For Those of you with Black ?

[woodranch]

For those of you that have Black cars please give me some much needed advice on how to accept that imperfections are going to happen. I alays have had Silver colored cars that hide everything. However my new RS5 is Black and thinking I made a little mistake. It looks awesome when clean but keeping it pristine is a pain. Also I know over time I will see chips and a few swirls that I never saw with Silver. Putting things in perspective, there are much more important things in life other the a few imperfections on my car.Appreciate other words of wisdom.Thanks!

[NoMojo31]

Black is a hobby.

The only thing you can do is keep up with it. And, learn to polish. I'd also put PPF on the front end to reduce the chipping.

[bknewtype]

had a phantom black s5, a brilliant black a5, and now a sapphire black a5. my car usually stays clean like for the first 10 mins after a wash lol. but I don't care, cause I love black cars. sleek, sexy, luxurious, and boss looking. would not have it any other way. I wouldnt settle for a color just cause its easier to maintain. when clean its gorgeous. when dirty, I just look forward to the next wash. carry some detail spray and a California duster in the trunk. like u said, there are more important things in life

esp black RS's. they look so aggressive and "dangerous" ( that's what my gf says ) in black.

[Ace22]

Every car I have owned over the years has been a version of black...my favorite! After years of maintaining that clean look here in the dust/pollen area I live has been a chore, but I have learned a few things.
Do yourself a favor and correctly detail the car...i.e. a good wash, clay. After, although I love the carnuba look, it attracts way too much dust, so I use a synthetic sealant (Adam's liquid sealant), then I maintain every few weeks with their new H20 gloss, which is awesome. You need a nice waterless wash (I personally love Ultima WW+ concentrate) every time prior for dust control/lack of swirls. Keep it simple and be smart to reduce swirl creation.

[FaceSmA5h]

Every black car I've owned, I took extremely great care of it. But once the chips on your hood add up, you just say fuck it. No more. The Quartz on my S5 was beautiful. Daytona is my favorite Audi color. I hope you leased your car, that way you could just hop into a new color at the end of your term. Also talk to your dealer about an early trade in. You might lose some money, but you'll get what you want. Good luck.

[bknewtype]

^^ seems like black was what he wanted and chose

[Mops@Nemesis]

Do you handle your own detailing/cleaning?

[dalmation53]

had a phantom black s5, a brilliant black a5, and now a sapphire black a5. my car usually stays clean like for the first 10 mins after a wash lol. but I don't care, cause I love black cars. sleek, sexy, luxurious, and boss looking. would not have it any other way. I wouldnt settle for a color just cause its easier to maintain. when clean its gorgeous. when dirty, I just look forward to the next wash. carry some detail spray and a California duster in the trunk. like u said, there are more important things in life

esp black RS's. they look so aggressive and "dangerous" ( that's what my gf says ) in black.

Bro I so agree with you. love my black car. looks BOSS haha

[woodranch]

Yes I do my own washing and detailing but do not do any polishing. I try to do everything by hand. Do not want to srew things up . Anyone suggest a great type of sealant or wax that I can use every week or two to really protect the paint?

[Mops@Nemesis]

Yes I do my own washing and detailing but do not do any polishing. I try to do everything by hand. Do not want to srew things up . Anyone suggest a great type of sealant or wax that I can use every week or two to really protect the paint?

You can layer Adams Liquid Sealant as much as you like. Once a month is plenty though, and polish 2-3 times per year.

With black you want to touch it the least possible. Get a foam gun if you do not have one. It will really help soften anything that will not wash off. That is huge! So foam, let sit for say 5 mins, rinse, and go to work on wheels, tires etc. Let the water continue to soften before you touch it. Blowing it dry, only leaving a bit of water helps a lot, then dry with detail spray for lube. Most of the damage happens during wash/dry. So use good towels for sure. I dry with a plush MF and detail spray. You might also consider letting a pro hit it once per year with a two-stage machine polish to clean up any swirls etc. Then you maintain between. With good practices, you'll not have to hand polish, or maybe just once mid-year. If one is super particular, and its a DD, black is just not a good idea. Although, metallic helps a ton.

