*Official* Ask A Detailer Thread

Both companies seem popular. Be careful enough with some of CGs micro fibers. They seem to hold dirt particles.

 

Anyone have experience with Optimum products? I was going to have my whole truck coated but couldn't stomach the cost so now I'm just looking to apply Opti-Glass myself and Opti-seal to the chrome bits (I'll polish them up first). Also, anyone use their foam pads? They're supposed to take the place of a clay bar.

 

Anyone know if fabric repair kits work? Like the permatex one? I have a couple burns in the carpet.

 

What's you guys advice on keeping the headlights looking as brand new as possible, and keeping it from fading? Wax, polish etc.

 

i wax mine. and use mothers plastic polish on them when they look like they need some love

 

I polish and seal mine. I have a coating on mine and they havent returned. Although its not affordable for most so a good sealant will work good. Toyota's plastic for lens' is terrible.

 

Care to share what type of brand is it and where can I get it? Thanks much

 

I would just make sure they are shiny as possible with either a quick polish and then once there's nice and clean...apply paint protection film. You can buy precut kits. I used Xpel on my old BRZ. I haven't done anything to my truck yet because I plan on painting my bumper to match body color. Once it's done I'll probably at least PPF the front bumper and lights if not the whole front clip. That's if you want it looking new all the time and no rock chips. It's a bit expensive unless you do it yourself and have a friend help you apply. I tried doing it myself...but hood is too much for me and not big enough table to do...so I paid someone the second time. Headlight kit should run you about $60 just guess from what I remember.

 

My wife's car has new cream leather seats with a/c. Comfy for sure but not sure how to care for them. What's the best way to clean and condition perforated leather seats?

 

No idea about perforated leather...I actually don't like them...but I see the need for ventilated seats. For leather themselves...I like a product called leatherique 32 oz kit...it comes with rejuvenator oil and pristine clean. I would vacuum the leather seats well...lightly clean with damp cloth. I then would get a painter brush..foam type and apply to the seats...(I would do test patch to make sure it's okay). I apply to the whole seat....both seats and then saran wrap the seats and let it soak a day or two if you park somewhere warm. Once that's done the oil soaked into the leather...apply pristine clean and your good for 6 months to a year. This is what I did with my Z4M. Another brand and less work is Lexol... it's fairly well...but it kinda jacked my funky color shoes...should have done test patch. Leatherique was recommended through several bmw forums.

Basically the leather needs to be oiled so it doesn't dry out and crack. The vacuum and damp cleaning removes the top layer of dirt. The soaking for a day or two in warm hot weather allows the oil to penetrate and lifts the dirt...the leather is oiled and can breathe again...the pristine clean removes the excess. Hope that helps. I'm not a detailer, but I did a lot of research keeping my cars clean and well taken care of.

 

how do you fix hazed and white faded clear coat? look like in onw area under the driver window on that ledge part it turning white

 

the coating is CK Quartz and its to be installed by their livensed professional.

Youll be just fine with a good sealant that you would use on your paint.

 

needs to be polished then protected.

 

how too ^

 

Anyone use this stuff.. Klasse All In One

 

I have used it some. Some people swear by it.

 

Don't have time to read 100 pages. Probably answered but here it goes... what is the best orbital machine for use on our vehicles?
1. No budget, cost no object.
2. At or just over $100, say still under 150.
3. Budget cheapest that still does the job.
Thanks in advance.

 

So ask a detailer thread I have a question how do you buff out a dent? Ahahaha

 

Rupes Bigfoot. Google the cost...but this is the new fav for pro detailers. I'm considering getting one myself if I don't hire my detailer to do. It's over $300 I think.

 

Rupes is definitely the best and around $400. The Torq and Flex are also good machines