Simplified [: to make simple or simpler, to reduce in complexity or extent]



Detailing Products



One of the most confusing things about this business is the chemicals used and the chemistry behind them. Certain product or combination of products can have a negative impact and to the newcomer in the industry, or your every day enthusiast, understanding the chemical interactions could become challenging, if not darn right confusing. As a Chemical Engineer I have a gained a lot of knowledge of chemicals; but I can`t imagine being relatively new to the industry and coming into detailing today.



Product vendors are in business to sell products and sometimes rename the same product to do other things i.e. a swirl removing polish vs. a finishing polish (they both do the same job) However with chemicals it’s not quite that simple.



The other side of this equation is an all purpose cleaner (APC) There is no one-product answer; as the so-called all purpose cleaners (APC) intimate; they cannot remove every stain, different stains require different solvents to remove them. Always check the product pH level, its label and / or the MSDS for chemical content. Having said that a cleaner that contains d-limonene (a safe citrus-based solvent) will safely remove a myriad of stains (See also article“Detailing Chemicals Identification”)



Time Management



Modern life has become an age of rushing about, 12-hour workdays and either traffic jams or waiting in line, the last thing you have time for is washing the car. With our busy schedules it’s very difficult to find enough time to wash your car and what with water restrictions and concerns for the environment it is even more difficult.



Even when it`s freezing outside it allows you to wash your vehicle. Some communities (condos, housing associations) prohibit the use of the traditional car washing (water hose and bucket) or severely restrict or do not allow car washing due to drought and water restrictions. Low winter temperatures make car washing difficult (and uncomfortable)



To avoid driving a dirty vehicle there are few choices; a tunnel wash that will leave scratches on the paint (or worse) a time-consuming hand wash or clean your car yourself at home, using the waterless car wash, probably your best alternative. A waterless wash can reduce the need for conventional hand washing to once a month. The other factor to consider when utilizing waterless car washing is water conservation, it’s 100% environmentally safe and it reduces water usage to a fraction of that of a conventional car wash. Be cognizant that there will be times when the vehicle is too dirty for a waterless wash



Optimum No Rinse™ Wash & Shine



An innovative product that protects automotive paint, while preserving our most valuable resource, water; enabling you to wash your car anywhere, even in freezing temperatures or even inside your garage. It’s a multi-purpose product that serves as a shampoo additive, no rinse wash, quick detailer and clay lubricant.



The science behind this cleaning process is pretty simple. When sprayed on a dirty surface; surfactants break down the soil by releasing its surface tension or bond with the surface, encapsulating the soil particles in the media used, and the polymers provide surface lubrication to enable safe (marring free) residue removal using a minimum amount of water. A micro fibre towel is then used to wipe away the dirt. A second dry microfiber towel is used to help polish away any remaining formula and buff the surface to a clean, streak-free shine.



No rinse contains polymers that are soy based and there is no silicone whatsoever in this product. In fact you can paint right over it which would be impossible if it had any silicones. This unique product contains substantive polymers which bond to the paint and protect it during the wash. Therefore, ONR offers better protection and lubricity than a conventional car wash, leaving a sleek finish behind afterwards.



Application- - avoid cross-contamination by using different micro fibre towels for differing surfaces i.e. separate towels for glass, paintwork, wheels, and interior surfaces.



Simply mist diluted Optimum Opti-Clean 1:3 with distilled water on to micro fibre towel and then wipes off residue. Fold your towel into quarters and rotate to expose a fresh surface for best results. It dries instantly and doesn`t leave behind a greasy film like other products. Utilizing special cleaning agents you can gently clean your entire car. It quickly lifts and separates oils, dust, dirt and other contaminants. The substantive polymers help suspend contaminants so they can be removed safely. It also provides meaningful protection on every surface you apply it to. For use on - vinyl, plastic, paint, metal, rubber and etc. finish will look clean and new with minimal effort.



Directions:



• Make up and aqueous solution Optimum Opti™ - Clean concentrate diluted ith1:3 with distilled water in a spray bottle

• Spray liberally on painted surfaces and wipe clean with an OPT Foam Wash Mitt or a plush microfiber towel. Fold and use a new section of the towel as needed.

• Glass and interior surfaces, using a separate micro fibre towel apply one or two sprays and wipe off with a clean plush microfiber towel.

• Wheels and lower paint panels, using a separate micro fibre towel, spray liberally and let it soak for a few seconds and then wipe off. When there is heavy dirt build up, use Optimum (OPT) No Rinse™ Wash & Shine New Formula (ONR).



Additional benefits are faster washes, ability to wash anywhere at any time including washing inside the garage during the cold months, no messy water runoffs, and greater looking car finishes. These are some of the reasons Optimum (OPT) No Rinse™ Wash & Shine New Formula (ONR) is being used by many professional detailers across the country



Alternative products



High Definition (HD) Car Care offers a complete waterless car washing solution. With just two sprays and two types of towel (microfiber and disposable wipes) you can clean your whole car, inside and out. Both products are biodegradable and ecologically friendly.



Quick detailing



Is a term used to describe how you can maintain the appearance of your car after washes using products that you simply spray on and then immediately buff off using a plush micro fibre towel? These products were intended to serve two main purposes.



Firstly, their use was recommended after washing and drying, as their special formulations enabled them to quickly and easily remove water spots and add extra glossiness to the finish. Secondly, their use was recommended every few days to remove light dust and fresh road grime and negate the need for regular washing. This was marketed as a lifestyle advantage for busy people with little or no time for car care and those living in areas subject to seasonal water shortages.



It is recommend that they are used after every wash to remove water spots, enhance gloss and add another valuable layer of sealant or wax protection.



Interior



Remove the mats and vacuum the carpets. Use an interior detailing spray on a previously cleaned surface; apply with a clean, white micro fibre towel folded into quarters. Do not over wet. Use light surface pressure, small amounts of the product and blot frequently, do not rub.



Clean interior surfaces using 1z Plastic Cleaner (Plastik-Reiniger) - an intensive, non-corrosive, non-acidic two-phase deep cleaner that removes grime build-up, scuff marks, bitumen (tar) and nicotine thoroughly and effortlessly with dust-resistant anti-static action. Use to clean armrests, door handles, shift knobs, vinyl seats, pedals, dashboard, storage compartments, tires, rocker panels, wheel wells, and etc. Water-based formula is biodegradable, silicone and formalin-free as well as environmentally friendly.



Apply Iz Cockpit Premium – an interior care and protectant developed specifically for that original matte-satin factory finish. This is a treatment spray for all interior components including the dash, finished leather and vinyl seats, door handles, trim, navigation screens, stereo head units, and clear plastic. It has very limited cleaning ability but it provides UV protection for interior materials. The gentle formula is water-based and free of oils providing a non-slip finish, which allows for application on the steering wheel, shift knob and both finished leather and vinyl trim and upholstery.



Semi-permanent Coating



Optimum Polymer Technologies Opti-Coat™ is a very durable polymer coating, which means that you are literally adding scratch protection and clear coat thickness, although harder than OEM, is no replacement for proper care. Basically, the benefits are that you will never need to wax or seal again, the car will be much easier to clean as dirt doesn’t adhere to it and airborne contaminants as well as oxidation will be dramatically reduced





[Edit `Detailing Products` paragraph added 18.03.12]