Detailing tip of the week

[SWGUY]

what do ya think about a thread like this? i've learned some things from other's tips, what if we all gave our input?

[PuckMan]

Great idea. Let me start...

A tip I learned a few years ago to help identify which side of the glass the streaks are on is to clean the inside glass surfaces vertically and the exterior glass horizontally (or vice versa, it doesn't matter). That way when you see streaks from cleaning you can quickly determine which side of the glass they are on. Whadda ya think?

(I got a million of these things)

[1st3series]

Great idea. Let me start...

A tip I learned a few years ago to help identify which side of the glass the streaks are on is to clean the inside glass surfaces vertically and the exterior glass horizontally (or vice versa, it doesn't matter). That way when you see streaks from cleaning you can quickly determine which side of the glass they are on. Whadda ya think?

(I got a million of these things)

Thats a good one I can attest to. Lets hear some more

[deanomyte]

great idea

[devilbones]

Wash your car from the top down.

[1604169]

to help identify which side of the glass the streaks are on is to clean the inside glass surfaces vertically and the exterior glass horizontally

Two guys garage?? That's where I heard it about 2 years back.

[MtechNick]

dont eat yellow snow

[TOGWT]

Avoid circular motions when using an abrasive product (polish) as they cause swirl marks.

[bmvvwhore]

When cleaning interior start with dressings: vinyl leather / trims, then move to windows and a vacuum last because your gonna be inside a lot. Then move on to the wash as mentioned above top down, or section by section if your on your own so that the soap doesn't dry. Do one section, then rinse and move on to the next. Do the whole car at once only if you have help or your superman:D. Clean the rims next. Move on to claying until the surface is smooth. Polish with orbital polisher, suggesting a porter cable 7424xp, or something of the like, it has a built in clutch so you won't burn your paint. Finish off with carnuba paste (apply with hands) let it set wipe and apply once more. Finish off with the trims and tires and end up something close to this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkmZveqyU5E

[Sweeeems]

Stubborn goo-ey sap on the car?

Get an ice cube, stick it to the sap, let the sap crystalize, then flake it off w/ your fingernail.

Little polish/wax on that spot after would be a good idea too.

[1604169]

61 step car wash!?! wow that's intense. One car wash from that guy is worth more than my whole car!

[SWGUY]

Detailing tip of the week : what to do first when detailing your car (interior, engine, wheels and last exterior)

[HafaAdaiM3]

This is excellent, I don't really visit this section but I'm glad I did. I plan on getting Porter orbital polisher and going to work on my car.

Getting lots of info, keep it coming.

[TOGWT]

When you wash the car, remember to use open cell wash media, something that can hold on to the dirt that is on the car without dragging it against the paint surface. Detail the interior first; avoiding wet/dirty footwear on the carpets. Ensure there is sufficient high lubricity car wash concentrate in your GritGuard bucket.

As you wash, start at the top of the vehicle, and work your way down. The top is the cleanest; the bottom has the most road dirt / grime; wheels last. After every individual pass washing, rinse your mitt with your hose to dislodge the dirt and grime that you just removed from the car, before putting it back in the bucket for more soap


An extract from one of a series of unbiased Detailing Technical Papers, a library of educational materials that has become the #1 reference for car care on the Internet
Chances are you'll learn something about detailing if you read any of these; although these articles will not improve your detailing skills, lead to a successful business or change your life. Applying what you learn from it, however, will. That's where your commitment comes in - you need to make a commitment to yourself right now that you will take action on what you learn.


© TOGWT ™ Ltd Copyright 2002-2010, all rights reserved

[540rgasm]

quick wash tip:
Too Lazy to do a full wax? Try this when washing
1. still using two bucket method, add soap to bucket.
2. Before adding water to the bucket, add about a table spoon of liquid wax into the same bucket you just put the soap in!
3. Fill both buckets with water.... and wash as normal!

The little bit of wax works in with the soap and leaves you with more shine than just regualr washing alone.

[1604169]

This is somewhat common knowledge but...

