When I think professional detailing, the Ford dealer really doesn't come to mind.........

Neither does Bubba down the street with his rotary and 3M single step who charges 50 bucks.

 

This is pretty much what I do as well... I always seem to have some kind of QD spray that is yesterday's flame sitting on the shelf.

Also, like glc mentioned, soapy water isn't really that great of an idea -- mainly because the surfactants and such within the soap will begin to degrade most clay bars after a use or two. Thus, you may not be able to get the full potential out of your bar before you're forced to chuck it because it's getting crumbly.

-RP-

 

That's why you put the clay back in the plastic box or jar it comes in - after spraying it with some QD.

 

so what are you trying to say here?

 

A bit contradictory? I'd say so. I dunno about you, but unless I drop it on the ground, I get more than one job out of a piece of clay before it's ready to toss. The piece that's in my box right now has done 4 vehicles and it's still okay.

 

x2, and it also depends on how bad the vehicle's paint is. If it is not bad, you get more usage. Damon's detail of the Mini is a good example of a 1 use then toss clay.

 

Windex....seriously. And you should ALWAYS re wash after you're done claying

 

Windex????????

Nothing with ammonia is going to touch MY paint, thank you. I won't even use that crap on my windows.

 

ONR

the other great thing about ONR is it's multiple uses. I've diluted a cap full of ONR in a $2 spraybottle and have three times more lube than i would have from a QD bottle at a fraction of the price.

 

There are so many potential issues with using this method. Why not just skip the wash altogether and just clay?

BTW, detailing at a dealership, or at a detail shop under contract with a dealer doesn't change the fact that they aren't willing to pay for quality.

 

Where did I say to do it because the box says to?

Using soapy water WILL cause the clay to break down. It is simple chemistry, and the clay you are using is not immune, or special.

Secondly, when you use soapy water, you have to wash and dry the vehicle after you are done claying. If you use QD, then you can work a small section at a time, and do not need to rewash.

When you are giving advice to the masses, the advice needs to be correct, and generic enough to work for everyone, especially the people with little or no experience.

Your process works for you, but won't work for most here because you left a lot of the particulars out, because they are second nature to you, and therefore you don't think to include them.

Washing and then claying works for you inside a building, where you don't have to worrying about the sun beating down on you and causing water spots and dried soap on the vehicle. Not the case for guys and gals working in their driveway.

You say you have never has issues with soap causing your clay to break down. How often do you use the clay? every day? how many vehicles before you toss it and grab some new?

Try using it with soapy water, then putting it away for 3 weeks or more, like most weekend detailer / hobbyists would do, and you will see what we are all talking about.

No one is trying to get you to change how you do things. If it works for you, then great. But just because it works for you doesn't mean it is the best way, and just because it works for you doesn't mean that the average guy working on his own vehicle should do it that way.

 

Windex? that has to be one of the worst ideas I have ever read on here.

Why should you always wash after claying?

 

You should seriously think about quitting while you're behind.

All Gip did in his response was explain his opinion in a very professional way. No need to get all defensive and start the name calling. You're talking to a guy that has far more detailing experience, and that really knows his stuff.

My advice, let it go.

 

Benny, let me give you a bit of advice if I may. You are a new member who doesn't really know anybody here yet. It so happens the people you are fighting with right now are professional HIGH END detailers with a LOT of experience under their belts. Disclaimer - I am NOT one of them, but I've been here for quite a while and KNOW these guys' competency.

If you would care to do some research here, you will find that these guys have a long track record, they have made a lot of posts with detailed pictures and descriptions of jobs they have done - both here and on other dedicated detailing forums. I haven't seen anything from you along those lines yet. You have to build your own credibility before you go off half ****ed.

In particular, when hwm3 speaks, I take it as gospel. I live about 4 hours away from him - if I wanted a high end detailing job, I'd make the trip and pay his price, whatever it is - and I doubt it's cheap. I have looked at a LOT of pictures of his work and read about his techniques.

Maybe you are just as competent - we have no way of knowing without some proof - and the attitude you are copping isn't helping there either. Don't take constructive criticism as a personal attack.

 

you are doing a good job of contradicting yourself. I am not trying to pick a fight with you. As I stated in my earlier post, I am simply trying to point out that in this instance, the advice you gave was not the best advice in this situation. I never said it didn't work for you. You get mad at me for assuming things, yet you continue to provide more information, everytime you post. stuff you left out the first time, and good bit of it contradicts your earlier comments.

For example .. your first comment about what lube to use:

Then you respond to me with:


My comments were addressed to you based on the fact that you said you detailed at the Ford dealership. You made a comment based on your experience there, and I replied to THOSE comments.


My early post directed at you also addressed the contradictions.

you said these three things:

So which did you mean? If you want long life out of your clay, then store your clay in water, or if you try to get long life out of your clay you are asking for trouble?



I apologize if I came across as attacking you. It was not my intention. This is a place for everyone to share their ideas and opinions. I welcome your contributions to the forum, and hope that you stick around and participate often.