What Honda Australia says about Paint protection to new Honda

[Phased]

Once, I washed my Euro after 1.5 years of driving to work and back. The car was FILTHY. However, after washing, the paint was still shiny because of the #21 sealant. In comparison, my commodore was waxed with paste wax and just after 6 months, the paint feels very dry and flakey. If you wash the car, clay and then apply a good sealant, it can last over a year if you don't wash or rub the paint with your hands or bum. The $40 bottle + effort is actually doing the same thing as the $900 paint protection (which also lasts only about 2 years)

For once, I actually disagree with you aaronng! No paint sealant will last 2 years with even semi-regular washing and exposure to the elements. SOME of these dealer "paint protection" products used to actually be 2-part Sealants (One Part Resin Sealant/Polish and Second part Chemical Binder and Hardener). Which will last twice as long as a good quality resin. (approx 6 months with regular washing). These are VERY rare now-a-days and usually synthetic resin polishes and wax (carnauba) are used.

The condition of your paint is effected to a greater amount by your washing techniques, environmental exposure and polishing/detail techniques. If you get the very best paint protection then go in to a self-serve car wash and use a brush... The entire process would be useless and your paint will be damaged.

Look at it logically... Urethane Clear coat is mixed with a base and a chemical hardener it is then sprayed (atomized) and then is left to dry/harden and bond to the surface. NOTHING short of ANOTHER clear coat will give you that same protection. I use synthetic sealants, they do work. However, they ARE NOT a Kevlar Shield for your car and your paint job will only be as durable as the paint itself.

Do not think for one minute that this paint protection is going to last. I have seen these "OEM" and Ming products first hand and within 6 months of washing twice a month if lucky, water no longer beads, swirls are evident and (minor) oxidization/acid has effected the paints surface...

My Detailing Process:
- Detail Wash
- Clay Bar
- Swirl Remover (PoorBoy's SSR 1/2.5 depending on paint condition)
- Clean over with an evaporative cleaner (I use glass cleaner, as it removes any oils and contaminates and leaves nothing on the surface)
- Sealant (PoorBoy's EX-P, One coat of sealant, Set in the shade over 20degrees for an hour and rub off, If I really want to extend the longevity of the sealant I will let this sealant cure for 24-48 hours, in the sun if possible, then wash if necessary and apply another coat. Good Quality Resin Polishes will have the ability to bond to prior coats)
- Optional: Carauba Wax... Not recommended for Protection however a good quality Carnauba wax will give an outsanding shine and depth to the paint. Particularly for darker colours.

This process Helps Reduces effect of bird droppings and the elements, Gives a nice deep shine and protects the paint from water marks, stains etc for about 2-3 months. After this the paint returns to it's usual state where it is still shiny however it gets effected by the elements easier and to a greater extent. Keep in mind that I wash my car every week.

I Recommend PoorBoy's however there are several other brands that offer great protection. I just think PoorBoy's ease of use, durability and value for money put's it ahead of the rest. Anything from Swissvax, Zaino, PoorBoy's, P21S etc. will be good. Meguire's products are good, however not as good as the majority of the competition... Particularly at their price point. I think Meguires Polishes are overpriced for their quality. However, that is just what my experience has shown me. Ensure whatever product you use, it is silicone free; silicone can reduce UV resistance and although can add some depth/shine it reduces longevity and protection.

ALWAYS HAND WASH, with a clean, good quality microfibre wash mitt. Use a PH Balanced Soap that does not effect sealants/polishes. Pre soak car and use a clean bucket with clean water and change mitt's/buckets for washing wheels, wheel arches, engine bay's etc.