What detailing tricks can you offer to everyone else?

[Y2KPewterSS]

Just like the title says, lets start posting up some of the tricks/techniques we all use when we are detailing :yup:

[Tonik]

Don't roll down the window after you wash/dry your car.

[The Old Man]

I use a soft paint brush to sweep dust out of tight spots under the hood...

[Hurley711]

Don't fart on the seats after cleaning the leather

[Mr. Luos]

Don't fart on the seats after cleaning the leather
Aren't you dead???






Don't piss on yer paint. :yup:

[2001somws6]

When using the clay bar dont use the spray it comes with. Use a fresh clean bucket of car soap. It works much better than the spray and can cover a bigger area. :yup:

[Mr. Luos]

Meguiars clear coat scrub is basicly a liquid claybar. :yup:

[Y2KPewterSS]

Good stuff so far guys, keep the tips coming :)

[Mr. Luos]

Shade is good. :yup:

[Tyler_LS1]

The tips are Great!
Thanks!:)

[Hurley711]

Aren't you dead???






Don't piss on yer paint. :yup:

Should I change my user name to "Lazarus"

[2001somws6]

A microfiber sponge works great too.:yup:

To clean your tips and rims try the magic eraser. the auto mr clean works good and also the clay bar too.

[Ws6 Love]

Should I change my user name to "Lazarus"

yeah i thought something happened to u? :hmm:

[Y2KPewterSS]

I use a soft paint brush to sweep dust out of tight spots under the hood...

I use a soft brush to get the water out from the taillights and rear fascia too. Or I use a vaccuum to suck the water out of the same spot, don't have water dripping down the bumper that way.

[lenny ws6]

I use an open ended water hose to rinse, rather than a spray nozzle. The water seems to bead up right away and easier to dry.

[Sarge]

Use DAWN Dishwashing soap to claybar.
Always clean and detail out of direct sunlight.
Use Newspapers to clean windows.
Johnsons Baby Oil (NOT LOTION) on vinyl (dashboards and stuff)...beats the hell out of any car products vinyl cleaner I have ever used....
When detailing your engine I always vacum it first. I know I know....you'll be amazed how much dirt and crap it gets....then you dont have to rub all that stuff around tyrying to get it out when it is wet.
Olive Oil on a cotton ball will take the white wax residue right off black plastic trim.....instantly...
Regular old toilet brush is the best wheel cleaner ever made.....

[4get gto]

Before applying a coat of wax wipe the car down with a detailing spray before you apply it, it will help make the surface just a bit slicker and help spreading the polish or wax even easier....

[Mr. Luos]

Before applying a coat of wax wipe the car down with a detailing spray before you apply it, it will help make the surface just a bit slicker and help spreading the polish or wax even easier....
I do this.
Although I spray the applicator pad. :yup:

[4get gto]

I do this.
Although I spray the applicator pad. :yup:
I do that as well.........:)

[4get gto]

Something that helps with rinsing your car after washing is to remove any nozzle you may have on the hose, and let the sheeting action of the water run off the car for a cleaner finish. Do this after your car is all rinsed off, and you will be surprised at how much it helps.

[TheSilverSurfer]

Before applying a coat of wax wipe the car down with a detailing spray before you apply it, it will help make the surface just a bit slicker and help spreading the polish or wax even easier....


This is my favorite move:flex:

[SPECOPS94]

Clean your rims and tires before you work on the body. That way you don't have to wash the body twice...
Mike

[rotwiler]

I have some lazy never have time tips for people who hate to wash, wax and still want the car to look like hours were spent on it.

1)Clean the wheels with dawn and a rag, wash it off.
2)Go to the auto no touch car wash and get the premium wash. The reason for the premium wash is less spots and it cleans under the car too.
3)Once dry, Apply a coat of turtle wax ice on the entire car(minus front window). Direct sun is best for the turtle wax ice(I would never do this with any other wax or polish). should take 1/2 hour at most.
4)If you have any chrome on the car use cleaner on it and your done.

