Protecting Red Paint

[mtelliott]

Picked up a used Dodge Dakota over the weekend. It was a great buy asI've been looking for a truck.

My question is, how do you protect red paint. I remember in the 70's and 80's, you never wanted to buy a red car due to paint fade. I know paint has improved but living in sunny Colorado (300+ days of high UV sun), I want to make sure I protect the paint. Does any wax work or are there special waxes that I need to use to ensure continued protection. I had once heard that Turtle Wax was good because it goes on thick and leaves a lot of buildup behind (bad for concours, good for protection). Not sure if that is correct.

Any advice?

Michael

[Rot 911]

Red paint oxidizes quickly, which is why they fade so fast. However, your Dakota should have a clear coat. Keep a good coat of wax on it and it should stay looking as good as a Dakota can look.

[Hugh R]

A detailer once told me that dust is like little magnifying glasses, wash regularly

[azasadny]

Wax on, wax off!!!

[mtelliott]

But does the type of wax matter or not?

[makaio]

I use Griots products on my 911. But on my work vehicle, it's nothin' but good ole Turtle wax. It does a good job of keeping it from oxidizing, and my work vehicle spends 75% of it's time in the sun/snow.

[mtelliott]

Thanks Matt. I was wondering if, unless you want concours condition, is turtlewax a better product due to leaving a lot of buildup.

Michael

[azasadny]

I use 3M products and I get great results with Show Car Wax on my candy apple red paint job...