Detailing 101: Common Question and Answers, What and Where to buy stuff + Technique

[bellavus]

I just did a big detail of my interior 2 weeks ago. It came out very nice. I'm gonna write an article of my own based on my method/experience. I'll just paste it into here.

David.

Okey Dokey....Here's my article in case anyone wants to look at it

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=163177

[David]

Okey Dokey....Here's my article in case anyone wants to look at it

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=163177

That's cool. Sorry, I didn't mean to come off as not wanting your article. Good stuff!

David.

[bellavus]

That's cool. Sorry, I didn't mean to come off as not wanting your article. Good stuff!

David.

No problem More information is always good, I think

[Balthazarr]

My wheels have a chrome lip.
I've noticed several times when just wiping the dust from them scratches will appear even with MF towels.
I haven't been diligent in my approach since I haven't even washed the car in the 2 weeks I've had them on.
What do I use to remove the scratches?. I have a PC, but I'm looking for a method where I don't have to break out the polisher every time I want to wipe them down.

[David]

Balthazarr,

If the chrome is soft enough you may be able to use a polish by hand to remove the scratches. Grab something out of your arsenal and give it a shot. Other than that, I don't know what else to recommend.

David.

[BMW316i]

I just did a big detail of my interior 2 weeks ago. It came out very nice. I'm gonna write an article of my own based on my method/experience. I'll just paste it into here.

David.

Hi David,

Interested in seeing the interior article, your tips so far have been super.

Cheers.

[David]

Hi David,

Interested in seeing the interior article, your tips so far have been super.

Cheers.

Thanks for the kind words. I have yet to write the article. I haven't had much time lately. Hopefully I can put something together soon.

David.

[theorem]

David,

I just got a new 04 M3 from the dealer. Its Jet Black and there arent any swirl marks BUT the hood and trunk have a haze in direct sunlight.. WHY!? Did the dealership use an orbital on it or something? I read in your post to use a mild polish to take these out. Should I follow your process minus the harsh polish to protect my new car and remove the haze?

Tom

[David]

Tom, does the haze look like 3D holgraphic lines? If so, you will need to use FI2 to remove them. Klasse AIO will not be enough. Try FI2 with a PC and polihing pad. If that doesn't not do the trick try FI2 and a cutting pad.

Those lines came about when the dealer prepped your car. They most likely used a rotary buffer to remove the wax when they waxed it for you. Lazy bastards. They just did more harm than good. It's easy to screw up paint with a rotary if not very careful.

David.

[theorem]

Tom, does the haze look like 3D holgraphic lines? If so, you will need to use FI2 to remove them. Klasse AIO will not be enough. Try FI2 with a PC and polihing pad. If that doesn't not do the trick try FI2 and a cutting pad.

Those lines came about when the dealer prepped your car. They most likely used a rotary buffer to remove the wax when they waxed it for you. Lazy bastards. They just did more harm than good. It's easy to screw up paint with a rotary if not very careful.

David.

David,

Unfortunately yes, they look like one of those Xmen cards I collected as a kid. Kind of makes you dizzy to look at them. FI2 can remove this or will it just make it better? Id be really mad to have hosed paint on such a new car.

Thanks for your time.

Tom

[Trepan]

David,

Thanks for taking the time to write this all up. I haven't done it yet as I've only owned my car for 2 days, but I intend to try it this weeked! Cheers!

[David]

David,

Unfortunately yes, they look like one of those Xmen cards I collected as a kid. Kind of makes you dizzy to look at them. FI2 can remove this or will it just make it better? Id be really mad to have hosed paint on such a new car.

Thanks for your time.

Tom

FI2 will remove them. You'll need a PC. See the PC polishing article.

[David]

David,

Thanks for taking the time to write this all up. I haven't done it yet as I've only owned my car for 2 days, but I intend to try it this weeked! Cheers!

Your welcome.

[on a friday]

Thanks David. This thread helped out a bunch.

[Steve530]

David, I like to offer my thanks for the great info, too. And ask another question.

Do you recommend Klasse AIO&SG for light colored cars like my Titanium Silver 530? Is there something else that would look better?

I currently have a couple of coats of Meguiars Gold Class wax on the car, but I would like a little more shine. And I would like to use the sealant for winter protection.

It doesn't appear to have any swirls, so I would apply the AIO by hand.

[David]

David, I like to offer my thanks for the great info, too. And ask another question.

Do you recommend Klasse AIO&SG for light colored cars like my Titanium Silver 530? Is there something else that would look better?

