plastic molding on the bottom. :( I like an all shiny, all metal vehicle. ;)
 
Yeah, I see where so many people are coming from when they down talk the Avalanche because of the plastic cladding, but we all really like it. Why, you might ask? Many reasons, actually. One, the look, yes we find the gray cladding a nice touch with the black paint (though it kind of sticks out with some of the other colors). Two, ease of care. Washing and waxing a vehicle is never easier than when there's less painted metal. If anything, all I do maybe once every month or so is spray on a little plastic protectant. Three, no door dings. The cladding is very dent-resistant, and also is a little harder to scratch than paint.



Next year, the 03's will have "dark charcoal" cladding to start, and then it's expected by mid-year, that the cladding is coming off and will be made an option. Another possibility includes having painted cladding as an option, just like so many current Av owners have had done to theirs.



A Caddy EXT does look, but not for 10-20k more than an Av. Personally, I'd also take the Av's added outside durability.



Hmm...wonder how many coats of Platinum can be applied? It seems much like any other liquid wax I've used before, but the ease and great look may just keep me busy for an extra hour or so each week!
 
My first official "customer" is scheduled for tomorrow. She works with my mother and has a 2000 Buick Century that's Sand metallic with a matching cloth interior. From what I've been told, it hasn't been washed since she bought it new about 2.5 years ago, so it should be a fun day!



Just wait till she sees it after some Klasse AIO and Platinum!
 
Beach15 said:
My first official "customer" is scheduled for tomorrow. She works with my mother and has a 2000 Buick Century that's Sand metallic with a matching cloth interior. From what I've been told, it hasn't been washed since she bought it new about 2.5 years ago, so it should be a fun day!



Just wait till she sees it after some Klasse AIO and Platinum!



Its gonna be tough making a decent profit if you use high end stuff like that. ;) Or are you not concerned with profitability, just spreading the gospel of good detailing. ;)
 
Curious if anyone has used both BlackFire and Platiumun? If so I’d be very curious to comparisons in shine, durability, slickness and dust attraction. I have BlackFire and just ordered a bottle of Platinum UPP.





Adam
 
Yeah, I know! My prices are almost dirt cheap, but I use mostly all high-end, have to order it, stuff. Mainly, because it's a combo hobby/extra income maker right now, and because that's how I advertise myself. High end products and results at terrific prices. Give it a month or two, and maybe I'll come to my senses!
 
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