[Mike from Brisbane]

Hi, sorry if this has been answered, I just picked up my 2014 I30 Active and was wondering if I get a professional to do the paint protection or just use a great wax every 2 months?

[CraigB]

A good quality wax every three months should be fine with a weekly or fortnightly wash & wax to clean and top up the wax protection.

[Dazzler]

  Many of us reckon professional finishes are overpriced .. I am a fan of Jetseal ... you can get a Clay bar and some jetseal and do it yourself for under $100 and then just wash and wax as needed, re-applying Jetseal every 12 months or so... 


Auto Detailing Resin Paint Sealant/Protectant JetSeal 109

[Doggie 1]

 
I agree with the above.
Just do it yourself and save heaps of $$$.

[beerman]

Or so is longer than 12 months......

[tla]

... you can get a Clay bar and some jetseal and do it yourself for under $100 and then just wash and wax as needed, re-applying Jetseal every 12 months or so... 

Good suggestion.  Just be careful with the type of clay bar you use and the amount of lube.  For example, this guy scratched up his entire car  Can clay barring cause scratches on a new car? - Auto Geek Online Auto Detailing Forum

[Dazzler]

Thanks for the warning tla.. 

I have never used a clay bar, but have bought a good one to use next time ( after reading "expert" comments on here) 

I was told to break it in half in case I drop it ('caus if you drop it you have to throw it away  )

[tla]

Based on the info from that thread, you should try on a small area first to see if it causes scratches.  Good luck with it if you decide to do it.

[CraigB]

There are different grades in clay bars so as long as you use one suited for new cars ( non abrasive ) you should be fine, make sure to wash car first to remove dirt

[Phil №❶]

Anyone ever tried toothpaste, that's just clay & fresh mint, too. 

BTW Not advocating anyone actually doing this, but in a hidden spot it would be an interesting test.

[Doggie 1]

Anyone ever tried toothpaste, that's just clay & fresh mint, too. 

BTW Not advocating anyone actually doing this, but in a hidden spot it would be an interesting test.

Probably most members have.   

[Surferdude]

Anyone ever tried toothpaste, that's just clay & fresh mint, too. 

BTW Not advocating anyone actually doing this, but in a hidden spot it would be an interesting test.

Do not do this.
Guy I worked with tried to take some bird poop off his company car with toothpaste (I have NO idea why). Left an obvious swirl of scratches on the paint - about 6" in diameter.
However, I know from personal experience that toothpaste works well on perspex - like helmet visors or headlight protectors.

Strange, I know. 

[Doggie 1]

I meant on teeth.   

[lyon]

Guy I worked with tried to take some bird poop off his company car with toothpaste (I have NO idea why). Left an obvious swirl of scratches on the paint - about 6" in diameter.
However, I know from personal experience that toothpaste works well on perspex - like helmet visors or headlight protectors.

Strange, I know. 

I have the Meguiar's Quik Ultimate Detailer handy for bird poops + tissue box (will it scratch?). No bird poops so far to test though, thankfully

[Surferdude]

Guy I worked with tried to take some bird poop off his company car with toothpaste (I have NO idea why). Left an obvious swirl of scratches on the paint - about 6" in diameter.
However, I know from personal experience that toothpaste works well on perspex - like helmet visors or headlight protectors.

Strange, I know. 

I have the Meguiar's Quik Ultimate Detailer handy for bird poops + tissue box (will it scratch?). No bird poops so far to test though, thankfully

My preferred method of removing bird poop is lots of water, until the residue is really soft then a chamois or very soft rag (tissues might be OK) to GENTLY wipe away the rest - still undre a stream of water from the hose. Most of it (except bat poo) will generally go with the hose.

[Phil №❶]

For hard dried on poo, I use a wet paper or cloth towel. Place on top and leave for 20 mins or so and then just wipe off. Works well on the car, too.