How can I bring this 04 model's black paint back to life?
I'm a detail newbie so if you wouldn't mind speaking very slowly that'd be well appreciated lol

here are the pictures:
keep in mind that in these shots, there is 2 commutes worth of Tennessee pollen settled on the paint which I can of course wash off but washing doesn't do much to liven this paint up.
I'm thinking I'm gonna have to buff/polish/clay bar it or something before a wax to get the shine back but I really don't know where to start.
Also in the second photo there is a close up of a spot I haven't been able to wash off on the driver's side door. it feels slightly raised... not sure what to do about that. perhaps it would come off with a compound? I just don't really know what I'm doing and don't want to start guessing and damage my paint permanently.
Thanks for any/all help!

 

Leaf blower, best $40 ever.

 

I would take the $400 you have (from the other thread) and invest in a decent polisher, pads and your various polishing compounds. If you go to YOUTUBE and search for car detailing/polishing there are hundreds of videos walking you through step by step. Meguiars has some very educational one's... Then go to Amazon and you'll spend $300 or so on EVERYTHING you need to get that paint up to an acceptable standard. It's not easy, it's going to take alot of time and effort.

At this point I wouldn't be to worried about making it any worse, take your time, maybe practice your technique on the other car being worked on in the photo's, once you get "the feel" of polishing it's a breeze....

Step 1: YOUTUBE and learn the ART of polishing and what you'll need.

Step 2 : Supplies (Amazon has it all)

Step 3 : Practice

Step 4 : Results through proper technique and effort... WALLA !!!

2003 Z original paint

 

Wow thanks for taking the time to write that out. your paint looks great!
any suggestions on specific products?

 

I have never had a car repainted, and I drive them till they die!
2 important steps for better paint:
Polish to remove scratches and oxidation. Choose your product based on how much surface you want to "cut"/remove for a smoother finish and remove scratches. I used Maguier's "polish/wax" for a long time, there are now better products.
"Feed" your paint. Over time it dries out and loses the shine. You can do that with a sealant(Black Diamond). Yellow wax is also good-Often, like every month or 2 if you're trying to revive old paint.
My 06 Magnetic Black still pops.
Good luck with it, and post after pics!

 

I wax mine every two month.

 

What is the deal on yellowing of tan interiors...source 2012 jeep srt8 I am detailing currently? not somoked in
Thanks.

 

Hello all,

My name is Ivan and I will do my best to help out on the forums for the foreseeable future. Greg the owner has been extremely busy keeping up with the growth of Detailed Image (in large thanks to this forum), but didn't want to keep the forums unattended. I'll try to revisit as many threads and messages as possible, but if I miss something I encourage anyone to either post again or send a private message with any inquiries. I am a professional detailer in the Chicagoland area and I have been working with Detailed Image on a variety of projects for well over 5 years now. You can read more about myself as well as some articles I have written over the years on my profile page of the DI Ask-a-Pro Blog. I'm very happy to be getting back into the forum world and hope to assist many of you with any questions on car detailing products or techniques.

Well anyway, enough about me, let's get back on the topic of car detailing!

Ivan @ DI

 

nice topic!!! thank you!!!