My first detailing adventure!
#32
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I've had pretty good results using Simple Green on PC pads. Soak 'em down pretty good and let it sit for a few minutes, work it into the pad and then rinse it out.
If the Simple Green doesn't get it all out, you can use Super-Clean. Just make sure to rinse ALL of the Super-Clean out of the pads with plenty of water before you re-use the pad.
If the Simple Green doesn't get it all out, you can use Super-Clean. Just make sure to rinse ALL of the Super-Clean out of the pads with plenty of water before you re-use the pad.
#36
Looks like you are making good progress. I just bought a new '06 scab from a dealer in Boise. Turns out Boise has such bad air and acid rain that every new car dealer in that town gets the rain spots etched in their paint on every car on the lot. I live in WA, where that's not a problem yet. Anyway, I tried the clay bar to see if that would work on the spots. It didn't, but scratch-x does and does not seem to affect the clear coat.
I used to have an '84 Mustang GT convertible (black on black) back in the day. One day I was at an auto show and picked up some of this stuff called liquid glass. It was a pain to prep the car, remove old wax etc., but man I have never seen anything that made a car shine so deep and last so long. It did take a few coats and you are supposed to let it bake in the sun to help it cure. I swear birdsh*t would bead off after that though. Made washing and drying like a 20 minute job. If anyone decides to try it, don't use their pre-cleaner. That stuff is too abrasive and will scratch clear coats.
Have any of you guys ever tried it? I'm going to put some on my new truck, as soon as I get all of the water spots off.
Allen
I used to have an '84 Mustang GT convertible (black on black) back in the day. One day I was at an auto show and picked up some of this stuff called liquid glass. It was a pain to prep the car, remove old wax etc., but man I have never seen anything that made a car shine so deep and last so long. It did take a few coats and you are supposed to let it bake in the sun to help it cure. I swear birdsh*t would bead off after that though. Made washing and drying like a 20 minute job. If anyone decides to try it, don't use their pre-cleaner. That stuff is too abrasive and will scratch clear coats.
Have any of you guys ever tried it? I'm going to put some on my new truck, as soon as I get all of the water spots off.
Allen
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#44
Swirls will be caused by oodles of simple things... remember, swirls are just scratches...
Washing, for example, is a great way to introduce problems. Obviously you try to reduce most of the risks but, ultimately, you can't.
The way that I find that I induce the most problems is using QD sprays (Quick Detailer products). I'll get in a hurry and wipe down around an area that might have a little more road dust and then wipe into an area that may not. I know I've induced 'several' straight line scratches (light but, obvious to me) in my paint over the years by just not using that common sense that I preach so much about.
Other items that induce paint problems include:
claying incorrectly -- drying incorrectly or with poor equipment -- climbing around in your engine compartment and rubbing against the paint -- brushing against your paint with your clothes -- hard water can even cause problems (minerals in the water crystallizing on your towels and then you rubbing your towel across the paint).
In short, it's the classic 'damned if you do -- damned if you don't' scenario. We all try to minimize these risks but, ultimately, the paint gods win... and we have to polish and such to remove it all again. Today's modern clear coated finishes are a gift compared to old single stage paint from that perspective!
Washing, for example, is a great way to introduce problems. Obviously you try to reduce most of the risks but, ultimately, you can't.
The way that I find that I induce the most problems is using QD sprays (Quick Detailer products). I'll get in a hurry and wipe down around an area that might have a little more road dust and then wipe into an area that may not. I know I've induced 'several' straight line scratches (light but, obvious to me) in my paint over the years by just not using that common sense that I preach so much about.
Other items that induce paint problems include:
claying incorrectly -- drying incorrectly or with poor equipment -- climbing around in your engine compartment and rubbing against the paint -- brushing against your paint with your clothes -- hard water can even cause problems (minerals in the water crystallizing on your towels and then you rubbing your towel across the paint).
In short, it's the classic 'damned if you do -- damned if you don't' scenario. We all try to minimize these risks but, ultimately, the paint gods win... and we have to polish and such to remove it all again. Today's modern clear coated finishes are a gift compared to old single stage paint from that perspective!