Just picked up an '08 Obsidian GS 450h - do I need to get paint protection?
10-15-08 | 07:33 PM
#1
Thread Starter
executive matchup
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,771
Likes: 11
From: BC
Just picked up an '08 Obsidian GS 450h - do I need to get paint protection?
I just picked up my 2008 Obsidian GS 450h last night. The dealer tried to sell the paint protection sealant to me, but I refused coz I know they over charge for stuff like that. My question is should I find a detailing shop to add the paint protection sealant, or is this a waste of money? 
Also, I already noticed a very fine scratch on the trunk!
I am fairly sure that it can be buffed out - what's the best way to take out very fine scratches?
What is the best way to wash and clean a black car? Thanks guys for your help!
Also, I already noticed a very fine scratch on the trunk!
I am fairly sure that it can be buffed out - what's the best way to take out very fine scratches? What is the best way to wash and clean a black car? Thanks guys for your help!
10-16-08 | 09:54 AM
#2
Going with a coating is one way to protect the vehicle, however, if you enjoy spending a few hours here and there washing and waxing, this is probably a less expensive route.. well, depending how addicted to detailing you get, lol. Some quality coatings will run multiple hundreds of dollars though, just fyi... so call around and get some references if you decide to go that route.
For a fine scratch, you get something locally at the store, like scratch x, or you can order online. I would point you in the direction of something like ssr1 or ssr2 (1 is less abrasive than 2 is) and applied via either a white or orange hand applicator depending on the severity of the scratch. ie: if the less aggressive white pad will help remove the defect, the orange pad isnt going to be necessary.
I'll be relatively brief of caring for a black vehicle. Depending how involved you want to get, there are multiple products you can consider purchasing.
The most important part of this is going to be your wash technique. Assuming you have access to a hose/driveway/garage, you'll want to consider using a 2 bucket method. One bucket is for your dirty rinse water, and the 2nd is for your clean wash water. Insert at least one grit guard into each bucket. these will help keep any dirt toward the bottom of the bucket and away from your wash mitt. For a wash mitt, I recommend using a sheepskin mitt. They hold a ton of water and release dirt very well.
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/gritguard.html
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/shwami.html
One optional wash tool is to run a water softener. This will help reduce water spotting caused by hard water. The water sheets off much easier and there is less to dry after washing as well. Plus the shampoo will have more suds too
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/gahowasoca.html
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/wasoca.html
Use a quality wash shampoo. There is a difference between soaps, and the more you use, you'll probably be able to pick up on the differences. I personally use poorboys super slick n suds. A close 2nd for me is chemical guys citrus wash n gloss. Both are fantastic though.
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/exshbure.html
An optional gadget you can think about picking up is a foam gun. This hooks up to your regular garden hose and is a great device. You pour your wash solution in the base and can foam the car down. This does a few things for you. It first lets the soap begin to work on pulling the dirt away from the surface. Second, it creates a barrier of soap between the surface and wash mitt, reducing the chance of any wash induced marring. And finally, it does help to speed up your regular washes.
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/foamgun.html
Finally, you'll want to dry w/ a quality microfiber waffle weave drying towel.
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com...-drying-t.html
That pretty covers it. Than just use a nice carnauba or polymer product to keep a nice layer of protection on there. My current favorite on black is chemical guys 5050, but nattys blue and red look awesome on black, as does Mseal, collinite 915 and 476 and clearkote carnauba moose wax.
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/cawaandgl.html
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/paandwhse.html
Hope this helps
For a fine scratch, you get something locally at the store, like scratch x, or you can order online. I would point you in the direction of something like ssr1 or ssr2 (1 is less abrasive than 2 is) and applied via either a white or orange hand applicator depending on the severity of the scratch. ie: if the less aggressive white pad will help remove the defect, the orange pad isnt going to be necessary.
I'll be relatively brief of caring for a black vehicle. Depending how involved you want to get, there are multiple products you can consider purchasing.
The most important part of this is going to be your wash technique. Assuming you have access to a hose/driveway/garage, you'll want to consider using a 2 bucket method. One bucket is for your dirty rinse water, and the 2nd is for your clean wash water. Insert at least one grit guard into each bucket. these will help keep any dirt toward the bottom of the bucket and away from your wash mitt. For a wash mitt, I recommend using a sheepskin mitt. They hold a ton of water and release dirt very well.
