First Post....

CelicaLover · 07-08-06, 11:31

So..as the title suggests this is my very first post. I'v been reading on autopia for some time and run a small out of garage detailing business doing one or two cars a week as I am a student going into my junior year of highschool. Well enough about me

I saw another post on here that talked about helping getting young people started in the business and thought it was a great idea. I know i need a lot of help with some of the more complicated things as there is alot of conflicting information on things such as is clay abrasive or what is the difference between a sealant and a wax. So I was wondering because i have trouble with these things also if there was anyone in the Sarasota, FLorida area that would be willing to let me come with them or work in there shop a couple of days to gain some experience with a buffer and also learn some of the tricks to make my details faster as I usually take about 10 hours on a car. So thanks in advance and sorry for writing a paragraph for my first post

White95Max · 07-08-06, 11:38

Do you have a polisher of any sort right now?
What kind of process do you currently do on these two vehicles per week?

CelicaLover · 07-08-06, 11:52

I have a porter cable 7424 and use the sonus line of polishes. Normally I:

Wash: Nxt car wash
clay : 4 stars mild clay
polish : usually use sonus #2 and then finish with #3 for that mirror like finish depends on the severity of the problem
wax: usually gold class liquid wax or the carnuba from the deep crystal series

Interior:
wipe everything down with armor-all
vacuum and then shampoo all the rugs
clean all the door jams with some 4 star spray wax

there's more but it's all the small steps that would be keeping me here all night....

I'd really like to learn how to use a rotary buffer to give that little extra edge even though I'm small operation I like to do a quality job every time. It's more of a hobby for me

CelicaLover · 07-08-06, 01:05

Id even be willing to go to Bradenton if there's anyone up there

mikebai1990 · 07-08-06, 01:13

Hm.. I'm going to be in my junior year of high school next year too! I wish I could help you, but I don't live anywhere close to Florida. If you want to ask your questions online, you could probably get lots of help.

I'll answer your example questions first: Different types of clay have different amounts of abrasiveness. However, none of the clays should make any marring or swirls on the car if the claying is done properly. Always make sure you have enough lubricant (either car wash soap or any QD) so the clay glides on the surface. Never press down on the clay, as this could potentially drag around any dirt or contamination on the surface. Using clay is always a great way to get rid of contamination that would not come off with regular cleaner waxes or AIO's.

As for sealants and waxes, I'm not as educated in this area... I believe that sealants are mainly polymers substances that form a glossy coating on the surface of the car. Like it's name, it basically "seals" a freshly waxed car. When used together (wax then sealant), the sealants prolongs the protection on the car. Usually waxes will not be able to protect for very long (between 1-6 months, depending on conditions and type of wax used), and sealants can be used to top the wax so that there is more protection.

HTH, and welcome to autopia!

White95Max · 07-08-06, 03:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikebai1990

As for sealants and waxes, I'm not as educated in this area... I believe that sealants are mainly polymers substances that form a glossy coating on the surface of the car. Like it's name, it basically "seals" a freshly waxed car. When used together (wax then sealant), the sealants prolongs the protection on the car. Usually waxes will not be able to protect for very long (between 1-6 months, depending on conditions and type of wax used), and sealants can be used to top the wax so that there is more protection.

No...sealants go before wax. Sealants will not bond well over waxes, and the results will be poor. Paint sealants seal the paint, not wax.

A sealant is a synthetic wax, containing polymers, silicones, and/or acrylics. A wax is a protectant that contains natural waxes such as carnauba, paraffin, and/or beeswax. Sealants have a higher melting point and are typically much more durable in general.

mikebai1990 · 07-08-06, 04:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by White95Max

No...sealants go before wax. Sealants will not bond well over waxes, and the results will be poor. Paint sealants seal the paint, not wax.

A sealant is a synthetic wax, containing polymers, silicones, and/or acrylics. A wax is a protectant that contains natural waxes such as carnauba, paraffin, and/or beeswax. Sealants have a higher melting point and are typically much more durable in general.

Thanks for the clarification, White95Max. I was basing my explanation on the use of Klasse. Isn't one supposed to use Klasse AIO first, and then use Klasse SG? Or does the sealant work because Klasse AIO isn't a natural wax, but rather an acrylic?

Sherman8r44 · 07-08-06, 04:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikebai1990

Or does the sealant work because Klasse AIO isn't a natural wax, but rather an acrylic?

Bingo.....

White95Max · 07-08-06, 04:45

Yes, Klasse AIO leaves behind an acrylic sealant. AIO + SG is just applying an acrylic sealant on top of another acrylic sealant.