Waxed my brand new truck

[reeseb]

Purchased my 2021 1500 LTZ in Northsky blue on September 10th and decided to wax it. While washing it a week ago, I notice water wasn't beading up on the paint like I'd expect for a new truck and it looked pretty crappy after everything dried.

 

My truck's build date was February 10th so it probably sat outside 7 months at the factory (winter, spring and summer) and endured a lot of weather and debris, especially the hood and top side (they looked the worst). Tonight, I waxed the top, hood and both front fenders and it really made a difference. The paint looks so much better. I think I'll continue to wax it 3-4 times a year.

 

Was wondering if anyone else did an early wax job and how often you guys are waxing, if at all. 

[Black02Silverado]

Good job.  Nothing like a clean truck. 

 

Also, ceramic coat!  It's the only way to go.  Makes a huge difference and maintenance upkeep is super easy.

[Z45]

I had Ziebart Diamond Gloss done to mine (Black).  9 months later it still looks like the day it was done.  Every year they will detail the truck and reapply for $99.  

[usmcav8or]

I'll second the recommendation for ceramic coating, I apply it myself to all my vehicles (I used to be into sports cars), it's a fair amount of labor, but worth it in the long run because it's the ONLY product I've found to have true staying power on the paint, even the expensive polymer sealants don't last much more than 6 months, whereas ceramic lasts 2-5 years depending on environment.  I use CarPro UK formula, works awesome.  You can pay a detail shop (going rate is $800+) but you're paying for their time, it's maybe $30 worth of material.

[fastk9dad]

Yes wax will need to be applied more often as you have noted. I would also add into your process a paint decontamination (iron remover, clay bar & polish) at least once a year, coming out of winter prior to doing any waxing/paint sealant. It will make it look that much better and provide a good prepped surface for your top coat of choice.

 

Ceramic coatings as others have mentioned is also a good choice depending on your environment. That cuts down on needing to do the above steps and will provide a nice hydrophobic surface for several years with proper maintenance.

 

Personally I haven't gone the ceramic coat route myself. I started with a clean slate (iron remover, claybar, polish) and then used a ceramic wax instead which is good for about 6 months. I wash every 2 weeks with a ph neutral wash, followed up by a ceramic technology drying aid and then finally a quality paint sealant which leaves the paint super slick. Yeah it's a couple of hours every 2 weeks, but I enjoy it and it's pretty therapeutic as well. 

[KARNUT]

I noticed going through the papers in the glove box of our recently acquired CRV. Along with the normal paperwork was a recipe for paint and interior protection for 600$. My mother in law’s late husband wouldn’t had gone for that unless it was already thrown in and discounted out. Much to my astonishment the car rarely looks dirty and after 6 years shines like new. After 3 trips east no rock chips. My Toyota Camry has the worst paint I’ve ever seen. I made a template and was spraying that front every trip. The GMC and Santa Fe was slightly better. So there’s something to their paint protection package. Not that I would spend the money for it. There’s definitely a difference.

[Bamacommander]

I’ve used 303 Graphene Nano spray . I bought my truck back in July and it had a June build date , so it was real fresh when I took delivery. I have put 4 coats on it since then, and the paint now looks like glass and the water beads up like BB’s. Supposedly this graphene spray is the next best newest thing in coatings. 

[SVG]

Another vote for ceramic coating. It's so far superior to wax.

 

Also Paint Protection Film.

[luke1333]

Do not buy Ziebart or Paint protection or anything like that. Ceramic is the only way to go!

 

 

[reeseb]

19 minutes ago, luke1333 said:

Do not buy Ziebart or Paint protection or anything like that. Ceramic is the only way to go!

 

 

 

[Gmoeller]

What product/brand for the ceramic coating?

[reeseb]

44 minutes ago, Gmoeller said:

What product/brand for the ceramic coating?

Here is a very well done video about comparing ceramic coatings. I plan to try Hybrid Solutions in the spring. Will have to do the full cleaning and prep first. Not gonna do it now because I just waxed. wish I had gone with ceramic. Anyone have any opinions on what ceramic coating to use?

 

 

 

[fastk9dad]

12 minutes ago, reeseb said:

Here is a very well done video about comparing ceramic coatings. I plan to try Hybrid Solutions in the spring. Will have to do the full cleaning and prep first. Not gonna do it now because I just waxed. wish I had gone with ceramic. Anyone have any opinions on what ceramic coating to use?

 

Hybrid Solutions is what I use. It's not a true ceramic coating of course but it does the job well for what it is. I also follow up maintenance washes with P&S Bead Maker and it leaves some incredible gloss and a very slick surface.

[Gmoeller]

Great video post.

[WeGone]

 

Cleaned buffed and Adams ceramic coating the day I got it.

 

 

Edited November 1, 2021 by WeGone