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      05-18-2012, 09:29 AM   #1
ChessToon
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Paint Sealant or Good Polish?

Had an email from my dealer letting me know that my car is officially in transit and will be available for collection the early part of June.

With that in mind I am considering getting the paintwork protected. Whilst doing some research I have come across a relatively new product, a a paint sealant with ceramic properties which improves the toughness of the finish and generally offers a full 5yr guarantee - even against bird droppings. One of then has been developed by Williams F1team.

The other option is to take it to a professional detailling company, get it prep'd and good quality polish put on?

Not sure which way to jump but anyone had this sealant put on their X3 or just used a good quality polish?

Any advice would be helpful in my quest to protect the car.
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      05-18-2012, 10:31 AM   #2
April1
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If the choice is given to me, I will not go for any resin based sealants as its difficult to rework on them.

If you are prepared to do by yourself, learn to do it, it's a great fun.
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      05-18-2012, 04:25 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ChessToon View Post
Had an email from my dealer letting me know that my car is officially in transit and will be available for collection the early part of June.

With that in mind I am considering getting the paintwork protected. Whilst doing some research I have come across a relatively new product, a a paint sealant with ceramic properties which improves the toughness of the finish and generally offers a full 5yr guarantee - even against bird droppings. One of then has been developed by Williams F1team.

The other option is to take it to a professional detailling company, get it prep'd and good quality polish put on?

Not sure which way to jump but anyone had this sealant put on their X3 or just used a good quality polish?

Any advice would be helpful in my quest to protect the car.

I've had both done over the years on different vehicles. I am yet to see the dramatic difference between them (just don't by any cheap polish ...stick to the known good ones that work) Both ways you still have to work at keeping the vehicle clean with regular washing and upkeep.
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      05-18-2012, 04:33 PM   #4
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The BMW paint is on the soft side. Bird poop cut thru glaze-sealant-wax like a hot knife thru butter. Discolored the clear coat. I finally had to use a soft rubbing compound to carefully polish it out.
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      05-19-2012, 08:42 AM   #5
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Look at Opti Coat 2.0....it is permanent, great results. Best to have someone with experience apply it.

For non-permanent look at 3D Products Nitro Seal.

I had great success using them and completely changed the way I wax my cars. Read up on their websites and forum reviews.
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      05-19-2012, 08:55 AM   #6
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I use Zaino products. They're great and they last.
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      05-19-2012, 09:49 AM   #7
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A good synthetic sealant

A good synthetic sealant will do fine. Something like http://www.meguiars.com/en/professio...-sealant-16oz/ which is what I have used for years. Easy to apply and long lasting. It might not give as deep a shine on a dark colored car but for ease of application and longevity you can't beat it.

The exterior and interior insurance they try to sell at the dealership is sort of a hoax. What I discovered is that my dealer applies the sealant regardless. What they are selling is an insurance policy that you won't have any damage due to environmental factors. I huge waste of money in my opinion.
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      05-19-2012, 10:39 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by X3emist View Post
A good synthetic sealant will do fine. Something like http://www.meguiars.com/en/professio...-sealant-16oz/ which is what I have used for years. Easy to apply and long lasting. It might not give as deep a shine on a dark colored car but for ease of application and longevity you can't beat it.

The exterior and interior insurance they try to sell at the dealership is sort of a hoax. What I discovered is that my dealer applies the sealant regardless. What they are selling is an insurance policy that you won't have any damage due to environmental factors. I huge waste of money in my opinion.
I also use this product. Before I apply it, I lay down a coat of glaze. Really gives that deep shine on Space Gray.

The glaze: http://www.meguiars.com/en/professio...ar-glaze-16oz/
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      05-19-2012, 11:11 AM   #9
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If you're willing to spend the time and money on having a pro apply sealant or polish on your car why not just get a protected film like the ones from 3M instead?

They protect against much more that just bird droppings such as rocks, scratches, and light hits.
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      05-19-2012, 11:21 AM   #10
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I have to second the Zaino recommendation. Started using it about 6 months ago and I love the stuff!
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      05-19-2012, 11:51 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 509trooper View Post
I have to second the Zaino recommendation. Started using it about 6 months ago and I love the stuff!
I too support Zaino though others may be equally good or better. It's so easy to use Zaino and is long lasting.

Last edited by April1; 05-19-2012 at 11:57 AM..
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      05-19-2012, 02:46 PM   #12
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+1
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      05-19-2012, 03:22 PM   #13
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using klasse its from germany works great
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      05-19-2012, 04:24 PM   #14
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+1 Klasse
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