*Official* Ask A Detailer Thread

Ok so my work truck took some heavy scratches and I know I need a multi step compound. Can you guys point me in the right direction for grits, brands and speeds for applications with a high end buffer

 

Not sure if this can be answered here. I was taking a badge off of my truck and scuffed it up. It looks like there are tony scratches from me using WD 40 and too rough of a towel. Do you think this can be buffed out and waxed or think I need to touch up clear coat?

 

If it were mine (no DA) I'd just get some Meg's scratch X or UC/UP and go to town. I'd just see what I could do myself for $25 bucks and a couple hours of elbow grease. If no results, I'd find a friend with a DA and try the same products. If no friends, I'd take into a shop.

I don't know how the WD40 may have impacted it. I'd wash it well with dawn before anything else, just to degrease it before using the Meg's products. But... I'm no pro. Just a guy that likes to play. So take that with a grain of salt. Hope a pro chimes in for ya. Good luck. I sure that was disappointing.

 

From what I hear and have seen on here, guys have had good luck with the Meg's scratch-X.

 

Thanks! I feel like a moron because I should have known. Just looks like there's a dull spot in the paint. Really ugly and noticeable.

 

Not trying to be a jerk but have you ever used a buffer before especially a rotary? Only reason I asked rotary has a better chance of burning the paint.

 

Yes I have. I also have a dual action maguire. Either is fine just need to be pointed in the right direction for compound grits and the order in which they are applied

 

Ha, I hear ya. We all do stuff like that from time to time. I've heard that white and blacks are often single stage paints. To be honest I don't even know what that means exactly. Something to do with the clear coat being mixed in with the paint I think? As opposed to being laid down on top. I don't know how that might affect the "repair" process. Hard to imagine you'd bust through a clear coat with a rag and a little wd40. Sure, the wrong material could (will) definitely scratch it up some. But man, it seems like you'd really have to put in some effort to get all the way through a clear coat by hand with a wrag and a little solvent. I'm sure some guys on here will be able to tell you if there's a clear top coat on that white. If there is, scratch-x might get you close to where you wanna be. I'm curious to know which way you go. I've got a couple long, fine scratches on my hood (from grit in my drying towel- i.e. "moron"). But I'm hesitant to eff it up even more with a "repair"! Good luck.

 

Thanks! Mine is actually silver! I'm hoping I didn't go through the coat.

 

Has anyone used AmmoNYC products? They are pretty pricey, but they have produced so many videos that I am fairly convinced that its a quality product. I am just not sure if I can accept the price point on a Tacoma.
http://www.ammonyc.com

The videos are a great resource for anyone looking for more info on detailing.
https://www.youtube.com/user/AMMONYCdotcom/videos

 

Carnauba wax over a silicone based sealant? Yes or no?
Caleb got some great results using Pinnacle Souveran Wax. I have been using Sonax Poly Net and wondering top coating with wax would be a bad idea.

 

Nothing wrong with layering with a carnuba. That is what I normally do.

 

Picked up a 2012 a few months ago. Anyone got any pointers on getting rid of stubborn wax stains on the weather stripping??

 

I recently read peanut butter. Let it soak a bit and then hit it lightly with a tooth brush (yes, I'm serious). Haven't tried it, but read it from numerous people.

 

Neighbors might think Im crazy LOL

 

For good reason!

 

Anyone have a great way to get road paint off my paint? I talked to the DOT, they said their paint has glass in it....I tried WD40. That didn't work. I am afraid to use any solvents

 

Truck is a month old. Daily driver. Sometimes parked outside, sometimes garaged. I think my OCD tendencies are kicking in.

In my Amazon cart at the moment:

Meguiar's Gold Class Car Wash
Meguiar's Clay Kit
Meguiar's Ultimate Liquid Wax
Meguiar's Ultimate Quick Detailer
Meguiar's Quick Interior Detailer

I've got towels and mitts from my other job. I'm just looking for the right chemicals now. All Meguiar's because it's easy to find should something run out, and I'm not pro.

Subs you'd make, or recommendations?

Given that truck is new, is clay necessary right away, or can it wait a little bit? Liquid Wax now, then clay at the beginning of Spring? No sealants were installed by dealer.

 

Looks like a good place to start. Yes, definitely need to clay a new vehicle due to rail dust, sitting on lot, etc.

 

The Meguiars Endurance Gel is great to keep the tires looking black without getting too shinny. And it lasts for several weeks.