Detailing questions, please help!

[I am armed]

Aren't I supposed to use 100% terry cloth towels to dry my car? I've been using three of them, and I swear my paint is getting worse with swirls. Im washing with a mit, back and forth, not circular. Starting from top to bottom, using a seperate bucket and sponge for the rocker panels and front bumper grills, and back lower valance.

Is it bad to not wash the towels after each use? I usually let them air dry, and if their still damp I throw them in the dryer. They come out feeling, well, not soft.

What should I use to dry my car is basically what im asking? Should I go to a local hand detailer and ask to buy some of their cloths or what?

Also. I am going to get a Mothers Clay Bar kit and wax.

If I am going to wax my car by hand. What should I get. I've never done it, and am completely clueless on the subject. List all thigns I will need, and list the actual product name, so when I go to buy them, i dont sound like a retard. Thanks guys, I really appreciate any help.

[Hutash]

Pages can be written on detailing your car. Micro fabric clothes are best, wash them each time (no fabric softeners).

I found a shop nearby that sells to detailers, will even give me free DI water. I spent an hour shooting the s**t with kim and got tons of help and hints, not too mention alot of good product( and alot of free samples too). If you have such a shop in your area it may well be worth a visit.

[voodooA4]

I just did mine yesterday, here's what I did...

Washed all over with dish soap (Dawn) to remove all the existing wax and everything.

Clay Bar'd the whole car (Mothers Clay Bar kit)...(Note: it took a while to figure out the proper amount of lubricant to use, you only have to use enough to wet the paint, and do small spots, then wipe it right off with a towel)

Waxed it with two coats of Zymol Cleaner Wax (caranuba-based wax)

I don't know if this is the 'best' way to do it, but now my car is the shiniest I've ever seen it...took me about 6 hours total.

[I am armed]

Thanks for the info guys!

[I am armed]

Come on now. I know you guys know how to detail your cars.

[dramaticstatic]

Well here's how I do it:
Wash all over with Meguiar's car wash stuff, the whole seperate thing for the lower body.
I then dry it with a combination of synthetic chamois and microfiber.
I let the car sit in the garage for a little while to insure it's completely dry.
Then I wax it with NXT Generation Tech wax applying it with the foam applicator and remove it with microfiber towels.

After waiting 1-2 days I quick detail the whole car and use NXT Generation Spray Wax spraying it all over the car and buffing it in using an orbital polisher.

After that I'm set for a couple of weeks.

[I am armed]

Right on. What color is your car?

[cj-S4]

I use one of those Cali dryer things (the big sqeagy thing) to get most of the water off then I go around with a shammy or whatever you call it,, a real one made of leather. I think it is your towels doing in your paint. If I ever did use a towel (which I do for quick detal spray) it is 100% made in the USA COTTON. Not terry cloth,, no never.

[I am armed]

DAMNIT! I could have sworn I hear everyone say Terry cloth. Thats definantly whats going at my paint.

Alright, well. I went over to carcareonline.com and im going to get the Blitz wax with the detailer pad and the buffer shammy.

So is this the correct steps:

1. Wash with dish soap to remove old wax
2. Hit it with claybar
3. Hit it with the Blitz wax.
4. Buff it with the buffer towel
5. ?

[A Foore]

Originally posted by cj-S4
I use one of those Cali dryer things (the big sqeagy thing) to get most of the water off then I go around with a shammy or whatever you call it,, a real one made of leather. I think it is your towels doing in your paint. If I ever did use a towel (which I do for quick detal spray) it is 100% made in the USA COTTON. Not terry cloth,, no never.

I use the California Water Blade also and I love it. If you do decide to pick one up, make sure you spray your car down throughly before using it. Cuz I've heard of some people accidentally scratching their cars with it.

[dramaticstatic]

Originally posted by I am armed
DAMNIT! I could have sworn I hear everyone say Terry cloth. Thats definantly whats going at my paint.

Alright, well. I went over to carcareonline.com and im going to get the Blitz wax with the detailer pad and the buffer shammy.

So is this the correct steps:

1. Wash with dish soap to remove old wax
2. Hit it with claybar
3. Hit it with the Blitz wax.
4. Buff it with the buffer towel
5. ?

I'd recomend a swirl mark remover like the stuff from 3M to fix the paint a little.
Just follow the directions and don't go crazy as the stuff is mildly abrasive but as long as you use an orbital buffer or something like that you should be fine.