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/gritguard.html
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/shwami.html
One optional wash tool is to run a water softener. This will help reduce water spotting caused by hard water. The water sheets off much easier and there is less to dry after washing as well. Plus the shampoo will have more suds too
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/gahowasoca.html
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/wasoca.html
Use a quality wash shampoo. There is a difference between soaps, and the more you use, you'll probably be able to pick up on the differences. I personally use poorboys super slick n suds. A close 2nd for me is chemical guys citrus wash n gloss. Both are fantastic though.
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/exshbure.html
An optional gadget you can think about picking up is a foam gun. This hooks up to your regular garden hose and is a great device. You pour your wash solution in the base and can foam the car down. This does a few things for you. It first lets the soap begin to work on pulling the dirt away from the surface. Second, it creates a barrier of soap between the surface and wash mitt, reducing the chance of any wash induced marring. And finally, it does help to speed up your regular washes.
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/foamgun.html
Finally, you'll want to dry w/ a quality microfiber waffle weave drying towel.
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com...-drying-t.html
That pretty covers it. Than just use a nice carnauba or polymer product to keep a nice layer of protection on there. My current favorite on black is chemical guys 5050, but nattys blue and red look awesome on black, as does Mseal, collinite 915 and 476 and clearkote carnauba moose wax.
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/cawaandgl.html
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/paandwhse.html
Hope this helps
10-16-08 | 10:13 AM
#3
Driver
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
From: Washington
Congratulations on the new ride !
Have owned more black cars than I care to remember - they are absolutely the most beautiful when freshly cleaned, and not so great looking when dirty.
As Chris has said, you need to be careful how you wash it, use alot of water and soap, good cleaning mitts, etc.
Another tip - use only back and forth motions, no circular motions, as this can introduce swirl marks, scratches, in the paint that look bad in the sun or under bright lights..
How much do you care about how the car looks all the time ?? Alot ?? Kind of?? Not really alot ?? This will determine what advice you get from all fo these great people here..
If were going to get anything, I would definitely get a clear bra on the front of any car. Lexus will sell you one, for probably twice the price that you can get on your own, for the same product, so if you want to get one, look around and ask questions. I got my '08 IS350 done with ventureshield.com
and it is great ! Its thinner than other clear bra's so the line is not so noticeable. Lifetime warranty, etc...
Lifetime sealants have now really worked well for me in the past, so I quit after getting one done on a black vehicle. Have tried dozens of products, and found one that lasts longer than most out there and has good enough clarity for me, without being oily or filled with silicones, etc..
It requires a little work, but after you start doing it, you see that it is really not hard at all, just looks like it at the onset.. This product is at www.zainobros.com
Good luck with your new, beautiful 450h ! DanF
Have owned more black cars than I care to remember - they are absolutely the most beautiful when freshly cleaned, and not so great looking when dirty.
As Chris has said, you need to be careful how you wash it, use alot of water and soap, good cleaning mitts, etc.
Another tip - use only back and forth motions, no circular motions, as this can introduce swirl marks, scratches, in the paint that look bad in the sun or under bright lights..
How much do you care about how the car looks all the time ?? Alot ?? Kind of?? Not really alot ?? This will determine what advice you get from all fo these great people here..
If were going to get anything, I would definitely get a clear bra on the front of any car. Lexus will sell you one, for probably twice the price that you can get on your own, for the same product, so if you want to get one, look around and ask questions. I got my '08 IS350 done with ventureshield.com
and it is great ! Its thinner than other clear bra's so the line is not so noticeable. Lifetime warranty, etc...
Lifetime sealants have now really worked well for me in the past, so I quit after getting one done on a black vehicle. Have tried dozens of products, and found one that lasts longer than most out there and has good enough clarity for me, without being oily or filled with silicones, etc..
It requires a little work, but after you start doing it, you see that it is really not hard at all, just looks like it at the onset.. This product is at www.zainobros.com
Good luck with your new, beautiful 450h ! DanF
10-16-08 | 10:57 AM
#4
Thread Starter
executive matchup
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,771
Likes: 11
From: BC
Thx guys for all your advice. Yeah, I'm thinking I should get some sort of paint sealant done, as well as clearbra. I'm definitely gonna refer back to this thread when it's time to do detailing. Thx again!
10-26-08 | 06:32 PM
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Going with a coating is one way to protect the vehicle, however, if you enjoy spending a few hours here and there washing and waxing, this is probably a less expensive route.. well, depending how addicted to detailing you get, lol. Some quality coatings will run multiple hundreds of dollars though, just fyi... so call around and get some references if you decide to go that route.
For a fine scratch, you get something locally at the store, like scratch x, or you can order online. I would point you in the direction of something like ssr1 or ssr2 (1 is less abrasive than 2 is) and applied via either a white or orange hand applicator depending on the severity of the scratch. ie: if the less aggressive white pad will help remove the defect, the orange pad isnt going to be necessary.
