Detailing Spray Question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 194
Likes: 47
Detailing Spray Question
It seems that many on the board use detailing spray between rides to clean up their cars. I understand that it's quicker than a wash, but without the benefit of a thorough wash and rinse, aren't you just pushing the grit around and ultimately going to result in scratches to the finish?
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 499
Likes: 0
From: Meridian Idaho
I guess it depends on how dirty the car is. For me, my routine after a drive is to use a California Duster and then use some Quick Detailer for areas that might need a little more attention (the back end usually gets the most attention). I always use clean micro-fiber towels to try to minimize swirling and scratches but ultimately, its inevitable that swirling will happen regardless of how you approach it. My goal is just to minimize the amount of swirling that will occur.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,254
Likes: 5
From: Anaheim Hills, Ca
I guess it depends on how dirty the car is. For me, my routine after a drive is to use a California Duster and then use some Quick Detailer for areas that might need a little more attention (the back end usually gets the most attention). I always use clean micro-fiber towels to try to minimize swirling and scratches but ultimately, its inevitable that swirling will happen regardless of how you approach it. My goal is just to minimize the amount of swirling that will occur.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 199
Likes: 1
Used correctly ... I don't think that is a concern. 
I use detail spray in-between washes or just to remove bugs 
I use 2 clean microfibers (one for each hand) and liberally spray each one with detail spray (this lubricates the microfibers) ... then I spray a small area of the car with detail spray and work my way around, doing small sections at a time. I do all the upper surfaces first, then doors, rear and lastly the sections around the wheels (by far the dirtiest areas). I probably use 6 microfibers in total doing the car.
A performance car / detailing shop in town told me about this technique. Also told me to NEVER use a California duster ... because of the lack of lubrication.
No complaints here ... the car looks great afterwards and it only takes maybe 5 minutes.
I use detail spray in-between washes or just to remove bugs I use 2 clean microfibers (one for each hand) and liberally spray each one with detail spray (this lubricates the microfibers) ... then I spray a small area of the car with detail spray and work my way around, doing small sections at a time. I do all the upper surfaces first, then doors, rear and lastly the sections around the wheels (by far the dirtiest areas). I probably use 6 microfibers in total doing the car.
A performance car / detailing shop in town told me about this technique. Also told me to NEVER use a California duster ... because of the lack of lubrication.
No complaints here ... the car looks great afterwards and it only takes maybe 5 minutes.
Last edited by LPT2011; May 8, 2012 at 02:17 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,955
Likes: 22
From: Lehigh Valley Pennsylvania
It seems that many on the board use detailing spray between rides to clean up their cars. I understand that it's quicker than a wash, but without the benefit of a thorough wash and rinse, aren't you just pushing the grit around and ultimately going to result in scratches to the finish?
). This is after dry driving only, if the car has been driven in rain I will always wash.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,715
Likes: 343
From: Norman OK
I have used a CA Duster for years with no ill effects, as long as you dont press down and allow it to glide over the surface it will not cause any harm. I also take mine and use the air hose and blow the dirt/dust out about once a month.
As said if the car is clean than a microfiber towel and detail spray will not hurt a thing.
As said if the car is clean than a microfiber towel and detail spray will not hurt a thing.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,158
Likes: 4
From: Henderson Nevada
I use detailer spray to remove all the little things that don't look nice (or might mar the finish if left on) but don't merit washing the car. On Sunday, I hit a bird, and the little bit of residue on the fascia came right off with detailing spray - no blood or anything...
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Instructor
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 170
Likes: 1
From: Silicon Valley CA
Ok, I've been wanting to vent this for a while. Every time I go to a show and breakout my car duster or quick detailer some f**k**g "expert" stops by to tell me that I'm ruining my paint job with the products I'm using. Yet, with all their extensive knowledge, they can't seem to agree on what the best way to clean a car is (other than to get it painted and then lock it in a sealed room forever).
My apologies to all the true experts out there but I seem to always run into the world best painters and detailers at every event. I'd be surprised if they even owned a car.
3 times I've heard "Only use warm water and a soft diaper" Like I go the a show with 50 feet of hose and a bucket?
I must be frustrated today?
My apologies to all the true experts out there but I seem to always run into the world best painters and detailers at every event. I'd be surprised if they even owned a car.
3 times I've heard "Only use warm water and a soft diaper" Like I go the a show with 50 feet of hose and a bucket?
I must be frustrated today?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 11,973
Likes: 463
From: Tonawanda New York
It seems that many on the board use detailing spray between rides to clean up their cars. I understand that it's quicker than a wash, but without the benefit of a thorough wash and rinse, aren't you just pushing the grit around and ultimately going to result in scratches to the finish?
