*Official* Ask A Detailer Thread

OK thanks ACE.

 

Alright thanks bud.

 

A++++++

 

If you're wanting to use a foam cannon, most electric pressure washers are going to suck. Get a gas powered pressure washer. It's a myth that they are too much for cars. If you want you can always use an inline regulator to bring down the pressure, but it's not necessary if you use a 40 degree white nozzle and hold it away from the paint at least a couple of feet.

When using a foam cannon the volume of water is more important than the psi. That's why electric pressure washers mostly suck; they just don't produce the volume needed. You can get some foam cannons that are specifically calibrated for low volume electric pressure washers, but they still just suck. People go to the Adams website and watch those guys use a foam cannon to spray shaving cream thick foam and wonder why they can't do it home with their electric pressure washer. They blame the soap. But the reality is that those guys are using a gas powered pressure washer. That's how they get that thick foam.

I futzed around with various electric pressure washers and various foam cannons for some time until I got a Simpson 3300 psi and 2.5 gpm washer with a Honda engine--$399--and a good foam cannon. Zero regrets. I tried the cheap MATCC foam cannon and it sucked. I bit the bullet and bought a MTM. Night and day difference.

 

Question for the detailer. What do you use to remove water spots from cloth seats? I used a cloth cleanser solution and it did work, but left 3-4 quarter sized spots.

 

My process:
1. Clean stains with an upholstry cleaner from Walmart (aerosol can).
2. Let truck seats dry overnight
3. Spray all seats down with a can of Scotch Guard
4. Let truck dry completely and air out overnight.
5. Install Clazzio leather seat covers to ensure you NEVER have to deal with pesky water spots again

 

Sorry if this has already been asked, what’s the best way to remove tree pitch off my truck? Seems like the past few years the pines have been puking pitch in giant globs

 

Hows everyone take bugs and bird poop off without removing the fresh wax you put on

 

Thats why you use a sealer or a coating and not wax. Wax will wear off much faster.

Remove bugs gently with warm water and a pH balanced soap.

Over the summer typically sealers will get rubbed off any place you have to do heavy washing. I usually reapply the sealer to the front end once you can tell its gone.

 

It was a synthetic wax that’s supposed to lastt 6 months

 

So its a sealer.

Just use a pH balanced soap and be gentle. You may have to reapply the sealer after a couple months if you feel its wearing off.

 

And clay bar should always be done before reapplying sealer right

 

My rule is I always clay before any buffing motion.
So yes clay before adding more to avoid swirls.
And I would use a clay bar and not any replacement clay product. Just because they cause more marring and you won’t be paint correcting before adding another coat of sealer.

 

What do you mean replacement clay product

 

Best soap to use with foam cannon? Chemical guys?
Also, when using s foam cannon what steps should be take after? Hand wash still?

 

There are a million different answers out there for best soap. Find what you like and use it.

You still have to hand wash after cannon. So lay down some foam then proceed to hand wash. Do not rinse off foam first.

 

So I removed my bed stickers the other day. I didn't use heat, I just got a corner with my fingernail and peeled it slowly. Might have been cleaner with heat. I used goo gone, washed the area and applied wax. I even did this again the very next day. However, when I pour water over the area (to rinse after washing, for example) the water maneuvers around where the sticker used to be and forms a vague outline of where the sticker used to be. And in the mornings when there is a mist layer on my truck, if you look at the right angle, you can see an outline of where the sticker used to be. Is this a concern, or will it go away with time? Is there anything I can do to get rid of this?

 

Claybar the area. See if it picks up tge remainder of the adhesive.
If you still notice it, polish it off.

 

Will do this weekend, thanks!

 

So are foam cannons worth it? I use the 2 bucket method for washing. I just feel a foam cannon is just another thing to set up and just make the process longer. I have a life to live. LOL.