This sounds stupid, auto wash and turtle wax ice, but the results are incredible and looks like a whole day was spent on the outside. I did this all summer and a wash once a month, ice detailer touch up once a week and I used the ICE main stuff, once a month. If Done once a month, covers up scratches, keeps car cleaner longer, is cheap and leaves and great glossy shine. Can be used under the hood also and on any black plastic parts makes them look new(wipers, seals etc).

[4get gto]

Spruce up those gray looking wheel wells with some of that old detailing spray that you don't use anymore.......After washing spray it on and makes it look good for a while....Or alittle semi / flat black spray paints works too.....

[Mr. Luos]

I think I am getting the PorterCable out on the Trans Am tomorrow. :yup:

[Y2KPewterSS]

I think I am getting the PorterCable out on the Trans Am tomorrow. :yup:


Supposed to be real nice here tomorrow and Thursday. I got 2 coats on Zaino on the past 2 days, might get another one on Thursday :yup:

[3800rs]

use leafblower to dry the car

[2001somws6]

Spruce up those gray looking wheel wells with some of that old detailing spray that you don't use anymore.......After washing spray it on and makes it look good for a while....Or alittle semi / flat black spray paints works too.....

I spraypainted mine gloss black and they get gray and nasty anyway. This does help for carshows tho.

[2CMX]

When cleaning your wheels/tires spray the wheel with window cleaner,then spray your "tire shine" onto your tire, finally wipe your wheel of with a dry cloth.

[85mcss]

AWESOME thread guys! too bad its snow season here:cuss:

I also use the detailing spray before a coat of wax method!

keep the tips coming!:cheers:

[85mcss]

has anyone ever used 3m Adhesive remover on bird poo spots where the paint has been damaged from leaving the poo on too long? just a little trick i heard awhile back but never tryed...

[Y2KPewterSS]

has anyone ever used 3m Adhesive remover on bird poo spots where the paint has been damaged from leaving the poo on too long? just a little trick i heard awhile back but never tryed...

I have that stuff Brandon and everything so far that I have used it on, it works great! That stuff is fantastic. It wouldn't suprise me one bit if it removed bird poo spots.

[Hurley711]

What detailing spray do you guys use? Meguirers?

[Y2KPewterSS]

What detailing spray do you guys use? Meguirers?

http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=Z-6&Category_Code=Zaino

[TheSilverSurfer]

What detailing spray do you guys use? Meguirers?

yes and no offense but it's Meguiars:yup:

[4get gto]

yes and no offense but it's Meguiars:yup:


I don't know if there is a really bad product made today....
Everybody is looking for that magical wax that jumps on your car , does the polishing , wipes itself off, shines like hell and last two years........Just so you can go out next week and do it over again cause you got bored sitting around the house.....:)

[Hurley711]

yes and no offense but it's Meguiars:yup:

Trust me, I'm not here to win any spelling beas:yup:

[4get gto]

Tips.....

We came to a stand still......:attn:

[Z06-Goose]

Never use Sealant over wax. Sealant always goes on first.

[StangKiller615]

1.) Always use clean rags and mitts, dirty rags and mitts can scratch and cause swirl marks in your clear coat.

2.) Never let bird shit sit on your paint, it will eat your paint.

3.) Always wash, polish and wax your car in a well shaded area.

[Z06-Goose]

Ditch your shammy, or absorber. Switch to Waffle Weave Microfiber Towels to dry your car with instead :yup:

[Y2KPewterSS]

Ditch your shammy, or absorber. Switch to Waffle Weave Microfiber Towels to dry your car with instead :yup:

Where are you purchasing them at? :)

[Z06-Goose]

Where are you purchasing them at? :)Checker's should have them. That's where I bought mine. It's from Meguiars. Check for Meguiar's products where you buy your detailing stuff.

After doing some research, and actually doing a test, I was able to verify that the shammy can trap debris under it and rub it across your paint as you dry your car. The Waffle Weave towels, not only abosorb more and better, but the debris get pushed into the fabric lessening the chances of being dragged onto your paint. I just thought I'd pass this along to those who wanted to know what the difference was.

I still use my shammy to dry the trunk area, and other parts where swirls, and scratches are not relevant, or showing

[Mr. Luos]

I was unable to find that waffle towel at Checker Goose.
Checked last weekend.

