Paint protectant

I am picking up my very first Tundra this Saturday and have questions on paint protectant. The truck is a black Limited and I live in Pennsylvania where our winters aren't as harsh as some areas but the stuff they put on the roads will destroy your vehicle quick. Does anyone have any real life experience with ceramic or graphene coatings? Should I just wax it and go from there?

 

Do you have a suggested brand or specific product? Or do you suggest I have it professionally done? I am able to do this type of thing but I also understand some things are better left to the professionals

 

Truck is brand new. I have read the directions and watched a few videos. I believe that I am comfortable with the process. I believe that the main points are to make sure the body is clean and do not let the compound sit too long. I think my biggest concern is my patience.

 

Understand that Toyota clearcoat is two things....soft and thin. You do not have a ton of it to work with. As was suggested to you......a one step using a polish/compound hybrid (like 3D One), or even a straight polish, is likely all you will need. Do a test spot, in an inconspicuous area to see if your product/pad combo will give you the results you are looking for.

I'd not take a straight compound to a modern vehicle without a paint thickness gauge

 

You could aso just skip the polishing and just use a panel prep soap and clay bar it. You wont have the shiniest truck, but the surface will be prepped for the coating. I wouldnt invest in polishing if I didnt have a solid wash/maintenance plan in place as all that work could be ruined with bad wash techniques

 

what? he would still ceramic coat after the clay/prep wash like I mentioned.

 

no, just saying he could skip the polishing and just clay/panel prep wash and then coat it. I do agree that the wrong/aggressive bar could cause damage

 

This brand ShineSupply has been amazing for me. They also have a ton of product and process videos.

https://shinesupply.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoovCOWW9KAQYKXgvhUqzYzWp5i-IoWvMtbtMo1_5ZKkqM522zCi

 

There's some debate over whether or not you need to polish after claying a vehicle. I've done a bunch of wash/clay/seal type details....but those vehicles were already hammered......and needed a full correction....none of those folks had the budget for that. On a newer vehicle, especially a black one, I'd highly recommend a polish following a clay bar.....even if it's just a finishing polish.

Just my .02

 

If it’s brand new, I’d use IronX followed with a fine grade clay mitt instead of polishing. Then use a IPA like Carpro Eraser to clean off any residue from the paint. That’s going to decon the paint so your sealant of choice will bond properly.
I’ve personally never gotten any marring from a clay mitt and I’ve done it dozens of times over the years.
As for final paint protection, I have my favorites but have zero experience with road salt. I honestly don’t know what would hold up the best against it. I’d assume that short of a very expensive PPF, a ceramic would be your best bet. I don’t think the stuff I use would hold up to that at all.
These guys who live up north will have a better idea of how well a ceramic holds up to road salt.