I just bought a 2002 with dark blue paint. The Ford dealer recommends I buy the Diamond-Kote paint protection. Some guys at detail shops have told me it is just a high quality, but over priced wax, and others have said it is a sacraficial polymer that binds to the paint and protects the paint from all that degredation by being degraded itself instead. Can anyone tell me what it actually is, what it does, and if it is worth the cost or am I better just waxing the paint myself. Thanks all!

Joe

 

Just wax it yourself, with all of the high quality waxes on the market today, I wouldn't pay for the overpriced dealer version of some "miracle" product - nothing lasts forever!

Go buy a high quality car shampoo [I like Meguires Soft Suds, be sure to follow mixing instructions], and with a wash mit, thoroughly clean your truck. Next, pick up a quality wax [I use Meguires Gold Class] and give it 2 coats.

If you keep up with it, re-waxing when water beads become large, your paint will look great for years.

 

There are 2 schools of thought 1) wax and 2) polymer sealants.
You will get many different answers from people about which is best.
Which is better? It is up to you. Try both and see what you think.
I used to work in a car dealership doing body work and detailing in a previous life and suffice it to say, save your money, do it yourself.
If you want reading, go to autopia.org and click on the "Learn" button. It is a forum about detailing.
No matter which you choose, keep up with it as PW01 said.