Also the first two steps there don't need to be done every wash, only every 4-6 months to really remove all the gunk.
For the rest of the washes say every 2 weeks to a month just use a car wash soap that won't strip all the wax off of the paint.

It's not necesary to wash with dawn and claybar every time you wash the car because frankly it's an absolute pain and won't really net you any huge benifits. Only do it every so often to really clean the car.

Also keep a bottle of quick detail or similar prduct in your trunk along with a few towels. If you get anything major, say bird junk or some tree sap on your car you should get it off ASAP. Quick detail in the trunk is perfect for this.
It's also a good way to tell if the car needs wax. If the quick detail comes off easily without leaving any marks after a few wipes then the car is fine. When it starts to get difficult to cleanly remove then it's time to wax again. Or the whole water beading thing.

Oh and use a synthetic wax on the wheels every so often after a good cleaning, it will help them look shiny and will make sure that brake dust doesn't corrode them.

Use Vinylex on tires.

[dramaticstatic]

Originally posted by I am armed
Right on. What color is your car?

My car is a Nogaro S4. It's all nice and clean now. I'll have to go take some pictures tomorrow while it's still pretty.

[gearhead]

Originally posted by dramaticstatic
I'd recomend a swirl mark remover like the stuff from 3M to fix the paint a little.
Just follow the directions and don't go crazy as the stuff is mildly abrasive but as long as you use an orbital buffer or something like that you should be fine.

Also the first two steps there don't need to be done every wash, only every 4-6 months to really remove all the gunk.
For the rest of the washes say every 2 weeks to a month just use a car wash soap that won't strip all the wax off of the paint.

It's not necesary to wash with dawn and claybar every time you wash the car because frankly it's an absolute pain and won't really net you any huge benifits. Only do it every so often to really clean the car.

Also keep a bottle of quick detail or similar prduct in your trunk along with a few towels. If you get anything major, say bird junk or some tree sap on your car you should get it off ASAP. Quick detail in the trunk is perfect for this.
It's also a good way to tell if the car needs wax. If the quick detail comes off easily without leaving any marks after a few wipes then the car is fine. When it starts to get difficult to cleanly remove then it's time to wax again. Or the whole water beading thing.

Oh and use a synthetic wax on the wheels every so often after a good cleaning, it will help them look shiny and will make sure that brake dust doesn't corrode them.

Use Vinylex on tires.

I agree, use Dawn only when you want to strip all wax off your paint.

Neoprufrok and Jumanji are the resident experts on this topic but this is what I do:

1) P21S or Eagle One Wet car wash. MF towel to dry
2) Claybar (Mothers, ClayMagic or Autopia)
3) Use Meguiars ScratchX to remove any scratches and 3M SMR to remove swirls (use terry or mf applicator, mf towel to buff off)
4) P21S Gloss Enhancing Paint Cleanser or S100 Shine Enhancing Cleanser (same product, different names) (mf applicator and towel)
5) Klasse AIO, wipeonwipeoff method (foam applicator, mf towel)
6) Klasse SG 2X very thinly, waiting 12 - 24 hours between coats to allow to cure, wiwo method, mf applicator and towel.
7) P21S or S100 wax (again, prolly same thing), foam applicator, extra soft/plush mf towel to buff.

Paint should look amazing and arm should fall off after this unless you have a porter cable. You'll need to do this only every 6-9 mos. Just apply wax every 3-4 weeks to maintain. Use Sonus carnauba, Mothers or Eagle One quick detailer after washing if you don't wax.

If you like the look of Klasse SG without wax (lighter colors), put on 3 or more layers and that'll last the whole 6-9 mos without any more applications. Use Sonus acylic spray detailer to renew shine after washing.

And like dramaticstatic says, Klasse AIO works great on wheels, Vinylex or 303 on tires and trim.

Sorry, lots of work and u have to be the obsessive/compulsive type to have a great looking paint finish.

[I am armed]

I know not to use dawn every time :) I just need to get the paint restored, so I can then keep it up. With that scratch/swirl remover, do I use that on the whole car, or is that something you use for little spots? Thanks for all the help guys.

