It is very dusty in AZ but I still see black cars driving around that are actually clean! How do you guys do it? It can't be a simple wash because my old blazer was duaty literally by the time I drove home from the car wash 5 miles away...

Trying to decide between black or white GT...

If there's a secret to keeping black cars clean I would like to know it as well. I just wash mine twice a week :)

After 2 black performance type cars (Stratus R/T, and a Focus SVT) I learned my lesson and went with the Orange. Black is awesome when it's clean, but dam hard to keep that way.

G8 is my first black car and it will be my last. Black is a PITA to keep clean, not to mention how any imperfection in the clear coat / paint sticks out like a sore thumb.

Don't get me wrong - I love the look. That Panther Black Pops when it's clean, but it's damn near impossible to keep it that way unless you never drive it and keep it in a garage that has positive air pressure. But what would be the point of owning it, if you were stuck doing that? :wink2:

Yeah I agree, theres really no secret to keepung black cars in general clean. My suggestion is to get a monthly pass to a full service car wash and go as many times as you want :).

So far for me, getting a good wash and a coat of wax on it and then every couple of days, hit it with a California brush.

I use Jax Wax swirl remover, it's great on the panther black.

The brush does a great job of getting the road dust off and it only take a couple minutes to go over the whole car.

It is very dusty in AZ but I still see black cars driving around that are actually clean! How do you guys do it? It can't be a simple wash because my old blazer was duaty literally by the time I drove home from the car wash 5 miles away...

Trying to decide between black or white GT...

Will,
Black looks beautiful when clean but shows road wear quickly. The keep is to get the vehicle perfect then maintain. Since dust is the issue - wiping down or using a California Duster is out of the question. What you'll want to do is wash often to remove the dust then apply our Brilliant Spray Glaze to help prevent dust from settling on your wax and clear coat.

Since I suggest you wash often you'll want to use a pH neutral soap, like our Car Wash Soap. This will prevent you from stripping wax off each time you wash (you'll want to avoid liquid Dawn.)

Dry with microfiber and swirls won't appear after you are done!

Will,
Black looks beautiful when clean but shows road wear quickly. The keep is to get the vehicle perfect then maintain. Since dust is the issue - wiping down or using a California Duster is out of the question. What you'll want to do is wash often to remove the dust then apply our Brilliant Spray Glaze to help prevent dust from settling on your wax and clear coat.

Since I suggest you wash often you'll want to use a pH neutral soap, like our Car Wash Soap. This will prevent you from stripping wax off each time you wash (you'll want to avoid liquid Dawn.)

Dry with microfiber and swirls won't appear after you are done!

I was going to ask about the California Duster. I understand that if there is a significant amount of dust/dirt on the car, it deserves a bath. But, if the car just has a light layer of dust, is the California Duster not safe?

Very common question. The California Duster works GREAT the first time out of the package. I have 3 in my garage, but they have not been used in years once I got into the automotive industry and began looking at paint in whole new ways.

The California Duster, in theory, is meant to absorb and contain the dust it lifts off the vehicle thanks to it's paraffin wax. This means that the second time you use it you are dragging that dust across your vehicle. It's like taking a bath - you are cleaning yourself with the same water you just left dirt in.

I've also tried the trick where you wrap it in newspaper to absorb the excess wax and even tried the "hover" trick. In any case, the CA Duster, by design, drags dirt.

I should be asking this on the Adam's Forum, but since we are on the subject, does the Spray Glaze leave a slicker surface than the Detail Spray to help keep dust from settling?

It says the Detail Spray can be used as a waterless carwash. Aren't you dragging dust across the car by doing this?

I should be asking this on the Adam's Forum, but since we are on the subject, does the Spray Glaze leave a slicker surface than the Detail Spray to help keep dust from settling?

It says the Detail Spray can be used as a waterless carwash. Aren't you dragging dust across the car by doing this?

Ask away on here or on AF!

Our Brilliant Spray Glaze is a top coat for wax that does repel dust and debris better. On black it's also a "filler" that helps mask small fine swirl marks.

