Johnml

I don't have problems washing my truck. My problem is finding a long lasting wax. I used to wax once a week (OCD) but now wax once a month. I live in Ft Lauderdale where it's hot 11 months a year with a really hot wet summers. I would love a wax that's durable. I've boughten the new waxes that are safe for plastics, but don't like them. Sure they look good when finished, but don't last at all.

Anybody tried any of the new black specific waxes? Last time I've bought wax, only Turtle wax had black specific but now there must be 5-8 of them with some good name brands.

Azuri

Give Collinite 845 try. Here's a thread talking about it I'm happy with results on my black truck. Here's a thread with lots of people talking about it.

https://www.f150forum.com/f28/if-you...lf-try-144227/

I did mine on the weekend with it. Industrial grade so it's durable and long lasting. (I also love the chance to post a pic of my ride )

Half_ton

use a sealant not just a wax.

Johnml

Nothing looks better than a freshly waxed black truck. I love mine the first day, but day 2 it's starting the downward slide. After a week it looks like its never been waxed.

Is polish applied after wax? I never used polish except nu finish when I was a teenager.

Half_ton

http://www.adamspolishes.com/
a lot of great videos here, great products (not a fan of green wheel cleaner though) great guys as well.

Mattm400

Thanks for all the info, so far it hasn't been too awful bad to keep clean. Think I'll try out the collinite, seems to be a big hit on this forum.

Bieradler

You would always want to polish before wax. Polishes are slightly abrasive, varies on polish, but this is done first.

Sealants and waxes are not the same thing. A sealant is synthetic and will give you a different look than a wax, which is typically carnauba. There's a lot of information out there, but to keep this short, a sealant will last much longer than your typical wax generally speaking. A sealant will give that wet look appearance whereas carnauba will give depth and richness. You can use both, but if you do, use the sealant first, than top with wax

Sealants usually look better by themselves on brighter colors and carnauba generally looks better on darker colors. Just MHO, but I know I'm not alone.

Part of the fun is trying some different ones and seeing which ones you like best. Just remember: Clay/Polish/Sealant/Wax. And if you're nuts, can even add a glaze!

dave91gt

Highly recommend drying with a leaf blower. Gets water from all of the nooks and crannies. I have done this to mine since new (over a year ago) and after dry use Lucas Slick mist with a microfiber. Truck gets Collinite 845 2/ year. Water blows off the truck and I have no swirl marks.
Likely my last black vehicle. My neighbors get a kick out of the leaf blower.

lkennamer

I feel ya on the likely last black vehicle mine is SO HARD TO KEEP CLEAN!! Its maddening haha

scorpio333

Lots of good tips in here, like previously stated find what works for you and go with it. Two bucket method with grit guards is a must. NEVER use a towel that's been dropped on the ground or could possible have any dirt/sand/rough texture, you'll swirl stuff up in a heartbeat.

I do mine a bit different.
1. wash tires/wheels
2. wash front end/cab top down
3. use a hose with no nozzle or 'full' setting to sheet water off
4. use two drying towels. first one picks up bulk of water. mist 4 star shine and dry with second towel
5. wash tonneau/bed

Try to keep the truck wet until drying. That's why I break it down into front/back, hels me keep things from spotting.

I've been using Duragloss soap which works best for me. Collinite on wheels. I picked a a few blue tins of Megs 16 a couple yrs ago, for me it's easier to work with on paint than Collinite. Doesn't last as long, but pretty close.

Someone mentioned black waxes. Those are marketing terms, wax companies love selling you more than you need. Look at pics of some guys detail closets, it gets to be overkill. IMO, avoid these and get a good quality wax, they'll work out better in the end.