Starting All Over Again

madman

New member
I have taken to detailing with much passion. While it is a weekend hobby/recreation for me, I do take it seriously.



Right now, though, I'm stumped. I have a red car which I love taking care of. Some months back, when I decided to jump into the detailing bandwagon, I shampooed it real good, put AIO, and UPPx2. The results astounded me. Since then, I would add a layer of UPP every three or four weeks or so, of course after a good washing.



It's come to the point, though, that I sort of wanted to re-apply the AIO....you know.....go back to the first step of the process.



But how do I do it, considering that my car now has several layers of UPP on an AIO base that's a few months old? How do I start over? Do I simply just shampoo the car again with my Megs wash? But that's not going to remove the layers of sealant, is it? How do I get to the first step in detailing, where my paint has been stripped of old polish, wax, sealant, etc., and is ready for a new coat of AIO?



I'm almost afraid to ask the above questions because they sound so darn elementary.
 
Hi! Obviously I'm a total noob too but from I've gathered I think you can get back to "square one" by using a polish like SSR2 and a cutting pad.



I think this is essentially how you take everything "off" but I'd be interested in hearing what the pro's have to say!



Good luck!
 
Whoah! I don't think that I'm ready for that yet, Rex. I'm a weekend detailer. I was looking for something less aggressive than cutting pads. Any particular car wash/shampoo, perhaps?
 
I don't want to scare you groucho 'cause goodness knows I don't know what I'm talkin' about but I'm not sure there's a car wash that takes all that stuff off. :confused:



Perhaps something like a dish detergent but I was under the impression you shouldn't use that stuff 'cause it can leave the paint looking kinda dull. I suppose if you're going to re-apply everything then it won't really matter though. :nixweiss



I tell ya what, let's just wait for someone more knowledgable to get here and then we'll both learn something! :xyxthumbs
 
AIO will remove everything under the applicator, including your first coat of AIO. Just do your ride twice with the AIO - to make sure you get everything previous off and to make sure you didn't miss a spot.
 
Gonzo said:
AIO will remove everything under the applicator, including your first coat of AIO. Just do your ride twice with the AIO - to make sure you get everything previous off and to make sure you didn't miss a spot.



Would that be AIO x2 w/ a PC or by hand? Or one of each maybe?



Teach us, we want to learn! :wavey
 
Also, regarding AIO x 2:



Would that be AIO, buff, then AIO, buff? Or AIO, wait a few minutes, AIO, then buff?



Thanks for the reply, though, Gonzo. It's nice to know that I have the right stuff on hand.
 
AIO by hand or PC - it doesn't matter much. What is important is that the AIO doesn't "sit" too long before you wipe it off, otherwise it can be a little difficult to remove and may leave streaks. Streaks are easily removed with either the elbow grease additive or if you are lazier, lightly spritz the effected area with EO W&S [Eagle One Wipe & Shine QD] and wipe it down with a clean dry MF. But then again the streking I DID get was in the heat of a Houston summer. Research the Bill North Wipe-On Wipe-Off method.



From the gitgo, my use of AIO has always been influenced by the instructions from CMA - use EO W&S to prime the applicator and use AIO sparingly. Thinner is better. As you work your way around the vehicle, keep priming the applicator, albeit using less each time as there will be some residual "wetness" from the previous time.



AIO x 2 = AIO, buff, AIO, buff - no cure time required.
 
Without opening a can of worms, do a search on using Dawn Dishsoap in your wash. It will strip a lot of stuff on. I usually use it before I clay.
 
Dawn Dishsoap. Of course, in your due diligence, be certain visit the Dawn website. It clearly states not to use their product on automotive finishes...



That's enough for me.



AIO will do a fine job.



Jim
 
Jimmy Buffit said:
Dawn Dishsoap. Of course, in your due diligence, be certain visit the Dawn website. It clearly states not to use their product on automotive finishes...



That's enough for me.



AIO will do a fine job.



Jim
:xyxthumbs



Detergents:

Washing-up liquids should not be used on a regular basis for vehicles bodywork as their concentrated detergent soaps and usually high sodium / alkaline content will emulsify, breakdown and leach out oils naturally found in your paint, and also any oils you have applied in the way of a polish or glaze.



Generally avoid the use of household cleaning products for automotive detailing as they are formulated for an entirely different type of cleaning. âہ“Your car surface and the dirt that gets on it are a lot different from the food soils and dishes that dishwashing liquids clean effectively. We don't recommend them for cleaning your carâ€Â�. Proctor and Gamble
 
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