[jkownz]

Full paint correction and condom it. Wax and wash and detail spray. If you don't like ppf, then get a easy to use porter cable and good polish, compound and waxes. Towels, and have fun with it.

[AirmattRS5]

Definitely condomed it and apply any sealant of your choice (opticoat, cquartz, ceramic pro, etc). This cuts my detailing time in half so after a good wash, I just use some megiuars spray wax and be on my way.

[LimaSierra]

Full paint correction and condom it. Wax and wash and detail spray. If you don't like ppf, then get a easy to use porter cable and good polish, compound and waxes. Towels, and have fun with it.

Definitely condomed it and apply any sealant of your choice (opticoat, cquartz, ceramic pro, etc). This cuts my detailing time in half so after a good wash, I just use some megiuars spray wax and be on my way.

Great advice! Did both two days after delivery of my Panther Black RS. Same with our Dark Gray ESV. Let me just say that CQuartz Finest is some incredible stuff!

Both kept in pristine condition afterwards. Adam's Wash, Waterless Wash and DS is all I used on the RS for two years.

XPEL or any other good PPF is worth every penny on a black car, esp if you plan on keeping it for the long term.

Now lets see some pics!





--Nate

[Sgibb16]

For me I don't drive mine a lot and barely at all in the winter. Definitely invest in a polisher, I do mine once in the spring and it keeps it looking great through the fall. I use Adams liquid paint Sealant. Just maintain it with a foam gun/hand wash and should be fine.

Edit: A few cell phone pics

[Optiondoc]

CQuartz it after a very careful wash and I use Nanowax once a week. Quartz it once every other week, here's a pic (phantom black)






Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[woodranch]

Where can you buy CQuartz? Thanks

[Optiondoc]

Embrace Google, I purchase from autogeek. Not sure if anyone has any better deals tho

http://www.autogeek.net/cquartz-kit.html






Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[namvar]

Mops has great advice.

300ZX black
Q7 Black
RS5 Mythos black

Won't have it any other way. Taking care of them is my therapy. Unfortunately because of our horrible drought situation I can't tend to them they way I want to; so I use Adam's waterless wash every other day followed by a nice wipe down using Adam's detail spray. Make sure to use their waffle pattern towels though.

Once a month I do a deep wash and apply their buttery wax. Once a quarter I clay and use their new H2O activate sealant. Once a year I hand polish them all.

Oh one more thought. I highly recommend a clear bra or wrap for the front end.

Have a blast

[Beast]

had phantom black one, never again. It is a full time job.

[Optiondoc]

had phantom black one, never again. It is a full time job.

Where were you two months ago??!! Haha, you sure as shit aren't kidding. I'm cleaning this thing every Saturday afternoon and lord knows it takes HOURS.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Johnhanson]

I used to work in a detail shop. Clearly it was a poor one because we would do a car in 2-3 hours, while the guy I pay now takes 12. I get him to do it once a year and then just keep it up with rapid detailer after washes.

One tip he gave was NEVER use a chamois. I got away with them for years on my silver and white cars but nearly destroyed my RS5 and old X6 with them. He recommends a good microfibre to dry with a nice rotating motion to not drag the inevitable paint contaminants left after a wash.

I thought I took good care of my car but it looked like this

Thankfully he made it like this




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[woodranch]

Guys , I have to come clean. I am truly bummed. I bought a 2015 black RS5 from the dealer. When I left the lot, it looked great until I got home. When I got home there was tons of water spots, so took it back to the dealer. They detailed the car and I picked it up and it looked better until I got home and saw it in the garage under fluorescents. There was still water spots all over. Took it back again and they re-did it again. The manager said they cannot polish it anymore or they will go thru the clear coat. Well it is much better for sure! However, in the right light in my garage I can still see spots. I cannot take it back to the dealer because they don't want to touch it anymore, plus I told them I was happy. Nobody can see the spots but me, so I need to get over it! I can't take it to a true detailer because I am truly scared of going thru the clear coat . I am OCD and no one will see these spots but I feel like an ass that I took the car this way. However, no one will ever see theswater spots but me. Just venting but should be Thankful I have such a nice car . The only way you see the water spots has to be the perfect reflection. Oh well, I bought the car to drive and not to be a a garage queen...right? My wife thinks I am crazy !!!!!!!

