Car Detailing

tiecollector · Jun 26, 2010

A hawk took a dump on my car a few days back and it got baked in by the 100 degree heat. The stain is very very noticeable.

dragon8 · Jun 26, 2010

Take it to a professional detailer

Artisan Fan · Jun 29, 2010

Originally Posted by dragon8

Take it to a professional detailer

+1. May need a light polishing. I like Z-PC for that. Try to use car soap to get as much off as possible. Do not use a "rubbing compound". They generally create more problems.

JayJay · Jun 29, 2010

Waxed my two cars yesterday. It was relaxing and provided a great feeling of accomplishment.

turboman808 · Jun 29, 2010

Originally Posted by JayJay

Waxed my two cars yesterday. It was relaxing and provided a great feeling of accomplishment.

Takes me 2 days to do one car.

runner-guy · Jun 29, 2010

I always use the quarter car wash since regular car washes mess up my rims. For waxing, I use Klasse All In One three times a year and it gives great protection.

JayJay · Jun 29, 2010

Originally Posted by turboman808

Takes me 2 days to do one car.

Man, that's intense.

Artisan Fan · Jun 29, 2010

Originally Posted by turboman808

Takes me 2 days to do one car.

You need to try a good sealant like Zaino. Do you have special wheels that need extra care?

Douglas · Jun 29, 2010

OK, quick question - I bought some stuff @ Pep Boys yesterday, some random wash product because it was on sale and it claimed to have "nano particles" of wax in it. I figured it would probably not do a super job but at least it would wax a little as I washed.

I am not obsessive about this - I just want my pretty decent car looking good, but it's no 911 or show car and I don't have a garage - this is just to keep it looking shiny and nice during the summers. I've never waxed this vehicle, and if I did it would probably just be with some nu-finish or something.

Good idea? Bad idea?

Any suggestions for someone who doesn't want to spend any more than a few hours a few times a year shining it up?

Artisan Fan · Jun 29, 2010

Originally Posted by Douglas

OK, quick question - I bought some stuff @ Pep Boys yesterday, some random wash product because it was on sale and it claimed to have "nano particles" of wax in it. I figured it would probably not do a super job but at least it would wax a little as I washed. I am not obsessive about this - I just want my pretty decent car looking good, but it's no 911 or show car and I don't have a garage - this is just to keep it looking shiny and nice during the summers. I've never waxed this vehicle, and if I did it would probably just be with some nu-finish or something. Good idea? Bad idea? Any suggestions for someone who doesn't want to spend any more than a few hours a few times a year shining it up?
The best thing you can do Douglas is get a detailer to put two coats of Zaino Z2 or Z5 (if dark colored) sealant on it after a light polish using an orbital buffer. Then wash periodically with Z7 soap and spritz with Z8 spray sealant. This is what I use on my Lexus and its the most minimal maintenance strategy that keeps the car good looking. www.zainostore.com If you must use store brands then I like Mothers sealant or maybe Meguiars NXT. You want to stay away from carnauba waxes unless you want to wax every 3 months.

runner-guy · Jun 29, 2010

Originally Posted by Douglas

OK, quick question - I bought some stuff @ Pep Boys yesterday, some random wash product because it was on sale and it claimed to have "nano particles" of wax in it. I figured it would probably not do a super job but at least it would wax a little as I washed.

I am not obsessive about this - I just want my pretty decent car looking good, but it's no 911 or show car and I don't have a garage - this is just to keep it looking shiny and nice during the summers. I've never waxed this vehicle, and if I did it would probably just be with some nu-finish or something.

Good idea? Bad idea?

Any suggestions for someone who doesn't want to spend any more than a few hours a few times a year shining it up?

You probably don't need to bother with the type of wash you bought. Just buy a good quality wash and use a good wax 2-3 times a year. If you want something from an auto store, Meguire's makes very good washes and waxes. Their NXT wax is especially good. If you want to keep the shine temporarily between waxes, you could try a spray on wax.

Artisan Fan · Jun 29, 2010

Originally Posted by runner-guy

You probably don't need to bother with the type of wash you bought.

I don't agree with this part. Car wash soap quality varies greatly. Mothers California Gold soap is really nice.

turboman808 · Jun 29, 2010

Originally Posted by Artisan Fan

You need to try a good sealant like Zaino. Do you have special wheels that need extra care?

well wash, clay, cutting polish , fine polish, glaze then wax. Then wheel sealant, polish metal, clean and prep leather. Clean under hood, clean and protect all the rubber, plastic and vinyl.

It's alot of work and I haven't even polished the glass. LOL

I've been documenting some of my progress. Share with friends and also so I can go back and remember what I did.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...4&l=199657181e

Artisan Fan · Jun 29, 2010

^All right, now we are talking. A full-on massive detail with engine bay detail. That explains the extra day. I usually spend 6 hours on my leather interior alone. Its a real pain but it keeps it looking sharp. Metal polish on the wheels will slow on down as well.

Artisan Fan · Jun 29, 2010

P.S. Nattys is a good wax. Recommended.

Car Detailing

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Suitsupply-sider

Stylish Dinosaur

Senior Member

Senior Member

Stylish Dinosaur

Suitsupply-sider

Stupid ass member

Suitsupply-sider

Senior Member

Suitsupply-sider

Senior Member

Suitsupply-sider

Suitsupply-sider

FEATURED PRODUCTS

Similar threads

Featured Sponsor

Love them, classic!

Occasionally, depending on the outfit

Prefer flat-front

Never wear them

Forum Sponsors

Forum statistics

FOLLOW STYLEFORUM ON: