*Official* Ask A Detailer Thread

Anyone have any experience using Ammonyc products? seems a tad pricy, but the youtube videos seem legit.

 

I asked that same exact question at the top of this page, but got no response. I think I am going to try his Wheel Regiment and the Hydrate product. It seems like going for Meguairs products for the paint is a much more affordable route.

 

If you have OCD tendencies like Larry and myself, check out Ammo NYC and his videos. He thoroughly goes through multiple processes and steps to tackle every possible scenario regarding detailing.

 

@-dustin
Also if the truck is new clay is not necessarily needed IMO, depending on your commute, what you drive through, and weather sometimes it is better to clay before you start a full detail in order to minimize all contaminates from staying in the paint.
I personally like the clay towels better instead of rebuying clay and using it up, I got a optimum med. clay towel since my paint is older.
After a good wash claying should be the next thing you do before any sealant then wax is applied. You can choose to skip the sealant but I wouldn't advise to do so as the wax is not a sole protector of paint - with sealant you are essentially "sealing" the paint to its greatest form, then by waxing you are adding layers of protection.
Bottom line is by only waxing it won't last as long, and arguably won't look it's best if you skip the full process. Just my .03

 

I'm avoiding those on purpose. I need to live in my little bubble as long as I can.

 

The Ultimate Liquid Wax is actually a sealant, yes? Or is that misinformation...

 

Misinformation, definitely a wax. I would use NXT 2.0 or m21 sealant.

 

So how often is sealant applied compared to wax?

Sounds like sealant is more delicate than wax, but....marginal gains to get that look?

I thought the NXT was a wax? The reason I was going with Ultimate Liquid over NXT was because the Ultimate Liquid is supposed to not stain black plastic (door handles).

 

Depends on durability as sealants vary. Most will get at least 6 months protection. Sealant is more durable than a wax.

 

i think nxt is mix of sealant/filler/light polish. if you want lasting sealant/wax get collonite 845, i think even harbor freight has it. can last up to a year if you prep the car properly and dont wash car with Dawn or other more aggressive citrus soaps

 

WHEW! Washed, clayed, and sealed today. I used some scratchX2.0 and was going to do the whole truck with it, but gave up after a couple sections and just hit specific areas. I also hit all the plastic/rubber with Aerospace 303; that stuff is amazing. And used Meg's Medium Cut Metal Polish on the rear bumper- really shined it up, but didn't seem to help much with pitting.

Here are my current questions:

1. Does M21 need a certain amount of 'curing' time before applying a coat of wax? (an hour? a day?)
1.1 Any benefit to applying multiple coats of sealant before wax?
2. Should the ScratchX be that hard to buff off? I feel like I was using it wrong, and it seemed to be creating more swirl marks.
3. Are certain microfibers better/worse on paint? It seems like some cause more swirl marks.
4. What is a good tire cleaner? I have been using Meguiar's foam, and it seemed to really dry out the tires...Aerospace 303?

 

ScratchX can be hard to get off if wait too long before removing it. I have run into the same issue before. It is not really like a wax where you let it "dry" before removing it. You can always add a small amount of the product back onto the paint with a foam pad and then promptly wipe it off with a micro fiber.

There is absolutely a difference in quality of micro fiber towels! And yes, some will do more damage than good. Even a great towel that gets old and crusty can cause scratches or swirls. AmmoNYC has been mentioned on here several times lately, but his videos are super informative. Check this out for info on towels. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9W-mMJicSM

 

I put the blackfire paint sealant and the wax on last week. I want to put some thing on top of that like the turtle wax ice it should be fine .or should I just stay with the blackfire.

 

Just did 4 step on a black Jaguar this weekend.

Products used, in order:
Meguiar's Clay Kit
Meguiar's Compound Polish
Griot's Sealant
Griot's Show Wax

Impeccable results.

 

Clay with blackfire. Longer u leave blackfire on before wiping the better

 

Turtle wax ice is also a sealant. No need to apply two sealants, although you could do two coats of blackfire to ensure even coverage. Wait a day in between coats.

Some guys top sealant with a wax. I don't like to do that, as you'd have to strip the wax before sealer would adhere the next time. I'd rather just add more sealer on top of whatever was left from the first application.

 

I don't think 845 has a sealer component. It's simply a wax.

 

NXT and Ultimate Liquid are both sealants. No reason to use both, although two coats of either product could be beneficial. Sealant has better longevity than a wax. Ultimate has better longevity than NXT. Ultimate is Meguires longest lasting last step product.

 

Yes, M21 has a cure time. Give it 12-24 hours between coats if possible. Sealer doesn't "layer". It bonds with the paint at a molecular level. There is a point of diminishing return with multiple coats. Once the paint is saturated, it's not gonna take more product and you'd simply be wiping off what you laid down. I've found that two coats of M21 or Ultimate Liquid is better than one. It's not "layering", rather it's ensuring even application and complete saturation of the surface area of the paint. The benefits of a third coat are negligible.

Yup, 303 on the tires. Good choice.

 

Correct. Ultimate liquid is a 100% synthetic polymer sealant. No wax.