Advice on Procedures

[OLD GTI GUY]

One last question... If I get any material on mouldings, is there a special way to get it off? I`m thinking it`s unavoidable when using a buffer. Thanks guys.

[nicksr]

Well, you asked about 3M SMR.



Today I washed, clayed a little, then used some 3M Perfect-It Rubbing Compound (fine cut) followed by 3M SMR for dark cars and topped off with some Meguires Gold Class wax.



Not exactly what I wanted to accomplish, but it was getting cold so I needed to hurry.



Will finish it off next weekend.



But it looks pretty good for a 1994 Land Cruiser with 135,000 miles



Only problems now is that it is so dang clean, i can see every little scratch and flaw in the clear. oh well, can`t have everything.

[nicksr]

Here is the before and after.

[nicksr]

Stinkin 45 second rule!



ok, let`s hope the 3rd time is a charm. lol

[Clean Dean]

She looks great !

[Lemonxxs]

Nice PC pic too!! Make me jealous since I have not replaced my broken craftsman yet.

[Gimlet]

Hey erveryone!

I was hoping some of you can offer advice on what I do for basic detailing.

My exterior procedure:
I start of with using a combo of Simple Green and Eagle One Wheel Cleaner on the rims and wheel wells. (I dont know what the purple stuff is but it seems like it works better than what I use)
Pre-rinse the car and then use a wash mitt and the two bucket method (still need to get grit guards though!)
Towel dry with a oversized waffle weave microfiber.
Clay Bar the car to strip previous wax.
M205 with a PC DA to correct minor abrasions.
Blackfire Wet Diamond as a glaze
Some kind of Meguiars liquid wax with the PC and another coat by hand.
Zep Glass cleaner, Turtle Wax Tire Gel, etc

Interior:
I use predominately ArmorAll products just because of decent price and easy availability.
Vaccum with a standard Orek vaccum.
Febreeze

So pretty much I was wondering if anyone can help me perfect my procedures. I am only 17 so I dont have a large source of cash, so Im not sure if there are prodcuts I can upgrade on without a huge increase of price. I dont use M105 mainly because Im not insured and I do not want to mess up and ruin a beautiful car. Also I`ve been looking into the ONR wash but I dont know how that works out or the whole foam gun approach. Anyways, if any of you have suggestions or tips to better my detailing, it would be much appreciated :clap:

Gimlet

[Old Pirate]

Hey erveryone!

I was hoping some of you can offer advice on what I do for basic detailing.

My exterior procedure:
I start of with using a combo of Simple Green and Eagle One Wheel Cleaner on the rims and wheel wells. (I dont know what the purple stuff is but it seems like it works better than what I use)
Pre-rinse the car and then use a wash mitt and the two bucket method (still need to get grit guards though!)
Towel dry with a oversized waffle weave microfiber.
Clay Bar the car to strip previous wax.
M205 with a PC DA to correct minor abrasions.
Blackfire Wet Diamond as a glaze
Some kind of Meguiars liquid wax with the PC and another coat by hand.
Zep Glass cleaner, Turtle Wax Tire Gel, etc

Interior:
I use predominately ArmorAll products just because of decent price and easy availability.
Vaccum with a standard Orek vaccum.
Febreeze

So pretty much I was wondering if anyone can help me perfect my procedures. I am only 17 so I dont have a large source of cash, so Im not sure if there are prodcuts I can upgrade on without a huge increase of price. I dont use M105 mainly because Im not insured and I do not want to mess up and ruin a beautiful car. Also I`ve been looking into the ONR wash but I dont know how that works out or the whole foam gun approach. Anyways, if any of you have suggestions or tips to better my detailing, it would be much appreciated :clap:

Gimlet

I don`t see nothing wrong in what you are doing except be careful with OTC wheel cleaners because they are strong acid and alkaline cleaners can stain some wheel finishes, Try a leaf blower in aiding you in drying your cars and Blackfire Wet Diamond is a sealant and not a glaze. So you don`t have to put a spray wax on by machine just spray and buff off by hand.

[bmw5541]

Good advice from Angelo. I however wouldn`t use Simple Green. Try the Purple Power and dilute it at 4:1 if you are using it on your wheels.

Also, ONR is one of the BEST detailing products ever made. You can use it as a No Rince Wash, a Quick Detailer, and Clay Lube.

[Gimlet]

What company makes purple power? And to the BFWD: so I should still apply it after polishing and then just put a coat of wax on?

Also should I consider on incorporating M105 into my routine or is it too big of a risk? I would really like to get amazing results, but I also do not want to harm any cars due to inexperience. So any tips on using M105? And is ArmorAll decent for interior wipe down, or should I look elsewhere for a protectant, spot remover, and leather cleaner?

[bmw5541]

What company makes purple power? And to the BFWD: so I should still apply it after polishing and then just put a coat of wax on?

Also should I consider on incorporating M105 into my routine or is it too big of a risk? I would really like to get amazing results, but I also do not want to harm any cars due to inexperience. So any tips on using M105? And is ArmorAll decent for interior wipe down, or should I look elsewhere for a protectant, spot remover, and leather cleaner?

Purple Power is the Brand name. just like Simple Green. You can find it at any auto parts store or Walmart. It is readily available over the counter. Blackfire is made by the good folks here at Proper Auto Care / CMA. It is a sealant, and IMHO, it is the best sealant available anywhere.

Yes, the BFWD would be applied after the polishing stage. There is no need to top the BFWD with wax. Only if you want to. Though, I would never top it with a comercially available wax. The BFWD gives you such a slick, wet look, you wouldn`t want to do anything to take away from it.

I hope this helps.

[Gimlet]

Yes it helps a lot, Barry. You`ve done nothing but help me since I signed up here, so I really appreciate it :notworthy: I will definitely go look for some purple power and I will experiment with the BFWD as long as it protects like wax does. I feel like if i just apply the BFWD I can save time and skip waxing. I will clean my dad`s car in the upcoming weeks and post my results and hopefull you guys can help me from there. Thank you so much

[bmw5541]

Yes it helps a lot, Barry. You`ve done nothing but help me since I signed up here, so I really appreciate it :notworthy: I will definitely go look for some purple power and I will experiment with the BFWD as long as it protects like wax does. I feel like if i just apply the BFWD I can save time and skip waxing. I will clean my dad`s car in the upcoming weeks and post my results and hopefull you guys can help me from there. Thank you so much

My pleasure.
Just remember when applyig the BFWD, to apply it very thin. It will give you better protection then a wax.