Car Paint Care:
Paint care and protection made simple

Car paint care has long been at the top of anyone's list when it comes to the cosmetics of their car! Unfortunately there is an over-abundance of bad information being repeated by the many so-called experts with hidden agenda's so easily found on this thing called the Internet.

Countless websites and blogs written by people who have very little experience at best, and absolutely no experience at worst, but who are so willing to educate you on topics that they have no business even talking about!

Car Paint Care made Simple

As an auto detailing professional I have to be able to know what works and what doesn't! It is as simple and basic as the ability to produce results. And the only way to produce acceptable results is by using products and techniques that actually perform, and can do so in the real world of auto detailing.

Any frequent reader of my detailing sites knows I like to keep things simple. The forums are filled with so called "experts" who regurgitate glorified and exaggerated terminology, all with the attempt to self-inflate their position into something they are not! ( not that I have an opinion on the subject ).

This is not only self-serving, but adds additional confusion to an already confused group of consumers. On top of this, we have an industry driven by an insatiable need to sell more and more product all in the name of profits.

As consumers, we are bombarded with misleading and confusing marketing which is further compounded with inconsistent terminology; is it any wonder people are left chasing their tails looking for solutions.

Car paint Care:
What Would Darren Do (WWDD)

So many people who know I am in the auto detailing business present me with a very simple and straightforward question that is repeated more times than I can count:

"Darren, I don't want to learn everything. Just tell me what you would do!"

So for that reason I am going to tell you exactly what I do with my own cars, but what I recommend to anyone who owns a car and wants to know the basic requirements of car paint care, as well as some added pointers if you are one of those dedicated individuals who likes to take things to that next level of perfection and performance.

Car Paint Care:
Washing your car

Washing your car is step one —and arguably the most important thing you can do on a regular basis to not only keep your car looking pretty, but preserve the health of your car paint.

After all, sun and dirt are your cars worst enemy —you may not have to many options regarding the sun, but you have a lot control over how long you allow dirt to remain on your car paint.

Chemical Guy's Car Wash Kit

Chemical Guys 16pc Car Wash Kit on Amazon

• I love car wash kits or car wash bundles!
• Kits designed to make your life simpler and easier
• products bundled together that allow you to complete necessary tasks of car care in a neat and tight bundle of essential products and "tools"
• This kit not only contains many of the actual car washing products I have used for years, but includes additional products and tools that are required for a thorough car washing, as well as tools that will take your efforts into the world of professional results
• This kit contains tools like a wheel brush, a wash bucket, and a foam gun
• Also contains my favorite wash mitt, a tire dressing applicator (not my favorite, but will do in a pinch —my favorite can be found at tire dressing), and micro-fiber cloths for drying and waxing
  

Car Paint Care:
Decontaminating car paint

This topic is likely a new one to many of you. Decontaminating sounds scary to most people when I tell them about this necessary step.

You might know of this step in the form of detailing clay or the clay bar.

Simply put: the clay bar is a tool used to remove the air borne pollutants that bond to the surface of your car paint.

Hopefully you are already ahead of me in coming to the conclusion that you would prefer not to have pollutants sticking to your car paint!

These pollutants literally bond to the surface of your car paint —these pollutants need to be removed through the specific process of using the clay bar.

Washing, waxing and even polishing your car paint will not remove these bonded contaminants.

Adam's Clay Bar Kit

Adam's Clay Bar Kit on Amazon

• Not just a clay bar, but an actual kit to decontaminate your car paint
• Use this on a freshly washed car (you can use this on a dry car after being washed and dried, or on a wet car that has been washed and fully rinsed)
• Removes the air borne pollutants that have become attached to your cars paint surface
• This IS a critical step to proper car paint care! (many people underestimate the value of taking the time and effort to fully decontaminate your car paint)
• Comes with (2) clay bars and detail spray to use as a clay lubricant (because detailing clay by nature will "grab" your paint surface, you need a lubricant to allow you to rub the clay bar back and forth as the clay bar grabs the pollutants and shears them away)
• One of my favorite clay bars!

Car Paint Care:
Waxing your car paint

Most people agree that waxing your car is a good idea. The real challenge lies in navigating the overwhelming number of options available when you're trying to find the "best" car wax.

Because I get asked so often, “What’s the best car wax?”—I always give this simple but important answer:

“The best car wax is the one that actually makes it onto your car regularly—not the one that just sits on a shelf.”

At first, that might sound obvious. But when people stop to think about it, they start to understand the deeper point—it's all about the user experience.

If you're willing to spend hours, days, or even weeks reading reviews, comparing products, and shelling out serious money for what you believe is the ultimate car wax—but it ends up just sitting in its container because it’s too much of a hassle to use—how good is it really?

That’s why I want a wax that I’ll actually use often. One that offers the right balance of performance, ease of use, and value. A wax that doesn’t just gather dust on the garage shelf next to the other “top-rated” products you've bought but rarely used over the years.

Why Wax a Car?

Wax serves 2 essential purposes:

1. Protection
2. Visual enhancement

Think of car wax like this —a clear layer of protection and visual enhancement.

