Some of the most iconic cars in automotive history have sported a black finish. For instance, take the 1986 Buick Grand National which was one of the most powerful cars to be produced at the time or even the Ford Model T that was as Henry Ford himself said, “You can have any color, as long as it’s black”. People love this color since it can make a vehicle look sleek and aggressive. However, there is a catch that comes with black paint. Let’s say you decide to treat yourself and purchase a 2020 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye decked out with the pugnacious wide body setup, all placed together under a nice shade of pitch black paint. After a week of civilized driving and respecting county laws, you notice a distinct layer of dirt over your new Mopar and decide to take it to your local car wash. Days later, at the weekly cruise night in your town, one of your friends points out numerous swirl marks, a scratch, and what appears to be a rock chip. Baffling thoughts stream through your brain, “how did this happen? “I paid top dollar for my car to be clean so how could this have possibly happened?” The answer is simple, the giant motorized brushes and even the towels used to clean vehicles at car washes are arguably not safe for paint. The best methods to keep your dark colored ride clear of scratches and scuffs are listed below.
“More time equals a more rewarding result”, Alex.
- Make sure to use a clean rag or sponge when cleaning. Rocks and road debris can be picked up and thrown back onto the paint if the applicator is not cleaned properly. We recommend using two buckets, one for soap, and the other for ringing out your rag or sponge.
Believe it or not, there are actually shampoos designed specifically for black paint. A perfect example is Chemical Guy’s exclusive “Black Light” which is intended to restore the reflective shine that is synonymous with metallic black cars.
3. A good clay bar session will make a difference, however, it is worth noting that this may take up to 2 hours depending on your vehicle.
All of these tips will help you in making your black car a mirror on wheels!