*Official* Ask A Detailer Thread

I've wondered the same thing. The bottle I got at Advance Auto says "Automotive Protectant". Everywhere else the bottles say "Aerospace Protectant".

According to this AG link, they're the same thing. Just looks like rebranding.

 

Subd

 

Hey guys. What do you use on your clear bra if it has collected dirt and it is not just washing out.

 

FYI There's a thread on here somewhere about mold/mildew growing under the plastic film that is mistaken for dirt.

 

Looking for a quality wheel cleaner that won't harm my OEM wheels on my 16 Tacoma. Prefer one that I can buy locally.

 

Better off looking online unless you have something other than big box store near you.

 

Any recommendations?

 

I use Adams Deep Wheel Cleaner. Sonax Full Effect gets good reviews as well.

 

I ordered the Sonax after reading reviews & seeing the video. Looks like it does a great job. Safe & easy to use. I'm scared of the other brands, I'm willing to pay more for a quality product. As much as Tacoma's cost, I want to use products that won't harm it. For a few $'s more its wort worth it to me.

 

Which brands are you scared of? Most will say if there is a certain type of wheel it won't work on depending on material.

 

Be prepared it smells. Bad.
But it works great. I use a few different types depending on the severity of the wheel and embedded brake crap.

 

So I use Blackfire Paint Sealant, some say put it on and let it sit for a while to better bond to the paint. And some say wipe it on and wipe it off. Which is better, and if you leave it on the paint for a bit is it okay to leave it on out in full sun? Thanks for your time in advance, as Summer is coming and the Mall Krawler needs to look sweet.

 

I think you could have removal issues if you let it sit in the sun (i.e. the extra pressure required to buff it off might cause micro-marring/swirls). The directions on the AG website say "apply on a cool surface out of direct sunlight".

Have you ever applied two coats? I've only done one coat, but I guess two coats 12-24 hours apart is pretty spectacular. Maybe you knew this already- but a minimum 12 hour cure time is necessary before topping with anything

 

Never done two coats, but I would imagine it would be sweet. But does it bond better if left on paint for a while and out of the sun?

 

See post #15 here: http://www.autopia.org/forums/blackfirewax-com/31719-blackfire-wet-diamond-cure-time.html
Based on this info, I'm thinking there's not much inherent advantage to an extended dwell time (beyond hazing). More than anything, with any of these polymer sealants, I think the single most important factor is to apply as thin as you possibly can. Polymers adhere to the paint at the molecular level (as opposed to "sitting on top" like a wax). And they cure when exposed to air. If the product is applied thick, the portion in contact with the paint is not exposed to air. Basically, the actual "curing" of the product to the paint occurs AFTER you've removed the excess.

 

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...ng-questions/73172-blackfire-wet-diamond.html
Another tip- don't forget to shake the shit out of it before applying.

 

Usually do for like ten minutes

 

Great thred!!!!

 

How about cleaning my entire engine bay? I want my motor spotless.