Black Color zl1…for the love of $&$. School me please

[Ckmerc]

Absolutely love my 2013 zl1…and the black color.. but dear god what a pain to keep clean and shiny…

Question please…
- is there any cleaner that works to shine and touch up a slightly dusted zl1 without having to rewash first?

Scenario

assume I just washed a couple days ago and the car now has a bit of dust on it and I want to shine it up quickly….

It seems if I don’t rewash…...before I do any quick wipe down waxing or polishing…I get what looks like surface scratches (very slight). I use fine micro fiber tools and always cover my maro when not in use.

I then have to take maro to my friends detail shop to have these slight surface scratches buffed out.

Is giving the black maro a quick shine not possible unless you wash first every time?

Thanks in advance!

[NoDakZ/28]

I would have it color corrected and ceramic coated, will make washing it 10x easier. They make water-less washes, Ive used a few but only in a pinch, I always hand wash my rides.

[gtstorey]

I've used various detailing sprays but can't guarantee they won't lightly scratch. My paint wasn't in good enough shape to begin with to say for sure. But 303 detailing spray is probably my favorite.

[chevy pilot]

Black color is difficult. In the spring, when you wash in the morning, it's already dirty in the afternoon.

[0stones0]

I can see enough scratches in yellow from wiping dust down…in black….forget about it!

[Ckmerc]

Originally Posted by chevy pilot

Black color is difficult. In the spring, when you wash in the morning, it's already dirty in the afternoon.

Fact! I will try the 303 spray… but short of that ..sounds like best bet is to always wash first

[1JEWLDSSRS]

This is what I use on my Camaro, and it works very well!! Then I use Chemical Guys Quick Swipe detail spray.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Meguiar-s...26-Oz/23565889

[SlowLS1]

I’ve had luck with this.

Or just rinse with the hose and blow off with a quality leaf blower.

Avoid touching the paint at all to prevent scratches. If you have to wipe on it, that is where ONR works as a lubricant to prevent solids from sliding across the paint surface.

Never ever touch the car with something dry. Guaranteed to scratch.

[Ckmerc]

Great advice all! Will definitely give the suggestions a go. Much appreciated

[1JEWLDSSRS]

One of the things I forgot to mention I use on mine to remove all the pollen and dust before the McGuires use is a Swiffer Duster for your home inside, it is very soft and all you do is very lightly go over the car and it removes it all without using any pressure at all. Just like you're dusting your furniture!! Works great! That way you don't scratch your clear coat at all.

[FasNuf]

Originally Posted by 1JEWLDSSRS

One of the things I forgot to mention I use on mine to remove all the pollen and dust before the McGuires use is a Swiffer Duster for your home inside, it is very soft and all you do is very lightly go over the car and it removes it all without using any pressure at all. Just like you're dusting your furniture!! Works great! That way you don't scratch your clear coat at all.

That's a great idea Wayne. Probably better than a California Duster and cheaper too.

[Bee]

As someone who's owned at least one black vehicle consistently since 2002, I will say that black's not a color...its a full-time job!

Anyway, if my car gets really dusty and I don't have time to give it a wash, I'll blast it with air first before spraying it with waterless wash. One benefit of waterless wash is you can use it everyday if you want and it won't build up any layers of wax like detail spray can.

However, I find the most important thing is the towel. When my car has any signs of dust, I will start with a waterless wash towel (the ones with a waffle pattern). They are designed to trap the dirt up inside the waffles and prevent it from sliding across the surface of the car. Also, I try to wipe in a straight line and always use one towel for the top two thirds and a different towel on the bottom third. Once the dust has been removed, I may go back to a regular microfiber towel to wipe off any streaks I might have missed.

Of course, having a good base coat always helps...whether its ceramic, wax, or a sealant.

[1JEWLDSSRS]

Originally Posted by FasNuf

That's a great idea Wayne. Probably better than a California Duster and cheaper too.

Yes sir, a lot cheaper and less abrasive than the heavy Cali duster that is heavier. The cool thing about the Swiffers is that they catch EVERYTHING dust wise! Not just move it around.

[1JEWLDSSRS]

Originally Posted by Bee

As someone who's owned at least one black vehicle consistently since 2002, I will say that black's not a color...its a full-time job!

Anyway, if my car gets really dusty and I don't have time to give it a wash, I'll blast it with air first before spraying it with waterless wash. One benefit of waterless wash is you can use it everyday if you want and it won't build up any layers of wax like detail spray can.

However, I find the most important thing is the towel. When my car has any signs of dust, I will start with a waterless wash towel (the ones with a waffle pattern). They are designed to trap the dirt up inside the waffles and prevent it from sliding across the surface of the car. Also, I try to wipe in a straight line and always use one towel for the top two thirds and a different towel on the bottom third. Once the dust has been removed, I may go back to a regular microfiber towel to wipe off any streaks I might have missed.

Of course, having a good base coat always helps...whether its ceramic, wax, or a sealant.

Great advice here!