Paint Question

[gwtx]

Just got a 2014 EX LTD. I have noticed that bugs seem to clean off easier than on my last car, and the paint seems "soft" on the front end. Almost like you could dent it with your fingernail. I like the fact that it cleans easier, but what precautions are needed to prevent damaging the paint? the first time I went to clean it, I thought about using wd40, but a little wetting with water, and then soapy water and a sponge cleaned the bugs off easily. So, any suggestions on things NOT to use, if the bugs get tougher?? I try to clean as soon as we get home, but after the new wears off, that will probably "slip" a bit. I know, the longer the bug stuff if on there, the harder it is to get off, AND, the more it permeates the finish. Great forum, Thanks, Gary

 

[MONMIX]

A decent waxing will do the trick. Make sure you keep up on it. Normal wax does not last real long. I recommend Zaino.

www.zainostore.com

 

[Blu95]

I would get a clear bra put on the front of the car. Paint on new cars is notoriously soft AND thin, so it chips incredibly easy. Wax and sealant is not gonna stop chips.

 

[gwtx]

A decent waxing will do the trick. Make sure you keep up on it. Normal wax does not last real long. I recommend Zaino.

www.zainostore.com

Thanks for the reply. I dread having to clean the wax out of all those little holes in the bar that runs across the grill on the 5th gen models. The bugs come off easy enough for now, but I will eventually use a good heavy wax, or something. I've used WD40 for cleaning lots of things(including my hands) before, and am aware that it leaves a "film". Wondering if that film could help, and if it is safe for long term exposure to the paint. ??? Don't mind cleaning all that much, but this time of year, the grasshoppers are bad, and the yellow stuff they leave behind will stain the lighter colored paints if left on for more than a few hours. Thanks for the tip on Zaino. Gary

 

[gwtx]

I would get a clear bra put on the front of the car. Paint on new cars is notoriously soft AND thin, so it chips incredibly easy. Wax and sealant is not gonna stop chips.

Blu, yeah, you're right, but I just don't like the appearance of the Bra's, and they usually rub the paint off where they contact. The road "grit" gets in between and becomes "grinding compound". Once you start wearing a bra, you can never stop (so I'm told) Gary

 

[toypaseo]

Blu95 is talking about clearbra, a transparent film applied directly to the surface.

Look at this website for some information. He was my tint and clearbra guy when I lived in CO... http://www.invisibra.net/index.html

 

[Anime]

The clearbra stuff is nice short-term, but can cause paint problems and other issues if left on too long. It's pretty dumb, but it's just not made to stay on paint that long.

One solution is to use plasti-dip and spray the front end in a color that matches the paint. Peel it off and re-spray if it ever gets messed up.

Other than that, all you can really do is keep a good coat of wax on the front, use a bug scrubbing sponge with car wash and warm water to scrub off the bugs, wash the finish smooth again, and re-apply the wax.

 

[gwtx]

Toy& Anime, Thanks for bringing me up to the current decade. The vehicle we traded in on the EX was going on eleven years old, still in excellent condition, but I had not researched new products for cleaning/maintenance etc. Never heard of the "clear bra". For now, I'll just keep on cleaning as soon as possible, and put a coat of wax on. Thanks, Gary

I had a PM conversation going with Crystal/Ford Service, and accidentally delted her message. Can anyone give me a link, or "how to" get back in touch with her?

 

[toypaseo]

Here is another option. 3M Paint Defender Spray Film.

http://www.modified.com/tech/1309-3m-paint-defender/

 

[MONMIX]

Thanks for the reply. I dread having to clean the wax out of all those little holes in the bar that runs across the grill on the 5th gen models. The bugs come off easy enough for now, but I will eventually use a good heavy wax, or something. I've used WD40 for cleaning lots of things(including my hands) before, and am aware that it leaves a "film". Wondering if that film could help, and if it is safe for long term exposure to the paint. ??? Don't mind cleaning all that much, but this time of year, the grasshoppers are bad, and the yellow stuff they leave behind will stain the lighter colored paints if left on for more than a few hours. Thanks for the tip on Zaino. Gary

Oh god PLEASE dont clean your hands with WD-40. That stuff does terrible things to your nerves and blood stream. I dont think its all that good for your paint either...

Zaino leaves NO white residue what so ever.

 

[FordService]

...I had a PM conversation going with Crystal/Ford Service, and accidentally delted her message. Can anyone give me a link, or "how to" get back in touch with her?

Hi gwtx,

Just click on the "FordService" to the left of this message and you'll get an option to send me a private message.

Crystal

 

[gwtx]

Hi gwtx,

Just click on the "FordService" to the left of this message and you'll get an option to send me a private message.

Crystal

Thanks, my brain(what's left of it) must have went to sleep. Seems to do that more often these days