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 45,269
Likes: 8,543
From: Rochester, NY
I guess it depends on how dirty the car is. For me, my routine after a drive is to use a California Duster and then use some Quick Detailer for areas that might need a little more attention (the back end usually gets the most attention). I always use clean micro-fiber towels to try to minimize swirling and scratches but ultimately, its inevitable that swirling will happen regardless of how you approach it. My goal is just to minimize the amount of swirling that will occur.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 19,459
Likes: 48
From: Schaumburg IL
CI 7-8-9-11 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
I guess it depends on how dirty the car is. For me, my routine after a drive is to use a California Duster and then use some Quick Detailer for areas that might need a little more attention (the back end usually gets the most attention). I always use clean micro-fiber towels to try to minimize swirling and scratches but ultimately, its inevitable that swirling will happen regardless of how you approach it. My goal is just to minimize the amount of swirling that will occur.
I use the same philosophy with Detailer and the Duster too. It's a judgement call really... if the car just has some light dust or a small patch of "dirty" somewhere on the car..spray liberally and use a very good microfiber...don't press down hard, lightly wipe and no worries...I usually find for my comfort level...the first couple days after I wash the car, I will use detailer to keep it very clean, but beyond that time frame I stop using it as its time for a wash again
Ok, I've been wanting to vent this for a while. Every time I go to a show and breakout my car duster or quick detailer some f**k**g "expert" stops by to tell me that I'm ruining my paint job with the products I'm using. Yet, with all their extensive knowledge, they can't seem to agree on what the best way to clean a car is (other than to get it painted and then lock it in a sealed room forever).
My apologies to all the true experts out there but I seem to always run into the world best painters and detailers at every event. I'd be surprised if they even owned a car.
3 times I've heard "Only use warm water and a soft diaper" Like I go the a show with 50 feet of hose and a bucket?
I must be frustrated today?
My apologies to all the true experts out there but I seem to always run into the world best painters and detailers at every event. I'd be surprised if they even owned a car.
3 times I've heard "Only use warm water and a soft diaper" Like I go the a show with 50 feet of hose and a bucket?
I must be frustrated today?
there are some good threads on here in the car care section where vendors will offer advice, or approaches on how to care for the car..take a peak if you like
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 222
Likes: 3
From: New Orleans Louisiana
First I thoroughly wet a micro towel and then wring it out then gently pass it over the car constantly refolding the towel so that only clean damp towel surfaces touch the paint, After I finish doing that I discard the towel and use detail spray and a fresh clean micro towel and detail the car.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 10,418
Likes: 189
From: North of Canada
Ultima Waterless Wash Plus+ Concentrate is a super hyper concentrate that can be used to make the Ultima Waterless Wash Plus+ spray wash solution or as a no-rinse car wash formula in a bucket. Either way, Ultima Waterless Wash Plus+ will meet and exceed your expectations in cleaning ability as well as slickness and gloss enhancement!
http://www.autogeek.net/ultima-water...ncentrate.html
http://www.autogeek.net/ultima-water...ncentrate.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,009
Likes: 8
From: orange county n.y.
I've been using detail spray on my cars for two years now. No marks no scratches. Don't use it on a hot car or in the sun. Seems to work much better than just water. Naturally don't use it on a very dirty car, but dusty or rain marked is fine.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 5
From: Schererville Indiana
A Cali duster, some detail spray and microfiber towels are the least of our problems. Every time you take the car out, you are driving it through a slurry of airborne grit. The wind kicks it up, its flying off the tires of the car in front of you. I use the winter months to polish out any ultra fine scratches and swirls and by far most of those are just on the front of the car.
Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,952
Likes: 6
From: Palos Verdes Peninsula California
On my silver C6 I use Meguires NXT detail spray and Zaino cloths to detail the car between washes. I wet one towel to wipe off the dust, then use the spray for shine.
No matter what you do to the car, you are at risk of putting fine scratches in the clear coat every time you touch it. Don't worry about it. Mine come out very easily with my DA polisher and a light polish.
No matter what you do to the car, you are at risk of putting fine scratches in the clear coat every time you touch it. Don't worry about it. Mine come out very easily with my DA polisher and a light polish.
Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,952
Likes: 6
From: Palos Verdes Peninsula California
A Cali duster, some detail spray and microfiber towels are the least of our problems. Every time you take the car out, you are driving it through a slurry of airborne grit. The wind kicks it up, its flying off the tires of the car in front of you. I use the winter months to polish out any ultra fine scratches and swirls and by far most of those are just on the front of the car.
Drifting
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,715
Likes: 0
From: "Cottage Country" Ontario
I guess it depends on how dirty the car is. For me, my routine after a drive is to use a California Duster and then use some Quick Detailer for areas that might need a little more attention (the back end usually gets the most attention). I always use clean micro-fiber towels to try to minimize swirling and scratches but ultimately, its inevitable that swirling will happen regardless of how you approach it. My goal is just to minimize the amount of swirling that will occur.
Ok, I've been wanting to vent this for a while. Every time I go to a show and breakout my car duster or quick detailer some f**k**g "expert" stops by to tell me that I'm ruining my paint job with the products I'm using. Yet, with all their extensive knowledge, they can't seem to agree on what the best way to clean a car is (other than to get it painted and then lock it in a sealed room forever).
I must be frustrated today?
I must be frustrated today?