This is topic Detail Gurus in forum General Talk at Northern California Ford Owners  .


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Posted by 66_5.0 (Member # 9974) on :
 
Can someone point me in the right direction of do's and dont's for the process of detailing a car.

Ive been reading up on it but would like some personal feedback/tips. Thanks CaFords


[ September 24, 2012, 08:20 PM: Message edited by: 66_5.0 ]
 

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Posted by 1ST0KGT (Member # 10606) on :
 
don't get shitty material, a good buffer, depending on how bad is your paint determines the RPMz of your buffer, do the car piece by piece. DONT BE LAZY!
 

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Posted by JUNKYARD5.0 (Member # 10398) on :
 
It's a pretty broad subject depending on what kind of detail you're looking to but as far as a complete detail for the first time I would go,

1. Wash car and wheels
2.Clay bar the whole car to remove oxidation and etc.
3. Polish the car with a rubbing compound using buffer just try to go even and let the machine move go by itself without pressing too hard unless it needs to be buffed out. Then remove the rubbing compound.
4. Apply a wax of your choice, and use a small brush to go around the car to remove any excess wax or rubbing compound.
5. Clean the windows with solution of your choice (no windex), and clean the wheels with a rag and add tire shine.


If you're looking for interior you're going to need other things.
 

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Posted by 66_5.0 (Member # 9974) on :
 
My paint isn't even a year old but some of this water is brutal.

Junkyard, about how long should it take if done right? And do you have to knead the claybar frequently?
 

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Posted by 50Reasons (Member # 6452) on :
 
Just do a good wash and then a good hand wax your paint is new so I wouldn't worry about using clay bars and a power buffers
 

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Posted by JUNKYARD5.0 (Member # 10398) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by 66_5.0:
My paint isn't even a year old but some of this water is brutal.

Junkyard, about how long should it take if done right? And do you have to knead the claybar frequently?

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It really depends on the condition of the car, but it can be done in like 2hrs to a whole day job if there's a lot of details, don't worry about time too much just make sure you do a good job on each section.

Try working in a pattern, like for example, do half a side of the car first starting from the drivers side, do half of the hood, bumper and all the driver side roof, doors, fenders, trunk, and then do the other half on the passenger side. Work from the front number to the trunk just to keep track and work in small sections so that if you see anything wrong you can fix it or stop.

You can knead the clay bar as often as you like but it;s not necessary to over do it, use your judgement depending on the condition of the car. You can use the same clay bar like 4-5 times, if you notice anything get stuck to the clay you can throw that part away.
 

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Posted by fstryde3 (Member # 8436) on :
 
As previously stated

Wash- Don't use dish soap
Clay- Knead the clay and keep the panel you're working on lubricated, the clay shouldn't stick
Polish- Pain in the butt but worth it
Wax- I use Meguiar's Products Cause I like em
Upkeep- I use a California duster and Detailer often

Takes me about 6 hours to get the car where I want it but I do everything by hand with OTC Meguiar's products. It's a hobby for me plus a few hours in the garage listening to music drinking beer and detailing is way better then being inside listening to the old lady talk about curtains.

Did this to my truck recently,



[ September 24, 2012, 03:00 PM: Message edited by: fstryde3 ]
 

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Posted by 66_5.0 (Member # 9974) on :
 
Fstryde that looks good man. Paint is good but I just want to see it its worth it to do it even tho its only a few months old

I was thinking Mothers products btw
 

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Posted by fstryde3 (Member # 8436) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by 66_5.0:
Fstryde that looks good man. Paint is good but I just want to see it its worth it to do it even tho its only a few months old

I was thinking Mothers products btw

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quote:

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Originally posted by hidnn.o.s.:
If you don't clay a car before you wax it you'd be AMAZED just how much shit you are sealing in with the wax... Wash WITH dish soap prior to your detail (never after the detail is complete because it will brake everything down that you're building up protection wise.) If you have to, go over it two or three times wash wise because everything you get off with this stage makes the other stages that much easier.

Then on to the clay bar phase. Take your time with every little spot. You'll be able to go back and forth over the tiniest marks and they will eventually lighten with each swipe and eventually come off.

Then the polish stage, make sure you use microfiber towels and switch areas on the towels often. Same thing, you'll find certain makes that will lighten and come off as you go over them. Slow and steady.

Then wax it to seal it

Upkeep will be easy, don't plan to use much soap, in the bucket because you won't need much. Water more or less. Soap wise, get some car wash soap and again, stay away from dishwash soap until just before you do this process again. Comes out looking incredible, but it is a lot of work. Generally 8 hours and I prefer to do it ALL by hand.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Nifty50:
dont forget to use that Armor All for them tires!!! Nothing worse than a clean car with sun burnt tires.

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Oh they're always armor alled!

Thanks Blk35th will check that out
 

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Posted by Nifty50 (Member # 9987) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by 66_5.0:

quote:

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Originally posted by Nifty50:
dont forget to use that Armor All for them tires!!! Nothing worse than a clean car with sun burnt tires.

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Oh they're always armor alled!

Thanks Blk35th will check that out

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Right on Man, stay shinnin
 

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Posted by BLK35th (Member # 4685) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by 66_5.0:

quote:

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Originally posted by Nifty50:
dont forget to use that Armor All for them tires!!! Nothing worse than a clean car with sun burnt tires.

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Oh they're always armor alled!

Thanks Blk35th will check that out

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Good Luck, I have been meaning to get started on the clay bar deal too. But keep procrastinating, I just don't have much patience for things like that. Good luck though.

Other than that, the website is very helpful.
 

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Posted by 66_5.0 (Member # 9974) on :
 
It is Ive been looking at it and Im excited. Looks like some beers and tunes to add to the list

[ September 24, 2012, 09:55 PM: Message edited by: 66_5.0 ]
 

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Posted by NINETY#FIFTY (Member # 4866) on :
 
What products do you guys suggest to get swirls out of stock black paint?
 

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Posted by BLK35th (Member # 4685) on :
 
I would really like to know the answer to this as well. I used Turtle wax rubbing compound, McGuire wax and Nu finish polish. And there's still some swirl marks.

[ September 26, 2012, 12:21 AM: Message edited by: BLK35th ]
 

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Posted by BLK35th (Member # 4685) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by NINETY#FIFTY:
What products do you guys suggest to get swirls out of stock black paint?

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