Detailing Advice
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
Detailing Advice
Im about to polish/wax my car and i wanted to ask you guys adice on a few things. Im planning on using a polish/glaze initially to take off some light swirl marks (spiderwebs)and then hand waxing using Zymol.My question is even though my paint looks pretty good, should i still use a claybar to begin and when i finish with the wax, is it better by hand or a orbital waxer. Some pple have told me by hand,some say use orbital, some say claybar some say dont need it so i figured i would get good advice in here. Thanks
O5 C6 LMB
O5 C6 LMB
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,909
Likes: 4
From: Ponte Vedra Beach / London State: Dazed and confused
Does my paint surface require the application of detailer’s clay?
Is the paint surface showing one or more of the following; coloured or yellow stains, water marks (spots) black metallic coloured flecks, a rough texture, etch marks (concave depression) oxidation, bug or bird excrement, place some saran wrap or a zip lock bag over your hand (‘bag test’) and rub across the finish lightly. Every snag you feel is a surface contaminant that the clay bar can remove but you may not be able to see, especially on white or light coloured vehicle surfaces.
Polishing a 'hard' clear coat by hand is almost impossible, I would advise
a) Purchase a machine polisher
b) Ask a Professional Detailer to polish the paint surface and then you can maintain it
Is the paint surface showing one or more of the following; coloured or yellow stains, water marks (spots) black metallic coloured flecks, a rough texture, etch marks (concave depression) oxidation, bug or bird excrement, place some saran wrap or a zip lock bag over your hand (‘bag test’) and rub across the finish lightly. Every snag you feel is a surface contaminant that the clay bar can remove but you may not be able to see, especially on white or light coloured vehicle surfaces.
Polishing a 'hard' clear coat by hand is almost impossible, I would advise
a) Purchase a machine polisher
b) Ask a Professional Detailer to polish the paint surface and then you can maintain it
Pro
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 595
Likes: 5
From: Schuylkill County PA
You could "test" an area with the claybar like the front fenders, rear deck, etc. to see how much contamination you're dealing with. Like TOGWT posted, you may not be able to actually "see" what you can remove. Or you may decide that you don't need to clay at all.
For swirl removal, you would see better results using a machine. With 'Vette clearcoat as hard as everyone says, you still may have a rough time of it. For final wax, I'd say hand application and removal would suffice.
For swirl removal, you would see better results using a machine. With 'Vette clearcoat as hard as everyone says, you still may have a rough time of it. For final wax, I'd say hand application and removal would suffice.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,034
Likes: 10
From: Lewes DE
Only buy a Porter-Cable if you want to polish out your scratches.
A very brief low down on how to do this: http://bugmanweb.com click on "buffing".
If you only want to wash and wax, no need to have a buffer. Just apply and remove your wax or sealant by hand. Far better to use a modern synthetic sealant than an old fashioned wax -- much easier to apply and remove.
I'm not a fan of clay. Just read up all you can on it. If you use it, try it on a SMALL section first - rinse off and inspect to look for marring - before you go on to do the entire car.
A very brief low down on how to do this: http://bugmanweb.com click on "buffing".
If you only want to wash and wax, no need to have a buffer. Just apply and remove your wax or sealant by hand. Far better to use a modern synthetic sealant than an old fashioned wax -- much easier to apply and remove.
I'm not a fan of clay. Just read up all you can on it. If you use it, try it on a SMALL section first - rinse off and inspect to look for marring - before you go on to do the entire car.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
Thanks for all the good info. I think i will lightly polish using a buffer and finish it off with a few coats of scealant/wax aplicated by hand.Will not use claybar.Bugman, your site is very nice with lots of usefull information.Definately add to my favs for further reference.
Once again thanks for the replies.
Once again thanks for the replies.
