Nissan 370Z Forum

Nissan 370Z Forum (http://www.the370z.com/)
-   Detailing / Washing / Waxing / Cosmetic Maintenance and Repair (http://www.the370z.com/detailing-washing-waxing-cosmetic-maintenance-repair/)
-   -   Caring for our soft paint (http://www.the370z.com/detailing-washing-waxing-cosmetic-maintenance-repair/112625-caring-our-soft-paint.html)

kball5 03-31-2016 08:16 AM

Caring for our soft paint
 
I do my best to practice good methods when washing/maintaining the appearance of my cars. However, this is easily the first car I've owned where I can lightly knick the paint with my fingernail (no real force downward) while washing it and dig completely through the clear coat with my fingernail. Now, I know Nissan is known for soft paint and all that, but this seems a bit insane to me.

Anyway, I haven't had this car too terribly long (~6mo). I was wondering if you guys have learned some good methods to keep these delicately painted cars looking, at least, fairly good.

Additionally, are there any good ways to harden up the exterior a bit to protect leaves, dandelions and other soft objects from scratching the car in the future?

SouthArk370Z 03-31-2016 08:36 AM

See Junkman2008's videos on paint care.

kball5 03-31-2016 11:10 AM

Thank you! I'll take a look and see if I can learn a bit

Junkman2008 04-01-2016 12:43 AM

Fingernails are overrated. :D

FireDan50 04-01-2016 10:08 AM

I've had CQuartz ceramic coating on my Z for over a year and love it. Prep and application takes a lot of time but I think its worth the protection.

kball5 04-02-2016 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FireDan50 (Post 3449144)
I've had CQuartz ceramic coating on my Z for over a year and love it. Prep and application takes a lot of time but I think its worth the protection.

Have you noticed a tangible difference in the durability before and after? I have yet to meet anyone who actually had it on their car.

FireDan50 04-03-2016 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kball5 (Post 3449787)
Have you noticed a tangible difference in the durability before and after? I have yet to meet anyone who actually had it on their car.

I can definitely tell that there is a difference. I don't get any micro swirls from using a California Car Duster, washing, or detailing. Also light scratches from door dings/etc are easily buffed out. I only know of a couple people in person who have it on their cars and they love it.

POS VETT 04-04-2016 06:53 AM

That's odd. There is a sticker on the underside of my hood that states hard clear coat.

Regardless, mine has 22PLE applied almost a year ago.

kenchan 04-04-2016 04:37 PM

i think it just means 'hard' to take care...

dP3NGU1N 04-04-2016 05:29 PM

Opticoat 2.0 on mine. No issues and water still beads like crazy.

FireDan50 04-05-2016 02:18 PM

Having some sort of additional protection beyond wax like a ceramic coating (CQuartz/Opticoat/etc) definitely makes a difference. I was so impressed that I even put CQuartz on my wife's Juke. The black paint on here Juke was easily blemished and I can really tell the difference in paint durability with the black color.

kball5 04-06-2016 08:06 AM

Sweet! I'll definitely be looking into a ceramic coating of some kind. My car sleeps outside, so I have a lot to contend with if I intend to keep it looking as good as possible.

Cmike2780 04-06-2016 10:27 AM

It's an uphill battle. Best way to keep it looking new is diligence in washing, waxing & polishing. Used the two bucket method and make sure all your washing supplies are clean. Spend the money on a quality wax, polish and polishing equipment. A good wax or synthetic coating will help protect the paint from the elements, but it will do nothing to avoid swirls and scratches. Above all, don't let anything sit on the surface that shouldn't be these. Bird droppings, tree sap etc...destroys the paint. The only thing I can think of that would work is a clear wrap and it can get pretty expensive. A clear bra is good compromise since it's usually the part that gets chewed up the most from daily driving.

Ryan998 04-13-2016 02:46 AM

I decided to wrap my hole car with Xpel. It seems to be self healing when there are small scratches. I got black car so it was worse than any other color. I can easily left scratch on my car with a touch by my finger when my car is covered by dust.

danegrey 04-17-2016 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FireDan50 (Post 3449144)
I've had CQuartz ceramic coating on my Z for over a year and love it. Prep and application takes a lot of time but I think its worth the protection.

That sounds real interesting, since I have had many problems with my paint... Like some others, it just seems to scratch itself....

Especially concern, since Nissan just repainted the roof, because of a paint defect under warranty..


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:49 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2