best paint protection ?

[Chifte]

Originally Posted by wildmongoose26

Why would you say sealants are a gimmick?
22ple lasts 18-24 months. Its a silica based polymer that actually creates a hard barrier between paintwork and wash mitts, towels, etc. Have used this on several cars. One of this the paint was so soft even a very gentle wipe down after buffing the car out put in tiny micro scratches. This is a big pain when you've just spent 10+ hours getting paint the way it should be. Applying the 22ple has actually helped eliminate the addition of scratches for at least a year now. Yes, it is expensive. Probably $50-$60 for a 1 car application it is effective. If your into the feel on top of the protection your able to put any wax on top of it.
Look it up. It's pretty awesome.
So your going to promote a cleaning maintenance plan but then leave out a grit guard for the "clean water" bucket? My husband details cars for a leaving and he uses 2 buckets. You wash top to bottom, anything that takes more then light pressure to get off the paintwork he just pulls out a clay bar.
Really though. It's all about the time, effort and money your welling to put into it. You could spend $200 on products and everything you need or you could spend $1k products and things you need.

The average person who puts paint sealant on their car is going to view it as a miracle cure, I know this because I've had a number of customers come back a couple years later and complain their paint has acid marks and bug marks. I didn't say sealants were ineffective, they just aren't nearly as effective as the bottle says.

I am speaking of maintaining good paint. You seem to be comparing heavy cutting and procedures that follow to my suggestion of maintenance, which isn't the same thing.

I apply sealant to every car I compound as well, but the key is to never allow your paint to get to that point. Paying a premium and applying sealant to a perfectly good paint job is unnecessary and doesnt offer much if any more real world protection.

My own cars have never had a rotary touch them or sealant, through harsh salty winters, theyve always been immaculate and its in my best interest to keep it that way!

I dont see the point of a grit guard, I made it clear to use the third bucket to wash debris from the mitt and to fill with new water often. Depending on a grit guard with dirty water is asking for trouble in my opinion.

I also recondition for a living, 7 years now. Professional detailers have a tendency to think my way or the highway, and I understand it all too well Haha! My methods work, proven to without complicating my job or costing customers more.

Most products have their place, some work. But as I said preventing paint damage and keeping it simple is far better.

Originally Posted by nookandcrannycar

Would the prevailing climate effect your recommendation? I've lived most of my life either in Absolutely Red's neck of the woods or parts of YarisSedan's metro that have weather similar to where Absolutely Red lives. I've lived here since 2008, and the heat here is a fair bit more extreme than either of their areas.

Negative, your paint has uv protectants. Regular washing and waxing will prevent paint damage. Modern paints are fantastic.