Clearcoat Maintenance

What's the best way to maintain the "wet look" of clearcoat on a new vehicle?

 

A good wax/polishing at least once-twice a year will keep it looking new. Avoid using old sponges or towels to wash your vehicle because they may contain dirt that can scratch the clearcoat.

 

If you clay-bar it before waxing that will help some, too.

 

Be sure that whatever you use on the finish is made for clearcoat. Some products could leave swirl marks or fine scratches if it wasn't made for a clearcoat.

 

The best way to maintain new paint isn't such a mystery or as expensive as many auto dealers and wax companies would have you believe. Simply follow the car's owner's manual instructions. They all say something like this... Wash the vehicle regularly (just use common sense about the soap and equipment you use), and use a wax/sealant 3 to 4 times a year. I know people think that's over-simplyfying it but it's true.
Watch the size of the beads of water when it rains on your clean car, when the wax is fresh, the beads are small, as time goes by and the wax sloughs off then the beads get larger. A good rule of thumb is when they hit about quarter-size then it's time to wax again. Try it and see how long this "bead growing" process takes. Generally, if you're washing it regularly and properly then the wax should last around 4-6 months.
Once a year I recommend polishing the car to remove the inevitable super fine scratches that washing/drying/cats/jeans/box set on top/etc. cause. Then re-wax it and you're ready for another year.