After thoroughly cleaning your wheels, try a sealant and/or a wax to help make it easier next time you clean them. Brake dust and grime don't stick to the sealant as well making washing a breeze.

http://www.wheelwax.ca/

http://www.poorboysworld.com/wheel-sealant.htm <---- I use this product.

http://www.autogeek.net/klasseallinone.html

http://www.wolfgangcarcare.com/wolfgang-metallwerk--concours-metal-sealant.html

[e24mpwr]

When cleaning interior start with dressings: vinyl leather / trims, then move to windows and a vacuum last because your gonna be inside a lot. Then move on to the wash as mentioned above top down, or section by section if your on your own so that the soap doesn't dry. Do one section, then rinse and move on to the next. Do the whole car at once only if you have help or your superman:D. Clean the rims next. Move on to claying until the surface is smooth. Polish with orbital polisher, suggesting a porter cable 7424xp, or something of the like, it has a built in clutch so you won't burn your paint. Finish off with carnuba paste (apply with hands) let it set wipe and apply once more. Finish off with the trims and tires and end up something close to this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkmZveqyU5E

That video drives me a little nuts - washing outside, single bucket, waving the towel aggressively across the car for drying (vs. pat/blot method), etc. We all have our little issues and unique ways of doing things, but personally, I'd freak if it were my car.

[TOGWT]

To avoid friction of the vinyl rear window material of a roaster or convertible, place a 100% cotton micro fibre towel, front and back, before putting the top down. Do not use terry cloth towelling, as this is abrasive and will cause scratches.

[SWGUY]

This is somewhat common knowledge but...

After thoroughly cleaning your wheels, try a sealant and/or a wax to help make it easier next time you clean them. Brake dust and grime don't stick to the sealant as well making washing a breeze.


http://www.wheelwax.ca/

http://www.poorboysworld.com/wheel-sealant.htm <---- I use this product.

http://www.autogeek.net/klasseallinone.html

http://www.wolfgangcarcare.com/wolfgang-metallwerk--concours-metal-sealant.html

i use this one...
http://www.amazon.com/Smartwax-10100-Ultimate-Shine-Protection/dp/B000PWH1VO

[ZeitGeist]

Use a leaf blower to dry the car, aim it from the top down.

[Red Coat]

I live where there are lots of bugs in the summer. Grasshoppers are the worst. Best bug removal is baking soda. Damp sponge and sprinkle on the baking soda. A little elbow grease and it won't harm the finish. I've seen guys use WD40! Mind you that was on a Ford....
Red Coat

[Urbflores]

Hey guys im new in the area just moved from Long Beach,CA. Im a certified Meguiar's Detailer now offering my services & advice at The Shade Tree Do It Yourself Garage.

[TOGWT]

Hey guys im new in the area just moved from Long Beach,CA. Im a certified Meguiar's Detailer now offering my services & advice at The Shade Tree Do It Yourself Garage.

Question: Is this a "Tip of the week" or a breach of the forum rules?

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[SWGUY]

Detailing tip of the week: when fully detailing the exterior of your car (wash,clay,seal,glaze,wax) you should be using 6-12 towels min. preferable double sided microfiber towels with silk trimming

[critterxl]

I found out last summer that the easiest way for ME to remove bug guts from the front is using whatever car wash solution you use but apply it with a used dryer sheet. Very little effort at all and it's gone.
I figure you better count on re-applying wax to that area afterward, but it really seems to work well and easily-
Lee

[apple master]

Wax on, wax off.

[vince24L]

any point in washing your car when your car turns green everyday from the pollen? just moved to area where its bad and never dealt with it.

[RyansBMW]

Most people have said to wash the wheels last but I believe in washing them first. Use a seperate bucket and wash mitt or brush. By washing the wheels first, any contaminents that may come off the wheels and onto the paint will be washed off when you clean the body panels.


any point in washing your car when your car turns green everyday from the pollen? just moved to area where its bad and never dealt with it.

If the car itself is pretty clean and its just the pollen on there, you could use a good quick detailer and a microfiber and wipe it down everyday. Ive heard good things about using DP Waterless wash as a good quick detailer.

[SWGUY]

haha^ pollen....

