Recent detail - correct way to wash now?
Discussion
Recently got my car from an organization that sells strictly collectable cars and race cars. The car was immaculate, overly detailed. "Silky smooth" to the touch as they say. Whelp, the garage it is in has had a lot of access to the outside due to work on the building. Now the car is incredibly dusted over. We even decided to draw anatomy as livery on it for the heck of it after a few bevys.
Seems like a stupid question but what is the appropriate way to wash without removing the wax/polymers/nano layers (whatever) they put on it to make it so nice 4 weeks ago? Also what if any products could I use? At one point there used to be these rag dust mops which would help or might hurt the clear coat. Maybe just a touchless car wash or is that a nono?
On a side note related to this. I just discovered "high end" detailing via this question and I'm stunned with the level of expertise beyond a simple 3-4hr "regular" detail job as well as sophisticated products.
Seems like a stupid question but what is the appropriate way to wash without removing the wax/polymers/nano layers (whatever) they put on it to make it so nice 4 weeks ago? Also what if any products could I use? At one point there used to be these rag dust mops which would help or might hurt the clear coat. Maybe just a touchless car wash or is that a nono?
On a side note related to this. I just discovered "high end" detailing via this question and I'm stunned with the level of expertise beyond a simple 3-4hr "regular" detail job as well as sophisticated products.
Edited by PiB on Thursday 19th January 15:24
My advice would be to speak to wherever detailed it and find out what they used/what they would advise.
If that isn't an option I'd use some good quality shampoo and the two bucket method. A good place to look for products is www.polishedbliss.com.
If that isn't an option I'd use some good quality shampoo and the two bucket method. A good place to look for products is www.polishedbliss.com.
Yes mate you can wash it without removing whatever is on the car.
If it was me id add a layer of wax or 2 of your choice then you defo certain that the car has some on and what it has.
As for washing get a good quality shampoo dont use cheap stuff. Snow foam first then use a good quality mitt to wash the car and use the 2 bucket method and a soft drying towel to dry it.
Thats pretty basic if you want to learn more have a look on detailing world that site will give you all the info you will ever need on products and what you should / shouldnt do.
If it was me id add a layer of wax or 2 of your choice then you defo certain that the car has some on and what it has.
As for washing get a good quality shampoo dont use cheap stuff. Snow foam first then use a good quality mitt to wash the car and use the 2 bucket method and a soft drying towel to dry it.
Thats pretty basic if you want to learn more have a look on detailing world that site will give you all the info you will ever need on products and what you should / shouldnt do.
Yes and certainly a good point. Last thing I need is various body parts and words engrained into the body permanently for all to see.
I found an old auto dust mop that I am going to put in the wash. As with the fingers is it a bad method to use by dry mopping up the dust?
At this point it probably just needs a gentle wash but done the correct 'detailers way'. What about car covers to keep the dust off? I rarely drive it so it won't be going on and off but maybe once a week at most or will that damage the finish too?
I found an old auto dust mop that I am going to put in the wash. As with the fingers is it a bad method to use by dry mopping up the dust?
At this point it probably just needs a gentle wash but done the correct 'detailers way'. What about car covers to keep the dust off? I rarely drive it so it won't be going on and off but maybe once a week at most or will that damage the finish too?
really if all your dealing with is dust or light soiling from a weekend blast out your needs are simple
clean your wheels with a ph neutral product - don't be fooled by acid free as that normally indicates heavily alkaline !!
pre wash either by repeated dousing with water or via snow foam
wash with two buckets and a wash mitt - one bucket containing shampoo the other clean water - after shampooing each panel rinse the mitt in clean water then approach the next panel this stops dirt transfer
rinse the vehicle off fully
when drying use some quick detailing spray onto each panel as you dry it - this will help to disperse the water and also add an element of lubrication between the towel and the panels thus avoiding towel marks
paul
clean your wheels with a ph neutral product - don't be fooled by acid free as that normally indicates heavily alkaline !!
pre wash either by repeated dousing with water or via snow foam
wash with two buckets and a wash mitt - one bucket containing shampoo the other clean water - after shampooing each panel rinse the mitt in clean water then approach the next panel this stops dirt transfer
rinse the vehicle off fully
when drying use some quick detailing spray onto each panel as you dry it - this will help to disperse the water and also add an element of lubrication between the towel and the panels thus avoiding towel marks
paul
Various products can be harmful or degrade finishes and protective layers. Shopping wisely for correct product and not the most expensive or latest "Buzz" product is a must for prolonging the finish and ensuring the protective layers are kept at an all time high for longest period of time. As said above. 2 buckets. Grit guards arent essential but can help. Right choice in wash media such as mitt even down to correct drying towels is also a major element in ensuring the painted surfaces are not tarnished through repeated wiping. Acid based wheel cleaners are a no go unless its an all else fails scenario your in. There is no such thing as complete pH neutral but the likes of billberry wheel cleaner is perfect for those times when the wheels get that bit dirtier than normal and shampoo will not remove the grime.
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