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Discussion in 'Detailing' started by Do58, Sep 11, 2016.

  1. Sep 11, 2016 at 7:56 PM
    #1
    Do58

    Do58 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    couple quick questions. New to detailing and also a black vehicle but.... I bought towels and that kind of stuff from the rag company. Bought materials from auto geek and also doing the 2 bucket wash. New black tacoma and I did 2 bucket wash then clay then 2 bucket wash then wax. Do I need to do a sealent or Polish after the wax? If I was to do a quick detail spray, is that just a spray and wipe or do I need to rinse or wash truck before I spray because of trash in the air? (Don't want to scratch) Lastly, how often to I need to do the process of waxing or sealing the truck after a wash? Every time or every 3-4 times or month or 2? Sorry for the questions if simple. Again, I'm new to this and want to try to do the right steps.
    Oh, one last thing.... When is it good to use or the purpose of a terry cloth? I don't want to misuse it. I have used the Microfibers and weavel.
    Thanks again
     
  2. Sep 11, 2016 at 8:04 PM
    #2
    OhioTaco68

    OhioTaco68 John 3:16

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    Did you google any of this? just saying there are a gazillion websites and videos on youtube that talk about proper detailing .. just dont do what my neighbor did on his new black car ... thought he'd use a towel and wipe the dust off, needless to say its scratched to hell & back and the black paint shows it bad.
    Start by checking out the Autogeek forum, tons of useful info & tips
    http://www.autogeekonline.net/
     
  3. Sep 11, 2016 at 11:00 PM
    #3
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider Well-Known Member

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    Please ask whatever questions you want :) There are several of us here that like to help out. Personally, I enjoy helping out.

    After you wax, you just need to use a spray wax type product after washes to maintain your base coat of traditional wax. No need to polish or seal now- either of those would have come before waxing.

    Just some info for ya... It's ok to put a wax on top of a sealer. But typically, sealers won't bond properly on top of a wax. Generally speaking, you can choose to seal or wax. Some like to top a sealer with a wax. Not necessary but some like to do it. I prefer doing two coats of just one product. And I choose sealers because they are typically more durable than waxes and I like the glassy gloss. Application and removal is often easier, as well.

    As far as when you need to wax (or seal) again... That's dependent on a lot of variables. I like to reapply when I start to see diminished beading. That doesn't necessarily mean protection is gone, but it's an indicator that it's not as good as it once was.

    To generalize... Waxes last 2-3 months. Sealers can last 6 months plus. Those numbers aren't set in stone. Just estimates for the sake of ball-parking it.

    Detail spray can be used for LIGHT dusting. If the truck is dirty or it's had condensation on it, it's best to wash it first before using spray type products. But yes, it can be carefully used for spot clean up.

    Anymore, I only use terry cloth on dirty/buggy Windows.

    Any more questions, we're here to help!
     
    CusterFan, T-Rex266 and ace96 like this.
  4. Sep 11, 2016 at 11:01 PM
    #4
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider Well-Known Member

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    What products did you use?
     
  5. Sep 12, 2016 at 4:54 AM
    #5
    AMarkham40

    AMarkham40 Well-Known Member

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    If you want to use a detail spray to remove light dust your better off with a dedicated waterless wash product. They have lubricants in them to help safely remove light dust/dirt without leaving scratches. I use . You mix one ounce of product with 22oz of distilled water. I purchased my first bottle of Ultima four years ago & I still have half of the concentrate left. Excellent value!
     
    NMTrailRider and ace96 like this.
  6. Sep 12, 2016 at 6:20 AM
    #6
    Do58

    Do58 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    harpolith and amarkham40 thanks for the recommendations and the advise. there is just so much info. yes I can google and read until my mind is mush but that being said, everyone seems to have their own ways. so it sometimes contradicts what is the "proper" way. i know that its up to me but i am not going to read 120-1000 pages of info (so meaningful and some not) on forums. i don't have the time for that. that is why i thought a couple quick questions. i know my fault and i make the make the bed i lay in.
    as for the products i read on the detail 101 and picked up some product locally and online
    soap meguires gold class
    tire/wheel cleaner optimum power clean
    tire finish mequires or use 303
    clay
    glass cleaner stoners
    polish meguires scratch x
    wax meguires yellow 26
    i am open to changing anything if someone has recommendations.
    the process i did was ( this truck is 2 weeks old)
    2 bucket wash
    clay
    2 bucket wash
    wax
    tires and windows
    i didn't use the polish because i didn't know if i needed it or if its before or after wax. or if i am suppose to use a polish OR a wax but not both.
    thanks again for all
     
  7. Sep 12, 2016 at 6:32 AM
    #7
    AMarkham40

    AMarkham40 Well-Known Member

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    I use Optimum Power Clean for my tires also. I dilute it 3:1 in a 32oz bottle & it does a great job! I also use it when cleaning off my frame in the winter time. I coated my wheels so I just use soap/water on them.
     
  8. Sep 12, 2016 at 8:23 PM
    #8
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider Well-Known Member

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    The Meguiars 26 Yellow isn't going to be very durable. It's a good wax, but sealers will last much longer. Meguiars #21 is a good one. So is Megs Ultimate Liquid Wax (it's actually a sealer, not a wax). After the Ultimate or #21 cures, you could top it with the #26.

    "Polish" is generally abrasive. You use it after claying and before waxing/sealing to refine the finish and get rid of swirls from washing. ScratchX is best saved for spot blemishes. There are better polishes out there for doing the entire vehicle. To be honest, unless you have a DA for machine polishing, I'd skip the "polish" step all together. Wash, clay, wash, seal-- that's my recommendation.

    Or invest in a Porter Cable or Griots Garage polisher if you want to get into polishing. It's just really hard to polish a vehicle by hand.
     
    ace96 likes this.
  9. Oct 18, 2016 at 7:31 PM
    #9
    hksjza70

    hksjza70 Well-Known Member

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    Depends on usage and how much truck is outside. I go 3 months for a garaged vehicle
     

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