Help me with your expert washing advice

F

farmboy90

New member
Here is what I have:
- Cobra guzzlers, MF towels, and MF for glass
- PoorBoys: SS & S, PwS, QD+, S&R Wheel Cleaner,
Natty's red and blue

I am looking for help on how best to wash and dry my cars. From reading the forums for a while, here is what I *think* is the overall approach to this. Please let me know what you think.

1) Use S&R wheel cleaner to first clean the wheels
2) Use two bucket method to wash
3) Before drying, spray on the QD+ then dry.
4) Dry the windows with the Cobra glass MF
5) Use guzzler to dry car
6) Spray on PwS, then wipe off with MF
7) Apply wax then wipe off with MF. I plan to use the Blue for my dark car and Red for the silver car.

Is this the general idea? Questions I have are:
- I have read to spray QD+ before you dry as it ensures no spots. However I have also read to use PwS.
- Does the PwS go on before the wax?
- I plan to use a 50/50 solution for the S&R since it is supposed to be very strong and my wheels aren't that bad. Does this sound right?
- Do you typically use full strength QD+ and PwS or dilute it?

I guess what I am really asking is if anything is blatantly out of order or wrong up above. I realize once I gain experience and learn more about the cars' paint and so on I will likely tweak things. I just want to avoid the really bad mistakes. :)

Thanks!
- Scott
 
1. Rinse wheels very well after spraying with S+R
2, Is correct, (I use about 1/2 oz of SSS in bottum of bucket then spray water in to create SUDS, I only use suds and I regenerate thewn with more spray from the water hose)
3. Sounds good, but mist very lightly. You will see the water move from where you applied the S+G.
4. HMM, well I dry the windows with the rest of the car.
5. Im not sure what a GUZZLER is, I use my Waffle Weave drying towels followed by my green and gold towels, that usually gets 95% of the moisture.
6. For me this is where I clay the paint, glass, and chrome. Have a good clay lube such as S+W, followed by a few plush microfiber towels to buff the clay residue.
7. Apply PWS sparingly either by hand or with PC type machine via directions on bottle. Allow to haze. Remove with plush MF towel.
8 this is the tricky part. As I have read over the last 3 1/2 years, is to wait 1-7 days to appy wax after a sealant. Id have to agree with that as the sealant is still quite soft on the paint imo. Then apply some Nattys sparingly, less is MORE!!!! (It just works that way)
Hopefully trhat helps.
 
The recommended PB SSS usage is 1/2 oz per gallon or 2 oz per 5 gallon. I usually fill the bucket to at least half full prior to adding the soap to control the suds. I mix up at least 3 gallons.

The QD+ would be more practical after a normal wash after you have waxed it since the PwS would clean the paint anyway.
 
You pretty much have it figured out but just a little info on "water spots".
1st. you really shouldnt have any if you one keep the vehicle wet at all times and 2, let the water flow from the top of car or on each panel as it flows down it will not have any air bubbles and won't cause water spots.:inspector:
I always start drying the car that faces the sun first and I never have to fight water spots even when washing my black car in direct sun. good luck.:bigups
 
Yeah, that is certainly my plan to avoid water spots by doing as you say. But I live in Phoenix. It is dry and hot here. Water evaporates faster than you can wipe it--even in the shade. So I am thinking using the QD+ will help.
 
Hey Farmboy, welcome to Detail City!

I think you've got a good start and perhaps with a few tweaks you'll be cruisin'

I have not used PB's SS&S, but there are many good comments made by those who have.

Choosing the 2 bucket was method is a step in the right direction. One thing I missed is the wash media you've chosen. That is a key element. There are plenty of choices, sheepskin, 100% cotton chenile, natural sea sponges and synthetic grout sponges. You will want to have several on hand. I would suggest buying at least one of each to see which you prefer. It is a relatively inexpensive addition (except for a quality sea sponge) but well worth the extra expense.

For cleaning your wheels I maintain a completely seperate bucket from my other wash/rinse buckets for this purpose. It also provides storage for my tire/wheel/wheel well tools.

For drying, I believe your referenced Cobra Guzzlers are WW MF towels, correct? Try removing your spray nozzle and flooding the water off the surface. You mention using QD+ as a drying aid, I like QD+ a lot, and while it will probably serve as a nice drying aid I think you might compromise some its intended functionality and might also compromise the PwS. If you are open to purchasing additional product, I would highly recommend PB's S&W for your drying aid.

Speaking of PwS, I'm assuming you are referring to PB's Polish with Sealant. I am not aware that it is intended as a spray and wipe product (I could be wrong). I believe you need to apply via an applicator or foam pad via PC.

You will want to allow some "cure" time for PwS before applying your wax.

Then after your sealant and waxes are applied, use your QD+ to help maintain the appearance after washing and drying the vehicle.
 
Mr. Clean said:
Hey Farmboy, welcome to Detail City!

I think you've got a good start and perhaps with a few tweaks you'll be cruisin'

I have not used PB's SS&S, but there are many good comments made by those who have.

Choosing the 2 bucket was method is a step in the right direction. One thing I missed is the wash media you've chosen. That is a key element. There are plenty of choices, sheepskin, 100% cotton chenile, natural sea sponges and synthetic grout sponges. You will want to have several on hand. I would suggest buying at least one of each to see which you prefer. It is a relatively inexpensive addition (except for a quality sea sponge) but well worth the extra expense.

