*Official* Ask A Detailer Thread

If using a DA then there is virtually no harm. Paint off the dealership lot is not perfect due to their improper washing techniques. Plus the paint needs to be clayed anyways. A quick decontamination and a light polish to get minor swirls out then seal.

Masking off the decals is critical to keeping build up out from under them...ask me how I know. Trust me I learned the hard way. Can’t see it until you get up on it but I know it’s there.

 

"Buffing out" a vehicle can mean a number of things. Most folks think it means whipping out a rotary buffer with a wool pad and Rubbing Compound. Truth be told, that's both a very aggressive process and one that's very rarely used. And if one does use this process, they had better be careful so as not to create a Delorean out of their vehicle.

For most new vehicles, buffing out actually means polishing with a simple DA Polisher, a foam pad and very mild polish to remove what should be very minor micro marring. The amount of finish removed with this type of process is dramatically less than the process I mentioned above.

 

Thanks guys.
@Too Stroked @ace96 and @dap101

I don't usually buy brand new so learned something new.

 

Hello, sorry if this has already been posted. I installed new rims on my truck and flipped the white wall lettering to the inside now so that the outside matches with the new black rim. I scrubbed the dirt off from the wheel and applied tire dressing to make it look blacker/newer/cleaner. Problem is that it will not hold, it keeps drying back and looking somewhat dirty still. Any recommended products?

I have been eye-balling turtle wax, but have never used it before, this kit in particular:

Turtle Wax 50757 Jet Black Tire & Trim Coating Kit

https://www.amazon.com/Turtle-Wax-5...657&sr=8-3&keywords=TURTLE+WAX+TIRE+SHINE+kit

If anyone has any insight on this it will really help, thank you!

 

This is just my personal opinion, but I wouldn't use a Turtle Wax product on my toilet.

Getting back to your original question, what is it that doesn't shine, the tire or the wheel?

 

The tire*

 

X2!!


Post a pic of the tire. Also, what dressing are you using? Sounds like the tire needs a serious cleaning.

 

The tire isn't too bad.. Just want it darker and nothing seems to do the trick. Maybe I just need to keep re applying coats. Any recommendations on tire shine products ?

 

Meguiars endurance tire gel

 

What product are you using? Looks like there may be some browning going on. If there is you need a tire cleaner to get that junk off.

 

Looks like the tire(s) just need a serious cleaning before applying more Tire Dressing. Remember, when that side was facing in for all that time, they didn't get cleaned at all. Then again, some tires - like the Yokohamas on my truck - just don't seem to react well to any dressing and always look dull.

Here's another question. Do you want them darker or to have more shine?

 

I see, OK ty!

Darker* Thanks for the reply !

 

I'd recommend CarPro Perl. It's pricey but that bottle will last you along time. Far superior product that out performs over the counter stuff. I'd also try to stay away from gels for tires as they do good coverage but seems to attract more dirt and brake dust. Before applying tire dressing suggest cleaning tires with some sort of cheap degreaser like simple green. Hope this helps and goodluck

 

Thanks! I had not thought of using Simple Green! I'll give that a try tomorrow and go from there. I believe that the dirt will come off, but will take more than one wash.

Thanks everyone for the insight! I was about to buy turtle wax too and am glad that I asked before hand! I'll probably hit it hard with simple green + a scrubber then follow up with a tire dressing listed (meguiars or carpro perl)!

 

Perl is well worth it. Will outperform the Megs.

 

Have you ever had any experience with TriNova? I have a friend who used it and says it worked for him..

 

I just purchased a Pro. I'm looking at the decal on the hood. How is that cleaned. And the hood scoop is black as well is that to be waxed. 3rd queston when waxing around the decal or black hood do most people recommend taping the edges to keep wax off it. I've washed and waxed cars for years and have always ended up with wax on the black plastic areas and have just took that as a part of waxing. I plan to keep this truck a long time. I've been looking at you tube videos, web sites, chemical guys, auto geek blah blah blah. Car washing can sure be complicated. Thanks for any advice.

 

I’d recommend just using a heat gun and remove the decal lol. There life is easier.

I wouldn’t wax your truck at all. Use a sealer. They last longer. A wax lasts maybe 4-6 weeks. A sealer last 6-12 months. (I use Jet Seal from Chemical Guys, applied last April and it’s still there).

Do not wax or put a sealer on the decals. It is wise to tape everything off to avoid any products getting on the decals and staining them.

As Far as washing the decals goes just swipe over them, never scrub them they will scratch.

 

Thanks. I just bought a bunch of stuff from Chemical Guys. I'll give the sealer a shot.

 

MY .02, I use Chemical Guys Black Light color enhancer and there Butter Wet Wax (Amazon). My color is Barcelona Red on my 18 TRD OR and the combo of the two gives the Taco a very deep,brillant shine,I cant imagine anything that could make it any better