Detail Spray does make an effective waterless wash since it's polymer base actually lifts dust off the vehicle surface so it can be safely wiped away (using microfiber of course). The difference between this and the California Duster is you are not dragging dirt across the vehicle with Detail Spray, you are wiping off the Detail Spray which has lifted the dirt up and off. Of course if you've just driven through a sand storm and you can actually blow dust off your clear coat it needs to be washed.

CALI duster is a huge no no no!!!

After the year 2000 paint got much softer and we already know our clear is soft as it is comparatively.

These factors will help keep it in the best possible shape though:

-water spot free water. Reverse osmosis water is all that should touch your car. This minimizes the amount of touch on your paint. Water feeds tho\rough a resin that removes all the crap basically.
-a good electric blower will help remove all water after you wash your car without you having to touch that paint.
-synthetic chamois is the best and softest drying towel.
-only microfibers should be used for all else.

I pro correct paint for a living and will take as long as 20+ hours to correct a black car. This can be reversed with a few bad washes.

Like adam's said, a good neutral soap is key. NO DAWN. This will take off most protectants.

I am working with a company that offer lifetime warranties on their sealer/coating and this is the best way to keep a car spider and swirl free. Dirt falls off and by lowering the surface friction less contams can attach to the paint.

Quick pointer:
Swirl marks are MACHINE induced micro marring rotary polisher trails.
The most common mistake is confusing these with SPIDER WEBBS. Which are the circular scratches caused by bad car washing.

Any hand movement on paint should be linear!! NOT CIRCULAR!!

The 2 bucket method (with buckets that have inserts) is the best way to avoid getting any dirt particles in your mits.

i will post some black cars up when I get some time.

Very common question. The California Duster works GREAT the first time out of the package. I have 3 in my garage, but they have not been used in years once I got into the automotive industry and began looking at paint in whole new ways.

The California Duster, in theory, is meant to absorb and contain the dust it lifts off the vehicle thanks to it's paraffin wax. This means that the second time you use it you are dragging that dust across your vehicle. It's like taking a bath - you are cleaning yourself with the same water you just left dirt in.

I've also tried the trick where you wrap it in newspaper to absorb the excess wax and even tried the "hover" trick. In any case, the CA Duster, by design, drags dirt.

The best dusters for light dust only, are the super fine skunks tale dusters that you can magnetically charge with silk. Rub it under your arm and it should create a charge, thus when you hover the duster over the paint the loose dust jumps onto the duster!

Still, why not just blow with an electric blower?

Also be careful of fillers. Polymer is a very loose term and basically means many broken down silicons or resins which doesnt really mean anything. POlymer has more to do with the synthetic compounds formulation.
Filling fine hairlines does not do any other than that!! FILL!
It is really hard to do but they can be removed completely.

I suggest something like 2+ coats of Pinnacle Souveran for a great carnauba after correction but there are very few people that I know that can correct to perfection. Its taken me years to perfect my method and its still changing. Every car is different.

Still, why not just blow with an electric blower?



Are you saying to use the blower on a dry car to blow off the dust? Or are you saying to just do a quick rinse and blow off?

Are you saying to use the blower on a dry car to blow off the dust? Or are you saying to just do a quick rinse and blow off? ....dry. It's a fast and easy way to help remove surface dust without the risk of inducing scratches in the finish. Personally, I use an air compressor set at about 120 psi but a leaf blower would work just as well. My '03 WRX is the 3rd black car I've owned and will not likely be the last. Yes, it does take some effort to keep clean but I feel it's worth it.

My car is mostly garaged these days so I am usually able to extend my cleaning sessions to every other weekend and full details about every 6 months (my DD/'08 Forester is usually done weekly). For washing the paint I use the "two bucket" method (with the Grit Guard), in-line sediment & soft water filters, a good quality lambswool mitt & a good quality car wash soap (with good lubricity). Drying (for me) starts with the final rinse. I start by removing the nozzle from the hose and turning down the water pressure to a slow, steady stream. I then run the stream of water over the panels of the car (from top to bottom). I find this helps the water to sheet off of the car so I have less to mop up. I take care of the remaining moisture with a good quality MF waffle-weave drying towel. ....and an air compressor to coax water from the nooks and crannies.

