Detailing Thread [For Newbies][ARCHIVED]

[ILuvDetailing]

magkakaiba ang clay ng soft99. there's one for dark, one for light, and so on and so forth.

AFAIK, the difference is in the abrasiveness.

[Jojo]

My KYK ROP is only 3k.

[patopig]

Hi guys I had the chance to try the Prestone High Protection Wax on my GF's car earlier.

The wax is easy to apply but a little harder to remove than 3M SCLW. I just waited around 15 minutes for the wax do flash and we buffed off the excess (just 15 minutes since we thought at the time that rain was coming soon and the car was exposed.

Anyway, here are some pics. Sorry no before pics.

[patopig]

We just washed the car and hand applied/buffed the wax. After buffing, the paint was really slick! I really liked the results. Now, I guess I just need to determine the durability. I got this really cheep and if this works out, I'll be a loyal customer.

I'm going to try this on my car + moms phase3 soon. will post pics! :D

[chain]

nice work.. nice initial gloss and reflection.. better check on the durability.

any dressing on the tires? noticed that you have some wax pa on the trim...

kung may araw try to get a full-on sun shot off a panel. :cool:

[patopig]

Yup! There was some residue left on the trim and we have not touched the tires at that time. The pictures were taken immediately after buffing since rain was imminent and I wanted to take pics before moving the car into the covered garage (masikip kasi sa garahe). What do you know, it rained 5 minutes after getting the car into the garage. Will dress trims and tires later!

[ILuvDetailing]

patopig: Nice Work. your GF must be really happy hehehe.

what do you guys use to dress trims/tires? I have the Megs tire dressing but I havn't used it for quite some time now.

[chain]

Eagle One Trim Restorer, Megs Hyper Dressing & Endurance Gloss, Armor-All, Mother's Back to Black...andami

Fave ko yung Tire applicator ng Eagle One pati na din Tire Swipes.

Ano ba gusto nyo for your tires? Matte finish o extremely wet-looking?

[patopig]

Thanks! Ako cheapo tire black lang muna. ehehehe. Di pa ako nakakabili ng Mom's Back to black kasi wala na pera. Went to TV again kanina and got some simple green, Armor All interior cleaner and Armor All protectant.

Q's:
When doing the engine, do I have to use simple green full strength or ok lang dilute to 1:1?
Pwede kaya yung Armor All protectant sa engine? May mga engine cover kasi and battery cover yung MZ3 mukhang ok iprotect. ehehe.

I'd like matte finish for my tires. Any suggestions (preferably long lasting)

[groucho]

When doing the engine, do I have to use simple green full strength or ok lang dilute to 1:1?

I have nevered used SG full-strength. Your dilution will depend on how dirty your engine bay is. If it's really grime city, then 1:2 or 1:3 will do wonders. The trick is to spray it on the dirty, oil, greasy area, let it stand for 3 to 5 minutes, then agitate with a paint brush. Thereafter, if you do regular engine detailing, then you can experiment with anything from 1:6 to 1:10. I know of some guys who are happy with one part SG and ten parts water (1:10).

[patopig]

Woo! That's great! Good thing I bought extra spray bottles! Thanks Groucho!

[ILuvDetailing]

Don't forget to cover your alternator, what i do is cover it first with a rag then plastic, no need to be watertight just enough to repel water and I don't power spray the engine, just rinsing will suffice.

Since your mazda should be a relatively new, no need to use a heavy strength dilution. 1:10 SG/Water should be enough.

[groucho]

ILuvDetailing is right. Never power-spray with water. If you do, you're no better than the guy at the neighborhood gasoline station who does engine washes.

I know of some diehards who wrap the alternator and the distributor with aluminum foil instead of just plastic. They say that way, they feel safer that water will not seep into the electrical parts. But aluminum foil can be quite costly. Like I said, they're die-hards.

And one more tip, patopig: spray the SG/water mixture while your engine/engine bay is still warm. The relatively high temperature helps in the degreasing process.

[chain]

don't go full strength with an APC while doing the engine.

for degreasing, i'm at 5:1. that ratio suits me well. after cleaning, spruce up the bay with some dressing.

no need to power wash. and like all people said, cover the essential parts. this can be done by rags later. try to look for Engine Kote (if there's still any here in the Philippines). Better than Hyper Dressing IMO.

[patopig]

Okidoki! Thanks for all the tips gurus! Ehehehe. :D

[patopig]

Hello again bros. I was able to wax my car with prestone high protection wax last night. After buffing, the paint was really slick and shiny.

I do have some pictures below. (Taken this morning, rushed because it was a light drizzle going on.)

[ILuvDetailing]

patopig: Nice Work again. Red on a Mazda really looks good! BTW did you do a 3-step on your ride? or just wax?

[patopig]

Have not done the trim/tires yet. Will top with Mothers Phase3 Carnauba (Liquid) tomorrow!

[patopig]

ILD: Wash then spot claying (the paint is still smooth) then wax.

[patopig]

ILD: BTW, my GF was happy but also tired! She did half of the work on her car! :D