*Official* Ask A Detailer Thread

Ok, my wheels are flat black, so no clear coat. I was using the kind that comes in a spray bottle. The first time I didn't do it right. I just sprayed until the whole tire was wet, not realizing that overspray and dripping of the tire shine were getting on the wheels. I will be spraying it onto an old towel to wipe them down, or lightly spraying the tires while rubbing it and and wiping excess away. I shouldn't waste as much or make a mess like this. I don't think I'll buy the liquid form anymore. My next tire shine will probably be the foam type.

 

After reading this thread and printing my shopping list I got the wash, clay, polish (color-x), and sealant to take care of the truck for the winter. I just got a used 05 DC and while its in amazing shape and still looks almost new I want to winterize the paint at least once.

The things I was thinking of diing the polish and sealant by hand, The whole color-x polish thing is new to me, can I do these steps by hand? Not looking to fix any specific things, jut want to protect it for the NE winter to come, before it gets too cold outside.

I do have access to a cheap $50 buffer, but heard that can mess up the paint if you use it with the wrong product. I am kind of scared of applying the color-x product with it.

Suggestions....

Thanks for the help amazing thread, would have never tried the clay thing w/o it.

 

I just got done with my 05 DC. I used these products and applied by hand. Came out great!!!

 

What is the best way to remove OEM clear coat off of 15" stock alum wheels (SR5 wheels?).

 

Mike, my family owns a car wash and detailing center in San Diego, CA, not just a drive through, its a real 100% hand wash and detailing center with pro detailers, and i gotta say, you say the right things haha. Glad to see your giving proper advice to these people because it really does matter when you care about your car.

Taylor

 

Just finished doing my used 05 tacoma. Think it came out good. I was kind of worried about using the clay; sprayed the quick wax that came with the kit, and it was no big deal. I may have not pressed down hard enough, but did the whole truck. Clay just slid right over.

Think i figured out my color-x and scratch-x question. I just looked for a few pots that had scratches, and used scratch-x on those. In some cases it went away, and in some they didn't. Working it a few times seemed to make a difference, I should have maybe worked harder at the problems areas. next time. After that did color-x on the whole truck, didn't see a whole lot of difference, but just had faith and did the steps in the order presented. All by hand.

Finished off with the sealent, the roof and hood came out really smooth as glass. I think the sides when I was getting tired and wax pads were soaked may have suffered and didn't get enough sealant. The first area I apllied would dry nicely, the rest seemed to be thin and never quite dried. In the end they just don't feel as smooth.

Only thing that didn't come out was these little black dots on the bottoms of the body panels, any suggestions getting those out?

Any way to tell what area of the job you did well, and which ones may need a second coat?

Thanks again, great post, would have never invested the time or money w/o this post. Great job!

 

Great thread!...I've learned so much.

I have a fairly lite scratch that i can't seem to get right...
i'm manually using ScratchX 2.0 btw.

I did the application a couple of times and i can still feel
the scratch when i drag my finger nail across.

Should i continue for a few more applications?...
or do i need to move up to a more aggressive compound?

I clayed over it after the initial applications, but i can still
feel the scratch...it's better, but still there.

Thanks for any help.

Best,
Paul

 

The scratch will never fully be covered up, it will just be filled so you cant see it AS much. If its deep enough, youll probably need to fill it with a paint pen, use solvent to get rid of the excess on your paint and then buff it out so its equal to your paint. Thats probably you best finishing look

 

Taylor,

Thanks for the information, what type of paint pen are you
referring too? I've seen that Advert thing on TV...but that looked
kinda hokey.

Best,
PC

 

Anybody know of a good detailer close to eastern kentucky,south east ohio or w.virginia?
I would like to get my truck detailed and polished. Thanks

 

I believe you can sign up on autopia or autogeek detail forums and find recommendations for local detailers in your area. I cant remember if its both or one or the other.

 

Are ResistAll Products any good?

 

since I've taken my mud flaps off, I get these white specks and grime stuff on my rocker panel. How can I get it off other than scrubbing harder. They arent nicks in the paint b/c if I rub on them with some elbow grease they come out. What is an easier way to remove them? How can I get them off?

 

got a problem

how do i get rid of the white haze below my driver and passenger side window??? it right on that small lil ledge part where it slopes. can it be buffed out???



also how do i get rid of a old outline from a sticker that i had on my truck????sticker was there for maybe 1-2 years


my truck a 06 btw indigo blue

 

help

 

anyone help

 

How can I remove Caramel Popcorn from my carpet...

Gf's friend blew up a bag of it in my truck.

 

I just bought a new, white truck. The dealer threw in Simonizing. It looks like good protection, but I want to wash it this weekend and get a base layer of wax on.

I bought Meguiar's gold class caranuba (with protecting polymers), It's not a cleaner wax (which I use all the time). I thought i'd just try straight caranuba since the finish is newish...

Anyways, I don't know how to start taking care of a Simonized finish.

Should I clay this finish and strip it first, or just wash and wax? It seems hard, smooth and glassy. Is it compatible with wax, sealant, both or neither?

 

How could i go about restoring the look of the rubber weather stripping around the window on the outside? mines lookin horrible

 

1z Deep plastic cleaner then 1z Gummi Pflege.