Subarus suffer from the same soft paint as others do. The good news is that I have found the finish easier to correct. The bad news is that it is more sensitive to marring. However, (for a DIY'er) I find that I am still able to maintain a decent, relatively blemish-free finish year around.

I have bought an electric leaf blower, but have not used it yet. I bought it remove the majority of the water and get water out of the locations that hold water. I will now look into using it to help with dusting. I'm sure the neighbors will think I'm a freak!

This is my last black car.

When its clean it looks good, but once I actually drive somewhere its back dirty again..

I had the CA Duster but started to notice little scratches after using it multiple times. For anyone that lives in the Northeast, that Spring pollen is a bear when it comes to black cars!!

....dry. It's a fast and easy way to help remove surface dust without the risk of inducing scratches in the finish. Personally, I use an air compressor set at about 120 psi but a leaf blower would work just as well. My '03 WRX is the 3rd black car I've owned and will not likely be the last. Yes, it does take some effort to keep clean but I feel it's worth it.

My car is mostly garaged these days so I am usually able to extend my cleaning sessions to every other weekend and full details about every 6 months (my DD/'08 Forester is usually done weekly). For washing the paint I use the "two bucket" method (with the Grit Guard), in-line sediment & soft water filters, a good quality lambswool mitt & a good quality car wash soap (with good lubricity). Drying (for me) starts with the final rinse. I start by removing the nozzle from the hose and turning down the water pressure to a slow, steady stream. I then run the stream of water over the panels of the car (from top to bottom). I find this helps the water to sheet off of the car so I have less to mop up. I take care of the remaining moisture with a good quality MF waffle-weave drying towel. ....and an air compressor to coax water from the nooks and crannies.

Subarus suffer from the same soft paint as others do. The good news is that I have found the finish easier to correct. The bad news is that it is more sensitive to marring. However, (for a DIY'er) I find that I am still able to maintain a decent, relatively blemish-free finish year around.

electric blower is good for blowing dust off as well as water from panels seems and door jams, lights etc..

Compressor works but be ware: COMPRESSORS HAVE OIL IN THE AIR SO YOU ARE BLOWING OIL INTO THE SEEMS. I have seen what looks like oxidization in the seems on a compressor blown car.

Word on soaps: Tropicare and Zymol soaps are examples of formulas that are hydrophobic! They promote the water to sheet off kind of like pushing and rolling.

If you notice water on your car after a really good carnauba like Vintage glaze from Zymol, the water does not just bead but it will actually bead and roll off. Thats what Hydrophobia is.

park it in the garage, put car cover on, and never drive it. only way to keep black cars clean. enjoy lol

electric blower is good for blowing dust off as well as water from panels seems and door jams, lights etc..
Compressor works but be ware: COMPRESSORS HAVE OIL IN THE AIR SO YOU ARE BLOWING OIL INTO THE SEEMS. I have seen what looks like oxidization in the seems on a compressor blown car. ....I run an in-line filter so this is non-issue for me. ....but good point for those who may not realize this.

If you notice water on your car after a really good carnauba like Vintage glaze from Zymol, the water does not just bead but it will actually bead and roll off. Thats what Hydrophobia is. ....at about $2k a jar, I'll wager few have seen this wax in action. ;) ....I get the visual you were after though.

^^ Yeah its amazing stuff. 2 coats and you cant believe your eyes, but the prep is most important. Ill take as long as 20 hours correcting before Vintage even touches the paint.

But Pinnacle Souveran has a similar effect for far less money. Thats a great wax!

It's hard to beat the look of a freshly waxed and clean black vehicle...however if it is to actually be driven on roads :banghead:. I'll never own another black vehicle.

This is my 6th (or 7th, can't remember) black vehicle. You can't beat the color when clean, I have learned to cope during the other times....

