Black =

I swear by the Turtle wax black car kit...

I dust the car with a medium microfiber towel, but im going to try the duster idea...

I also put a cover on the car at night, and at work almost every day.

Obsessive...? Probably.
Worth it? I think so.

 

I love black cars. When I went looking for a 928, that's the color I wanted, period. I don't regret it at all. It's not perfect what so ever, but it still looks awesome when clean. Since it's not driven daily keeping it clean is easy. I really enjoy trying anything to make it nice.

My wife's DD is also black. Now that's a challenge to keep nice. After 3 years of trying, I've resigned myself to fact that it's not going to be perfect either. It still looks damn good clean too!

 

Fixed it fer 'ya...

j/k... I modify all my cars too!

 

Larry (Morganabowen here on RL) came by yesterday with his black 996 (replaced his red '91 S4). I was reminded of a few things as we yacked. I wash my Cali Duster regularly, and treat it again with a healthy dose of Endust. Let it dry and it goes back into very regular service. My black car is addicted to Adams Detail Spray. I buy it by the gallon. (~~$40) A light misting with that and a careful wipe with a couple microfiber towels immediately brings back that freshly-waxed look. Great after a wash too, even though washes are always done with double-softened water. I do a full clean-and-wax maybe once a year. Today might be the day, pre extended covered hibernation.

 

I like the turtle wax black car kit as well. One thing I have not done yet is use a clay bar? Is that a good idea for single stage paint?

 

If I bought another 928,it would have to be black again.
http://www.detailsupplyoutlet.com/item.htm?item_num=196
Been using the "Yellow Wax" carnauba with no abrasives on the 928 for last 18 years.

 

I am at the Simoniz shop at least twice per week in the summer, sometimes as many as four times per week

 

Clay isn't particular about what paint is on the other side of the lubricating film. Used correctly, you "float" it on a thick film of Dawn dishwashing detergent foam, gliding it with just light fingertip pressure as you skim across the not-vertical painted surfaces. It takes off stuff that sticks up from the paint surface. When used as I described, the clay never actually touches the paint. And with all this in mind, you only need to clay when there's something standing proud of the paint surface, like paint overspray. It shouldn't be used to try and remove stains or scratches; those are the domain of the chemicals, abrasives (paint cleaners and polishes) and glazes.

When you buy a clay bar, you'll often get a tiny bottle of instant detailer or similar to use as a film lubricant. It's expensive to buy the bigger bottle that's "needed" for the rest of the car. Meanwhile, the Dawn is relatively pH-netral on the paint, and helps emulsify other junk on the paint surface, taking you one step closer to polish, glaze, and finish waxing. I just do the clay as part of the initial washing process. Takes just a few extra minutes while washing.

 

I had always heard from my body guys to never use any dish washing soap on paint, is Dawn special?
Or was that info about dish washing soap not correct that I had always heard?

 

Dawn cuts grease and removes most common waxes. Gentle enough for grandma's delicate paws. It also leaches oils from new paint unevenly. I put a teaspoon in a few gallons of water for this. Enough to strip the wax and glaze, lubricate the clay, and enough water softening to get most spots off. I followed it today with a machine (DA) glaze and sealant. Four hours all in, including cleanup and garage restoration. The car is all black again.

 

I think the main issue with dishwashing soap or detergent is that it will strip the wax off the paint. They should definitely be avoided if you're not planning on waxing afterward.

As far as whether or not they're harmful to the paint (other than stripping the wax), I would think they're OK as long as they're close to pH-neutral.

 

Remember the old Dawn TV commercials with the sink full of oily water... one drop in the center of the water and all the floating oil ran towards the sides of the sink... thats a herding agent at work. Dawn (in industrial sized barrels) is used by Emergency Responders to assist in oil spill clean up because it does two things very well... Dispersing & Herding oil... It breaks up the oil into extremely small droplets so it gets suspended in the water (dispersant) and it breaks the water tension with the oil so it can be pushed/piled up (hearding agent) for easier collection. It probably does the same thing to any oils, oil based products, waxes, etc, in or on the paint... This is why its one of the better dishwashing liquids - it rinses the oil off and keeps it off of the dishes. I'd steer clear of any dishwashing liquid unless you want to remove the old wax or plan on doing some minor paint work (like Dr. Color Chip) cause you'd want access to the bare paint/metal prior to applying, etc... Rewax the car as soon as possible...

 

Joel--

Are you by chance with that big soap-food-detergent-etc company that has those two stainless domes on their hq building in Cinci'?

 

Classic Porsche re: colors

 

Dr Bob,

LOL!!! Noooooo.... Although, I know the company your talking about and they know me. Frankly, not sure if they make Dawn or not, but it is very good at what it does. I used to be a Coast Guard Officer - hence the oil spill & HazMat info and I'm still involved with HazMat transportation. Actually learned something in 23 years of service - go figure - retired almost 10 years ago