I need to find one though.

[Y2KPewterSS]

Never heard of "Checkers" :(

[Mr. Luos]

Checkers/Schauks/Kragen

www.cskauto.com

[TransAmy]

one leaf is all it takes to stain your paint :mad:

[Z06-Goose]

I was unable to find that waffle towel at Checker Goose.
Checked last weekend.

I need to find one though.
I'll see if I can get you one. i just can't remember which Checkers Autoparts I got it from.

[Z06-Goose]

This is where I get most of my detailing stuff from. They got the best prices, and great people to deal with.
Here's the waffle weave towel, or Water Magnet as it's also called http://www.autogeek.net/x2000.html

[SpeedAddict38]

I use a PVA AQUADRY drying towel.....works great

[2001somws6]

Ditch your shammy, or absorber. Switch to Waffle Weave Microfiber Towels to dry your car with instead :yup:

I was looking at one at autozone the other day. I may give it a try.

[4get gto]

I use the large blue Microfiber 's that you get at Walmart. Work very well for me.....At $7 apiece they're tough to beat........No marring or scratching at all...........

Let the flaming begin............................................: bomb:

[TWO-TONS-OF-FUN]

for a quick clean on our polished rims with clear, and exhaust tips, use aerosoul glass cleaner. for a quickie job it works great.

an even better and more fun way to get water out of tail lights and mirrors.

hole shots in youre d-way.

[85mcss]

I use the large blue Microfiber 's that you get at Walmart. Work very well for me.....At $7 apiece they're tough to beat........No marring or scratching at all...........

Let the flaming begin............................................: bomb:

i also use those quite often... i keep a few of those in the car for the times i gotta hit a quick rinse off/clean-up at the car wash!

[Z06-Goose]

I use the large blue Microfiber 's that you get at Walmart. Work very well for me.....At $7 apiece they're tough to beat........No marring or scratching at all...........

Let the flaming begin............................................: bomb:I think those work just as good :cheers:

[Sonic]

Sarge,
I used the olive oil trick. Thanks very much, I've had wax on the black plastic trim for almost a year. I've tried just about everything to get it off. Good post!

[Phantompooper]

Can't believe nobody has mentioned this, but I do a once-every-six-month Dawn wash, followed by a clay bar, then I rewash the car with Pantene 2-in-1 for dry hair with a capful of extra virgin olive oil. The shine is unbelievable and your car smells great too.

http://www.z28.com/gallery/data/500/The_Striped_Rocket_3_10-29-2006_017.jpg

[SiggyZ]

Claybaring is important as it is part of proper prep for any type of wax/polish. If proper prep is not done, you won't get the best results from your waxing. I use Zaino so I follow the process as it dictates and I've always gotten pretty good results. :)

http://www.tulsafbody.com/drew/camaro/images/zainoshot4lrg.jpg

http://www.tulsafbody.com/drew/camaro/zaino/images/P1010024_std.jpg

[SiggyZ]

As for drying and removing polish, I only use DF Towels. :)

[2001somws6]

I just used mothers 3 step system. And i love it.Took this when it done.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v708/2001somws6/side004.jpg

[SpeedAddict38]

Can't believe nobody has mentioned this, but I do a once-every-six-month Dawn wash, followed by a clay bar, then I rewash the car with Pantene 2-in-1 for dry hair with a capful of extra virgin olive oil. The shine is unbelievable and your car smells great too.

http://www.z28.com/gallery/data/500/The_Striped_Rocket_3_10-29-2006_017.jpg

clay bar ???

[2001somws6]

A clay bar takes out the imbeded dirt built up after time. Mothers and megiuars makes a good clay bar. When using it slide it oneway over the car. There is a spray that comes with it. (But use clean car soap) Put as much soap on the car and then Rince and done. You will be like Wow:love:

But you have to wax after using the bar. Use a cleaner wax,seal&glaze then a carnauba wax.

[SpeedAddict38]

A clay bar takes out the imbeded dirt built up after time. Mothers and megiuars makes a good clay bar. When using it slide it oneway over the car. There is a spray that comes with it. (But use clean car soap) Put as much soap on the car and then Rince and done. You will be like Wow:love:

But you have to wax after using the bar. Use a cleaner wax,seal&glaze then a carnauba wax.

ok , do they sale the clay bars in parts stores or have to order online ??