For cleaning your wheels I maintain a completely seperate bucket from my other wash/rinse buckets for this purpose. It also provides storage for my tire/wheel/wheel well tools.

For drying, I believe your referenced Cobra Guzzlers are WW MF towels, correct? Try removing your spray nozzle and flooding the water off the surface. You mention using QD+ as a drying aid, I like QD+ a lot, and while it will probably serve as a nice drying aid I think you might compromise some its intended functionality and might also compromise the PwS. If you are open to purchasing additional product, I would highly recommend PB's S&W for your drying aid.

Speaking of PwS, I'm assuming you are referring to PB's Polish with Sealant. I am not aware that it is intended as a spray and wipe product (I could be wrong). I believe you need to apply via an applicator or foam pad via PC.

You will want to allow some "cure" time for PwS before applying your wax.

Then after your sealant and waxes are applied, use your QD+ to help maintain the appearance after washing and drying the vehicle.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the help! I have one of those Cobra Blue "dreadlock" wash mitts.

Yes, I mean Polish With Sealant. I am concerned now that I bought the wrong thing and should have bought Spray and Wash. As it is, I intended to spray it on and use a MF to spread it around and clean it up once cured. I don't have any tools to apply it any other way. Same for the Natty's wax. I planned to just do that by hand too.
 
Well the good news is you haven't really bought anything wrong. :) Yes IMO the Spray & Wipe will be the better choice for a drying aid over QD+, but believe me you are going to love the QD+ for a quick refresher between detailing sessions. It is really a nice product.

For the PwS applying with either a foam or MF applicator by hand will do fine, but will limit the amount of defect removal you can accomplish without a lot of effort and exertion. I also don't think you are going to be able to spray it on. If you found a sprayer that would handle it you would probably err on too heavy of an application. As with all of the products be sure and shake the bottle well, and continue shaking occasionally as you go around the vehicle.

Hand application of Natty's is certainly the way to go. It is just so easy to apply and remove. I know some may apply by PC and that is a sure method for really thin application, but is not necessary for success.
 
PWS is not a spray type product its used after for a 1 step polish by hand or machine.

S&G SPRAY AND GLOSS, is what most are using here as there drying aid product. It will add gloss while you are drying the newly washed vehicle. Just a spritz "lightly" is all that is needed. You can also spit-shine with this after waxing with Natty's paste wax. Also, most products will be better served when the surface has been pre cleaned before the LSP is added. You will see more pop,sharpness,depth, when the surface has been polished.

QD-PLUS, is another option when you just need to remove some light dust or just want to add some pop to the surface, it will add some light wax protection.

Soap, well just use a good soap there are way to many to list and most "CAR" WASH soap will not strip your new coat of wax. Like others here have said keep your wash mitts for painted surfaces, and some for wheel wells and some for tires and wheels. This will just safeguard against any grit getting on the painted surface.

GRIT GUARD, is a good option to use in your 2 bucket wash system. It is about $6-$8 bucks and will keep the heavy dirt in the bucket and not on your wash mit or sponge.

Use what you have, check the Pb's website forum for product applications and other uses. :cheers:


Welcome, from SO.MAINE...:dcrules :D :howdy


___________________

NORTHERN NEW ENGLANDS MOST INFAMOUS WASH WASTER...:howdy
 
njcarting1 said:
PWS is not a spray type product its used after for a 1 step polish by hand or machine.

...
Click to expand...
It can be a one-step AIO type product, hence the name Polish with Sealant. If I had already done a polish step (or steps), I would reach for EX-P or EX, sealants from PB's line.
 
Wet the wheels before you use the Spray and rinse and only on cool wheels !!

QD+ is to be used AFTER drying. If you got the sg you could use that to aid drying.

Polish with Sealant, must be applied with a pad, let haze, then remove. NOT A SPRAY

Most important of all, have fun.
 
Thanks everyone! I ordered some Spray and Wipe. According to poorboys site, this can be used on glass too. So is the idea to spritz the whole car and then dry with a MF?

Also, do you dilute the Spray and Wipe at all or just spray right from the bottle? I suppose it is diluted somewhat since I will be using this a drying aid and the car with have some water on it.
 
Yes S&W can be diluted and I do sometimes for glass cleaning. But I don't dilute when using as a drying aid, or doing quick touch-ups.
 
Looks like the guy's have you on the right path besides I can't give advice in this thread because you ask for a expert that leaves me out.
 
black bart said:
Looks like the guy's have you on the right path besides I can't give advice in this thread because you ask for a expert that leaves me out.
Click to expand...

I'm a hack, and I chimed in.

SO I guess I gotta withdrwa my info.

Please disregard any advice/opinions/speculations I may have added to this thread.
 
black bart said:
Looks like the guy's have you on the right path besides I can't give advice in this thread because you ask for a expert that leaves me out.
Click to expand...
:D

Uhmmm...you do know the definition of expert, right? :D

Besides, I've never seen anything stop posters from giving advice, even on topics which they clearly have little or even no first hand experience. :rolleyes:
 
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