Help me step up my detailing game
Discussion
I have been using T cut and Optimum No Rinse Wash and Wax for the longest time now, Im still a noob at detailing and would like to try some better products, The car is an old fiesta xr2 flat black, only goes out in the dry and doesn't do many miles hence using the water less product just to keep it clean.
It scrubs up pretty well, but has quite a few swirls and scratches, it looks great when i polish it but the shine doesn't last. Im just after some recommendations of some better products to try out for a novice doing everything by hand. Cheers
It scrubs up pretty well, but has quite a few swirls and scratches, it looks great when i polish it but the shine doesn't last. Im just after some recommendations of some better products to try out for a novice doing everything by hand. Cheers
Nuttah said:
Is the optimum no rinse adequate for that or do i need a proper wax?
You have an awful lot to learn if you think a T cut and a no rinse wash is "detailing".Get yourself over to detailing world and have a read...
http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/
Get some decent gear for a start. You using a brillo pad with the T Cut ? Probably why its full of swirles. Next thread will be learn how to paint. Cant be much left on it if cleaning with T Cut.
As said above, detailing world and have a good read. Or have a ride out to a local place that does it and ask if you're ok watching.
As said above, detailing world and have a good read. Or have a ride out to a local place that does it and ask if you're ok watching.
lots of blue masking tape, and clay bars....
seriously just use auto glym / meguiars stuff, microfibre cloths, wash mitts instead of sponges and buckets with with grit guards.
your black car will need a machine polish to get all the swirls out - but auto glym super resin polish will make it look great with very little effort.
seriously just use auto glym / meguiars stuff, microfibre cloths, wash mitts instead of sponges and buckets with with grit guards.
your black car will need a machine polish to get all the swirls out - but auto glym super resin polish will make it look great with very little effort.
hman said:
lots of blue masking tape, and clay bars....
seriously just use auto glym / meguiars stuff, microfibre cloths, wash mitts instead of sponges and buckets with with grit guards.
your black car will need a machine polish to get all the swirls out - but auto glym super resin polish will make it look great with very little effort.
Thanks a few people have mentioned super resin polish, i think i will give that a go, can you recommend a wax to use afterwards?seriously just use auto glym / meguiars stuff, microfibre cloths, wash mitts instead of sponges and buckets with with grit guards.
your black car will need a machine polish to get all the swirls out - but auto glym super resin polish will make it look great with very little effort.
Nuttah said:
hman said:
lots of blue masking tape, and clay bars....
seriously just use auto glym / meguiars stuff, microfibre cloths, wash mitts instead of sponges and buckets with with grit guards.
your black car will need a machine polish to get all the swirls out - but auto glym super resin polish will make it look great with very little effort.
Thanks a few people have mentioned super resin polish, i think i will give that a go, can you recommend a wax to use afterwards?seriously just use auto glym / meguiars stuff, microfibre cloths, wash mitts instead of sponges and buckets with with grit guards.
your black car will need a machine polish to get all the swirls out - but auto glym super resin polish will make it look great with very little effort.
I'm at the fairly basic end of the car washing spectrum.
I've found that a good wash with autoglym car shampoo, followed with a clay bar (if needed), then super resin polish, then a coating of autoglym high definition wax is very effective. Lasts about 6 months with regular washing.
Wash mits rather than sponges trap less grit so I've used them for years.
You can go as far as you like with detailing but this combination gets the car to a state I'm happy with.
I've found that a good wash with autoglym car shampoo, followed with a clay bar (if needed), then super resin polish, then a coating of autoglym high definition wax is very effective. Lasts about 6 months with regular washing.
Wash mits rather than sponges trap less grit so I've used them for years.
You can go as far as you like with detailing but this combination gets the car to a state I'm happy with.
Winky151 said:
Nuttah said:
hman said:
lots of blue masking tape, and clay bars....
seriously just use auto glym / meguiars stuff, microfibre cloths, wash mitts instead of sponges and buckets with with grit guards.
your black car will need a machine polish to get all the swirls out - but auto glym super resin polish will make it look great with very little effort.
Thanks a few people have mentioned super resin polish, i think i will give that a go, can you recommend a wax to use afterwards?seriously just use auto glym / meguiars stuff, microfibre cloths, wash mitts instead of sponges and buckets with with grit guards.
your black car will need a machine polish to get all the swirls out - but auto glym super resin polish will make it look great with very little effort.
The difference after SRP and a nice sealant (I use meguiars carnuba wax but use whatever you like as long as its a sealant) was not big enough to warrant the time.
Of course if you have the time then you should lavish the car with a clay bar.
Importantly, rinse your car thoroughly before washing - get as much dirt off as poss with JUST HOSE PRESSURE and learn the two bucket wash principle:-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVAxphcgKnY
and buy 3 wash mits, one for the upper sides (down to mid door) 1 for mid door to lower outer sill height and one for wheels/door shuts.
Learn how to "sheet" water onto the panels using a hose with an open end- this way gravity does most of the drying, and spray detailing spray onto each panel after rinsing before drying as this removes water marks as you dry the car.
I use a waffle drying thing called a water magnet.
The key once you have a nice shine is to keep it there by careful washing - wash one panel at a time, rinse off the wash mitt in the clean bucket then rub it on the grit guard in the soap bucket then wash the next panel. Dont be tempted to was more than one panel (I do the roof and bonnet in halves) at a time as anything you pick up on panel 1 will be transferred to panel 2 if you dont rinse, rub on grit guard etc between panels.
oh, and remove the labels from the microfibre cloths - they are very scratchy!!
Edited by hman on Tuesday 15th December 08:48
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