Detailing Virgin
Discussion
Now that the weather is clearing p, I'd like to give my car a bit of a going over. Now, while I'm happy to get cracked on with things mechanical, all this detailing stuff is totally new to me.
Previously, giving it a wash meant a hose, bucket, sponge and some car wash fluid. Yeah, I know, I can hear the screams from here!
In short, I aint got a clue how to get a decent finish. My car has pearlescent paint on it, and I've seen how good it looks when it's been detailed (on another owners car, unfortunately) and would love mine to get that depth of shine.
So, anyone car to drop any hints, or know of any guides, books, DVD's etc?
Oh, and to get me started, a neighbour who emigrated just before the snow hit left me a half full pot of Zymol Titanium as a going away present at his garage emptying ceremony. Thats sort of what has spurred me into this, I was to embarassed to ask him for tips!
Previously, giving it a wash meant a hose, bucket, sponge and some car wash fluid. Yeah, I know, I can hear the screams from here!
In short, I aint got a clue how to get a decent finish. My car has pearlescent paint on it, and I've seen how good it looks when it's been detailed (on another owners car, unfortunately) and would love mine to get that depth of shine.
So, anyone car to drop any hints, or know of any guides, books, DVD's etc?
Oh, and to get me started, a neighbour who emigrated just before the snow hit left me a half full pot of Zymol Titanium as a going away present at his garage emptying ceremony. Thats sort of what has spurred me into this, I was to embarassed to ask him for tips!
skyslimit said:
Now that the weather is clearing p, I'd like to give my car a bit of a going over. Now, while I'm happy to get cracked on with things mechanical, all this detailing stuff is totally new to me.
Previously, giving it a wash meant a hose, bucket, sponge and some car wash fluid. Yeah, I know, I can hear the screams from here!
In short, I aint got a clue how to get a decent finish. My car has pearlescent paint on it, and I've seen how good it looks when it's been detailed (on another owners car, unfortunately) and would love mine to get that depth of shine.
So, anyone car to drop any hints, or know of any guides, books, DVD's etc?
Oh, and to get me started, a neighbour who emigrated just before the snow hit left me a half full pot of Zymol Titanium as a going away present at his garage emptying ceremony. Thats sort of what has spurred me into this, I was to embarassed to ask him for tips!
So, you're planning on investing some money into the proper basic essentials then?Previously, giving it a wash meant a hose, bucket, sponge and some car wash fluid. Yeah, I know, I can hear the screams from here!
In short, I aint got a clue how to get a decent finish. My car has pearlescent paint on it, and I've seen how good it looks when it's been detailed (on another owners car, unfortunately) and would love mine to get that depth of shine.
So, anyone car to drop any hints, or know of any guides, books, DVD's etc?
Oh, and to get me started, a neighbour who emigrated just before the snow hit left me a half full pot of Zymol Titanium as a going away present at his garage emptying ceremony. Thats sort of what has spurred me into this, I was to embarassed to ask him for tips!
Do you have a pressure washer? If so, which make and model?
Do you already have a bucket? What size, if so?
As above, you can browse certain sections as a visitor of DW, or join to access other sections, and spend a bit of time reading various threads that are of interest.
Between myself, and other members here, and DW, we'll give you some advice on how, what, and when.
Thanks guys, appreciate the pointers. That detailing world site in huge, and a bit scary as well. Everyone sems to an expert, going by some of the pictures. A lot of patience, and a lot of talent kicking around on there.
I bought a Bosch pressure washer from Machine Mart to get me started, can take a load of attachements, and has a high pressure/high flow rate.
Held off on getting bucket set, as not sure what to get. Same with wash mitts etc.
Looking forward to getting it better than showroom shine
I bought a Bosch pressure washer from Machine Mart to get me started, can take a load of attachements, and has a high pressure/high flow rate.
Held off on getting bucket set, as not sure what to get. Same with wash mitts etc.
Looking forward to getting it better than showroom shine
Hello mate,
Its hard to really say what you will need to bring your paint back up to top standard without seeing it, but all vehicles are subject to swirl marks, and light scratches with poor washing technique with sponges and brushes etc.
If the car is swirled, they will be robbing the paint of its actual clarity and gloss, using a DA poliser, or rotary < don't use this without correct knowledge and training though) and the correct pad and polish combination can remove these, depending on how bad they are of course.
To give you a basic guide, invest in 2 buckets, a lambswool wash mitt, a soft ultra plush drying towel and a really good PH neutral shampoo, I say PH neutral because it won't remove protection (if applied to your vehicle)or if you apply some in future, which you should :-)
Places to get these things from are www.cleanyourcar.co.uk or www.I4detailing.co.uk
All the best
Michael.
Its hard to really say what you will need to bring your paint back up to top standard without seeing it, but all vehicles are subject to swirl marks, and light scratches with poor washing technique with sponges and brushes etc.
If the car is swirled, they will be robbing the paint of its actual clarity and gloss, using a DA poliser, or rotary < don't use this without correct knowledge and training though) and the correct pad and polish combination can remove these, depending on how bad they are of course.
To give you a basic guide, invest in 2 buckets, a lambswool wash mitt, a soft ultra plush drying towel and a really good PH neutral shampoo, I say PH neutral because it won't remove protection (if applied to your vehicle)or if you apply some in future, which you should :-)
Places to get these things from are www.cleanyourcar.co.uk or www.I4detailing.co.uk
All the best
Michael.
Yeah its good to start with a fresh, something for you to maintain easily yourself. Ensure you get a fully trained and insured valeter though to carry out the work, especially for paint correction and using machines etc, do your homework on them, as there are alot of people who are doing this kind of thing on the side who arnt insured and will happily walk away if they burn through your paint or scratch it.
Id sort it for you if you were close to me.
Id sort it for you if you were close to me.
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