*Official* Ask A Detailer Thread

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How do you detail an engine?. I want to detail mine but I'm not sure where to start. I know you have to cover the alternator but what else when you spray it with water. Or is there another way without spraying the engine. And what products should I use to clean. I'm thinking simple green? Help! Haha

 

Yeah, I would like to know also about engine detail and when to wash microfiber cloths. For engine, read labels to see if its bad to use on pavement or not. Learned the hard way

 

I use plastic bags and cover the alternator and any electrical components, as well as the air filter. It depends on the vehicle. All of the new vehicles have so many plastic parts you normally don't have to be terribly concerned. For the Tacoma, I just cover the fuse box and use a pressure washer and avoid any of the other areas of concern.

I use an all purpose cleaner for cleaning up the grime if it needs it. I have used simple green in the past, but always felt like I was really having to clean for it to fight hard stains.

Below is a vehicle I detailed this weekend. The after photos was before I dried the engine compartment and added the VRT dressing. I used Adams all purpose cleaner diluted 2:1 due to the grime and worked great.

Before:


After:

 

I wash microfiber every time I use them. Usually use about 2 ounces depending on how many towels I have gone through. On a full detail, I go through about 6 microfiber detailing towels for waxes and polishes, and AT LEAST 4 others for general cleaning interior, windows, and also during the clay process, etc.. I try to use the same towel every time for it's intended purpose (double white microfibers = polishes, blue = sealant, orange = glazes, yellow = wax), so I have multiple colors. Never use fabric softener when cleaning.

 

May end up pressure washing my engine then. And I guess I need some microfiber soap then

 

You can use a regular hose and sprayer. Just be careful using it. I use my pressure washer because I can adjust the psi of it and since I have it, might as well use it. Buy a good wash mitt or brush you can get dirty and go to town on the engine.

 

I would definitely recommend using a dedicated microfiber detergent. BLACKFIRE or DP have always done a great job for me. Some people use anything that is "free and clear". After hundreds of dollars spent on towels it's a no brainer to wash them with the best product available.

 

Yeah, I just don't want to have to order it online then pay for shipping, I'll look on Amazon

 

Pretty nice deal from Chemical Guys on a PC 7424 XP. Lots of extra stuff thrown in as well. The deal is good for one day only 8/24.

http://www.chemicalguys.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=BUF_209&Click=100213&utm_source=Email&utm_medium=ConstantContact&utm_campaign=082314BUF_209

 

Wow.

 

I claybar'd and waxed my truck last night and it looks mighty fine!

After doing so I realized that it is better to claybar > polish > wax.

Is this right? If so, what polish would you recommend?

 

You have the process correct.

Mothers products work great if you do not have a buffer. You should be able to find this at all the chain auto parts stores.

 

Hello all. just a heads up for a one-day sale over @ autogeek.
20% off with the code------"secretcode"

Used it to pick up a gallon of my fave detail spray

 

Hey everyone,

I just washed my truck real well after a few days of heavy rains, followed by a night of heavy off roading. I also tried ny first attempt at using a clay bar (meguiars kit) and my truck came out great so far.

Now I know I need to polish then wax. How does everyone feel about NuFinish as a polish? I have some already and will use it if it's a decent product. Also, how long do I wait to wax over the polish and are there any extra prep steps? Everything will be by hand.

I usually just wash and then wax with meguiars gold or nxt2.0.

 

Nu Finish is a synthetic sealant not a polish at all. There are many sealants on the market that are easier to use and more durable than Nu Finish.

Most recommend a 12 hour cure time before "topping" a sealant with any wax.

A polish is an abrasive product used to remove defects and "level" the paint finish. Unfortunately the language used in the marketing of detailing products can be very confusing.

 

Good stuff!

 

Okay thank you! I'll go pick up some mothers polish or meguiars now.

 

What do yall think is the best way to REMOVE..not cover up dried up paint sealant on trim?(like around the rear window and door handles?)

I have heard about using erasers(pencil..school..type..lol) and peanut butter(may only cover up due to oil?)

There are several products on the market that remove waxes..but wanted to ask before buying something..I already have mothers backtoblack for trim.

 

You can try a soft bristled brush or even a tooth brush and use some all purpose cleaner. Meguiar's or optimum make some auto safe APC.