[Z06-Goose]

ok , do they sale the clay bars in parts stores or have to order online ??
Either or. You can pick up a clay bar kit from your local parts store. Meguiars or Mothers can be picked up locally
Goose-

[SpeedAddict38]

Either or. You can pick up a clay bar kit from your local parts store. Meguiars or Mothers can be picked up locally
Goose-

I use Mothers wheel polish and Meguiars wax/quick detailer......I think I will try the clay bar. I love detailing my car...a guy at a car show said that Meguiars quick detailer has silicone in it and will cause problems if u ever re-paint your car. Any truth in that ?

[AKIRA]

ok , do they sale the clay bars in parts stores or have to order online ??

Sucks to say, that I have never used a clay bar before. Hell, i dont even know what it is, how to use it, how to remove it. I am an idiot when it comes to this claybar...

[conny9784]

To clean your tips and rims try the magic eraser. the auto mr clean works good and also the clay bar too.[/QUOTE]


Spray rim cleaner on first then clean it off with a magic eraser. It's the bomb diggity. All tar, dust, anything will come off.

[Z06-Goose]

Sucks to say, that I have never used a clay bar before. Hell, i dont even know what it is, how to use it, how to remove it. I am an idiot when it comes to this claybar...
Here's a link that you can read that tells you a little bit about what clay bars do.
Also, when do you know your paint needs to be claybarred?
The best time is after you have washed and/or waxed your car. Do this: get a plastic sandwich baggie, stick your hand in it as if it was a glove, run your hand across your paint slowly, and if you feel the surface a bit gritty or bumpy, then you'll need a clay bar to remove those contaminants. The claybar should leave the surface pretty smooth.
Another tip, try to get a fine grade clay bar. Use a lot of lubricant. At first it will feel like it's dragging a bit. Don't put too much pressure when rubbing your paint, it can create some marring. Again, use a lot of lube, and work small sections at a time. Fold your clay once, and continue to use. When that side is dirty, don't turn it over the clean side, fold it again, that way you'll always have two clean sides, and makes it safer to your paint.
If the clay is too hard, you can use warm water to soften it up, and knead it much easier to cup it into your fingers. Don't drop the clay while you're using its. Use just enough to do the job, that way if you drop it, you can grab another one, rather than ruining the whole bar

CLAY BAR (http://www.autogeek.net/clbaandlu.html?gclid=CJKl4v7soYkCFQRDYwodtTThpg)

[Mr. Luos]

use a lot of lube
Won't be a problem for me. :)

[Z06-Goose]

Won't be a problem for me. :)I'm not talking vaseline here! :lol:

[Mr. Luos]

Oh.
Damn.

[2001somws6]

To clean your tips and rims try the magic eraser. the auto mr clean works good and also the clay bar too.


Spray rim cleaner on first then clean it off with a magic eraser. It's the bomb diggity. All tar, dust, anything will come off.[/QUOTE]


I use the magic eraser to. I use it on my tips and on the rims. works great.:flex:

[4get gto]

a guy at a car show said that Meguiars quick detailer has silicone in it and will cause problems if u ever re-paint your car. Any truth in that ?

Alot of detailing products might use some some kind of silicone or another. That how they produce such a high gloss.....

Myth has it paint shops have problems repainting if you ever used silicone..And that kinda true but any competent paint shop that preps correctly "should'nt" have any trouble........

[4get gto]

Alot of detailing products might use some some kind of silicone or another. That how they produce such a high gloss.....

Myth has it paint shops have problems repainting if you ever used silicone..And that kinda true but any competent paint shop that preps correctly "should'nt" have any trouble........

Edit.....On my first sentence....

Alot of detailing products might use some some kind of silicone or oils. These are the things that cause the problems if not cleaned off properly..

[Z06-Goose]

I agree, what you use on your car shouldn't be an issue for a bodyshop to repaint your car.

[SiggyZ]

If they strip all products from the finish properly (which they should if they are any kind of body/detail shop), then there shouldn't be any problems.