I currently have a couple of coats of Meguiars Gold Class wax on the car, but I would like a little more shine. And I would like to use the sealant for winter protection.

It doesn't appear to have any swirls, so I would apply the AIO by hand.

Steve,

AIO + SG will look great on your silver car. I use the combo on my Dad's silver Olds and it looks very reflective. I think you'll be very happy with it.

David.

[Steve530]

Thanks for the reply David, I'll give it a try this Fall.

[tliu69]

In your section on washing the car you indicate:

Gently glide the mitt over the paint. Try not to apply pressure. The weight of your arm should be enough. Go in a front to back motion, NOT circular.

What do you do for things like caked on dirt or bugs on the front bumper?

[David]

In your section on washing the car you indicate:

Gently glide the mitt over the paint. Try not to apply pressure. The weight of your arm should be enough. Go in a front to back motion, NOT circular.

What do you do for things like caked on dirt or bugs on the front bumper?

Those will definitely require some elbow grease. Just use your best judgement. If pressure is needed, then do apply some. If there is no caked on dirt to remove, then just use the weight of your arm.

If you have rally bad tar and bug stains, you may want to try a dedicated tar and bug remover. 3M makes one that is quite strong. You will need to re-wax/seal the area after using it.

David.

[mbanks21]

One more HUGE thanks!

When applying the wax do you do it by hand or with the polisher? The wax I use is Meguiars Cleaner wax, should I not be using a cleaner wax? And I also use Meguiars quick detailer spray, is that okay?

[David]

One more HUGE thanks!

When applying the wax do you do it by hand or with the polisher? The wax I use is Meguiars Cleaner wax, should I not be using a cleaner wax? And I also use Meguiars quick detailer spray, is that okay?

I wax by hand. I find it easier/faster than by machine, and I also use less of it. YMMV though. Give both a shot and see which you like best.

Cleaner waxes are not *bad*. But if you are detailing enthusiast who goes through multiple steps then there is no need for a cleaner wax. Most enthusiasts will use a seperate dedicated cleaner. Cleaner waxes were made more for people who could care less about detailing. People who just want something quick and convenient. If you don;t use a dedicated cleaner (ex. AIO) then I would suggest using a cleaner wax. Reasoning for this is because if you use a pure carnuba wax on an unclean surface, you will just be 'locking' in the dirt. If you use the cleaner wax, at least the surface will get some cleaning along with the waxing.

Does that make sense? I hope so. If not let me know.

David.

[mbanks21]

Absolutely. I just bought some AIO so Ill use separate cleaning and waxing products. Thanks again!

[asdfbunk]

How to: Properly Dry your Car

Seeing that I've been getting some PM's from people about detailing, I thought I would go ahead and post some basic "How To" articles. The second installment pertains to drying our cars after washing them.

Once you have completed washing your car you should remove the nozzle from the hose. Turn the water on and let it fall on the horizontal surfaces starting from the roof, and working down to the trunk and hood. This will sheet most of the water off the paint. Once the water has finished sheeting, take a quality cotton or MF towel and blot the remaining water off your paint. Try not to rub. Rubbing is the enemy, even on clean paint. It is still possible to create micro scratches while drying if rubbing.

Use separate towels to dry the rims, paint, glass, and door jambs. If you dry immediately after you wash then you should not get any water spots on your windows, eliminating the need to use ammonia based window cleaners.

To view the original thread and read the discussion, see the following link:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...hreadid=113671

David,

This will be my first big detail, but after every wash, my car always has a massive amount of water remaining on it. What I'm trying to ask is, should I still use the blotting technique? I recently bought a 75/25 MF WW towel if that makes a difference.

Thanks in advance.

[David]

David,

This will be my first big detail, but after every wash, my car always has a massive amount of water remaining on it. What I'm trying to ask is, should I still use the blotting technique? I recently bought a 75/25 MF WW towel if that makes a difference.

Thanks in advance.

Once you actually do the detail and use good protective product like klasse or zaino, you will notice much less water on your car. Try blotting first. If you are not happy, then go ahead and wipe gently. The WW's are pretty soft, so it shouldn't be a huge issue. The technique outlined above is the best way to avoid drying swirls.

David.

[asdfbunk]

David,

I purchased the PC7424 along with the Meguiar's 5" backing plate (MG-W64DA),but as I polish, the PC vibrates quite a lot (up to the point where my arms/hands get very itchy). Is this what it's supposed to do? Or did I purchase the wrong backing plate?

I apologize for asking so many questions.
Thanks in advance.