I have a 2012 DC RW in black that is covered in really fine swirls and cobwebs. I must say that I am disappointed with the paint and clear on this truck! After purchase I went out and bought some nice(I Think) microfiber towels for drying and buffing as to prevent the swirls and cobwebs. I have recently ditched the microfiber thinking they are what scratches it for the 100% cotton towels and HOLY LINT! Today I applied Megs 205 and then NXT wax on the tailgate with acceptable results. Just venting! Any suggestions on how to keep this Black Bi&ch protected and shining? Microfiber wash mitt when washed too, always by hand.

Welcome to the world of owning a black vehicle. Really not much you can do except wash in a careful manner(2 bucket method) and compound or polish if you need to. A dual action polisher can make things much easier in this regard. Black vehicles show every minor imperfection regardless of manufacturer. Keeping them looking perfect is a full time job in itself. I own and 2010 black Rock Warrior so I know how you feel.

Jake touched on some good points. With black, it's all about preventive maintenance. High quality micro fiber towels, like Über towels, or towels made in Korea are a good start. Two bucket washing with a quality MF wash mitt, and avoiding circular motions with the mitt. Wipe in the direction that the wind would flow over that panel if the truck were moving.

M205 is great, but it's even better with a PC or other DA like a Griots 6" DA. A DA is almost a must for keeping a black vehicle looking swirl free. A PC will change your life if you've only been doing things by hand. Invest in a PC and some foam or MF pads and you're off to a great start.

If swirls are bad, try M105, then follow up with M205 with a white pad. Then seal with a synthetic sealant that you like.

I feel robbed!! I have a 2008 Tundra with black (I believe code 202) paint and I am just now finding out that it doesn't have a clear cote?? Really Toyota? I've always wondered why the feathers from a chicken truck could make my hood look like it was a driving range ball picker! And I would have never imagined all of the swirls that show regardless of how expensive of microfiber you use and how extensive and precautious you wash routine is. I'm pretty sure I was even sold on the "clear cote" warranty when I purchased it but of course it has 62k miles now.

I guess my question is this.. I just spend a ton of money on a PC and several high dollar paint restoration polishes. Now that I am finding out the paint is single stage, what will the process be like to correct it? Will it even be able to work? If so, is it a longer process and since there is no outer protection of the paint, am I going to be cutting dangerously into the already paper thin paint??

As soon as I get back from this deployment, I will definitely be asking my dealership these same questions! Thanks for any advice you guys can provide!

I recently talked to a detailer and he told me what others touched on, that black is a PITA. He said to get a California Squeegie and microfiber towel and after you wash/dry it apply Turtle Wax BLACK detailer to hide the fine scratches and swirls. I did this and it turned out better than before. Its worth the small amount that it costs.

Is that a Glaze? Swirls will begin to show again after a little while. Most of the recent details I have done lately have been black. Swirls just show better on black.

Holy sh#$! I have bad luck with this truck. I busted out a tailight and then backed over a cart someone left in the middle of the isle and scratched the tailgate. The funniest part is now the damn robins are flying into and pecking my truck so bad that it is destroying the clearcoat. Scratches everywhere! Its so bad I had to file an insurance claim!