*Official* Ask A Detailer Thread

Does it really work better then a towel or paper towels? Do you use it with Windex (for the inside windows) and Rain-X for outside? Machine washable?

 

I usually use Stoners window cleaner. They are washable but not with detergent.

This is what I use on the outside of the front window.

 

A good DA orbital like the PC7424 is a good investment and is pretty idiot proof. It doesn't create the heat like a rotary buffer does so you won't burn your clear coat.

Also, a wax is not an abrasive. It will not remove stains. Do as stated above and claybar and lube first and then hit with a polish. Meguiars has some decent otc stuff.

 

That's good info, I've always been sort of afraid of power tools when it comes to detailing. I'll look into one of these, sounds like it's right up my alley!

I'm going to stop by an auto parts store this afternoon and see what they have for otc stuff. The place I go to usually has a good collection of Mothers and Meguiars products.

 

I e-mailed Meguiar's early this morning with my problem (forgetting TW had a detailing sub-forum ). This is the response I got, pretty much in line what what you guys were saying but for the n00bs to detailing, like myself, here are the actual products recommended by the people who sell them. Also, +1 to Meguiars, they responded within hours of me e-mailing them with helpful information I can actually use!

Dear Michael
I first want to thank you for your interest in Meguiar's products and I hope your experience is a pleasant one.

There are two things I would try to clean your finish. These should help to bring it back, remove the sap, and stains.

SMOOTH SURFACE® CLAY KIT
Item Number: G1016 16 oz. (473 ml) View Product Video G1016 Smooth Surface® Clay Kit. Removing above surface contaminants and restoring a smooth surface to your paint finish is easily accomplished with Meguiar's® Smooth Surface Clay Kit. Our non-abrasive clay bar safely, easily, and instantly removes paint overspray, fallout, environmental contaminants and more, making waxing easier and more durable. The Smooth Surface Clay Kit provides the best performance and the best value with a bonus Cleaner Wax sample and a full-sized Supreme Shine™ Microfiber in every kit

ULTIMATE COMPOUND
Item Number: G17216 15.2oz (450ml) Safely restore color and clarity to abused and neglected finishes with Meguiar's® Ultimate Compound. Our revolutionary formula cuts as fast as harsh abrasive compounds but without scratching… even on clear coat finishes. This dramatically reduces the time and effort required to remove defects and makes traditional rubbing and polishing compounds obsolete! This is the fast, easy way to remove oxidation, scratches and swirl marks. The secret is Meguiar's exclusive micro-abrasive technology developed from our state-of-the-art professional body shop and detailer products. Whether working by hand or with our DA polisher, this is truly the ultimate compound!

Once again thank you for your interest in Meguiar’s. If there is anything else we can do for you please let me know. Also, if you get the chance to send any pictures of the car you are working on I would love to see them.

 

Hard to go wrong with the Megs products that were recommended to you.

 

OK, so I bought the products Meguiars recommended, now for the dumb question...

Which one do I use first? Based on the first page of this thread, I'm guessing wash, clay bar, then the compound and finish with the quick wax that comes in the clay bar kit? Could someone confirm the steps for me?

Thanks!

 

If its rust marks how about a product like CLR. Never tried it but is is a rust remover FWIW.

 

Wash with dish soap, claybar, polish and then after you are satisfied with the results wax for protection. Make sure to use a lubricant with the claybar whether it is a quick detailer or soap.

 

Perhaps it was covered.. this thread is huge, and full of great info.

Is there a complete package of all I need of quality products for the exterior I could get and save a few bucks?

I have nothing, no products and no buffer and its time to detail before winter. I need everything washing, clay bar, wax etc. products as well as a wash mitt and new cloths.

 

It's not rust (at least I don't think it is), it's blotchy and has runs down the sides of the truck. It showed up when the leaves started falling so I'm guessing it came from wet leaves sitting on the surface. Tomorrow is detailing day, wash, clay, polish and wax. My arm hurts just thinking about it

The Meguiar's kit I just bought came with clay bar, quick wax, quick detail (lubricant for clay bar) and microfiber towels. You'd have to buy the car wash separate, a terry cloth for washing and a shammy cloth separately (I'm sure you could find a kit for those items also, but you're better off getting the soap you want, a good cloth and a good shammy since you'll have them for a long time). I didn't see a complete wash, clay, polish, wax kit when I was in the auto store today but that doesn't mean someone doesn't sell one.

 

Guys, thanks for the help so far, last detailing question before I try my hand with clay bar and compound...

Are there any truck parts that clay bar and the Meguiar's Ultimate Compound can NOT be used on such as painted fenders, the front bumper, painted grille surround and do I need mask off the black plastic items on the truck?

Thanks again

 

can you use your porter cable xp to buff out waxs, sealants or polish from the car? if so do you know where I can get the pads or cloths to do so for it? Thanks

 

Yes you can and Auto Geek has the parts you need.

 

Thanks, just ordered some

 

Hey!

Thanks for the great thread, I have rail dust on my car from the factory, and I just picked up my truck a week ago. I was wondering if I could wait a bit before I clay bar the vehicle to get the rail dust off, or will it eventually become un-removable?

I'm just crazy busy with work right now, but want to keep my baby in prestine condition too, so I thought I'd ask

 

whats rail dust?

 

On my superwhite tons of these little pin head sized orange dots showed up all down the sides, including on the plastic parts. It looks like the truck is rusting but in reality it's little metal specs on top of the paint rusting, not the metal body itself. The little metal specs were supposedly put in the air by railroad cars' brakes or other industrial places that do a lot of metal grinding.

 

Yeah that's exactly right! That's what I was referring to in my post.

 

I love my super white Taco. BTW, I washed it today!