[Zatrekaz]

If you take care of paint... it can last for decades.

Really there is not a set "experation date" for paint. Granted, it will fade over the years no matter how well to care for it. Everything degrades over time. Its just a matter of how fast.

To clarify some of the comments made here:

1. Your normal Carnuba Paste Wax last an avg of 3-4 Months in ideal conditions. Therefore it is a safe bet to re-clay and wax your car every 2 months at most. A Synthetic Wax can last around 6 Months in ideal conditions. Therefore if using a sythetic, you guessed it, re-clay and wax around twice a year. Granted, this all depeneds on your location. If you live in NY it will obviously not last that long due to the industrial enviroment and winters. If you live in South Flordia the heat will bake the wax quicker.
2. Polishing is something you only want to do if you have to. Polishes have abrasives in them that "cut" the paint to remove imperfections. If I had to guess, I would say a once a year polish would be good as long as you maintain the paint in between very well.
3. For much more infomation on detailing and paint care you can look at the stickys up above. You can also PM Weems, zinc02gt, Myself, plus im sure theres alot more people around that know a good bit as well. You could also contact the people who wrote said stickys at the top of this page.

Here is a link that can help you out as well:

Auto Detailing Facts, auto detailing Tips, How to detailing Guides, how to polish, how to wax, DIY detailing, do it yourself guides

That site has all kinds of infomation about detailing. I have learned a TON of stuff from there and I am still learning. It even has a niffty diagram there to show the process of evaluating your paint and deciding on a course of action to make it glow.

 

[Zatrekaz]

I have you to thank for that good post. I think i have like 40 PMs total between you and me lately? :lmao

Check your PM fool, just sent you one you will want to read.

 

[Zatrekaz]

Hmmm, polishing and waxing or just waxing every two weeks sounds like a bit much. I mean, I don't think your hurting anything... just makin yourself work to hard IMO Lol.

 

[Zatrekaz]

Zinc and Z don't know ****.

:love

:shiftyeyes

I told you only on weekends Lefty...

Ah what the heck! :love

 

[Zatrekaz]

If you're having to wax your car every two weeks than you're not washing it right.. I only do a full detail every 6-12 months. I usually go 3-6 months on wax depending on what I'm using at the time, too..

I don't think its a matter of him HAVING to wax every two weeks as much as it is him just wanting to wax every two weeks.

Still not a good method tho regardless.