I am aware that with the advent of water based paint on our cars these days, its important that the shampoos, polishes, waxes, etc are all clearcoat safe.

My question is:

If it doesn't actually say `Clearcoat safe` on the label of a product, should we assume that it is...or should we steer clear and just use ones that do make that statement.

What do you think?

Many thanks.

Mike.

Clearcoat safe.....Ive not come across any that arnt..but that doesnt mean they dont exist

You can safely say that any you buy from reputable suppliers are safe

Damn; all morning I have been ploughing through masses of information (much of it contradictory) about the best way to protect my awaited new Black Magic Octavia and now I have one more thing to fret about.

No you dont

I know of no car cleaning/polishing/sealant/car wax product thats going to cause you a problem

If in doubt...Ask away..Glad to help

Thanks Chris. Mainly been trying to work out if to stick with the more traditional carnuba etc waxing products that I have always used or go for some of the newer fangled synthetic protectors like the Auto Finesse Tough Coat system. Some of them sound a bit daunting as apparently they are difficult to remove if you don't get it right.

The awaited Octavia is in Black Magic BTW and I plan to keep it for some time and avoid accumulating too many swirl problems etc if I can. Any suggestions welcome; I don't mind spending a few quid to keep it looking fairly good. What I really mean is very good I am a bit anal about these things.

Swirls are caused by bad washing technique predominately

Here is the difinitive guide:

http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/safe-washing-and-drying.html

Thanks again Chris. Yes I had decided I would probably invest in a Nilfisk high pressure jobby and an autobrite snow lance or similar. Already have a steam cleaner but not sure it would be wise to turn that loose on my new Octavia.

Er..No..Not wise...LOL

Pressure washer and SF lance are a must have

Yes I was kidding. LOL Current plan is to give my new baby a coat or two of Poorboy's EX-P Sealant topped with a good Collinite 476s waxing. Hopefully that will give a few months protection and make keeping it clean a doddle.

Plus some Poorboy's Wheel Sealant or similar for my Pallas alloys.

Sorry OP to have highjacked your thread.

PB Wheel Sealant doesnt last very long

I use Optimum Optiseal

Thanks again Chris. Did not see your advice until I put in my order to Ultimate Finish so will have to make do with the PB wheel stuff. Ordered a Nilfisk foam lance as well unfortunately at present I don't have a dirty car to try it out on. Eyeing up my neighbours dirty cars for a trial run.