Maintaining non-metallic paintwork

[8bit]

Hi all,

I recently got a 55-plate LCR225 in red (I think it's Emocion Red). The dealer I got it from seemed to think this is non-metallic paint. Is this likely to fade to that horrible salmon-pink?

If so, what can I do to prevent this? In fact for that matter, besides a good wash with decent materials and a bit of care, what's the minimum I should be doing regularly and how often, stuff like T-cut, wax etc? I'm not into detailing and can't spend entire weekends cleaning every last nook and cranny on the car but do want to keep it looking at least as good as it does now.

Cheers
8

 

[jake]

hi,

it wont fade like the old vauxhall red as its a clear coat, so in effect you can treat it as you would a silver or black

 

[Slimy]

hi,

it wont fade like the old vauxhall red as its a clear coat, so in effect you can treat it as you would a silver or black

Totally agree, it's been a while since I've seen a pink car! It does seem like they've solved the red paint fade problem, and now it's the turn of the yellow to suffer...

 

[jake]

the only cars that still come solid red are vauxhalls, but i think since 09 they are now all clear over base,

the yellow fades under the clear sadly, a combination of poor pigmentation and poor uv clear protection

 

[8bit]

Hmm I ask because I've seen a couple of other red ones about the same age as mine that seem like their colour is a bit deeper than on my car. Like I said, I've not had mine very long and obviously I've got no idea how the previous owners cleaned and treated it.

So fading aside, besides cleaning it properly how should I be treating it to protect the paintwork from like chips and whatnot? Should I be waxing it? Are there any products that people use to make the colour come out deeper and stronger?

 

[Slimy]

Hmm I ask because I've seen a couple of other red ones about the same age as mine that seem like their colour is a bit deeper than on my car. Like I said, I've not had mine very long and obviously I've got no idea how the previous owners cleaned and treated it.

So fading aside, besides cleaning it properly how should I be treating it to protect the paintwork from like chips and whatnot? Should I be waxing it? Are there any products that people use to make the colour come out deeper and stronger?

The reds seem to respond well to the darker and deeper waxes and polishes, it is possible to get a deep and rich shine to them. I've got some poorboys waiting for me for my black car, on the recommendation of people who own red cars.

 

[FinerDetails]

as mentioned the car has a clear coat lacquer and shouldnt suffer as per the vauxhall flame red of pre 56 plates where no lacquer was added.

Dont t-cut! this will rip the back out of the lacquer and you'd be amazed how much can removed by hand with this stuff in comparison to my machine polishing!

Do, get a good wash technique, some glaze or hand polish and a good wax. EXAMPLE POORBOYS BLACK HOLE, and Nattys wax will work well and not cost the earth

 

[UncleFester]

Nattys blue paste wax does a really nice job on red paint

 

[Slimy]

This is the kit I went for, it combines the black hole with the blue paste wax and a few extra bits and bobs. It worked out cheaper than I could find it anywhere else;

http://www.cardetail.co.uk/shop//de...-wax-kit-for-dark-coloured-cars/prod_176.html

I can thoroughly recommend cardetail, I had a bit of trouble with their website (my laptop as it turned out) and they were only too happy to assist. Great service.

 

[8bit]

Hmm nice one folks, thanks for the advice. Will get some of those things ordered and hopefully get a chance to give it a good wash and brush-up next weekend.

One more quick question - my Brembos are caked with thick, black residue, probably brake dust. At first I thought the black areas where were the paint had come off but i picked at one of them with my fingernail and some of it came off but it's too tough to scrub off. Will clay be any use to shift that? Is it safe to use clay lube on brakes?

 

[FinerDetails]

use tar remover on thr brakes, just light mist on cold brakes and wipe off, may need to soak for 20 sec s first

 

[Slimy]

use tar remover on thr brakes, just light mist on cold brakes and wipe off, may need to soak for 20 sec s first

Ah, very useful, I'll remember that.