*Official* Ask A Detailer Thread

hey there, any of your thoughts on Turtle wax ZIPwax car wash & wax solution??? just got a 2016 taco limited & want to do right by her. I also bought a micro fiber mitt. guess I must also buy a micro fiber towel as well. thanx for any help on this

 

thanx again. sorry for the duplicate postings. new to this site & putters for that matter, - Old School .

 

It will work in a pinch. I would look to more of Optimum, Carpro, or one of the other major players that detailers use. I use Adam's Wash and Wax which has silica in it like some of the coatings. Optimum version is well praised as well. Don't forget to get 2 buckets.

 

Two bucket wash/rinse, mitt is good, don't towel dry use a leaf blower.

 

Looking for opinions on a random orbial polisher. I picked up some scratches while out on the trail, yes I know I'm just going to get more. Looking for thoughts on brand and reliability, I like to buy things once and not have to buy them again. The chemical guys torq or the griots garage 6 in caught my eye, but that was 10 minutes of research.

I can post up pictures of said scratches, I can't get them with my nail but after reading the instructions from the original post I realize I have a lot of stuff to pick up.

Also, thoughts on a foam cannon? Worth the money? Working with a troy bilt / honda engine gas pressure washer 40degree tip to rinse.

 

Few quick comments and will follow up with a more thorough insight

If you truly want to buy it once and are into performing your own maintenance, I would suggest the flew3401. (The rupes or griots garage boss are top of the line ) but the flex is called 'the beast' for a reason

But... just so you know.... you need to buy at least 4-6 pads for a truck our size.... for each type of work
- professionally you need one pad PER panel, but for basic work, you can do one per side/ tailgate and Back quarter, doors(crew cab) hood/ front. (And roof if you are really wanting to do paint correction)

- and there are specific pads for the compounding phase, the polishing phase, and the sealing/ protecting phase....

Next is getting the right product for the job.
A compound is for major defects, such as deeper scratches you probably acquired while trailing.
A polish, for minor swirl marks etc
And a proper sealant or wax to seal the paint for further protection

Regarding foam cannon. I have always had a good experience with them, and they help in detailing
I would recommend a "eBay/ Amazon version" and not one of the 70+ dollar ones. I have used several and this is one place to save your money
With a gas powered washer, especially a higher psi and gpm, be careful to not get close to the paint so you don't damage any panels.

Welcome to detailing @AmorPatriae

 

Thank you very much for the information! I think my wife might stab me if I spend that much on a polisher. Hoping to stay under $200. Who seems to have the best price on pads? Good call on the foam cannon, I was trying to figure out what made a $120 foam cannon better than a $20 dollar one... seems to be a sticker with a name.

 

^ absolutely

Question
Are you wanting to do this in a hurry or would you wait for a killer deal on a polisher kit

I would also recommend the pc7424 (porter cable dual action) this is a rock solid starter polisher. Mike Phillips uses them all the time. Check out autogeek.com

They usually have a kit deal with pads and some product and run them on special from time to time

I personally use the griots garage 6" most of the time, but my clients don't seek a high level paint correction, so I am able to do what I need with this tool
If I got more into it, I'd go rupes all day long

join up on autogeek and autopia and subscribe for the VIP newsletters. It's free and about once or twice a month they post amazing deals

Hope that helps

 

Rust bumped from rock chips, whats the best way to stop that from happening again once I paint it up

 

Ceramic coating....opinions?
Contemplating doing it on my t4r and wanted a detailer's opinion.
Also, what should I expect to pay?
The vehicle is a '17 4runner cement color.

 

All 3 of our vehicles have a ceramic coating on them. Much better protection and easier to maintain.

 

What products would you guys recommend to assist with cleaning under the hood?

 

100% simple green then use some Chemical guys trim coating spray....

http://www.chemicalguys.com/Factory_Finish_Trim_Coating_and_Protectant_p/tvdspray100.htm

 

Gunk Engine Degreaser. Its like $4 at Auto Zone.

 

To restore the black color to your trim I would try Black Wow. I use it on my Miata and it really makes my trim look new. I used it on my front splitter but I later cracked it after hitting a raccoon.

$25 Black Wow Exterior Trim Restorer … (2oz)

https://www.amazon.com/Black-Wow-Ex...rd_wg=B5ncJ&psc=1&refRID=XWWRCBW32DBAXE0772JP

 

I tried searching my question but I couldn't figure it out. I have water spots on my windshield but can't get them off. I tried windex, just what I had. I was thinking of buying Stoners invisible glass cleaner unless something else is better. Thanks for the help.

 

Includes mild abrasives:

 

Says has jewelers rouge .
I have all the jewelers rouge sticks. Wonder if I could use along with a cleaner since this too is a problem for me on well water.

 

Any paint polish will help. If you want perfection it must be Cerium Oxide and alot of work.

Assuming you have a capable machine.

 

Asked this on the harbor freight tool thread but got no response, anyone have experience with their dual action polisher? Could be good entry level polisher?