Okay guys do not flame me.

We just purchase an '08 Acura TL in White Diamond Pearl. This will be my wifes car, I still have my '05 G35 AT Sedan and my wife old car ('00 Chrysler 300M) will go to our son as he begins to learn to drive.

My question is: The paint sealant that the dealership applied is really slick. I would like to know what they used? Or if a sealant that I am very interested in like Menzerna Full Metal that Detail Image has on special this month will work like the dealerships.

I am ready to give up on my Meguiars NXT for it does not last long or feel slick like Zanio did for my when I was using it on my 300M.

Thanks.

 

well, just I use Menzerna's Full Molecular Jacket (FMJ) and it leaves a nice slick feeling, but its going to be hard to say what the dealership used. I was under the impression most dealers didn't apply sealant. Applying a wax will give you the same feeling too. After FMJ has cured, I have been applying Natty's Red on top of it to give it an even deeper, wetter look.

 

I would HIGHLY doubt that your dealer applied a high quality sealant like FMJ. If you really want to know, I'd just ask your dealer what they used, but I wouldn't expect anything like Menzerna, Poorboys, or Zaino.

 

+1

I doubt the dealer uses anything that nice.

 

I know that Lupient Infiniti in Minneapolis uses Wolfgang stuff, which isn't that bad.

 

Good question AzWildcatG. Menzerna's FMJ happens to have a very slick feeling sealant after applying it to your paint. One of the first times I used this sealant, I described the slickness as feeling similar to just claying your paint. Not many sealants give you that slick of a surface after application.

As the members said, most dealerships will just use generic body shop products that typically look good right off the bat but after a few washes, the fillers from silicone based products wash out and you are left with an improperly prepped vehicle. You will get the few dealerships as MidnightG35X stated that actually use quality process, products and techniques, however this is rare from my experience.

If slickness is what you are going for, the Menzerna Full Molecular Jacket will not let you down. It is also pretty durable and has a great deep shine to it. Here's a picture I took of my girlfriends mom's 07 Altima that I polished up with Menzerna Super Intensive Polish and protected with Menzerna Full Molecular Jacket:





If you have any other questions on any of the Menzerna products, please do not hesitate to ask.

Congrats on the new vehicle BTW!

George

 

Thanks for the responces guys!

I bought the '08 Acura TL at Acura of Peoria (AZ). This dealership is 140 miles north of my area and are one of about 70 new car dealerships based out of Kansas City. Two years ago I bought my Infiniti from one of their sister dealerships (Midway Infiniti) in the PHX metro area.

I was impressed with how easy the bugs on the front of the TL came off the next morning after a two hour drive home at night. That is why I asked the question.

I will be ordering the FMJ from George and trashing the NXT.

George, I will be using the FMJ on my three cars. I will start with my G first. Should I do what you did on the Altima (it looks great!) with the Super Intensive Polish first or should I do the what Kernal did above with Poorboys Natty's Red as a topper? PLMK.

Thanks!

 

It really depends on the condition of the vehicles and how many imperfections are in the clear coat. Swirl marks, light scratches, water spots, etc. all take away from the finish of a vehicle. Using a polish such as Super Intensive Polish will remove these imperfections from the paint and really brighten the surface and properly prep the surface for your sealant and/or wax. The best way to assess your paint is by looking at it in direct sunlight or under florescent lighting. Other light sources often hide imperfections and can only be scene from certain angles.

On your new TL, if you really want a fresh start, consider using a clay bar prior to applying the FMJ. This will help ensure that the old protective layer is removed properly while providing a fresh base to apply the FMJ on. Chances are the TL will not need a polishing at this time since it is so new, but that all depends on how well the dealership prepped the vehicle. You'd be surprised on how much contamination can come off of a brand new vehicle with a thorough use of a clay bar. Your other vehicles may benefit from a clay bar as well, especially if you never used one before.

Topping the FMJ with a quality wax, such as the Poorboy's Natty's Red you mentioned, will add another layer of protection as well as enhancing the depth and gloss in the paint. Sealants provide a much more durable form of protection, however carnauba waxes are often argued to prevent water spots & bird dropping etchings better than a sealant. Typically a coat of wax lasts 4 - 8 weeks. I recommend reapplying a fresh coat of wax monthly to achieve the maximum protection and aesthetics benefits it offers.

If you have any questions on anything presented above, please do not hesitate to ask.

George

 

AzWildcatG,

I'm not sure if my post came across this way, but as George mentioned, SIP is to remove swirls, micromarring, and other imprefections. This is simiply a prep before applying sealants or waxes (not a replacement for them). I'd apply FMJ for a long lasting form of protection, and Natty's Red to add additional protection and depth.

PS, George the Altima looks great but I'm surprised you didn't post pics of your VW

 

Damn that car looks shiny .

 

the altima? I wouldnt expect any less from George. He did a really nice job with his rabbit.