*Official* Ask A Detailer Thread

If it is a tar issue, then the WD40 would have removed it.

 

That's why when I saw Goop mention IPA... I didn't want him to go all crazy on different things folks are suggesting. IronX is worth a try

 

Purchased a Portal cable

$139 7424XP PORTER-CABLE Car Polisher and Buffer, 6", Orbital, Variable Speed (7424XP)

7424XP, orbital buffer, some compound, a clay bar and some butter wet wax and 10-12 hours later this is how she looked!

 

What about the before pictures... 12 hours ... I hope my truck doesn't take that long... but that's about right. Myself...I remove all logos and decals so washing and polishing is easier and no water drips afterwards that will leave marks on the paint. Nice job!

 

Thanks! I didn't do any before photo's. This is when I first bought her. I watched countless videos because I noticed so many little imperfections. I went with three different compounds and the two coats of wax. I also did my friends mini van the white on it really popped! My gal is due once again...Not sure I'm going to spend so much time this time but being OCD about my truck I just might

 

So I haven't been very nice to my truck lately offroad and I've picked up some nasty pinstripping. I wax/ seal my truck around 2-3 times a year. All I usually do is wash, clay and then use a sealant. However considering the amount of pinstripes I've picked up lately I'm thinking of doing another step before the sealant to help remove/hide the pinstripping. What products do you guys recommend for this?

 

People have been getting amazing results with HD Speed. It's an all in one (correction + sealer).

 

Dude!

Gorgeous.

What compound and pad?

 

Thanks man!... I went on Chemical Guys website and purchased a bar of clay, the clay lubricant, Two different compounds (V36&V38) and their Butterwet wax, I also bought their three stage Hex Logic, white orange and black pads. For the Orbital Buffer I went with the Porter cable

$139 7424xp PORTER-CABLE Car Polisher and Buffer, 6", Orbital, Variable Speed (7424XP)

7424xp. I've done quite a bit of research on it and that one for the price is suppose to be a pretty solid buffer/polisher.

 

I have that polisher and love it. I also use Chemical Guys. So far they are my favorite for detailing products.
I used their V4 all in one polish for my white truck. It didn't cut it. I need something with a bit more punch.

So I'm assuming you used V36 to cut through all the swirls and scratches and finished with the V38?

 

When is a pad done for?

I was assuming once I did my whole truck the pad was done so I just tossed it? Am I like comiting a horrible detailing crime here?

 

My poor ole black truck is going to get a coat of Meguiar's Liquid Wax and nothing else this fall.

 

You can clean them. They have a cleaning solution that will clean the pads. I try and make them last as long as possible. They clean up pretty good

 

Yes, v36&v38 is what worked for me. I read that those two will work on most vehicles unless your paint is seriously in some bad shape. One detailers video said the more "grittier" compounds are just a waste of time unless there is lots of overspray, and other imperfections that are seriously noticeable.

 

Just to add something here. First always test the product and the pad in an unobtrusive spot first. Start your test spot with the least aggressive compound and pad. If that doesn't work then move up to a more aggressive pad or compound.
Remember that when you use any grit compound to buff out the paint, you are also removing a very thin layer of the clear coat also.

 

Ive always used a dedicated pad cleaner. Once in awhile I'll use dish soap but I'm diligent in making sure it's rinsed very well. I've also read that you can use diluted all purpose cleaner.

 

When I am done with a pad I hit it with APC. No need to dilute since it will be rinsed out. I got a Flex pad washer cheap and it works really well.

 

Do you use anything additional- or just APC? What brand do you prefer?

 

Right now I have a gallon of Adams APC. I was using Chemical Guys since it comes concentrated.

 

What is the best product to use for not getting streaks on glass, inside and out? As far as wiping with also? I even park in the shade and make sure the windshield is cool. I use sprayway glass cleaner, but there's always streaks, drIves me nuts.