Wax, Clay, or Ceramic?

I think this is like asking "what are the best tires?",,, most are going to suggest what they use and know.
Honestly; if you handwashed and waxed often with some basic practices, your paint is going to look waaayyyy better than most vehicles the same age.

 

Ceramic for longevity and the best protection. Ideally a professional ceramic like Gtechniq's CSL topped with Exo V5. Find a reputable professional detailer in your area if you're unable to tackle the project yourself.

 

I forgot about Rejex 10 years ago. Great stuff for the bumper during love bug season. I did not realize that this product was still around.

 

Man I use it on everything. Multiple coats on the windows do wonders when it’s raining and keeps the snow and ice from sticking as hard. That stuff is magic.

 

The over the counter ceramic protection sprays last about a year. So far its been over 3 1/2 years since my truck was professionally done with this liquid glass ceramic stuff, and it still looks the same.

 

If you are that concerned about lovebugs. Carry a large bottle of detailer and a bug may sponge and microfiber towels in the car. I have a dark blue truck and when I take a long trip through love bugs, first order of business is to spriz off the love bugs.

If you have a good coat of wax before the trip, they come off easy.

As far as other waxes. you need something that is not chalky white. The dust will get in places where you cant wipe. As much as I cant believe I'm suggesting it but the Meguiars ultimate spray wax is pretty good. I've seen great reviews for Turtle wax spray protectant for how long it last and beads water.

My approach is I'll wash my truck at least once a month. After a wash I use the meguiars spray after drying off. Its so easy since it it wipe on wipe off. I dont need for it to last only as long as I reapply regularly.

 

as far as needing to clay a new car, run your hand over a clean part, then clay it and run your hand over it again. There will be a difference. I dont know about those iron dissolvers. Seems like harsh chemicals to pull off that magic trick.

 

I can tell you when a professional ceramic coating is done, they take a day to prep your truck making sure the initial paint surface is perfect, before the actual coating is applied.

 

PPF would be the best solution of the love bugs etch paint like the other insects.

 

Not plugging CG products but this flowchart should give you a good idea of the steps involved. My truck is 13 years old so no ceramic for me. I do use the CG Black Light glaze, Jet Seal and Butter wax which seems to keep it looking better than most its age.

 

Found an actual black wax, I know this stuff makes black paint look awesome, I’ve used it on cars I’ve detailed, but I don’t know how durable it is. Chemical Guys makes a black light glaze/sealant that’s purple.

 

I tried the Collinite a few years back and it’s been my go to the last few years. Easy to work with, doesn’t glaze the gaps, and really holds up well. One wax and I’m good all winter her in the northeast..

 

Its a wax with fillers to hide the swirls.

 

It won’t leave white in your rock chips

 

I'm in the same situation as the OP, and I was thinking ceramic. Just got a quote for $1750 from a local shop.. is this normal or what should I expect?

 

That’s because it has fillers for black. It won’t fill in rock chips. It’s for swirls or super fine scratches that looks like spider webs in the sun.

 

Check out Zaino.

 

I haven't used that in probably 15 years. Some good stuff though.

 

If you're looking for the best protection, ceramic is the way to go but requires more surface prep. IMO, you can't beat a quality carnauba wax on black paint or any dark color for that matter. I'm a fan of

$22 collinite 845 insulator wax-easy to use carnauba+polymer wax sealant-high gloss shine+durable hydrophobic beading & long lasting paint protection for cars/boats/trucks/rvs & motorcycles (16 fl oz)

collinite 845 and probably most likely, arguably the most durable carnauba wax out there. It has added polymers that give it that "sealant" property.

 

Good trick is place a plastic sandwich bag over your hand, then run it across the paint after it's clean. Feel grittiness? Clay bar it.