ChumsGum
11-16-2003, 09:50 PM
I just finished an exterior detail job this Friday before taking off for Las Vegas from Los Angeles for the weekend.
After the wash, I used 303 protectant http://www.303products.com on the panels. Then I tried to use masking tape on the panels, like many have suggested, so I could wax the painted areas with ease. Guess what, the 303 not only repels UV rays, water, and dirt, but everything else, including tape. I could not get the very sticky masking tape to stick on to the panels after the 303 was applied. So I decided to wax without the masking tape and just be very careful, but no matter how careful I was I did get both the polish and the wax (Blackfire 2-step process) on the panels. However, as I wiped off the polish/wax using a microfiber cloth I found that the polish/wax simply wipes cleanly off. I don't know if it was the microfiber or the 303 that made it so easy; probably a combination of the two.
Blackfire http://www.properautocare.com/blackfireusa.html is a highly durable silicone based paint protectant, but is "said" to have a better shine than other silicone based waxes (like Zaino). Due to time, I only used one coat of Blackfire. Although it gave a very good gloss with only a single coat, I will admit that a "fresh" single coat of carnuba provides better gloss. On the road to Vegas I drove through rain, debris, and other elements. The Blackfire protected very well and the water sheets right off, it doesn't bead water like carnuba does. Unlike carnuba, the Blackfire will last an entire year, under normal conditions.
In conclusion; 303=great, Blackfire=great, and microfiber=great.
After the wash, I used 303 protectant http://www.303products.com on the panels. Then I tried to use masking tape on the panels, like many have suggested, so I could wax the painted areas with ease. Guess what, the 303 not only repels UV rays, water, and dirt, but everything else, including tape. I could not get the very sticky masking tape to stick on to the panels after the 303 was applied. So I decided to wax without the masking tape and just be very careful, but no matter how careful I was I did get both the polish and the wax (Blackfire 2-step process) on the panels. However, as I wiped off the polish/wax using a microfiber cloth I found that the polish/wax simply wipes cleanly off. I don't know if it was the microfiber or the 303 that made it so easy; probably a combination of the two.
Blackfire http://www.properautocare.com/blackfireusa.html is a highly durable silicone based paint protectant, but is "said" to have a better shine than other silicone based waxes (like Zaino). Due to time, I only used one coat of Blackfire. Although it gave a very good gloss with only a single coat, I will admit that a "fresh" single coat of carnuba provides better gloss. On the road to Vegas I drove through rain, debris, and other elements. The Blackfire protected very well and the water sheets right off, it doesn't bead water like carnuba does. Unlike carnuba, the Blackfire will last an entire year, under normal conditions.
In conclusion; 303=great, Blackfire=great, and microfiber=great.