I went with White Hot on the G8 GT, but my wife had a sinister looking Volvo S80 in black recently. And I (of course) was responsible for keeping it looking good. I found that Zaino Polish/Wax with swirl remover every 3-4 months and daily use of a California Duster kept it looking it's best w/the least amount of work. I think a well broken-in California Duster is probably the greatest thing to happen to owners of dark cars, ever!

BTW, given a fair amount of dedication to appearance, I think black is the best looking color on almost any car. Especially big sedans!

Pics,

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30961129@N02/

If there's a secret to keeping black cars clean I would like to know it as well. I just wash mine twice a week :)

Washing the car twice a week takes lots of time. I wish I had that much time!

I want a nice, clean car; but I also don't want to be a slave to my car. It's a balancing act.

This is my second black car and will buy another again some day. I agree with the fact that it is hard to keep it clean, but with the chrome/black combination it looks incredible after I wash it. If I can keep it out of the rain it looks good for about a week. The dealership I bought it from offers me free car washes for the length of time I own the car, but I usually wash it myself.

Geez I have only had my 08' Panther Black GT for about a month and it already has the circular swirl marks in the paint when the sun is reflecting off of it. What is causing this and how can you get rid of it to a mirror finish?

Geez I have only had my 08' Panther Black GT for about a month and it already has the circular swirl marks in the paint when the sun is reflecting off of it. What is causing this and how can you get rid of it to a mirror finish?

I had the same thing, thanks to my dealer. Took it back to have them correct it, they polished it, but barely eliminated any of the damage. I took it to a professional to polish it. I am now in the process of buying all the necessary detail products and going to learn to do the stuff myself. A black car cleanly polished and detailed looks great. Since I have another daily driver, the G8 only gets driven in fair weather, so it shouldn't be too hard to maintain.

I think you have your dealer to thank for the swirls. Who knows how long it sat on the lot with them washing it with improper technique.

I didn't want to fight with the dealer to re-polish it or take care of the bill from the detail shop.

Geez I have only had my 08' Panther Black GT for about a month and it already has the circular swirl marks in the paint when the sun is reflecting off of it. What is causing this and how can you get rid of it to a mirror finish? ....the typical neanderthrals who "detail" cars at dealerships have little time and/or little knowledge of how to properly maintain the finish on the vehicles under their care. Put a buffer in the hands of one of these apes and things can get even worse (holograms, etc.). ....in other words, I would suggest seeking a professional detailer in your area or learning to do it yourself vs. taking back to the dealer for correction. Check out the following link for various, well written detailing articles:

http://articles.autopia.org/topics/17-car-detailing-stepbystep-1.html

^^^^
I have actually taught a lot of guys how to do some minor correction work to their cars just from these forums. Its funny when you have a dark colour you notice these things and that starts the never ending process.

I suggest a kit from someone like Tropicare. You can get a DA (dual action) PC or UDM polisher that can be used to remove minor hairlines and paint defects. A DA is a safe buffer and although is tricky to use after some practice you can see great results.

Bottom line once you have it perfect you need some basic systems in line to maintain.
-spot free water minimizes the amount you touch the paint therefore reducing spider webbing.
-elec blowers mean you can blow dry the car. again less touch
-synthetic chamois is essential.
- microfibers towels are the only towels that should touch paint. and there are a lot out there. find a good brand.
-a long lasting sealer or a great carnauba (can last for 3-6 months with enough of it and good care) will prevent dirt and grime from sticking.
-cant beat a good pressure washer.

I have lots of resources if anyone is interested pm me.

here are a few pics of some black cars ive done.

this is a before of a Merc I did that was so baddly polished. You can see horrific micro marring, halogens, rotary trails, and spiders webbing
http://www.g8board.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2204&d=1225570817
after about 14 hours of correction and 3 LSP's

http://www.g8board.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2205&d=1225570827

one of my favorite pics of the same car.
http://www.g8board.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2206&d=1225570837

here is a beemer that was so bad I wetsanded with 1500-3000 grit. followed with lots of polishing and lifetime permanent coating. This pic is after sanding and polishing only.
http://www.g8board.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2207&d=1225570857

and lastly, a mazerati I did. I love this pic! Again I had about 10 hours into this paint.
http://www.g8board.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2208&d=1225570889

Our 02 maxima is black and i said that i would never own another black car,and then what did i do but buy a panther black gt.It came home with swirl marks from the dealer so i bought the jaxwax swirl remover and while it helped i still can see some swirls,so in the meantime im trying to find a professional detailer who can fix my damage.

