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I'm biased, but I don't think there is a better looking car on the road than a properly detailed, shiny black, glossy finish. My 14' GS 350 F-Sport Obsidian Black, the paint could use some work but I need some advice on products. I have a 6" Griots Garage random orbital that I have used in the past but since I bought this car (June 18') I've been afraid to touch the paint with it since it is black. Not sure my techniques are proper to begin with, everyone seems to have there own way of doing things Would love to spend a weekend detailing this thing, but would like some input on products to use, experience with detailing black cars, etc. The paint isn't terrible by any means but for any one that has owned a black car you know what I'm talking about when the sun hits it after a few years and it looks like somebody just dropped some spider webs on your car. Chemical Guys foam cannon, 2-stage bucket wash with dirt catchers in the bottom is my typical wash process with microfiber mitt in between. I'm just looking for some advice on products that folks have used successfully on black cars (specifically Obsidian Black) to get the swirls out and such. Willing to spend some dough but I am a firm believer that nobody but yourself will take better care of your car than you, hence the DIY. Thanks!
Edit: I'm not looking to re-invent the wheel here, so if anyone has suggestions on youtube channels, videos, to check out for tips, techniques, etc. I'm all for it
Last edited by maclem8223; 10-13-19 at 03:22 PM.
Reason: Typos
Car Craft Auto Detailing on the Tube is my go to. Australian chap who has clear concise How to's on getting your paint to look its best. You will have to spend an extended amount of time to get your black paint restored. Slow passes with my orbital in multiple directions is my method to maintain my black cars.
If you’re familiar with using a DA polisher, you shouldn’t have any issues doing a paint correction on your black vehicle.
Start off using a 1-step polish and do a small test section on your vehicle. From there, you can see if you need to go more aggressive with a cutting compound. But for the most part, a 1-step polish should take out a majority of the swirls.
Obsidian black is the absolute worst. I will never buy another obsidian black lexus. The paint is super soft. My advice is to touch the paint as little as possible to reduce the swirls. My paint corrector who corrected the car when I first got it calls the color "obscene black"
I have done another correction this past year and have mainly used a one step polish process to reduce time with M205.
Light swirl marks do not bother me as much especially now I know the amount of time it takes to remove them which is also removing the protective clear coat.
You will learn a lot researching through several auto detailing forums so find as many sources as possible, purchase products/tools, and most importantly do small test yourself to determine what works best for you and your specific vehicle.
Start with least aggressive cut method such as a light polish with a soft foam pad so that you get comfortable correcting your paint.
10-13-19, 03:16 PM
Obisidian Black Newb Detailing Advice
Would love to spend a weekend detailing this thing, but would like some input on products to use, experience with detailing black cars, etc. The paint isn't terrible by any means but for any one that has owned a black car you know what I'm talking about when the sun hits it after a few years and it looks like somebody just dropped some spider webs on your car. Chemical Guys foam cannon, 2-stage bucket wash with dirt catchers in the bottom is my typical wash process with microfiber mitt in between. I'm just looking for some advice on products that folks have used successfully on black cars (specifically Obsidian Black) to get the swirls out and such. Willing to spend some dough but I am a firm believer that nobody but yourself will take better care of your car than you, hence the DIY. Thanks!