[Beast]

Guys , I have to come clean. I am truly bummed. I bought a 2015 black RS5 from the dealer. When I left the lot, it looked great until I got home. When I got home there was tons of water spots, so took it back to the dealer. They detailed the car and I picked it up and it looked better until I got home and saw it in the garage under fluorescents. There was still water spots all over. Took it back again and they re-did it again. The manager said they cannot polish it anymore or they will go thru the clear coat. Well it is much better for sure! However, in the right light in my garage I can still see spots. I cannot take it back to the dealer because they don't want to touch it anymore, plus I told them I was happy. Nobody can see the spots but me, so I need to get over it! I can't take it to a true detailer because I am truly scared of going thru the clear coat . I am OCD and no one will see these spots but I feel like an ass that I took the car this way. However, no one will ever see theswater spots but me. Just venting but should be Thankful I have such a nice car . The only way you see the water spots has to be the perfect reflection. Oh well, I bought the car to drive and not to be a a garage queen...right? My wife thinks I am crazy !!!!!!!

take to to a professional detailer and let him work his magic. Then I would suggest Xpel clear wrap for the entire car judging by your OCD level lol!

[namvar]

Guys , I have to come clean. I am truly bummed. I bought a 2015 black RS5 from the dealer. When I left the lot, it looked great until I got home. When I got home there was tons of water spots, so took it back to the dealer. They detailed the car and I picked it up and it looked better until I got home and saw it in the garage under fluorescents. There was still water spots all over. Took it back again and they re-did it again. The manager said they cannot polish it anymore or they will go thru the clear coat. Well it is much better for sure! However, in the right light in my garage I can still see spots. I cannot take it back to the dealer because they don't want to touch it anymore, plus I told them I was happy. Nobody can see the spots but me, so I need to get over it! I can't take it to a true detailer because I am truly scared of going thru the clear coat . I am OCD and no one will see these spots but I feel like an ass that I took the car this way. However, no one will ever see theswater spots but me. Just venting but should be Thankful I have such a nice car . The only way you see the water spots has to be the perfect reflection. Oh well, I bought the car to drive and not to be a a garage queen...right? My wife thinks I am crazy !!!!!!!

I agree with Beast. Take it to a professional detail shop but make sure you get a referral. Maybe ask the forum? Tell your wife that you are not alone. Just read a few of the threads on this forum and you will see that your OCD level is well matched.

Here's my chamber of horrors:

Untitled by namvar_kiaie, on Flickr

[Optiondoc]

Guys , I have to come clean. I am truly bummed. I bought a 2015 black RS5 from the dealer. When I left the lot, it looked great until I got home. When I got home there was tons of water spots, so took it back to the dealer. They detailed the car and I picked it up and it looked better until I got home and saw it in the garage under fluorescents. There was still water spots all over. Took it back again and they re-did it again. The manager said they cannot polish it anymore or they will go thru the clear coat. Well it is much better for sure! However, in the right light in my garage I can still see spots. I cannot take it back to the dealer because they don't want to touch it anymore, plus I told them I was happy. Nobody can see the spots but me, so I need to get over it! I can't take it to a true detailer because I am truly scared of going thru the clear coat . I am OCD and no one will see these spots but I feel like an ass that I took the car this way. However, no one will ever see theswater spots but me. Just venting but should be Thankful I have such a nice car . The only way you see the water spots has to be the perfect reflection. Oh well, I bought the car to drive and not to be a a garage queen...right? My wife thinks I am crazy !!!!!!!

