Black camaro paint maintenance

[Brandonc28]

Hi, I just bought my first black car, 2012 camaro and I've had it for a few days now and boy do I love it!!! but I can already see how it will be a B**** to take care of the paint. This is actually my first "new" car I've purchased and I have no prior knowledge of taking care of the paint. I have ample amounts of time in the morning to take care of this beauty but dont have the knowledge or tools yet to do so, I havent done anything to try and clean it yet because I want to do it PERFECTLY to keep it as mint as possible. Any tips/guides or links to mabe a similar post on what to use and how to properly wash/buff/wax it and even what order to do them in would be MUCH appreciated!

[CamaroDreams07]

I made this a while ago. My inbox is always open if you want advice without someone trying to sell you something. The Adam's Army will be here soon.

[CamaroDreams07]

Hell I just noticed Plano. Send me a Pm we can meet up and I can walk you through it all in person.

[GEEo]

Adams is gunna be your favorite site!!

[hot_rod]

here is a link that will take you to a huge library of articles, product how to's, etc....

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...-phillips.html

[kiteman]

try autopia.org or autogeek.net, as you will get a much broader perspective of detailing advice there vs. here which will all push in one direction...

but a few every day maintenance tips: don't touch your car, ever. unless you're cleaning it, that's it. also, don't park under trees. i have a small spray bottle of QD and a MF towel in my glove box in case i see sap or bird crap on my car, so i can remove it before the etching begins. also, if you live in an apartment or frequently visit an apartment, do not park near sprinklers (this really goes for anywhere). sprinklers in dallas are notorious for carrying minerals/chemicals that will etch and stain your paint.

washing/polishing/maintaining shine all are personal techniques with different preferences to products, so i won't go into that with too much detail. i'm a big optimum nut because their products are non-conventional and do not require the same level of upkeep as more traditional products like adam's, meguiar's, etc. but, some people enjoy working their butt off for a decent shine, too. so it's all about what you want to do, which is why i recommended a couple of detailing sites that will give you more intel than you will find here.

[BigCarrot]

Originally Posted by CamaroDreams07

I made this a while ago. My inbox is always open if you want advice without someone trying to sell you something. The Adam's Army will be here soon.

I do love Adam's so I'm not one to talk. Keeps detailing simple for me. It may be more expensive but their service makes up for it imo.

But OP Camaro Dreams is one of the great detailers on this forum and he has a very unbaised view on products.

[CamaroDreams07]

Originally Posted by BigCarrot

I do love Adam's so I'm not one to talk. Keeps detailing simple for me. It may be more expensive but their service makes up for it imo.

But OP Camaro Dreams is one of the great detailers on this forum and he has a very unbaised view on products.

It's all in fun (mostly) I have lots of respect for the products and use many of them frequently.

And I don't know about one of the great detailers but thank you

[Adam's Polishes]

Black paint isn't a hobby... its a career! LOL

The main thing to remember, regardless of your product choice, is that the process you use to care for the car is far more important than the products you choose to use.

Even the very best products, when used incorrectly, will leave you disappointed.

Educate yourself by reading here, on the other sites suggested, even give our forums a run (www.AdamsForums.com) on the basics like washing and when/what to use for in between cleanings. Most black paint jobs end up swirled to death just by virtue of the use of bad wash technique and supplies. Theres a lot to sift thru, but theres a ton of guys on this site who can contribute info to help you keep that black paint flawless.

From one black vehicle owner to another... my condolences and congratulations

[WiSSDiver]

I'll throw in my two cents, mostly because I can.

Yes, Adams is your friend (and mine) , but regardless of product they (Adams and Junkman) IMO offer something the others don't: The solid video basics of detailing start to finish, regardless of the products. Autogeeks.net is another good resource, but still leaves you guessing on some of the non-conventional products and how to tie it all together. They do offer great videos on product pages that if you watch both autogeeks and Adams videos you'll start to see some recurring themes that can be applied to any product. Personal preference on products will likely prevail once you understand the order of the .

Kiteman also lends solid advice above about some more of the basics regardless of products on your basic do's and don't and is "expert" on the ONR product line (km, I'm still waiting for winter to be over so I can try out some of those ONR techniques.. )

Finally, the best advice I can lend is what you've already done and seek out mulitple opinions, find a technique you're comfortable with, read and watch videos on the technique and most importantly, put it into practice. Have fun and enjoy the detailing passion. The pride will come out in your work.

Enjoy

[hot_rod]

Originally Posted by Dylan@Adams

Black paint isn't a hobby... its a career! LOL

The main thing to remember, regardless of your product choice, is that the process you use to care for the car is far more important than the products you choose to use.

Even the very best products, when used incorrectly, will leave you disappointed.

"Truer words have never been spoken!"

[GatorUSMC]

Originally Posted by CamaroDreams07

Hell I just noticed Plano. Send me a Pm we can meet up and I can walk you through it all in person.

You taking drop-offs?

[CamaroDreams07]

Originally Posted by GatorUSMC

You taking drop-offs?

Haha I never turn down a job.

[CINDER02]

Originally Posted by CamaroDreams07

Hell I just noticed Plano. Send me a Pm we can meet up and I can walk you through it all in person.

Plano? You guys will have to hit me up if you get together... this black paint is driving me crazy!