Any tips for keeping black paint like new?

rmak · #1 10-30-2010, 04:50 PM

Even thought I swore I'd never own another black vehicle, I just bought a new black Ranger Sport. I owned a black Ranger before and it looked pretty dull and crappy when I got rid of it. I'm looking for any ideas to keep this one looking good. I see young guys with really nice looking black trucks so I know there is something I can do. Thanks.

04rangernyc · #2 10-30-2010, 10:49 PM

Try Turtle Wax Black Box. It's a complete kit made specifically for black vehicles, you can find it at any of the auto parts stores, runs about 20 or so bucks i believe, have heard good things about from people who have used it. Hope this helps.

terryduanemiller · #3 10-30-2010, 11:01 PM

Meguiar's NXT Generation Tech Wax 2.0, is what I use, I've painted cars and bikes in and on covers of mags, painted over 20 vehicles in SEMA shows.. and few in music vids...... if u need to cut out some scratches use terry cloth, like a towel its corse use it to apply and remove, or to finish wax use only CLEAN 100% cotton like a soft t-shirt.. same, use it to apply and remove... it make take 4-10 good waxes to get it to satisfactory. alway use circular motions.. good luck

DrIftKi7Vg · #4 11-01-2010, 02:30 PM

I used to use and sometimes still do use Meguiar's NXT wax and it looks real nice! I would first wash, then clay bar the truck, put on the wax, and then a protective sealant and a final buff. That would be an easy way to do it. If you want to spend some hours on it and make it really shine, then you would use the Turtle Wax black box. I use that once every month and it turns out like a showroom shine! It takes awhile doing it but looks fantastic in the end. I suggest using gloves while you put the stuff on because it is messy. Also, when I get done using that, I would put a protective sealant on as well because when you touch the truck, it will leave fingerprints on it but it comes out quite easily with a microfiber towel. So if you want a nice shine use NXT wax; if you want to spend time and get that show car shine, use the Black box

JGiddy · #5 11-01-2010, 04:16 PM

there are alot of good products for polishing and waxing, but i think the most important thing for keeping paint looking new is to either claybar it or use a paint cleaner product regularly.

thRangerReD · #6 11-01-2010, 07:28 PM

I've had a black f150 and use to take it off road all the time back then I used the turtle wax black but it washed off rather quick it would even show up on the rag on washes.Now I have a dark red painted ranger and it shows just as many scratches as the black did. Best thing I've used so far is the ice synthetic wax in combo with clay bars. The clay brings the haze Swirls tar and any light imperfections down and the ice (for quite a few washes) fills in the rest and it does not leave any pain in the ass white residu on any thing I even use it on the windows even though it says not to water beads right off. Then a real good sealant should take care of that black paint for a while. Just say no to yuccas

And do it often as black takes in everything the sun puts out.

FX4 · #7 11-02-2010, 07:52 AM

regular maintenance is going to be needed, washing, claybar every 3 months along with a a paint cleaner.. when washing make sure you have clean/soft wash mitts.. that kind of stuff. If you want durable protection, and don't mind spending a little more then off-the-shelf stuff, I would recommend Zaino's sealants, or Blackfire Sealant. Haven't seen anything outlast those 2 yet...

Rafal

ER95 · #8 11-02-2010, 05:16 PM

Garage helps alot!

Waxing too..

rmak · #9 11-02-2010, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ER95

Garage helps alot!

Waxing too..

I'm hoping to retire at some point so I can keep it in the garage and wax at my leasure. But for now I got to drive it through OHio winters and park it outside when I'm at work.

I appreciate all the responses. I've never heard of clay bars before and some of the other stuff, so I learned something. Thanks.

carcrazi07 · #10 11-16-2010, 05:30 PM

clay bar works to pull the dirt out of the paint. but its the polish that keeps it going. most polishes have wax built in. wax is a final fill in and protectant, yes it does bring more shine but you cant shine a dull swirl marked truck. polish will give you the basis your looking for. and black trucks need alot of tlc lol. iv only owned balck cars and its a nightmare!!!

merlin215 · #11 11-17-2010, 08:50 AM

I'll second that Balck trucks needs a lot of work

Every week its something ...

deathtone65 · #12 11-18-2010, 04:41 PM

I am a trained auto detailer, I stand by Mothers products and I have an old 87 ranger. Its black and I know how hard it is to keep it looking good. When I bought mine two years ago it was oxidized and had tone of orange peal. I used mothers carbenara wax, back to black wax, a clay bar kit, and eagle one no water spot car wash! Try not to wash it in direct sunlight and if you do, dry it as fast as possible. Another thing that most people don't realize is never rinse the body of the truck with a jet setting, it pushes the dirt deeper into the paint and destroys the clear coat. If you have any questions on how to use anything or how to keep the paint looking good, let me know.

DrIftKi7Vg · #13 11-18-2010, 05:00 PM

Pictures of your work?

deathtone65 · #14 11-18-2010, 05:01 PM

I can post some when I get home. Im on my buddies cp right now

Bird76Mojo · #15 11-19-2010, 05:10 AM

I'd like to see proof that using high pressure water washing pushes dirt into the paint or clear coat, ruining it.

GB