[Gig103]

I've been teaching my brother the ropes of detailing, sent him links to the DI how-tos, etc... So he washes and clays the car, but doesn't have the Blackfire Wet Diamond applicator so he just waxed the car.

The question is -- when he wants to apply the sealant, should he make sure the wax is stripped by using Dawn (doesn't have any citrus wash), or will the Blackfire "cut through" the wax and still bond to the paint?

[dday]

sealant doesn't cut through anything. if he wants the sealant to work it's best he should strip the wax and apply the sealant.

[jopa489]

Indeed, it would be better to strip any existing protection from the paint before applying Blackfire. The sealant will bond to an unprotected surface much easier. After applying the sealant (and once it cures), he can wax again if he wants. But Blackfire leaves a nice finish so a layer of wax is definitely options for most people.

[MuttGrunt]

Just Blackfire over has my vote. How much more durability does he need? The difference in applying over an "unprepped" surface versus a "sterile" surface might be a difference in days as far as durability goes. At best, it'll be a difference of a couple of weeks.

In other words, unless he doesn't plan on taking care of the car at all... just apply the Blackfire and enjoy the new found slickness. It's different when someone is paying you and you're working to the highest degree: you have an obligation to deliver the best product possible. In the case of my own personal car; it's NEVER stripped unless I'm going to polish it (was last done 14+ months ago). I apply a new layer of wax each month and top-off the protection with Red Mist Tropical after each wash.