I definantly have OC when it comes to a clean car, i've just never had the know how;-)

[piaadoll]

you can pick up a 12 pack of microfiber towels at costco for like 8 bucks. i love em!

i agree neoprufrok is a definite expert on detailing...his car always always looks amazing. homeboy can spend 12 hours detailing his car. you should do a search - i know he's posted a thread somewhere on here with his routine.

[Quattrophile]

I think the reason why your car is getting swirls is because you are using Zymol CLEANER wax. There are differences between Cleaner, Polish and WAX. Carnauba Wax is what you should use last to use as a protectant. By using Zymol cleaner wax and nothing else leaves your car unprotected. If you dont weant to spent too much time on your car waxing...especially if you do it by hand like myself, get KLASSE ALL-IN-ONE which cleans, polishes , and protects in one step. Heres a link.. http://autogeek.net/klasseallinone.html
A lot of enthusiast use Klasse ALL-IN-ONE topped off with Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze. Klasse will last longer than natural carnauba too....about 3-6 months. Now...if you are really into deatailing...use a carnauba wax(not cleaner wax) to top off after Klasse sealant glaze...and the results are amazing. Here are a few pix after my detail job....
http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/9/web/285000-285999/285631_157_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/9/web/285000-285999/285631_51_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/9/web/285000-285999/285631_52_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/9/web/285000-285999/285631_53_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/9/web/285000-285999/285631_54_full.jpg

[Quattrophile]

I forgot to mention about drying products. Go to your auto parts store and get "THE ABSORBER". Its the synthetic version of the "shammy". I also have the California water blade to get most of the water off first and the I follow it with the Absorber...works well.

[piaadoll]

stop making me drool over your car ted! do you have to remind me of HOW my car is SUPPOSED to look like? hahahaha

just teasing!

[I am armed]

Thats ridiculous Ted. Your car looks so damn fine!

[I am armed]

Im also heading to Costco tonight to get those MF towels.

Hey Ted, im not a big money playa but i want my car to look at least decent.

Could you reccomend what I need to get this done. I want to tackle it this weekend. If i can find it, im going to get the Blitz wax from a local place and use those MF towels to dry and buff. So i guess i need a cleaner? and a scratch remover? I'm going to use Mothers Back to Black to hit the plastic valances and rubber window trim.

[Quattrophile]

Microfiber towels are a must...so thats good that you're getting them. Since you already have Zymol cleaner wax....you dont need to get another one. If you want to detail your car from scratch...you're gonna need to ....

1) Wash with Dawn dishwasher soap
2) Claybar the car
3) Use your Zymol Cleaner wax
4) Use some type of Polish
5) Get a Carnauba wax

you can skip the cleaner wax IF your cars paitn is in good condition meaning...no visible swirls or imperfections such as oxydation.

If you've never ClayBarred before...heres how. You can get Mothers ClayBar kit which come with instant detailer to use as a lubricant. After washing the car with Dawn, leave the car wet (Never wash the car under a hot sun or a hot day..leads to spotting) Spray a liberal amount of instant detialer to the spot you are gonna clay. Just simply rub the clay bar on the paint, not too hard.....just a moderate pressure should suffice....until you feel no more resistance. If you run out of instant detailer...just mix car wash soap and water.

Hope that helps.

[gearhead]

Originally posted by I am armed
I know not to use dawn every time :) I just need to get the paint restored, so I can then keep it up. With that scratch/swirl remover, do I use that on the whole car, or is that something you use for little spots? Thanks for all the help guys.

I definantly have OC when it comes to a clean car, i've just never had the know how;-)

Use the scratch remover only on scratches and swirls the SMR doesn't take out as 3M SMR is very mild. I'd toss the cleaner wax, it gets white powder everywhere1[:(] For easiest protection and shine at least get the Klasse AIO (contains a mild polish) and top with SG.

A really cheap drying mf is sold at Walmart, around 24"x30" for $7. You might have to wring it once while drying but that's it. Tip: during final rinse take off the spraygun off your hose and let the water sheet off your car--you'll have less water to dry.

The Costco mfs are a great value and are good for general detailing and light drying/cleaning but i'd consider the less expensive mf's at properautocare.com or autopia-carcare.net for buffing Klasse and topper waxes. The costco ones don't have as much bite so you'll be buffing longer with them.

[I am armed]

Thanks guys I really appreciate it. I think i've got all the info I need to getter' done. I'll be sure to post some good pics when im done next weekend. Thanks again!