I am so sorry to hear. Yes, please send wifey to this thread. I would try to get the water spots out myself. Take a few days and clay bar it then see if you can wax them out. If not.....get rid of the car lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mops@Nemesis]

All you need for those spots. I've used this product for 15 years and still today with great success.


Mops on the move

[RVJ]

First tip is NEVER rely on the dealer detail guys. Your just not going to get that perfection that you're looking for and they may actually add swirls. Find a good pro and have them do a full correction (I took mine within days of delivery.). Find one that will do a synthetic coating (I used CQuartz Finest) as well. A good detailer will take about 2 days and hang onto it for an extra to let the coating cure a bit (takes about a week to cure fully).

After that, the Adam's products are great. Definitely blow dry...as someone mentioned, most damage is done washing and drying. If the car gets dusty NEVER wipe it down, do a full wash. Remember, outside dust usually has grit, sand, etc in it. Also, try to wash early morning or late afternoon as you don't want the water drying while you're washing. Soft water helps too.

Have had 3 black cars now and it is a bit of work but they just look FANTASTIC when clean.

One more bit of advice, make a laminated sign for service that says "Do Not Wash This Car" and tell the service manager as well. Don't want to go through all of that work and have some guy with a dirty towel mess it up.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[PlainOleS5]

I feel like this topic has been beaten to death already!! I echo all the sentiments already posted! Foam gun...Blow dry....ALWAYS USE DETAIL SPRAY...Liquid Paint Sealant....touch up with H20 Gloss and guard!

I really love the Gloss and Guard!! Works wonders and keeps the black paint looking amazing!!

Also, definitely don't let amateurs touch your car!!!!

[superswiss]

Dude you live in California. It has barely rained the last four years. We don't have snow here, so other than dust what are you getting on your car? I've had black cars for over 10 years living in California and I don't get the fuss people make. I do a periodic two bucket hand wash, but in between especially with the drought I just go to the touchless car wash less than a mile from my house and then give it the final shine at home in my garage using Adam's Detailing Spray. It leaves the surface smooth and slick, so stuff doesn't really stick to it. Some scratches happen, it's a car that's meant to be driven, but if you have a metallic black you gonna have to be very anal to see anything. I would never own something like Brilliant Black, though. Every non-metallic black car I see looks like shit unless it's brand new. I traded in my Phantom Black S4 after almost eight years and the dealership couldn't believe how good the paint looked after all this time. I didn't care for it any different. I only had it professionally detailed and wax once in all of eight years, other than the liquid wax from the touchless car wash. Haven't waxed the RS5 yet and it's been over two years. Doesn't look much different than the day I picked it up in Germany and the dealer detailed it when it arrived state-side as it was encrusted in salt. I do have a clear bra on the whole front, mirrors, door edges, under the handles and full rear bumper. That helps with the inevitable rock chips from all the crap that the big rigs heading to and from the Port of Oakland throw up on the highways around here. I do have a couple of minor chips that I got in Germany, but they were worth the fun on the Autobahn . Now I do keep my cars garaged, so if you park outside 24/7 then it's a different story.

[woodranch]

The water spots are from the dealer washing the car and letting it sit for hours under the hot sun. Those spots just get burried in the paint. As I mentioned the had the car for 2 days and got most of them of. In the right light you can still see them on the trunk and they are on the side view mirrors. Taking it to another detailer would only worry me more because the dealership basically said they took off some of the clear because the spots were so bad. Just venting and I will deal with it and try not to be so OCD and just enjoy the car! Thanks guys!

[bknewtype]

just bring it to a reputable detailer, they will know what to do, and bring it back to life 99%. cost would be around 300$ tops ( around here ) and it will make u feel much better. just maintain it after. ull be fine. congrats!!!

[PeregrineNYC]

I have a bunch of products from the Chemical Guys http://www.chemicalguys.com/ and am having a lot of success with it. I really like their stuff.