some questions for a novice

[Pravin@crazydetailer]

:thumbs:

 

[Rooi_Willie]

Sorry my post was more in response to Rooi_Willie's post

I'm glad herr started this thread, BUT, as in all the other threads it's already starting to get too complicated for my little brain

...

All I would love is for someone to shove something in my hand and say : "Use this to wash the car." and not end up with 100000 different oppinions on which is better #12 or #489 FFS

I just feel discussing things like this on an open forum is far better than a salesman just pushing his products. On this platform, people can share their OWN experience. To me that carries more weight than marketing mumbo jumbo :idea:

I don't mean any disrespect and don't mean to sound ungreatfull, and yes, that is what this forum is all about!! It's just that this is the one topic that has tooooooo many variables and personal preferences, and it get confusing very quickly to someone (likeme) who knows very little about washing & waxing.

Thank you pravin and minimike and everyone else that do post so that we may learn from their expertise.

I'm just frustrated.. Need a hand job maybe :idea:

 

[Pravin@crazydetailer]

Its all good. :thumbs:

Maybe the article I wrote for the site might help without confusing. There are links to products and the write up is also short. Check it out --> Where do I start?

I tried copying and pasting into this thread, but there's just too many links in that write-up.

Let me know what you think ?

 

[rash777]

Very Helpful..... Will be contacting you after payday.....raise:

 

[andrewbuch]

@Pravin

In my Detailing kit with regards to polishes (I didn't get one from you when I ordered as I didn't think about it )

But I have

Megs Ultimate compound
Megs Swirl x
Megs paint cleaner - Bought this a while ago
Megs Crystal polish - Bought this a while ago

For a white car, after I have clayed, By hand which of these products could be used in the polishing step?

 

[Pravin@crazydetailer]

I think its important to break down what what you have into categories so we can better understand where each fits.

The three categories are :
Compound - To remove swirls and scratches. By its very nature is abrasive and removes microscopic layers of paint to "smoothen" out the paint. Obviously you want to be-careful how many times you use this. Too often over a long period of time, and you can cause permanent damage

Polish - You get two types of polishes. Abrasive, and non abrasive.
Abrasive Polish - Has a milder cuting action compared to the compound. Leaves a nicer finish esp on darker colours compared to the compounds. Some also contain mild condioners than leave a more richer vibrant colour. You still want to be wary of not using this polish too often due to the slight abrasiveness.
Non Abrasive Polish - This is just a paint cleanser with conditioners. It chemically cleans the paint with the lowest amount of abrasiveness. So much so that it is negligible.

Glaze - This just contains conditioners and oils that leave the paint looking richer and on darker colours, it leaves a wetter glossy finish.

So if we look at your kit we can break it up into:

Compound - Megs Ultimate compound
Compound - Megs Swirl x
Non abrasive polish - Megs paint cleaner
Glaze - Megs Crystal polish

I suggest you go with just the paint cleaner and then top that up with a wax. The glaze on your white paint will essentially not make any visual difference. esp. if you topping that up with the Collinite waxes.

 

[andrewbuch]

Awesome answer.. Thanks... On my car I have swirls so will use Ultimate compound a bit. But on the other cars I will then use the paint cleaner.

Thanks :thumbs::thumbs::thumbs::thumbs:

 

[Pravin@crazydetailer]

Very Helpful..... Will be contacting you after payday.....raise:

Thanks for the feedback rash777 :thumbs:

 

[Mike1]

Lots of great advice in this thread. :thumbs:

For the Cape Town guys who are nervous about detailing, dont forget you have me and I am more than willing to spend a day with you, help you with your car and show you how best to use your products.

If a group wants to get together we could even meet at Dent Magic and turn it into a small meet and you guys can learn more.

I wont charge you, because at the end of the day most of my clients pay me to fix their damage, it is vital they know how to maintain the finish I leave.

Mike

 

[andrewbuch]

Mike that is an awesome idea.. It would be like a Detailing class... And you will be working at the same time..

 

[Rooi_Willie]

First of all.... Sorry Herr for trampeling all over your thread!! If we do ever meet, I'll make up for it with a nice cold beer!!

Ok, so let me get this straight :

1. Washing - Once a week - To keep the car clean
2. Claying - Twice a year after washing - To remove hard core dirt
3. Polishing - Four times a year after washing - Clean & Condition the paint
4. Waxing - Once a month after washing - To seal all the goodness in

So I've decided to go for the cheaper options for now :

Washing - Chemical Guys MaxiSuds II
Claying - Crazy Detailer Kit
Polishing - Autoglym Super Resin Polish
Waxing - Chemical Guys Sealants

I'll get more expensive products when I have a better understanding of what I'm doing :rollsmile:

I think I'll start my own thread just to document my progress.

Many many thanks to all the members that take time to "school" the rest of us :thumbs: Muchos Gracias!!

