*Official* Ask A Detailer Thread

It really depends. You'll probably need some microfiber cutting pads. Watch this guy, his methods are flawless.
http://youtu.be/hikW5GwRGW8

 

for those that use a rinseless wash (i.e. optimum no rinse), what do you use on the tires to get them clean prior to dressing? do you use the optimum as well?

 

Was using another spray-on product, but didn't like the residual that it left. I have been scrubbing with the "no-rinse" and then 303ing them after they dry. I like the results. I am not into tire shine and the 303 cleans without shine.

 

I would like to recommend HD Speed if you are looking for a quick AIO product for your daily driver.

Today I finally blocked off time to clean the exterior of our Bonneville. This is my first detail with an All In One, AIO, product. I was very impressed with the ease of use and the correction performed with one pass on a car body panel. I have a couple of before and after pics, passenger side front hood and drivers side mirror, as well as some finished pics. The wheels were a challenge as well. They were a mess. For the body I used a Rupes polisher with a blue microfiber pad. The speed was set on 5. The wheels and tires I used DuPont chrome cleaner followed up with DP Wheel glaze, the tires I used Zaino Z-16. Total time invested was just under 5 hours if you count the wash time. Tomorrow I will do the interior. We are off to Michigan later next week and I wanted the Bonneville to look its best. Not bad for an 11 year old car with 140 thousand miles on it.

 

95SLE are you a hobbyist detailer? How do you like the rupes if you are not a pro...is it worth the money? Is it hard to learn to do paint correction with the rupes? I heard it's a bit forgiving...so thinking of getting it or something comparable.

 

Detailing is a hobby for me but I do occasionally detail cars for friends. The Rupes is hands down the best machine I own and I have 4 buffers. I am really liking the microfiber pads.

 

I just bought a 2015 Tacoma. It has a build date of 6/15. How long before I can put any sealant or wax on the vehicle?

 

You are good to go. Your paint cured at the factory before it ever left.

 

Thanks! Guess I have a weekend project now!

 

just speaking from what I've read on TW, today's paints are baked on, thus they can be sealed/waxed whenever you want after receipt of vehicle. also I have read to wait 60-90 days just to be on the safe side. can anyone confirm this for yellowGt5 ?

 

I have read the same things about waiting 60 to 90 days. I want to be on the safe side for whatever I do.

 

New cars are baked on at factory. The paint is able to be baked at a higher temp versus a body shop. Paint is cured. Do what you like with it.

 

You could just go with something lighter for the first couple of months. Meguires Ultimate Quick Wax and Turtle Wax Ice spray wax are both great options.

This is an awesome product. Great shine and longevity for a spray on quick wax. I like it better than the Meg's due to more shine and a slicker surface.

$13 Turtle Wax T-477R ICE Spray Wax - 20 oz. , White

http://www.amazon.com/Turtle-Wax-T-...38730499&sr=8-1&keywords=turtle+ice+spray+wax

 

I have always used Griot's Garage on my cars. I love their products. Guess I'll be doing some detailing this weekend.

 

A waterless wash product is best for this, IMO. Quick detailers will work but waterless wash products have more lubrication to prevent marring & will leave a shine as good or better than a quick detailer. I use when I want to wipe my truck down in between washes. Pour 1/2 an ounce in a 22oz bottle & fill with distilled water. The concentrate comes in a 16oz bottle so you will end up with 32 bottles of product for less than $20! Leaves an excellent shine!!

 

You can do it now

 

I just picked up some griots speed shine or quick shine. something like that. good stuff. giant bottle for like 11 bucks.

 

Are you putting on paint protection film or just sealant? I wouldn't bother waxing the cars unless you like to wax often. You can do it right away. If you apply paint sealant, the truck has to be prepped... (washed, stripped of all wax, clay bar, wash again)... then apply sealant such as opti coat or c quartz finest. There are many other consumer level products are very good as well...but I don't remember their names. If you want to do PPF, then dont' apply C quartz finest first... I've seen some video where it doesn't adhere to the sealant very well...so you prep the truck, apply PPF and then c. quartz finest after or opti coat or sealant of your choice. The sooner you apply sealant, the sooner you have a super thin layer of protection from things like bird poop...but wait long enough and it will etch through that too.

 

Today if possible.

 

The truck came with a "paint protection system" from the dealer. In the truck was a bottle of sealant. So I figured that I would clay bar it, put the sealant on, and wax it.