I'll be relatively brief of caring for a black vehicle. Depending how involved you want to get, there are multiple products you can consider purchasing.
The most important part of this is going to be your wash technique. Assuming you have access to a hose/driveway/garage, you'll want to consider using a 2 bucket method. One bucket is for your dirty rinse water, and the 2nd is for your clean wash water. Insert at least one grit guard into each bucket. these will help keep any dirt toward the bottom of the bucket and away from your wash mitt. For a wash mitt, I recommend using a sheepskin mitt. They hold a ton of water and release dirt very well.
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/gritguard.html
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/shwami.html
One optional wash tool is to run a water softener. This will help reduce water spotting caused by hard water. The water sheets off much easier and there is less to dry after washing as well. Plus the shampoo will have more suds too
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/gahowasoca.html
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/wasoca.html
Use a quality wash shampoo. There is a difference between soaps, and the more you use, you'll probably be able to pick up on the differences. I personally use poorboys super slick n suds. A close 2nd for me is chemical guys citrus wash n gloss. Both are fantastic though.
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/exshbure.html
An optional gadget you can think about picking up is a foam gun. This hooks up to your regular garden hose and is a great device. You pour your wash solution in the base and can foam the car down. This does a few things for you. It first lets the soap begin to work on pulling the dirt away from the surface. Second, it creates a barrier of soap between the surface and wash mitt, reducing the chance of any wash induced marring. And finally, it does help to speed up your regular washes.
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/foamgun.html
Finally, you'll want to dry w/ a quality microfiber waffle weave drying towel.
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com...-drying-t.html
That pretty covers it. Than just use a nice carnauba or polymer product to keep a nice layer of protection on there. My current favorite on black is chemical guys 5050, but nattys blue and red look awesome on black, as does Mseal, collinite 915 and 476 and clearkote carnauba moose wax.
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/cawaandgl.html
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/paandwhse.html
Hope this helps
For a fine scratch, you get something locally at the store, like scratch x, or you can order online. I would point you in the direction of something like ssr1 or ssr2 (1 is less abrasive than 2 is) and applied via either a white or orange hand applicator depending on the severity of the scratch. ie: if the less aggressive white pad will help remove the defect, the orange pad isnt going to be necessary.
I'll be relatively brief of caring for a black vehicle. Depending how involved you want to get, there are multiple products you can consider purchasing.
The most important part of this is going to be your wash technique. Assuming you have access to a hose/driveway/garage, you'll want to consider using a 2 bucket method. One bucket is for your dirty rinse water, and the 2nd is for your clean wash water. Insert at least one grit guard into each bucket. these will help keep any dirt toward the bottom of the bucket and away from your wash mitt. For a wash mitt, I recommend using a sheepskin mitt. They hold a ton of water and release dirt very well.
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/gritguard.html
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/shwami.html
One optional wash tool is to run a water softener. This will help reduce water spotting caused by hard water. The water sheets off much easier and there is less to dry after washing as well. Plus the shampoo will have more suds too
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/gahowasoca.html
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/wasoca.html
Use a quality wash shampoo. There is a difference between soaps, and the more you use, you'll probably be able to pick up on the differences. I personally use poorboys super slick n suds. A close 2nd for me is chemical guys citrus wash n gloss. Both are fantastic though.
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/exshbure.html
An optional gadget you can think about picking up is a foam gun. This hooks up to your regular garden hose and is a great device. You pour your wash solution in the base and can foam the car down. This does a few things for you. It first lets the soap begin to work on pulling the dirt away from the surface. Second, it creates a barrier of soap between the surface and wash mitt, reducing the chance of any wash induced marring. And finally, it does help to speed up your regular washes.
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/foamgun.html
Finally, you'll want to dry w/ a quality microfiber waffle weave drying towel.
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com...-drying-t.html
That pretty covers it. Than just use a nice carnauba or polymer product to keep a nice layer of protection on there. My current favorite on black is chemical guys 5050, but nattys blue and red look awesome on black, as does Mseal, collinite 915 and 476 and clearkote carnauba moose wax.
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/cawaandgl.html
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/paandwhse.html
Hope this helps
10-28-08 | 07:06 PM
#6
Thread Starter
executive matchup
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,771
Likes: 11
From: BC
fawk! after only 15 days of ownership, i've got a small scratch mark on right rear passenger door! 
is there a product i can use to remove the scratches out?
btw, what kind of cloth should i get to apply waxes, tar remover polish, etc? i was told that a cotton cloth would cause swirl marks?
is there a product i can use to remove the scratches out? btw, what kind of cloth should i get to apply waxes, tar remover polish, etc? i was told that a cotton cloth would cause swirl marks?
