*Official* Ask A Detailer Thread

Chem Guys is meh but everyone in this forum should know this chart by heart:

 

Glazes, sealants and waxes are old news. Professional ceramics are currently the best option on the market.

 

Disagree and not pragmatic for most.

Additionally, not sure if you see the “protective coating” item in relation to ceramics.

 

Definitely work great, but I don't think I've seen a ceramic that looks as good as the aforementioned.

 

Caranuba's give a warm glow that's preferred, but they don't last very long. Gtechnic CSL topped with ExoV5 and P&S beadmaker will give lots of gloss. The Gtechniq will last a couple of years.

 

Case in point… my old Lexus before I went ‘taco gang…

And the boat…


No substitute for hard work.

 

Goddamit boy!!

 

Calling tire cleaner gurus, I like my tires matte or brand new look from tire store, I don't like shiny at all, what's on the market to get that matte new look???

 

I mean I’d just get it clean with a soft drill-attached brush, let it dry, and maybe use a nice sealant. Most tire dressing soaks in and is water or oil based which inherently going to give it a wet look.

Pretty sure they make matte tire specific dressings. Not a common ask.

Edit: Griotts makes one and I trust them for general (not high end) detailing needs.

 

Same. Not a big fan of the tire shine look.
I spray some 303 on and then wipe the excess with a microfiber cloth.

 

I endorse this message

 

Not a detailer, but I have had good luck with this

$36 Chemical Guys VRP Vinyl, Rubber and Plastic Non-Greasy Dry-to-The-Touch Long Lasting Super Shine Dressing for Tires, Trim and More, 16 fl oz (3 Pack)

Chemical Guys VRP. Looks clean and not too shiny. I believe the 303 is good until it rains, this will last longer. Here a photo after a wash. Works really good on my tonneau and fender flares too

 

VRP is water based—doesn’t last very long in my experience.

Works great on restoring mats!

 

I just bought this stuff that has worked out really nice for like $14 bucks

 

They’ve got a good trim restorer too

 

Bought a can of Fusso dark for my truck.

If I decided to polish/buff and wax in sections on different days, what would the prep look like for the separate days. I can’t get 8+ hours straight to do everything at the same time. I’ll be keeping the truck in the garage till everything is done

Day 1, wash, iron decon, rinse, clay. Polish & wax 1 section, bed sides and tailgate

Day 2 (drivers side and hood) & day 3 (passenger side and roof) non wax detail spray next section then polish and wax.

 

You are never supposed to do it all in one day.

Most decent sealants take a day to cure and the longer the better.

This is why any detailer that says they sealed waxed etc in your 2 hour detail is full of it.

No shortcuts.

 

I plan to let the wax cure for a couple days after it’s on there. Just curious about what I should use to wipe the sections down when I’m planning to start the 2nd & 3rd days.