Dmaxdmax

Dmaxdmax

3nergiz3d

Definitely do PPF. Front Bumper, Full hood with wrapped edges, Mirrors, Rocker Panels (Optional). Also look in to Ceramic Coatings to make your wash life easier.

Dmaxdmax

97-SC300

iTrader: (17)

Also keep in mind a full car PPF install will run you $5k-10k or more depending on the car or your location.

And you still have to maintain PPF even more so than paint. If you're lazy with washing bugs off and bird sht, it will etch the film and there is nothing you can do to fix it aside from complete replacement whereas with paint, most bug etchings can be buffed out easily.

jfelbab

If the idea of regular detailing your ride doesn't fit your lifestyle, you could take the vehicle to a highly rated local detailer and let them apply a coating rather than a wax or sealant. Repeat every few years or whenever you think you don't like the appearance. For the interior, I'd suggest a deep cleaning every 3-6 months and an application of a fluorocarbon protectant. I'd use a product with some uv protection on the dash and vinyl. Something like Meguiar's Quik Interior Detailer will clean and leave uv protection and this is effective. Takes only 20-30 minutes to do the whole interior, dash, seats, doors, all hard surfaces. Maybe do the interior every few weeks.

joedaddy1

iTrader: (1)

if you are not going to start washing by hand..

Just do a wash and wax at a shop 2 or 3 times a year ($50 each-$75 each)
Touchless car wash when your car gets dirty.. especially within ($10)
A "fuller" detail once a year (or two) ($150-$200)

Dmaxdmax

Dmaxdmax

jfelbab

A1 - Yes it is, but not as thick or durable as urethane paint. It is thicker than a wax or sealant and thinner than a clear coat. Typically most users are getting 2-3 years from a coating, some longer. If you use a coating, you can freely use a touchless wash and not have any swirls from washing and drying your black car. The detergents used in the touches wash can degrade wax and sealants but not a coating. Preferably try to find a Touchless wash that doesn't recycle the wash water.

A2 - I personally use Leather Master Strong Leather Cleaner diluted 50/50 with hot water for my quarterly deep cleaning. I apply Leather Master Protection Cream after this quarterly deep cleaning. On a weekly basis I use Meguiar's Quik Interior Detailer on everything in the inside outside of cloth and carpet. I use this on the dash, leather, vinyl, as well as the gauges and Nav screen.

A3 - Yes, one product works an all the hard surfaces as well as the leather. It adds zero gloss. It is a light cleaner with UV protection.

These products that I use are also made by many other manufacturers. I chose to use Meguiar's because they have been in business for over 110 years, stand behind their products and sell these products in detailer size for those who do a lot of vehicles. They also make a myriad of detailing products so I can just shop for everything I need from one source.

Meguiar's products I use on a regular basis.
Meguiar's D14901 Quik Interior Detailer (1 gallon)
Meguiar's D15501 Last Touch (1 gallon) This is a Quik Detailer for your paint to remove fingerprints, light dust, bird droppings and fresh tree sap.
Meguiar's D15601 (1 gallon) Synthetic X-Press Quik Spray Wax. Adds gloss and slickness after regular washing. Will remove water spots.

If you are into detailing, purchasing these products in gallon sizes yields huge savings.
Otherwise, these are the consumer line equivalents in smaller volumes and are available in most auto supply stores as well as Walmart, Target, etc.

D149 is available in their consumer line and is just called Quik Interior Detailer.
D155 a similar product in their consumer line is Ultimate Quik Detailer.
D156 is available in their consumer line and is called Ultimate Quick Spray Wax.

If I were to ever buy a black car again, (I won't, LOL) I'd be using these products on a weekly basis to keep the vehicle looking showroom fresh. In fact, I use these products on my vehicles almost daily.

Tip: If you plan on going with these types of products, be sure to purchase lots of high quality microfiber towels and only use them when they are impecably clean. Use these towel freely so as not to drag dust or dirt over the paint. Anything that touches your paint (black paint in particular) may cause swirl marks. Easier to prevent swirls than to remove them.

One word of caution, detailing can be addictive. Once bitten by this bug, you are infected for life and there is no known cure, LOL. I'm older than dirt and have been detailing since 1956. I still love detailing and can't stand to drive or ride in a dirty car.

Dmaxdmax

Thank you!!

I really wish the interior came in a color that wasn’t black nor very light. I love the way the light leathers look but I’ve read too many stories about blue jean dye transfer. On the other hand, black will show every speck of dust. Poor me, I’ll have trouble keeping my Lexus looking pristine - talk about your first world problem!