Car wax fills in the micro-scratching with wax so that a more uniform reflective surface is created. This more uniform layer then creates depth and gloss as different light sources reflect off your car paint with less "scattering" of the reflected light.

Car wax, sealants, or ceramics also add protection!

A clear layer of protection against the elements in general, along  with protection against UV light rays.  Both regular car washings and waxing are the most important things you can do as the car owner to protect and visually enhance your car's paint.

Claying and polishing are also important —just less critical. With that said, most people will eventually want to both clay and polish, but these are less critical to that of regular washing and waxing.

Car Paint Care Made Simple

Life happens.

One day becomes two. Two days become two weeks. And two weeks become two months and the next thing you know, two years have passed on there your car sits —looking less than brilliant due to deferred maintenance on your part.

Which is why I am all about keeping things as simple as possible —you don't need additional excuses that will stop you from washing and waxing.

The following represent what I would use if I was standing in your physical shoes. I am going to provide two options for you based on your personal preferences:

• A traditional paste wax
• A ceramic spray coating

Meguiar's Ultimate Liquid wax

Meguiar's Ultimate Liquid Wax on Amazon

Shine Smarter: Discover the Power of Meguiar's Ultimate Liquid Wax for a Showroom-Worthy Finish Every Time

• Upgraded Formula, Elevated Shine: Meguiar's Ultimate Liquid Wax delivers next-level gloss, long-lasting protection, and stunning water beading—all in one effortless step.
• Hassle-Free Application: With a simple spread-on, wipe-off process, even beginners can achieve professional-grade results—no shade required, just shine.
• Durable, Long-Lasting Protection: Our advanced synthetic formula creates a resilient barrier that shields your paint from UV rays and contaminants, while enhancing depth and clarity.
• Hydrophobic Brilliance: Featuring cutting-edge Hydrophobic Polymer Technology, this wax repels water with ease, helping your car stay cleaner and shine longer.
•  Hand or Machine Application: Whether applied by hand or with a dual action polisher like the Meguiar's MT300, this wax is safe for all glossy paints and clear coats—ensuring a brilliant, swirl-free finish.

Darren's Note: There are plenty of other cheaper waxes. But like anywhere else in life —you generally get what you pay for. 

In this case, not only are you paying for a quality product, but a better user experience. Don't underestimate how a wax that is difficult to apply and/or remove will suck the life out of you, only to find that your choice in wax never makes it onto your car again.

Based on how diligent you are with regular car washings, the amount of prolonged exposure to sun and dirt will determine how often you need to apply wax. My default answer is every 3-4 months for optimum protection. 

It's impossible to wax too often —despite any pseudo-expert claiming you will cause wax build-up. Not true!

Cerakote Ceramic Spray Coating

Cerakote Ceramic Spray Coating on Amazon

Next-Level Protection Meets Effortless Shine: Cerakote’s Advanced Ceramic Coating Redefines What a Paint Sealant Can Do

• Unmatched 50-Wash Durability: We've enhanced our best-performing paint sealant with an industry-leading longevity rating—engineered to outlast and outperform, wash after wash.
• Slickness You Can Feel: The finish is so incredibly smooth, you won’t believe it until you touch it. It's a whole new level of slick.
• Blinding Gloss & Mirror Shine: Get ready for jaw-dropping reflections—the deepest gloss and highest shine you’ve ever seen, all from the comfort of your driveway.
• Extreme Hydrophobic Performance: Cerakote’s genuine ceramic technology creates a powerful water-repelling shield that fights off grime, dirt, and mud, keeping your car cleaner for longer.
• Fast & Foolproof Application: Just wash and dry, then spray a light coat onto a small section. Buff it out for a dazzling shine—it’s that simple and that effective.

Darren's Note: If you accept and embrace updated technology then this product would be right for you.

I accept that every manufacturer has to keep up with the competition, so they all use hyped-up marketing to push their products —I can't think of a single company that doesn't use marketing hype to sell you "stuff".

This does not mean their products don't work, but it  may mean you can's always trust every thing they claim about their products.

Although it is hard to truly verify as everyone's situation is different, this product represents a better advantage for durability —apply less often than a wax.

Car Paint Care Summary

Taking care of your car’s paint doesn’t require a garage full of tools—just a few high-quality products and a bit of consistent effort. When done right, you’ll not only turn heads with a brilliant shine, but also protect your vehicle’s value and beauty for years to come.

To wrap things up, here’s a quick summary of the essential steps for maintaining long-lasting, showroom-quality paint:

• Wash weekly – Yes, weekly! Regular washing prevents buildup and protects your clear coat.
• Outsource the wash – Let a trusted local car wash handle the routine cleaning. Save your energy for the more enjoyable detailing tasks—like waxing!
• Clay before you wax – Always use detailing clay to remove embedded contaminants before waxing. This step leaves your paint feeling silky smooth and ensures your wax bonds properly. You’ll love the results I promise!

I hope these tips have shown you just how simple—and rewarding—paint care can be. Maybe, just maybe, they’ll help you rediscover that fresh excitement you felt the day you first drove your car off the lot.

Sincerely,

Darren Priest