10-28-08 | 08:14 PM
#7
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,730
Likes: 20
From: Sakon Nakhon
Microfibre is arguably the best. There is a lot of debate about brands & textures, but I'm satisfied with the brand that Costco sells as it is very similar to the towel that Meguiars supplies with their clay bar kit.
Wikipedia has a good article on this topic.
Wikipedia has a good article on this topic.
Microfiber is also widely used by car detailers to handle such tasks as removing wax, quick detailing, cleaning interior, cleaning glass, as well as drying. Due to its fine fibers which leave no lint or dust, microfiber towels are a popular choice for avid car detailers and enthusiasts. Chamois leather is also used.
Trending Topics
10-29-08 | 12:03 AM
#8
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
From: CA
I been using for over 2 years the orange premium microfiber towels from Target, great price too 12 microfiber towels for $13. I also use the grey microfiber towels from Target for drying only 4 towels for $7. These are awesome towel for a good price. I would really recommemed Poorboy Bug Squash for the front, so you wont have to put elbow grease to get the dried out bugs without cause swirlies.
10-29-08 | 07:21 AM
#9
^^2nd on bug squash. Definitely a great product. For reference, this is it: http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/bug-squash.html
But I have to say, you can get a much higher quality towel than those at wal mart/target/costco, etc. You will notice a difference immediately if you pick up a towel like an Elite, fluffer, umt or mega plush. Difference is night and day and greatly reduces any chance of scratching.
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com...er-towels.html
But I have to say, you can get a much higher quality towel than those at wal mart/target/costco, etc. You will notice a difference immediately if you pick up a towel like an Elite, fluffer, umt or mega plush. Difference is night and day and greatly reduces any chance of scratching.
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com...er-towels.html
10-30-08 | 11:32 AM
#10
Rookie
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: VA
Chris, which towels on your site do you recommend for which purposes?
^^2nd on bug squash. Definitely a great product. For reference, this is it: http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/bug-squash.html
But I have to say, you can get a much higher quality towel than those at wal mart/target/costco, etc. You will notice a difference immediately if you pick up a towel like an Elite, fluffer, umt or mega plush. Difference is night and day and greatly reduces any chance of scratching.
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com...er-towels.html
But I have to say, you can get a much higher quality towel than those at wal mart/target/costco, etc. You will notice a difference immediately if you pick up a towel like an Elite, fluffer, umt or mega plush. Difference is night and day and greatly reduces any chance of scratching.
http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com...er-towels.html
10-31-08 | 02:54 PM
#11
Driver
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
From: Washington
These guys are all right about recommending micro fiber - just make sure that whatever brand you get, you wash them SEPARATELY from everything else, and do not, do not, dry them in the dryer with heat. Also dont use any fabric softners in the wash load or in the dryer if you choose to use the
AIR temp to help dry them.
If you wash these with other cotton products they will load up with cotton particles and not work very well again. If you dry them in heat, the little microfibers will melt and not work like they used to.
I have not used a big towel, microfiber or otherwise for years; I just hook up an electric leaf blower, and blow off almost all the water off the car, including the tires, all cracks, crevices, etc., and eventually just need a small microfiber towel to get what is left.
And there is no chance of scratching the finish with towels for this step. Just dont hit the vehicle with your blower, or get some thick foam and tape over the nozzle so there is no chance of hurting the vehicle.
Believe some shop vacs can be used to run the exhaust air out to create a blower type effect too..
Good luck with this. Know that black cars will drive you crazy if you let them, just have to decide how much you care about every last tiny scratch, etc., in the paint, that almost everyone wont notice, but you.
DanF
AIR temp to help dry them.
If you wash these with other cotton products they will load up with cotton particles and not work very well again. If you dry them in heat, the little microfibers will melt and not work like they used to.
I have not used a big towel, microfiber or otherwise for years; I just hook up an electric leaf blower, and blow off almost all the water off the car, including the tires, all cracks, crevices, etc., and eventually just need a small microfiber towel to get what is left.
And there is no chance of scratching the finish with towels for this step. Just dont hit the vehicle with your blower, or get some thick foam and tape over the nozzle so there is no chance of hurting the vehicle.
Believe some shop vacs can be used to run the exhaust air out to create a blower type effect too..
Good luck with this. Know that black cars will drive you crazy if you let them, just have to decide how much you care about every last tiny scratch, etc., in the paint, that almost everyone wont notice, but you.
DanF
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