[CU2] Black car, what to do?

[HunterZero]

I have to relate this one - Right after I signed on the line for my black CL9, they sent the 'paint protection' lady over to try and sell me a fancy expensive sealant coating. Notice how it's always a lady that the paint protection people use to peddle their wares? They definitely prey on the new car owner's emotional state towards their shiny new car at the time of sale to make a buck.

She held in her hands a binder with miraculous 'before' and 'after' shots... But the most hilarious thing was the binder's cover. One side was clean, the other looked brown, crusty and rusty! I laughed out loud when I saw that. First she offered a $2000 (!!) 'permanent' package, but when that was declined, she offered a $400 'paint protection' treatment, which I suspect was just some standard paint sealant.

As I sternly refused all her sales pitches, her parting shot was, "Well, don't complain when your car looks like this in 6 months time!", indicating the rusty side of her folder! Hadn't laughed so hard in ages, I think she was offended...

Oh... And my black car still looks as good as the day it rolled out of the factory, almost 2 years later.

Trouble with sealant is, if your car ever needs even minor paint repairs, you have to send it back for re-application of the 'protection' coat as well - although this is usually free. Reputable body shops will usually ask you if you have paint protection.

My wife had paint protectant on her previous red car - and you'd never know, the paint faded and oxidised just as fast, if not faster. Even after they re-did it, it faded again within 12 months. I had a 20 year old red Accord that looked better than her car.

Paint protection and sealant will reduce the clarity and brilliance of black paint, and you risk the dealer doing damage if you get them to apply it. You will still need a topcoat of wax for black to look its best and for metallic flakes to stand out, or it doesn't look as dark, and looks like it's wrapped in cling film. The less you do to black paint, the better it will look.

Best option for black is to garage it, and wash it carefully with good quality wash using a microfibre wash mitt, and dry with microfibre towels using a quick detailer spray to lubricate. Avoid using any pressure on the paint, just glide across it while washing. At the very least, you should wax it every few months when it needs it.

You can apply a sealant yourself that will last 6 months or so, eg Klasse All In One, then top it in wax. The metal flake might not look quite as clear/brilliant, but the shine will last a lot longer than wax alone. If you go this route, you will also need a paint cleaner/clay bar to prepare the paint when you reapply the sealant. It's essential that the paint is squeaky clean before you apply a sealant.

Keep a microfibre towel and quick detailer in the boot, for any bird dirt that hits it. Bird dirt can mess up your paint, protectant or not, but sealant does reduce the chance that it will burn into your paint, or might buy you some more time before it does so. Don't take the risk, get rid of it as soon as you see it.

If you don't have a garage, spare yourself the hours of cleaning and don't get black, or learn not to mind it looking grotty 90% of the time, for the 10% of the time when it looks brilliant.

- HZ