Maintaining a black (or any dark colored) car takes a lot of work. If your car stays outside and not in a garage you will find yourself washing it more frequently to keep it looking fresh. There are specific products (car wash, wax, etc.) for black (dark colored) cars that you can purchase... check some of the upscale detailing websites for those. For removing light dust/pollen there is a product called California Duster that you can use to remove it, however it shouldn't be used to remove dirt/grime or if the car has been wet (rain, snow, dew, frost, etc.) as it could scratch the surface removing the dust/pollen after it has gotten wet. As long as you are using a quality car wash and waxing the car periodically (I wax mine every 4 months) you shouldn't need to apply anything after washing. There are some videos on YouTube with tips/tricks on how to keep a black car looking good.
What to apply after car wash? and how to keep it clean?
I am the owner of a 2021 Accord LX that is black. It looks great when its cleaned but doesn't last long at all. What are some ways to make it last longer? I don't have it ceramic coating or anything special like that as I do not want to spend the money on it right now. Can I do this in the future?
Also, what am I suppose to use after a car wash? Just a typical quick wax from a spray bottle? I have used Turtle wax and Lucas speed wax before. They say the wax is suppose to last weeks, how true is that? And is it okay that I'm using these products? What else am I suppose to do? I usually JUST wash my car then using these waxing products and that's it.
Also, what am I suppose to use after a car wash? Just a typical quick wax from a spray bottle? I have used Turtle wax and Lucas speed wax before. They say the wax is suppose to last weeks, how true is that? And is it okay that I'm using these products? What else am I suppose to do? I usually JUST wash my car then using these waxing products and that's it.
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Maintaining a black (or any dark colored) car takes a lot of work. If your car stays outside and not in a garage you will find yourself washing it more frequently to keep it looking fresh. There are specific products (car wash, wax, etc.) for black (dark colored) cars that you can purchase... check some of the upscale detailing websites for those. For removing light dust/pollen there is a product called California Duster that you can use to remove it, however it shouldn't be used to remove dirt/grime or if the car has been wet (rain, snow, dew, frost, etc.) as it could scratch the surface removing the dust/pollen after it has gotten wet. As long as you are using a quality car wash and waxing the car periodically (I wax mine every 4 months) you shouldn't need to apply anything after washing. There are some videos on YouTube with tips/tricks on how to keep a black car looking good.
We must be talking about wax in different terms. The wax I'm referring to is just the cheap spray wax you apply after a car wash when you are drying. Correct or no? Which wax are you speaking of to where you only have to wax once every 4 mo?
We are speaking of different products/procedures. You said it best... "The wax I'm referring to is just the cheap spray wax you apply after a car wash when you are drying". Those products are no more than a quick detailer and last no longer than the next time you wash your car. What I consider a wax job is either a paste or liquid that is applied, allowed to dry a predetermined time and then removed. The procedure to do what I call a wax job would require washing, drying the car off, if needed clay baring the car (to remove any imperfections), then applying the wax.We must be talking about wax in different terms. The wax I'm referring to is just the cheap spray wax you apply after a car wash when you are drying. Correct or no? Which wax are you speaking of to where you only have to wax once every 4 mo?
Gotcha gotcha. I think I've seen that done. The wax is applied then they use some drill brush to soak it in.We are speaking of different products/procedures. You said it best... "The wax I'm referring to is just the cheap spray wax you apply after a car wash when you are drying". Those products are no more than a quick detailer and last no longer than the next time you wash your car. What I consider a wax job is either a paste or liquid that is applied, allowed to dry a predetermined time and then removed. The procedure to do what I call a wax job would require washing, drying the car off, if needed clay baring the car (to remove any imperfections), then applying the wax.
Should I look into ceramic coating? My car is 4 months old. It looks good right now maybe with a few swirly thin lines from car washes and 1 chip in the paint. How long should you wait until you get it done? Because I'm sure if you wait too long then they have to do some sort of paint restoration then apply the ceramic coat. Unless they just ceramic coat whatever kind of condition your car is currently in.
The process I'm talking about is hands only (IE: Karate Kid.... wax on, wax off). There are processes that use orbital buffers but if you aren't familiar in how to use them you can damage the paint.Gotcha gotcha. I think I've seen that done. The wax is applied then they use some drill brush to soak it in.
Should I look into ceramic coating? My car is 4 months old. It looks good right now maybe with a few swirly thin lines from car washes and 1 chip in the paint. How long should you wait until you get it done? Because I'm sure if you wait too long then they have to do some sort of paint restoration then apply the ceramic coat. Unless they just ceramic coat whatever kind of condition your car is currently in.
Ceramic coating is a decision you have to make for yourself as I have not had that done to my vehicle and can't advise either way. What I understand about the process though even a new car fresh off the lot may still need some paint correcting (clay bar'd). There is no time limit to wait to have it done some have had it done before picking up their car or directly after picking it up. I would suggest you Google for places near you that have done the process, check with some luxury vehicle dealerships to see who they recommend, then visiting those places, talk to them in depth, watch the process they do, and what the end result of their application.
I waited about a year to get mine ceramic coated and the shop that did mine said it was the worst paint correction they had ever done. Before getting the paint correction and coating I washed my car religiously every week, either at home or at the self serve car wash and occasionally at an automatic car wash. Stop going through car washes! Use only microfiber with a 400 GSM softness or better to wash and dry your car. After I had my car ceramic coated I get compliments all the time on the shine, even when it's dirty. And now all I do is wash it with my own hand microfiber mitt (even at the self serve wash station) and then follow up with the water spot remover by Gtechniq and again a quality microfiber towel. Once a month I'll hit it with a maintenance coat of the Gtechniq ceramic spray. This is the same products that the Detail shop used on my car that's guaranteed for 5 years.Gotcha gotcha. I think I've seen that done. The wax is applied then they use some drill brush to soak it in.
Should I look into ceramic coating? My car is 4 months old. It looks good right now maybe with a few swirly thin lines from car washes and 1 chip in the paint. How long should you wait until you get it done? Because I'm sure if you wait too long then they have to do some sort of paint restoration then apply the ceramic coat. Unless they just ceramic coat whatever kind of condition your car is currently in.
Here's the site for cleaning and coatings product: Home - Gtechniq USA
Here's the site I bought my towels from: 16”x16” Heavy Cloth, Microfiber, Long-Pile, Premium 400GSM
You can use liquid wax after every car wash, as the wax adds shine and protects the car's surface from contact with harmful environmental factors such as moisture, saline solutions, dust, dirt, oil films, insects, and bird droppings. The car owner can easily see the effect of applying car wax on the car's shine, and I usually use it after washing at https://sparklewash.com/commercial-pressure-washing/ when the vehicle is immaculate. Unfortunately, car washes rarely get such an effect, so the wax after them holds up poorly. It is best to use non-aggressive detergents to keep the car's shine longer. It is best to use non-aggressive detergents to keep the brightness of the car longer.
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