djr7572

I have a 2012 f150 and it's about 3 months old. Heading into the Winter, I'd like to protect my paint the best I can. Considering the paint is new, what type of treatment would be the best option at this point? Should I be going for a traditional carnuba wax? Or paint sealant? (not sure what the difference is between wax and "paint sealant").

Also, regarding clay bar treatments ... is it too early to do this on my truck? If so, when is a good time to do this?

Thanks

koja7296

for winter protection I use regular old turtle wax. Lasts a long time and leaves a good shine . A carnuba wax doesn't last that long but will give a deep rich shine. A paint sealant wont have the depth or luster that carnuba does but will last longer.

jollyroger331

Clay bar treatment on a new truck would be a waste of time the paint is still new and smooth, I wouldn't bother with that til it's maybe a year old or more.

Shaggy1970

Park it inside as much as possible.

djr7572

That's kinda what I thought, too. Thanks

djr7572

Thank you!

Half_ton

I wash with dawn to remove all waxes and sealants, then I coat with poor boys ex-p and then a coat of nattys blue wax over the top. I do the insides of the doors and pinch welds and under the hood. Takes about 5-6 hours, but so worth it. Sealants will last much longer than waxes. Fyi

techrep

iTrader: (1)

3 months old...I wouldn't do anything to it yet...it does have a brand new clear coat to protect it. I guess you could put a coat of wax on it though.

rbrais

Wax it at least twice a year. In the fall and the spring, using any decent wax. I like either Armor All Extreme Shield (leaves no white residue) or Maguiar's Next Gen II wax.

I always do a 3-step in the spring due to sand and salt:
Maguiar's Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner
Maguiar's or 3M Glaze
Extreme Shield Wax

The waxes that I first mentioned have no cleaning properties, so if in the spring you do not feel like doing a 3-step, I really like Maguiar's cleaner wax. It does a great job and on lighter color vehicles you can't tell the difference between it and a 3-step. On darker vehicles, the 3-step gives it a deeper look and a little more shine. Just don't use a cleaner more than once a year.

My Ranger was 11 when I sold it and the paint still looked new (never garaged) and my F-150 is 10 and looks new, but it was garaged most the time. Think I've waxed it 3 times this year so far.

rbrais

Absolutely put a coat of wax on it. Clear coat isn't just for protecting paint, it is what gives paint it's shine (paint is actually flat, not glossy). Polishing and protecting the clear from the elements is what makes the finish shine. Plus wax greatly reduces fine scratches from brush, leaning up against the vehicle, washing, etc.