Our 02 maxima is black and i said that i would never own another black car,and then what did i do but buy a panther black gt.It came home with swirl marks from the dealer so i bought the jaxwax swirl remover and while it helped i still can see some swirls,so in the meantime im trying to find a professional detailer who can fix my damage.

where do you live?

For all u guys who bought the black g8gt's...the only way to keep em clean is to never drive em....go for the metallic gray guys...much classier and sexier car and easier to keep clean...

For all u guys who bought the black g8gt's...the only way to keep em clean is to never drive em....go for the metallic gray guys...much classier and sexier car and easier to keep clean...

sorry mate... nothing beats black

sorry mate... nothing beats black


x2

Black is the only way to go!:wink2:

Honestly I said I will never own a black car but I just saw a black G8 GT sitting in the showroom this afternoon and it would be hard for me not to get a black G8. It also wont be a DD which helps but damn I cant get out of my head how good it looked.

Once you go black you dont go back :driving:

sorry mate... nothing beats black

x2

Black is the only way to go!:wink2:

Once you go black you dont go back :driving:


Agreed! My cali duster went away! :) I am using a lot of Adams stuff and it seems pretty dang good! Especially their M/F towels! :)

where do you live?
GA.

GA.

long drive...

lol, i hear you,Btw i found a detailer close to home and after 8 hours my car looks good now,i guess ill put him on payroll to keep it looking good.

In a year or so when u guys start to see all the surface scratches...you'll be singing a different tune for sure....metallic gray is pimp...and...not a colour u will see on a G8...why would ya wanna have the same thing as someone else...u gotta be unique guys.

In a year or so when u guys start to see all the surface scratches...you'll be singing a different tune for sure....metallic gray is pimp...and...not a colour u will see on a G8...why would ya wanna have the same thing as someone else...u gotta be unique guys.

not sure if you saw those pics on previous page but I have this car so I can show that I CAN keep it scratch free for as long as I own it.

bottom line every car has the hairline spider webbing, they just show up that much more in Black. In my POV black tells me how well im doing my job that much easier than other colours.

In a year or so when u guys start to see all the surface scratches...you'll be singing a different tune for sure.... ....rubbish.

I may have mentioned this before, but my current vehicle is my 3rd (and not likely my last) black car in my past 24 years of ownership. Here are a couple shots of an '03 that I've owned sinced Oct '02. ......6 years later and still singing the same tune (fo' shure yo):
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z174/Kean_1/IMG_0051Medium.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z174/Kean_1/IMG_0055Medium.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z174/Kean_1/IMG_0049Medium.jpg
With the proper tools, products and techniques, you can keep any car looking great (and swirl free) for many years.

I'm about ready to trade mine! I'm so fed up with trying to keep this black car looking decent. I washed/dried/waxed it this weekend and damn if the landscapers didn't just blow mud/dust all over it again and I seen a couple of new scuff marks that weren't there this weekend. That's another thing, this is the thinnest/softest damn paint I've ever seen on a car. I went to wipe some dust off the door with the sleeve on my shirt and the button left a scratch.WFT?

How do you show photo's in body of post ?

I'm about ready to trade mine! I'm so fed up with trying to keep this black car looking decent. I washed/dried/waxed it this weekend and damn if the landscapers didn't just blow mud/dust all over it again and I seen a couple of new scuff marks that weren't there this weekend. That's another thing, this is the thinnest/softest damn paint I've ever seen on a car. I went to wipe some dust off the door with the sleeve on my shirt and the button left a scratch.WFT?

