Black...

[duneslider]

When we were looking for an expedition I had three things I wanted. 1. Not black. 2. Leather 3. Tow package.

Well, I got the tow package and I don't miss the leather seats. We actually really like the fabric seats.

Somehow we ended up with black again. I have tried my best to keep the black looking good but it appears to be near impossible.

What tips do you all have for black? I have waxed it and put on a self applied ceramic coating. This has helped I think but I still have a number of scratches already. We bought an unlimited pass to the local car wash and hit it often.

Anyway, this is probably more of a rant than anything else. I am not a professional detailer and we spend a lot of time doing outdoor activities, so its expected to get scratches. Is there anything else I can do to help keep the finish half decent?

It does look fantastic when clean...for 5 minutes. I have a love hate for black paint.

 

[shane_th_ee]

We bought an unlimited pass to the local car wash and hit it often.

Unless it's a touchless wash, that's part of your problem. How often do you think the sand/grit/dust gets cleaned out of the brushes and wipers at the car wash place?

 

[duneslider]

It is a touchless wash. Scratches are totally not from the car wash. Definitely from the kids and outdoors (desert pin striping, etc). Our previous suv was black and had its fair share of scratches but I didn't do much to take care of it either.

I do feel that the ceramic coating has helped a little with making it smoother/slicker and less likely to get scratches. Really just curious if there are any good products out that I am not aware of. Those first couple of scratches and dings are always the hardest.

 

[Deadman]

Black is Black, will always be dusty and show every spec of anything on it. I specifically bought white because of this!

 

[Gumby]

Totally agree with the love / hate on black for this truck. The rear window is a friggin magnet for dirt and muck. The spoiler doesn't help at all.

Since it's black and I really don't have a ton of time to get down to detailing it, I typically use the black spray wax from Turtle wax. Its quick and removes most swirls and light scratches. Bonus is that its tinted black so it helps with the paint. It doesn't last that long but it suits me just fine. Literally spray on wipe off, quickly buff.

That being said, I also said I would not get black again and my last two trucks were black.

 

[Wayne Decker]

I would never get a black vehicle. Saying that I never wanted a black interior but ended up with one. That's because the only other option was practically white. Give me tan/light brown for the interior

 

[16plati]

When we were looking for an expedition I had three things I wanted. 1. Not black. 2. Leather 3. Tow package.

Well, I got the tow package and I don't miss the leather seats. We actually really like the fabric seats.

Somehow we ended up with black again. I have tried my best to keep the black looking good but it appears to be near impossible.

What tips do you all have for black? I have waxed it and put on a self applied ceramic coating. This has helped I think but I still have a number of scratches already. We bought an unlimited pass to the local car wash and hit it often.

Anyway, this is probably more of a rant than anything else. I am not a professional detailer and we spend a lot of time doing outdoor activities, so its expected to get scratches. Is there anything else I can do to help keep the finish half decent?

It does look fantastic when clean...for 5 minutes. I have a love hate for black paint.

Ceramic coat or 3m wrap after paint correction

 

[WJD_xlt]

Ceramic coat or 3m wrap after paint correction

This. PPF is the best option.

If PPF is too pricey, A quality ceramic coat does wonders. Especially if you get a DI filter, you really can just rinse off the car and walk away without spotting.

 

[duneslider]

I have never seen a full clear PPF on a car, that I knew anyway. My Sister in law has a full wrap on her cayenne and I am not impressed with the look of the finish, I have always assumed the clear would look that way but not change the color.

Is that a PPF on your expedition? @WJD_xlt If so, it looks pretty darn good.

 

[WJD_xlt]

I have never seen a full clear PPF on a car, that I knew anyway. My Sister in law has a full wrap on her cayenne and I am not impressed with the look of the finish, I have always assumed the clear would look that way but not change the color.

Is that a PPF on your expedition? @WJD_xlt If so, it looks pretty darn good.

No it’s Gyeon Synchro; I applied it on my brother in laws Tahoe. I personally use a sealant and wax combination on my car because I don’t have anywhere to park my rig while the ceramic coat cures.


Fast forward to 2:00 to see his wash and review