I have a new 2010 Black Komfort and am going crazy with the spiderwebs, etc - especially under fluorescents. I thought it was from the dealership not being careful when they washed, took it in for a detail, still had lots of marks, took it back, and the owner of the shop (nice guy!) said VW and lots of German auto makers use a soft clearcoat instead of a hard one. So it sounds like I'm just going to get a lot more marking in the clearcoat, compounded by the fact that it's a black car.
Just wondering if other people have had the same experience, and if there are certain products that work better on this paint, and that will help hide the imperfections. Tips on babying it to avoid (or minimize) more marring?

I have a new 2010 Black Komfort and am going crazy with the spiderwebs, etc - especially under fluorescents. I thought it was from the dealership not being careful when they washed, took it in for a detail, still had lots of marks, took it back, and the owner of the shop (nice guy!) said VW and lots of German auto makers use a soft clearcoat instead of a hard one. So it sounds like I'm just going to get a lot more marking in the clearcoat, compounded by the fact that it's a black car.
Just wondering if other people have had the same experience, and if there are certain products that work better on this paint, and that will help hide the imperfections. Tips on babying it to avoid (or minimize) more marring?

It is s bit of a trade-off.

Softer clear coat will not chip as easily. A harder clear coat is easier to detail.

one of the 'joys' of having a black car I reckon.....

one of the 'joys' of having a black car I reckon.....

Yep, that's definitely a biggie.

I have had several dark colored cars in my life but because of my anal disposition, I run, I mean really run away from them now.

The last dark car I had was a beautiful Fire Red Metallic 2004 Cobra. I think I spent most of my waking hours working the swirls out of it.

Of course it looked fantastic, but at what cost?

Never again. Only Silvers, Light Grays and Whites for me from now on.

Suddenly, I actually have time to drive my cars and when I get home, a nice California Duster and two minutes take care of it until the next drive.

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv263/DavidPaul/2004%20Cobra/10-30-06Cobra016.jpg

Hrm. Thanks for the posts about how much black cars suck - I was more looking for product advice than commiseration though, since I have the car and I didn't want a white or silver car to begin with. Was hoping someone had some experience to say "I use X wax" or "I use Z polish" and it's great for this paint.

I wouldn't mind hearing some advice myself. :)

Julie,

I never said black cars "suck". In fact, I think black cars, when clean, look absolutely fantastic.

I only meant that it is almost a full time job keeping them looking their absolute best including the elimination of spider webbing.

When a black car is detailed perfectly, nothing else can compare. When a black car is dirty or detailed poorly, it looks really bad.

Regardless of the wax used on black cars, the real key is using absolutely clean, soft cloths. Even the stitching on some cloths can cause spider webbing.

With my dark colored cars, I found cotton diapers to be my best bet. However, diapers do leave a lot of lint behind. I used to buy them by the pound at diaper services companies. They are used, so will be a bit raggedy but are clean and soft.

When you launder them, do not use a softener in your washing machine. Softeners will cause greasy streaking.

Another hint for spider web free finishes is the method in which you apply and remove the wax. Always move your arms in forward and backward motions, never circular.

By the way, fluorescent lighting is the most critical lighting there is. I think it would even find flaws with Christ's personality.

likewise ...I think black cars look awesome....but would rather someone else look after them...sorry.....:)

One thing I learned about dark or black cars was to never wash them in bright sunlight as no mater how quick you are with a leather you always ended up with water marks. As for polishing I find a good quality mutton cloth and up down polishing action (as opposed to circular) always did the trick

Lots and lots and lots of foam when washing.....a foam gun can be helpful in this regard. It is possible then to pre-foam the vehicle so that little bits of dirt will be pre-lubricated and then less likely to scratch when the car is washed. I'd echo the sentiments about washing and waxing "with the grain" instead of in circular motion. Another trick I learned from a friend is to buy a water deionizing system (I bought one called Spotless CR from Costco.com). The one I have is a portable unit that hooks up to my outside garden hose and has replaceable filter medium. It was not cheap, but eliminates the need for drying the car and does not spot. By reducing the drying, there is obviously less "wiping" and less opportunity for scratching. I tried all of these things on my Thunder Blue Eos and it was helpful, but in the end when it came time to replace, I went for the less-labor, high shine Reflex Silver (plus I was smitten by the red interior...but that is a whole 'nother story....) As far as waxes go, I have friends who have really had good luck with Klasse polish/wax on black cars. I'm now using the AutoGlym carnuba paste wax on the silver (found at big discount sale at Walmart, actually) and really like its shine and beading!