DIY Coating, Polish, Sealant for new MS?

[chriSharek]

Folks, I am the type of car owner that actually enjoys washing and detailing my own car. I don't mind "having to" wax it even once a month if it's going to look great.

Having said that, I'm interested to hear what car products you have used that really give the shine/pop/mirror-like finish to your MS - and something that a do-it-yourselfer can install.

Thanks!

 

[ArtInCT]

Chris: If you are old school, Glass Wax. Also check out Zaino Brothers coatings. Also Check out Chemical Guys which carries A full line of sealers, prep and supplies... Great service from them... Also of course Griots....

 

[cman8]

opticoat and be done for a while. You can use the upkeep products but I would say that opticoat will be the best I have tried. I also use Chemical Guys stuff, its really good I like their honey dew soap in my foam cannon. lathers the cars up real nice. Just got my MS and am already washing it today hahaha.

 

[jcaspar]

All the comparisons I have seen seem to show that regular waxing produces a better shine that the sealants like Opticoat. The sealants are lower maintenance which those who don't like regular washing/waxing really appreciate. I have had great luck with Zaino products on my Viper and have been using Glare on the Model S with great results. Zaino was much more fun with all the different products they have.

 

[marty2112]

I went with CQuartz. As a DIY, I love it. Took me a full weekend to prep/clean/apply. All I really do now is spray the car off. Apply Reload every so often. Going on a year and seems to be holding up great. I think it actually works/looks better on darker color cars. I have my next MS on order and can't wait to see how it looks on Blue...

Had done/tried all the waxes over the years and really like this nano-coating approach.

It's all about the prep. I did the full monty (clean, iron x, clay, Erasure, quartz, Reload). Take your time and enjoy the process if you can. I also did my wheels and its amazing how easily the dirt/grime rinses off.

We are in northern California and have very moderate weather. Little to no rain last year, so my car can easily stay very clean for a long period without washing.

I think you can get the best pricing from Autogeek (they are always running 15-20% sales)...plus just across the state for you.

 

[omarsultan]

I have always been a DIY guy too - love to work on my cars, but OptiCoat is amazing. OC-ed my Model S and will do the same with the MX.

 

[chriSharek]

I appreciate everyone's comments. I understood that if I went with Opti-coat that I really shouldn't wax monthly or do anything to it. Truth to this?

I am leaning towards the Glare and/or Zaino.

- - - Updated - - -

I went with CQuartz. As a DIY, I love it. Took me a full weekend to prep/clean/apply. All I really do now is spray the car off. Apply Reload every so often. Going on a year and seems to be holding up great. I think it actually works/looks better on darker color cars. I have my next MS on order and can't wait to see how it looks on Blue...

Had done/tried all the waxes over the years and really like this nano-coating approach.

It's all about the prep. I did the full monty (clean, iron x, clay, Erasure, quartz, Reload). Take your time and enjoy the process if you can. I also did my wheels and its amazing how easily the dirt/grime rinses off.

We are in northern California and have very moderate weather. Little to no rain last year, so my car can easily stay very clean for a long period without washing.

I think you can get the best pricing from Autogeek (they are always running 15-20% sales)...plus just across the state for you.

Marty, do you have a link or website for the CQuartz? I haven't heard of that yet. Thanks, cs

 

[SW2Fiddler]

Marty, do you have a link or website for the CQuartz? I haven't heard of that yet. Thanks, cs

They are a TMC sponsor.

http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/49184-Hi-TMC-Thanks-for-having-us!o

 

[omarsultan]

I have always been a DIY guy too - love to work on my cars, but OptiCoat is amazing. OC-ed my Model S and will do the same with the MX.

Yes--the Optimum folks say that wax would not adhere to the coating, so its a waste of time. Not sure about that, but you certainly to not need to wax to maintain the protection--30 months later, water till breads and sheets and I can usually simply hose my car clean.

That being said, OC does leave that slick just-waxed feel, which I do miss. I use Optimum Instant Detailer when I was my car now--it adds extra depth and does leave that slick finish. I have a blog post that goes through my wash regimen: Washing Your Model S with A Product - Blogs - Tesla Motors Club - Enthusiasts & Owners Forum

 

[Jeremy Aber]

I use Zaino and love it. Last for years and looks great. Very easy to apply.