Thanks for the advice!
I think I've done all the thing you just said not to do. Especially the dropping things part. Here I am washing cars to clean them and I just ended up scratching them some more.
Originally posted by: ElvishFrost
Once the problem has been taken care of properly, and the paint is protected by a good quality wax, then it is really in your maintenance and car cleaning routine.. always rinse the car off with however much pressure your hose has...get rid of any loose dirt/dust. I recommend that you don't use your wash mitt or sponge on the bottoms of your rocker panels, or your tires/rims/hubcaps. Use a separate one for those. and either use two buckets one for the majority of the car, one for the tires, rockers, etc. or wash those LAST and don't use the same water on the rest of the car. Never use those wash "brooms" or anything similar, your asking for scratches. Get some nice quality microfiber towels, or terry towels (you CAN scratch the paint with terry towels, if too much pressure is applied, just FYI) I generally use a nice spray wax/detailer after I wash my car to get rid of any left over water spots after I've dried it off with a chamois and taken it for a "drying run" hehe Hope this helps ya.
EDIT** Try to never let your wash mitt touch the ground, and if by chance ya drop it....clean it VERY VERY thoroughly before ya use it on the car again. A little time, and common sense will help you keep your investment looking it's best.
:Q absolutely amazing
Originally posted by: bR
Originally posted by: F22 Raptor
Yes, but I am a professional detailer so of course.
I would not recomend you trying to remove swirl marks like that your first time detailing. It requires a high speed buffer and a good rubbing compound. Most buffers are over 10,000-15,000 RPM's (as oppsoed to 2,500-5,000 RPM's for an orbital buffer, not possible to use in this case) because they need to warm up the paint to buff out any imperfections. Proper technique is mandatory, for safety (you can break an arm with some of the big industrial ones), and so you do not burn off the paint or cause worse swirl marks and imperfections.
If you really want to undertake this, I suggest you do a lot of reading and buy a nice quality buffer and practice on the hood of a car from a junkyard until you get very good at it. If you have questions along the way feel free to ask or PM me, I can help you with the technique and other tips (bonnets etc), as most detailers do not like to disclose their "secrets".
Ok I guess that's a nevermind from me then...
The only paint experience I have is painting my case and even that has orang peel from me being impatient. I have a gut feeling that I'll just burn through the paint.
YGPM
Originally posted by: Triumph
I used to be way into detailing my car, but after 98,000 miles and gradually losing the battle, it's easy to lose heart. It is relaxing in a weird sort of way, though.
That guy is very good, for sure, but you can get good results without worrying about damaging your paint. Start with the traditional 3 step process after washing: claybar, polish, wax. You'll be surprised at how much of a difference the claybar and polish will do. The next stage up from that is to get a Porter Cable random orbital - much less danger of burning through your paint - and some light duty swirl mark removers from 3M or another reputable company. And always start with the least abbrasive product until you see results.
For the first time detailer, I recommend
- a wool wash mitt
- two buckets, one for soap, one to rinse your mitt
- clay bar, with spray bottle of soapy water for lubrication
- polish, McGuiars is good and readily available
OR
- klasse all-in-one polish
- klasse high gloss sealant glaze
You'll love the results, and with the Klasse products, the acrylic wax will last 2-3 times longer than carnuba wax.
Originally posted by: Triumph
Ack, you bought the Leatherique? Should have saved your money unless your leather was way far gone. On a modern car with relatively good leather, it is way overkill. Don't get me wrong, it's a good product, just too expensive for what it does, IMO.
Originally posted by: Triumph
Well if you already ordered it, use it. It is a good product. But I found their instructions, to use something like 2 oz per seat of rejuvinator, to be ridiculously overkill.
Originally posted by: BD2003
Originally posted by: Triumph
Well if you already ordered it, use it. It is a good product. But I found their instructions, to use something like 2 oz per seat of rejuvinator, to be ridiculously overkill.
I havent ordered anything, I'm asking you.