I just purchased a 2014 Cadillac ATS and opted for the Black Raven color. I've washed it a few times (two bucket method w/guard) and already beginning to see swirls and fine scratches present themselves. Next, after my last wash I've noticed some horrible water spots what seen difficult to get rid of. I have not tried washing it again, but what's the best method of removing spots first then tackle the swirls? Notes: I havent obtained a DA polisher yet, so would more than likely be looking at hand correction (for now). I'm looking to make another order from DD soon, so product recommendations would be great. I do however have an orbital polisher, but dont feel comfortable using at this color and this new of paint. thanks in advance for everyone's help!
Using a microfiber double sided wash mitt and Meg. Ultimate Wash/Wax. I'm close to the bottom for it and plan to replace with a better solution.
Congratulations on a beautiful car and color.. Are you washing it in the sun ? Black colors should never be washed in the sun unless you can somehow dry it off as quickly as you rinse it off.. It just gets too hot because the color absorbs the sunlight and heats up the standing water.. Your water may also be more full of minerals, etc., which could add to water spotting. A good polish (they are mostly not very aggressive) should help remove the spots, and depending on whether the paint is hard, medium, or soft, and you have good skills, you might be able to work out the spots... Notice I said "might"... You need to always, always, always, wash a black car, very lightly, and never, never, repeat - never, wash it using circular motions, which can help create swirls in the paintwork.. I personally hate microfiber anything for washing a vehicle... I have used with great success for years, the thick Chenille wash mitts you can find at Target.. With a good professional car wash soap, they hold a lot of product, are gentle on paint, as long as you dont hammer them into the finish (and if you are doing this - STOP), they have never scratched anything, and I Detail hundreds of Black vehicles... I will venture to guess your GM paint is on the harder side and you would benefit from using a Machine to do all the work... However, if you have no experience with one, you need to either find a good Detailer who will work with you and show you, or let He/She do the work the first time and you get to help or watch, etc., and perhaps watch a few dozen Video's on You Tube or something.. Good luck with this ! Dan F
Thanks for the tips. I will be changing out my mitt and soap asap as I have had both for a good while and definitely due. I would feel much more confident with a DA polisher and beginning my search for those as well. We will see how everything turns out. Good to know about the hardness of the GM paint.
Just to add to what others have said, you probably are seeing the true condition of the paint after the dealers heavy glaze new car prep washed off. Many new car dealers use poor washing methods in their car prep and then hit the car with a heavy glaze. The glaze hides swirls and imperfections but then washes off after a few car washes or rain. Get a new mitt, buckets, grit guards, leaf blower, quality MF towels, use a detail spray or spray wax when drying, always moisten the towel before it touches hte paint too. There is nothing wrong with the Megs WW soap, it is a good soap for maintenance washes. I agree with Stokdgs on the water spots and GM hardness too.
Just to update, I suppose the spots were not as bad as I thought but another wash took care of most all of them. The swirls/scratches are still present, but are minor. I will be upgrading most everything in my maintenance washes due to this scare. Recommendations of higher quality soaps over the Megs Wash/Wax?
Optimum Car Wash, Chemical Guys Wash and Clear.. Straight soaps, no added junk, lots of foam, lubricity.. Dan F
