Best products for caring for a classic car's paint

If there's one thing that makes a classic car stand out, it's its paint. Whether you have a '67 Mustang, an '80s Porsche 911, or a '60s Impala, shine and color depth are key to making it look spectacular. You can find the best products to care for paint here.

But here's the problem: the paint on a classic car isn't like that of a modern car. It doesn't have the same coatings, nor the same protection technology against UV rays, pollution, or dirt. Therefore, you can't take care of it with any cheap product from the supermarket.

So, if you really want your car to shine like it did in its prime and stay protected, take note of the best products for caring for its paint.

1. Classic Car Shampoo: Forget about regular detergent

The first thing you need to understand is that washing a classic car isn't the same as washing your everyday car. Don't use kitchen detergent or generic soaps, as they can be too harsh and dull the paint.

Ideally, use a pH-neutral car shampoo that cleans without removing wax or damaging the finish. Here are some surefire options:

Meguiar's Gold Class Car Wash – Rich foam, leaves no residue and protects the paint.
Chemical Guys Mr. Pink – Gentle but effective, ideal for frequent washing.
Griot's Garage Car Wash – Leaves no water stains and enhances shine.

When washing your car, do it in the shade, with cold water, and using two buckets: one for the shampoo and one with clean water to rinse the sponge or microfiber mitt. This prevents unnecessary scratches.

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2. Decontaminating clay: the secret trick of detailers

Even if you wash your car with the best shampoo in the world, if you run your hand over the paint and feel roughness, there's still contamination stuck to it.

This is where decontaminating clay comes in. This product removes microscopic particles of dirt, insect remains, tree resin, and road debris. And best of all, it leaves the paintwork as smooth as glass.

Some recommended options:

Mothers California Gold Clay Bar Kit – Includes lubricant and microfiber cloths.
Meguiar's Smooth Surface Clay Kit – Ideal for removing contamination without damaging the finish.
Griot's Garage Paint Cleaning Clay – Very gentle and safe for old paintings.

Using it is simple: apply a little lubricant to the paint and slide the clay on with smooth movements. Don't apply pressure; let the clay do the work.

3. Wax: the protective shield for your paint

There's no debate here: a well-waxed classic is a well-protected classic. Wax creates a barrier against UV rays, acid rain, and pollution, while also giving it an incredible shine.

But not just any wax will do. The best options for classic cars are carnauba waxes, as they leave a deep, natural shine. These are my favorites:

P21S Carnauba Wax – Easy to apply and leaves a “show car” finish.
Collinite 845 Insulator Wax – Long-lasting protection, ideal if the car spends time in storage.
Meguiar's Mirror Glaze #26 – Warm and deep glow, widely used in exhibitions.

Apply the wax with a foam applicator, let it dry slightly, and remove with a clean microfiber cloth. For an even more impressive shine, apply two coats, 12 hours apart.

4. Synthetic sealants: protection that lasts for months

While carnauba wax provides a spectacular shine, its protection only lasts 1 to 3 months. If you want something longer-lasting, try a synthetic sealant, which can protect your paint for up to 6 months.

Some recommended options:

Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant – Leaves a deep shine and lasts up to 6 months.
Menzerna Power Lock – Excellent protection against dirt and water.
Meguiar's M21 Synthetic Sealant – Very easy to apply, leaves a mirror-like finish.

Ideally, apply a sealant first, followed by carnauba wax on top to combine protection with a natural shine.

5. Quick Detailer: to maintain shine between washes

If you've already waxed and sealed your car, you don't need to wash it every time it gets dusty or gets water marks. That's why there are quick detailers, which clean and enhance the shine in seconds.

The best on the market are:

Meguiar's Ultimate Quik Detailer – The most popular, gives a super smooth finish.
Griot's Garage Speed Shine – Ideal for removing light dust without scratching the paint.
Chemical Guys Hybrid V7 – Provides shine and repels water.

Use them with an ultra-soft microfiber cloth, using straight movements and without applying pressure.

6. Care of plastics and moldings

Many classic cars have plastic, chrome, or rubber details that can discolor over time.

To restore color and prevent dryness, use products such as:

303 Aerospace Protectant – Protects against UV rays and prevents cracks in plastics and rubber.
Meguiar's Ultimate Black – Restores faded plastics and protects them from the sun.
Mothers Chrome Polish – Perfect for restoring shine to chrome trim.

7. The finishing touch: a ceramic spray to seal everything

If you want to go further and give your paint an extra level of protection, ceramic sprays are the latest in detailing technology. They're easy to apply and create a hydrophobic layer that repels water and dirt.

Some options:

Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray – Easy to apply and lasts up to 6 months.
Griot's Garage Ceramic 3-in-1 Wax – Leaves a super smooth finish and repels dirt.
Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Wax – Ceramic protection with the ease of a liquid wax.

You just need to spray it on the clean paint, spread it with a microfiber cloth and that's it.

Keep your classic looking like new

Caring for a classic car's paint isn't just a matter of aesthetics, but also of value and preservation. If you use the right products and maintain a routine of cleaning and protection, your car will remain a work of art on wheels for many years to come.

So, you know what to do: invest in good products, be patient, and enjoy the process. Because there's no better feeling than seeing your classic car gleaming in the sun, as if it had just come off the lot.