Biggest Detailing Myths

**imported_User Name** · 07-31-2009, 10:00 AM

So, what are they? What are the most common misconceptions, myths, half-truths or fabrications in the detailing world.

I think my single biggest turn off has always been over the top, outlandish claims.

"Wax X will last two years and provides a rock hard shell".

That one ticks me off on a number of fronts... First, nothing I`ve used lasts than long and the rock hard shell needs to come with an asterisk which says the following:

*This is simply a metaphor, not mean to be taken figuratively because if you let bird crap sit on your car too long, you`ll see this product is far from a "rock hard shell". Also, if your demonic 4 year old son decides to run his matchbox cars across your paint, the rock hard shell will seem like ice cream on a hot summer day!!!

TOGWT · 07-31-2009, 11:00 AM

Hard and soft are both relative terms; you can scratch the hard surface of a vehicles paint with a soft towel by the application of enough pressure. Both pressure and mechanical stress are defined as force per unit area. These two forces are the subject of Newton`s third law of motion; the law of reciprocal actions [: to every action there is an equal and opposite reaction]

How can a hard clear coat be so easily scratched?

Force acts through a body that has a surface area; if the surface area is really small while maintaining an equal force, the pressure becomes astronomical and the object under pressure capable of penetrating the surface of an otherwise tough material. That?s why a micro fine thread that is twice as fine as silk and a 100 times finer than a human hair, in an otherwise soft towel will scratch your paint. And the same reason a mosquito can penetrate a rhino hide with its proboscis (stinger).

An extract from one of a series of 110 in-depth, unbiased detailing articles ? TOGWT ? Ltd Copyright 2002-2009, all rights reserved.

**Junebug** · 07-31-2009, 11:04 AM

Biggest myth - there is a "best" product. Detailers will never all agree on any one (anything) being the "best" . I agree that some things are great, some are good - and some just plain suck. But there are way too many variables to make the "best" claim.

**imported_Bunky** · 07-31-2009, 04:55 PM

Originally Posted by Junebug

Biggest myth - there is a "best" product. Detailers will never all agree on any one (anything) being the "best" . I agree that some things are great, some are good - and some just plain suck. But there are way too many variables to make the "best" claim.

I agree but beware of people claiming to know it all.

**Dave1** · 07-31-2009, 08:18 PM

...Biggest myth......

That black is even a color.......

It`s a curse from heaven ........:biggrin:

**imported_Luster** · 07-31-2009, 09:41 PM

Here`s one that I heard recently:

I don`t want you to claybar my car. It will ruin the paint!!!

**Greg Nichols** · 07-31-2009, 11:25 PM

That paint needs to be "feed" with wax oils

GREG

**BIOLINK** · 08-01-2009, 12:51 AM

Originally Posted by Greg Nichols

That paint needs to be "feed" with wax oils

GREG

I feed my paint all the time. :drool5:

BTW Greg, How`s the weather in Logan? I lived there a few years back. Beautiful area!

:White Horse:

**John Henry** · 08-01-2009, 08:57 AM

"I don`t need to wax my car. I paid the dealer $600 for a special lifetime paint protection package!" :thumbup:

**imported_Tom** · 08-01-2009, 10:27 AM

The biggest myth for me is that any waterless `wash` product is safe.....

**imported_agentf1** · 08-01-2009, 10:39 AM

Originally Posted by Tom

The biggest myth for me is that any waterless `wash` product is safe.....

Some are, actually most are but only when they are used with a very important ingredient, COMMON SENSE.

I guess this applies to just about every product on the market. You must work within their limitations.

As far as Waterless washes go I prefer QEW or ONR type washes where you use a wet mitt and some water. The spay washes work also but I would not use them on a car that is too dirty. I see them as a step above a QD. Again, use common sense. If a car is real dirty like driven through salt and snow I do not see a replacement for bucket and water, maybe a spray wash (quarter pressure wash rinse) pre wash to remove the grit and heavy dirt and then QEW. JMHO

**imported_agentf1** · 08-01-2009, 10:40 AM

How about the more expensive it is the better it is.

**Greg Nichols** · 08-01-2009, 01:01 PM

Originally Posted by biolink

I feed my paint all the time. :drool5:

BTW Greg, How`s the weather in Logan? I lived there a few years back. Beautiful area!

:White Horse:

How many years ago?

The weather is 85-90........55 at night. Really nice..............

Going fly fishing this afternoon

I really like Cache Valley Area.

Cheers,
GREG