*Official* Ask A Detailer Thread

This. I have used both kinds recently and can confirm.

 

I got a dog hammock for the back and as far as for the front seats I am sure any leather conditioner/cleaner will wokr. The sides just need an APC or vinyl cleaner

 

Thought about mother’s polishing compound after clay . And I picked this up. No carnuba though

 

Thanks I just wanna keep it from getting that way old leather seats do, if that makes sense.

Any suggestions for the spot where I hit the plastic stick? It's got that like white scratch mark look to it. I wasnt sure if I need rubbing compound or just polish

 

I haven't used either one of those products. Caranuba's are great for providing a warm glow/ high reflective sheen to your paint, but they have very short lifespans and don't offer as much protection as the newer ceramic and graphene products on the market. Let us know how you like the Meguiar's ceramic.

 

Will do

 

Depends how deep it is. If you run your nail over it and it gets caught it prob went through the clear coat and possibly paint. If its through the paint really all you can do is compound and polish best you can but itll still be there. If its just the surface then compound and polish away until you get the look you like

 

Well I think I'm going to pull the trigger on this IGL 5 year ceramic coating. The detailer seems knowledgeable and has worked with this product for a few years. It's taken me awhile to decide mainly because of the price ($1100 camper shell included but not taken off and done separately). I've never owned a vehicle anywhere near this new so I think this is the best route to take since it sits outside in the sun or under trees all year.

Most likely I'm taking it in on this coming Monday.

I'll take before and after pictures for others with questions

Edit- I try to hand wash it every two weeks while in NC but sometimes it sits for 4-6 weeks while I'm in AK working. The paint is gradually looking worse this past year so this is my reason for doing the coating.

My biggest feat now is them messing up my clutch while moving it from the wash bay to the detail bay and such. Most say they can drive a stick shift but.... yes this 6 speed is weird for some people

 

Hey Pro's!

I sprayed Pinnacle Black Label Wheel Coating on these, wiped them with a foam pad and then buffed w a microfiber. Is that the proper application method for prepping wheels? Thank you!

 

I'm sure that's fine. Some prefer ceramic coatings, but that stuff is advertised for up to 18 months. I'd be cautious about using any type of aggressive wheel cleaner or all purpose cleaner on aftermarket wheels with colored finishes.

 

Thank you so much. Do you have a product in mind your recommend?

 

With ceramic pads I barely need more than the shampoo I'm washing the paint with. Especially when using a coating like you've done. Otherwise something like P&S wheel cleaner at a weak dilution. Of course this won't work as well if neglected for months at a time.

Now if you're dealing with sports car performance brakes, you'll want to go with a less diluted mix of wheel cleaner.

 

Makes sense. I clean regularly. Usually w Griots Garage Heavy Duty. Does Simple Green sound like a good one? If not I'll buy the P&S. I just want what's best for em.

 

I wouldn't use simple green (it's an aggressive degreaser). P&S makes good products and they're relatively cheap at the rag company's website plus they have discounts all the time. I'd definitely dilute whatever you choose by at least half maybe a little more and try a small test spot first to make sure it doesn't etch or remove the finish. You can increase your ratio if it doesn't clean well enough, but the higher the ratio the more risk you take.

Make sure the wheel surface is cool and rinsed before spraying the product, don't let it sit too long after spraying and then completely rinse the wheel after washing. (Don't let it dry on the surface).

 

P&S it is! I really appreciate it. I'd like to keep these clean and happy for a very long time. Have a fantastic weekend!

 

So, had my first over night with my truck parked outside and the 303 aerospace protectant ran all over the paint from the trim I applied it on. It didn't rain or anything but with the morning dew it was enough to make it run. Annoying. Will only be using it for interior stuff I know wont get wet. Ordered those Cerakote trim wipes mentioned a couple pages back for the exterior

 

I quit using on the exterior for the same reason. Heard good things about the trim wipes.

 

Yeah, Its 303 is water based so makes sense. Ill update on how the cerakote wipes apply. They are def on the more expensive end, but thats okay if they do what they claim at 200 washes. Honestly, even if it was a couple washes that would be fine with me as Its garage kept and barely driven.

 

i use GTechniq C4. I can easily get a year out of it. I would expect similar out of Cerakote.

 

Best tire shine? I like that super wet and glossy look. Tried a couple random ones here and there and they look black and darker than plain rubber but not what I was aiming for.