*Official* Ask A Detailer Thread

I'll probably get a shit storm for saying this, but... (My opinions) Distilled H2O will definitely help, but it absorbs CO2 out of the air and gets slightly acidic. So, it too should be removed fairly quickly. Use one of those air blowers to blow most of the water off. Use a special soft bristle car wash brush like this one to wash, instead of a wash mitt.

$22 Weiler 73146 Polystyrene Vehicle Care Wash Brush , 2-1/2" Head Width, 9-1/2" Overall Length, Natural

https://smile.amazon.com/Weiler-Pol...gateway&sprefix=car+wash+brush,aps,163&sr=8-6
I don't touch my truck with anything but the brush, a brand new Microfiber towel, or a clean wax/polish applicator.

 

That brush looks to have the same bristles as the one Optimum uses: https://www.theragcompany.com/soft-grip-wheel-and-body-brush/

It's stupid soft even when it's dry, feels softer on your skin than even the plushest of TRC towels.

 

When you dry are you using completely dry microfibers? I find that getting my towels soaking wet, then wring them out makes drying a lot easier. Plus use a drying aid if you need to. Then i have a dry towel to go over any spots that are left over with 0 pressure. I use 2x 14”x24” towels to dry my truck.

If you need any help polishing I may be able to help depending on where in southern CA you are.

Edit: also when/if you take your truck to the dealer for oil changes do they wash it? Most of them send it through their swirllomatic machines with all the dirty brushes that scratch up the paint.

 

Good thinking, but no my dealership doesn't wash it. I'm the only one who has ever touched it!
Yea I'm using drying microfiber towels. Maybe I'll try the wet way..
That's a very kind offer to help with the polishing. I may take you up on that! I'm in Simi.
Alternatively you have any car washes/mobile detail companys you'd recommend?

 

Give rinseless a try if the truck is not filthy, the rinseless solutions like ONR, Uber etc are way more lubricated than soap. The panel gets much slicker all the way through to drying. The rinseless wash can also be mixed in a detail spray solution that will be a great drying aid if doing your soap wash. Rinseless solution also will neutralize water spots. If you get your routine down you can speed through a wash in one of those self wash bays, with a multiple mitt/towel setup. Use the wash bay for the power rinse only and to fill your rinseless bucket wash.

 

I am based out of Riverside. Well my brother and myself have been toying with the idea of doing detailing as a business. It’s mostly a side thing right now as it’s a lot of risk trying to do it and being able to provide for our families at the same time.

Also just like mentioned above onr/rinseless washing is a great alternative to the 2 bucket method. You can still pre rinse or even use your garden hose foam cannon as a pre treat before using something like onr. I like the method using a bunch of MF towels in my onr bucket and always using a new clean towel after I dirty all 8 sides. I have used the big red sponge that optimum sells but I don’t know how I feel about it yet. It is very different to what I am used to but I am not saying that’s a bad thing.

 

if you get into a routine with the right products you very rarely will need to actually towel dry your vehicle. You could go right into spray wax, etc.

 

Anthony do you have a write up or PDF of the products you use and steps? I need to get back in to washing my own car and not taking it to the carwash. The place is legit and does a lot of high end cars, but would rather start doing it myself again, it will save me monies in the end. I already have a pressure washer and a foam cannon, so a good start. Feel free to respond in our DM's if you like. Thanks man and I hope all is well.

 

I’ll DM you today when I get some free time at work. I don’t have a pdf but it’s in my head I have to write it all out for ya haha.

 

Thank you the man.

 

Hey guys, a tar truck in front of me had a leak and some brown liquid spattered onto the front of the truck. I’m able to clay it off but it’s taking a lot of pressure, I think I read somewhere clay should lightly glide over paint.

Should I continue to clay or try some bug and tar remover I’ve seen at Walmart?

 

You could try some gasoline on a rag, be gentle and rinse it after.

 

Tar remover would be a good way to go but the box store detailing products could be too weak. Also whatever solvent type product you use you may need to saturate a rag and keep it on there to break down a spot for a while, then rub to clean off.

 

The box store stuff did nothing for mine when I had a similar experience. I also parked in a freshly filled pothole at Walmart and got tar and gravel all over my tire to the point where nothing but WD40 and a paint scraper would help. Honestly, gas might do the trick or get some good tar remover. Getting it off early is key.

 

So after gasoline, wash it again and apply wax? Will it mar clearcoat?

 

It's not the gas or other chemical that will mar, it's the rubbing on the clear too hard that will mar, particularly if not using some kind of soft microfiber.

Try to take tiny bits off at a time, let the gunk get caught up in a microfiber and keep moving to a fresh section of the rag. Yes wash and wax the spot after.

 

Came right off with a little gas, wash and wax after. Like nothing ever happened!

Thanks guys

 

I would have responded but @gorram nailed it!

 

Previous owner of my truck was a K9 trainer, so the truck smells like dog. I have wiped everything and shampooed with over the counter stuff from auto parts store. I also changed cabin filter which was clogged with nasty hair. Also, I used one of the odor eliminating bombs which worked for a few days. The smell is still there and is driving me insane. I am going to rent a legit carpet shampooer this weekend and pull seats out to make sure I cover every piece of fabric. Any other recommendations???

 

Buy an ozone generator. You can pick one up fairly cheap off Amazon.