5speedZX3 said:
slvrfocus03- I dont know where you got your info but way off on waxing after a year.
As an experianced autobody painter I can tell you this. Your clearcoat does not have a mircal protection added to it. In fact all it does is make it shine and that is what your protectiong, the clearcoat. When i paint a vechicle we always recomend putting 2 coats of wax about a week after being painted. That is plenty of time for the paint to cure fully. Letting a paint job go for sooo long with out protecting will cause you alot of damage. Then washing it once a week with out that protections is even worse.
Car wash spray on wax will not help you at all, spray on quick wax will provide protection for a week mabey2 if your surface is already have a feww good coats on it. Take the time to wash, claybar your vehicle, then put on at least 2 coats of a good wax. I use the Glanz sold by www.waynestowels.com. It is probly the best stuff I have ever used. Please take the time to take car of your paint now befor it becomes a problem later on. Spending a little now is better than spending $1000 to $2500 for a new paint job later on.
If you have anymore questions about detailing or careing for paint ask it. And trust expersts like wayne and mad wax. they've been in the busness of making paint look good and last.
I agree 110%.
Clear coat "IS" paint and not a protectant or a "magic bullet"..., as a matter of fact, it is needs to be protected as any other paint would need to be protected.
Clear coat will fade, oxidize, scratch, peel, fail, etc, etc as any other paint (it is not as noticable as the thin layer is clear, but when you finally do notice it, by then, in most cases it is too late and time for a new paint job).
The "rumor" was started when it was first being used and as a "selling point" by hack painters saying "you will never have to wax your car again because I can spray it with clear coat protectant".
1- Fact, clear coat does protect the base coat and adds the shine.
2- Fact, clear coat paint has no protectant in and of itself and will not be protected unless you add the protectant on a scheduled routine basis.
3- Fact, Wax or sealants are what is called "sacrificial layers or barriers".
What this means is that in order for the natural aging and enviromental damages that occur over time to your paint (in this case- clear coat), the wax and/or sealant applied to the paint will protect the paint and will not allow rain, dust, dirt or other contaminants to actually touch your paint.
4- Fact, The sun and it's powerfull UV rays can and will harm your paint by premature aging and fading. Protecting your paint with a "Quality product" that contains UV inhibitors will significantly slow down the aging and fading process, again, acting as a "sacrificial barrier" and not allowing the damage to occur as fast..., kind of like using a SPF sunscreen at the beach. It will not stop all the suns rays, but the first day on the beach with no tan, in the sun all day without protection vs. with protection, there is a "Significant" difference.
Now, imagine your car, all day, every day and no protection vs the added protection only you can provide.
Hope this helps