Detailing tip of the week " when applying dressing to your interior vinyl apply gently as if you did with wax in a circular motion but to reduce it from attracting dust after applying the dressing, simply wipe down with a microfiber towel to give it a fresh look"

[TOGWT]

any point in washing your car when your car turns green everyday from the pollen? just moved to area where its bad and never dealt with it.

Heavy Dust
To remove heavy pollen dust (do not use a California Duster as the pollen exine (barbs) will cause surface marring) instead use Optimum No Rinse (ONR) a quick ‘wash’; formulated with surfactants to keep dirt in suspension, avoiding surface contact, it also provides surface lubrication, thereby avoiding surface marring. As soon as is practical, thoroughly rinse the vehicle with a hose and clean water to ensure all the pollen is removed.

[mijbr90190]

Heavy Dust
To remove heavy pollen dust (do not use a California Duster as the pollen exine (barbs) will cause surface marring) instead use Optimum No Rinse (ONR) a quick ‘wash’; formulated with surfactants to keep dirt in suspension, avoiding surface contact, it also provides surface lubrication, thereby avoiding surface marring. As soon as is practical, thoroughly rinse the vehicle with a hose and clean water to ensure all the pollen is removed.

Given the time of year, you might as well just wash it the right way....

[SWGUY]

detailing tip of the week: "for those that do car shows or just simply want to use no water to clean your rim & tires on the spot, we have a solution...use any citrus base product like carpet cleaner or ______ blended with water on the rim & tire, wipe off with a microfiber towel to a perfect clean surface" app...ly more if needed. this process is good on any type of finishes.

[e24mpwr]

detailing tip of the week: "for those that do car shows or just simply want to use no water to clean your rim & tires on the spot, we have a solution...use any citrus base product like carpet cleaner or ______ blended with water on the rim & tire, wipe off with a microfiber towel to a perfect clean surface" app...ly more if needed. this process is good on any type of finishes.

Not something I recommend.

[SWGUY]

Not something I recommend.


y is that? have you tried it? it works fine for me.....


detailing tip of the week
"applying carpet cleaner to your carpet floor of your car before vacuuming can assist you in lifting any loose dirt, leaving it cleaner than just vacuuming.

[randomy]

check under the seats for items you want to keep before vacuuming under them.

[Keebsci]

I use a california water blade to get most of the water off first and then follow up with microfiber towels. I apply a tiny amount of carnuba wax to the bottom of the blade to ensure that the rubber glides over the paint and so the pores of the rubber are covered with wax instead of dirt. Works great for me.

[e24mpwr]

y is that? have you tried it? it works fine for me....

Citrus-based carpet cleaners aren't necessarily the most gentle thing you can use. I'd use quick detailer in that situation before I'd use a carpet cleaner.

For me, it is sort of like washing your car with Dawn - something that probably won't hurt once, but not something you should do if you love your car. Just my $0.02.

[SWGUY]

Citrus-based carpet cleaners aren't necessarily the most gentle thing you can use. I'd use quick detailer in that situation before I'd use a carpet cleaner.

For me, it is sort of like washing your car with Dawn - something that probably won't hurt once, but not something you should do if you love your car. Just my $0.02.


mmmm i know what you mean but i've used that tip for some time now and no problem but hey...everyone to theres.

GM FRIENDS! DETAILING TIP FOR A WINDY DAY "TO PREVENT FROM SCRATCHING YOUR PAINT WHILE TRYING TO REMOVE THE DUST FROM THE WIND, ALWAYS USE A QUICK DETAIL FOR A BETTER RESULT.

[DOC540I]

dont be lazy, tape; and tape some more before any polishing/buffing.

[TOGWT]

Myth buster - many leather products market themselves on how they feed or condition leather. In fact your car's leather seats are first coated with a very fine emulsion (pigmentation) to give them the desired colour and then a clear urethane coating. So for best longevity you should be keeping that coating clean, hydrated and as well protected as possible.

These same companies would also have you believe you should feed your car's urethane leather finish with olive, cantaloupe, sunflower and coconut oils, lanolin or coat it with wax. These products even if they were necessary cannot permeate the urethane coating, they will only attract dust. Unless you brought a specific premium natural leather upholstery package - you are dealing with the finished protective coating and not with the leather hide itself.

[illogik]

To remove stubborn water spots, use a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and distilled water. Let stand for a few minutes.