 

[andrewbuch]

So I've decided to go for the cheaper options for now :

Washing - Chemical Guys MaxiSuds II
Claying - Crazy Detailer Kit
Polishing - Autoglym Super Resin Polish
Waxing - Chemical Guys Sealants

I'll get more expensive products when I have a better understanding of what I'm doing :rollsmile:

Those products are all excellent.. Not always necessary to get the massively expensive stuff.. Just as long as the stuff is good..

 

[herr bmw]

First of all.... Sorry Herr for trampeling all over your thread!! If we do ever meet, I'll make up for it with a nice cold beer!!

trust me im not worried,you have not trampled over my thread,as what every answers pravin,mike,andrew or any one else gives,is more of a learning curve for guys like us.

should have called this thread detailing for dummies:roflol:

 

[Pravin@crazydetailer]

First of all.... Sorry Herr for trampeling all over your thread!! If we do ever meet, I'll make up for it with a nice cold beer!!

Ok, so let me get this straight :

1. Washing - Once a week - To keep the car clean
2. Claying - Twice a year after washing - To remove hard core dirt
3. Polishing - Four times a year after washing - Clean & Condition the paint
4. Waxing - Once a month after washing - To seal all the goodness in

So I've decided to go for the cheaper options for now :

Washing - Chemical Guys MaxiSuds II
Claying - Crazy Detailer Kit
Polishing - Autoglym Super Resin Polish
Waxing - Chemical Guys Sealants

I'll get more expensive products when I have a better understanding of what I'm doing :rollsmile:

I think I'll start my own thread just to document my progress.

Many many thanks to all the members that take time to "school" the rest of us :thumbs: Muchos Gracias!!

You will find the first time you clay, there will be quite a bit of contamination (Usually). But after you polish, and then protect the finish, it makes it a bit harder for contaminates to bond to you paint surface. So the next time you clay, you will find much less bonded contaminates. So take it as it goes, its not set in stone and depends on your environment.

For me I wash weekly. Then clay yearly. And polish twice a year. Theres nothing wrong with your timetable. If you more comfortable sticking to those timelines for now, do it. But you will find you will get a feel for it as you go along.

I would like to make two suggestions regarding your choice of kit. Instead of just getting the Maxisuds, why not look at our WashKit instead?


If you not using a microfiber waffleweave to dry, you will really appreciate the difference this makes during your drying process! Just to point out, the Meguairs equivalent of the waffle weave (Water Magnet) sells for around R200+ these days. Our ENTIRE kit is R199, so it really is good value. :idea:

Another thing, if you going to go for Autoglym SRP + Sealant, check out our Sparkler Kit



You get the towels and applicators thrown in which definitely makes the task much easier.

And Andrew is 100% correct! There's nothing wrong with any of those products you've chosen. They still premium products and they will give you a noticeable difference on your paintwork :inlove:

 

[andrewbuch]

Pravin the kits you put together are awesome

Those 2 right there are the ideal starter kits.. Just need to add 3 buckets & an extra washmit(for wheels) and you have everything you need for a basic kit for the exterior of the car..

 

[Rooi_Willie]

First of all.... Sorry Herr for trampeling all over your thread!! If we do ever meet, I'll make up for it with a nice cold beer!!

trust me im not worried,you have not trampled over my thread,as what every answers pravin,mike,andrew or any one else gives,is more of a learning curve for guys like us.

should have called this thread detailing for dummies:roflol:

That sound about right!! :rollsmile:

Haven't felt like a noob in a looooooong time :rollsmile:

 

[Pravin@crazydetailer]

Pravin the kits you put together are awesome

Thanks Andrew :thumbs:

Those 2 right there are the ideal starter kits.. Just need to add 3 buckets & an extra washmit(for wheels) and you have everything you need for a basic kit for the exterior of the car..

From my experience, washmitts, sponges etc. should never go near the wheels. While they may clean the wheels (with a bit of effort) The tend to get eaten by the nooks and crannies of the wheels. I much prefer soft brushes for the wheel, and a firmer brush for the tyres.

Wining combo for my wheels are:

For the inside of the wheel:

For the face of the wheel:

And then just a firm brush for the tyres. It costed me a bit upfront, but I've been using the same brushes now for about 3 years and they still look brand new. So .. its definitely worth it.
When I was using sponges to clean the mags, they would start off look great, but after a couple of washes I would be reduce to foam "bits" :roflol:

 

[Rooi_Willie]

Jis, I'm struggling to fork out R260 for a brush.... :=):

---

How long does the clay bar last??

 

[Pravin@crazydetailer]

lol .. indeed ... it is a Shitload of cash! .. BUT

if you add up how much you've spent on wheel brushes & sponges over the years .. it starts to make sense. My 3 year old brush still looks like the day I got it!

But .. its baby steps, ... test the waters first with our startup kit, and then decide later.

 

[andrewbuch]

I agree on the brushes.. Especially the Daytona.. Its awesome..

I have the Mothers fender brush, which I have used for the mag face but for a starter kit a lambswool covered sponge works