How do you show photo's in body of post ? ...keep trying to wipe dirt/dust off that way and it's a sure way to create blemishes in the finish. I use compressed air to blow the dust from the surface and/or a good quality quick detailer with good quality microfiber towels. Check out the following articles in the below link for some tips (the table of contents is to the right of that page):

http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-detailing/

As for pics, I beleive you need to encapsulate the link of the picture with ["img"] ["/img"] (without the quotes).

Nice looking polish work there Ausstar!!! only thing about the black i HATE is the swirling on the paint!!! i wash my car once a week and it stays clean, for the most part, but still havent figured out how to not get the swirls when drying the PBM...and how to really get rid of them for that matter

Nice looking polish work there Ausstar!!! only thing about the black i HATE is the swirling on the paint!!! i wash my car once a week and it stays clean, for the most part, but still havent figured out how to not get the swirls when drying the PBM...and how to really get rid of them for that matter ....check the articles in the link I provided earlier (http://articles.autopia.org/topics/17-car-detailing-stepbystep-1.html). There are a lot of answers in there. Their forum is also a wealth of information (many pros post in there and it is the "go to" site for most detailing enthusiast).

As for washing, folks have their own favorite methods/tools but for me, I use the "two bucket method". One bucket (filled with pure water) is used for rinsing the wash mitt while the other is for the soap. The following is a video showing this method. He also utilizes Grit Guards which I also happen to like & use:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7598756069207401372&q=how+to+wash+a+car&hl=en

The only thing I would add to that process is during the rinse. I prefer to take the nozzle off of the hose during the final rinse and turn the water down to a gentle stream. I find this helps the water sheet off of the panels (starting from top to bottom). On a well maintained car, the effect is even better (leaving very little water to mop up). I also utilize soft & sediment filters since the water in my area is so hard. ....and an air compressor to chase moisture out of stubborn nooks and crannies. I've tried many different chamois, towels, synthetic absorbers, etc. My favorite so far has been waffle-weave microfiber drying towels. There are several good quality offerings available.

Polishing is the only way you are going to actually "remove" those scratches/swirls. Autopia (the link from earlier) has some good write-ups explaining the various processes, tools and methods involved. The other option is to enlist the professional services of someone like Ausstar. Once the finish is corrected, all you have to worry about is properly maintaining it.

thanks for the awesome answer kean!

....no problem Bob. Hope it helped.

the real key to a spider web free finish is minimal touch!!!
You need to prepare the paint and protect it as often or with as long lasting protectant so it makes washing that much easier. If most of the dirt falls off then you dont need to scrub as hard. There are lots of factors that make this possible.

Modern clear coats are so soft you can scratch them with your fingerprint!!

lets clear something up again here:

SWIRL MARKS: Are machine induced rotary polisher trials that come from piss poor buffing. If you have them then your detailer sux!!

SPIDER WEBS OR COBB WEBS: are car wash scratches that come up in a circular pattern.

These circular webs ARE NOT SWIRL MARKS!!! Common misunderstanding.

anyone know why they are always circular even if you are washing in lines?????

....it's the many little scratches in the finish that appear to follow the point of light. The scratches reflect the light toward the source giving it that "cobweb" look. ....which is why the webs move as you move.

Well I had a black SUV, that sucker got dusty in about 3-4 days time, especially since I lived somewhat close to a farming area. Anyhow, I did my bi-weekly car wash and was using Rain X for my windshields, when I said "hmm I wonder if I can use this on my vehicles exterior" I read the back of the bottle and it said not to use on paint. Being the daring person I am I decided to test a small spot, sprayed some on a micro-fiber cloth, wiped a little on my car, let it dry to a haze and used a clean MF cloth to buff it out. I proceeded to do the whole car this way. Once I was done not only did the SUV shine it also had a nice dry slippery feel to it. Sure enough this treatment repelled dirt a lot better, and bird poop, bugs or dirt simply sprayed off without the need to use soap. I continued to use this method 2 times a month and not once did I suffer any ills to my paint. During rainy weather the water rolled off my SUV as well.