Re protect after you're done as any wax has probably been lifted as well.

[SWGUY]

Detailing tip of the week: after doing a headlight restoration you always want to use a D.O.T. approved sealant for the headlights to protect its clear coating and avoid from hazing or yellowing.

[SWGUY]

DETAILING TIP OF THE WEEK!
http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu335/SMARTWAX/applicatorstip.jpg

[SWGUY]

so this week we go a lil more in depth "PADS"
all pads have a different purpose and to keep it simple this are the ones.<br /><br />\

YELLOW HEXLOGIC PAD - HEAVY CUT "HEAVY SCRATCHES, DULL PAINT, HEAVY OXIDATED"
http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu335/SMARTWAX/HEXPADSSAMPLERUNCHEMICALGUYS2.jpg


ORANGE HEXLOGIC PAD - MEDIUM CUT "SWIRL MARKS & SCRATCHES"
http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu335/SMARTWAX/HEXLOGICORANGEPAD6.jpg


GREEN HEXLOGIC PAD - MEDIUM TO LIGHT CUT "MINOR TO LIGHT SCRATCHES"
http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu335/SMARTWAX/HEXGREENs.jpg


WHITE HEXLOGIC PAD - POLISHING PAD "REVIVE AND RESTORE GLOSS AND COLOR"
http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu335/SMARTWAX/HEXLOGICWHITEPAD6.jpg


BLUE HEXLOGIC PAD - PERFECT FOR GLAZE
http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu335/SMARTWAX/HEXLOGICBLUEPAD6.jpg


BLACK HEXLOGIC PAD - TO APPLY YOUR WAX
http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu335/SMARTWAX/HEXBLACKBUFFINGPADSs.jpg


RED HEXLOGIC PAD - FOR YOUR FINAL SEALANT
http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu335/SMARTWAX/HEXLOGICREDPAD6.jpg

[SWGUY]

DETAILING TIP OF THE WEEK "do you have faded black trims through out your car? using a foam applicator pad and 3 single drops of _____GEL you can solve that problem, by gently wiping it across the faded sections.

[SWGUY]

http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu335/SMARTWAX/DETAILINGTIPHOWTOWIPE.jpg

DETAILING TIP OF THE WEEK: how to correctly use a microfiber towel.

1- evenly spray smartdetail across your surface.
2-wait a sec for the formula to work
3 & 4- folding the towel in four,wipe side to side moving down in one direction.
5- turn tow...el around to avoid the captured dirt to scratch your surface.
6- wipe gently side to side for a silky shine finish (7)!

[John in VA]

DETAILING TIP OF THE WEEK "do you have faded black trims through out your car? using a foam applicator pad and 3 single drops of _____GEL you can solve that problem, by gently wiping it across the faded sections.


I give up... what's ____GEL?

[WCM3]

I give up... what's ____GEL?

Oh..._boner_GEL

I have a good one that I just did on my Jeep Grand Cherokee. The bumpers were faded and old. I never realized that using a heat gun would restore the finish. Worked perfectly.

[John in VA]

Oh..._boner_GEL

I have a good one that I just did on my Jeep Grand Cherokee. The bumpers were faded and old. I never realized that using a heat gun would restore the finish. Worked perfectly.

Thanks to both of you. That answers the question. Very helpful.

[WCM3]

Also, guys if your rear window's black rubber trim is faded looking use some lacquer thinner on a MF towel. The thinner will soften the top portion on the trim just enough allowing you to wipe away the oxidized, white looking top layer. It probably wouldn't hurt to start applying some 303 aerospace protectant on them after either. That should help keep them looking nice.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/1999%20BMW%20M3/IMG_2974.jpg

[moldye36]

bluemax and air compressor, get that interior done in a JIFFY!
hard to reach places. simply sray with the degreaser and blow out with air. Great for vents.

u can also use the air compressor to blow out and dry all the crack and mirrors after u wash / dry the car.
nobody likes mirror dripps.

[99m3e36]

Use megs 105/205 polish for headlights and taillights. That way you can use the same polish for your car too.

[AggroRider1]

wondering how you guys treat clear bras?

what to do with a car with one?