Detailing Tips Recommended Products In the interest of full disclosure, I am in no way affiliated with, employed by, have any vested interest, or in any way receive compensation from the sale or distribution of the product lines reviewed or the company that manufactures or markets it. These articles are not intended to warrant or guarantee any results with any of the products mentioned. No endorsement of companies or their products mentioned is intended, nor is criticism implied of similar companies or their products not mentioned. The author does not provide, nor guarantee and is not responsible or liable for any third-party products or services. Brand, product and company names used throughout these articles are trademarks of their respective companies and are used for product identification purposes only. Proper Technique A sound understanding of the proper technique and the correct process will produce excellent results even with a mediocre product. A quality product used without the proper surface preparation or application technique will never obtain a satisfactory result. Using the proper methodology (surface preparation, using a quality product, along with the correct application technique) will ensure an excellent result. Skill Level / Experience Some methods described may be beyond the capabilities of the average detailer or enthusiast; in this case we strongly encourage the reader to consult a professional detailer or body shop concerning the matters discussed herein. Liability The writer assumes no responsibility, expressed or implied, due to misuse or misinterpretation of the information or methods used, or for any vehicle damage or injury that may occur due to the suggestions and information offered. Product Quality and Technique Proceed with this in mind; the products you use constitute a very small factor in the equation. Methodology and technique constitute 95%; the reasoning behind the choice of quality products is to eliminate any limiting factors, thus enabling you to place emphasis on technique used.There is no `one correct way' to apply a product; the way detailing products are customized are what each individual finds give them their desired results Aesthetics The aesthetics- of a vehicles appearance is very subjective to say the least, the only best wax or sealant that really matters is what looks 'best' to you. In the final analysis it all come down to; 85% preparation, 5% product, 7% application methodology and the balance is in the ‘guy’ of the beholder 1.Add a very thin layer of Carnauba wax as a final coat to the synthetic wax and let it cross-link (bond) for 2-3 hours, then without removing the base layer, increase the density of the wax by adding more wax, allow to dry to a haze and remove. After buffing with a soft 100% cotton cloth it will produce a deep `wet-look' finish 2. For badly stained or neglected convertible fabric tops. Leave fabric cleaner on overnight, keep damp by covering with a plastic sheet, once stains are removed rinse thoroughly and apply protection 3. Dosing your wheels before using a wheel cleaner will allow cleaning agents to be carried to remote areas that might not be reached by spraying the cleaner on a dry wheel surface. This also allows it to penetrate brake dust and road grime easier. To avoid splashing paintwork uses buckets of clean water and gently rinse wheels by pouring water starting from the top of the wheel. 4.Schnell-alternate: (Klasse Wash) Wash vehicle, apply "All-in-One" to entire vehicle while its still wet using damp 100% cotton towel, re-wash, rinse, and dry vehicle. 5. Add a layer of liquid Carnauba wax to a paste Carnauba wax; allow it to cross-linking for 2-4 hours, to produce a deep `wet-look' shine. 6. Use Klasse All-In-One as a base when using a Carnauba wax (or Carnauba based Synthetics) it adds a distinctly deeper color to black and red vehicles and provides a `wet-look' to the paint film surface. 7. Apply Klasse's All-In-One with a Micro fiber applicator after paint preparation (machine polish) to remove any oils or other residue before applying a polymer sealant 8. Apply wax or polymer sealant to vertical surfaces roof to floor and then left to right, on horizontal surfaces bumper to trunk and then left to right, over-lapping panels to ensure complete coverage. 9. Then apply in direction of airflow, horizontal surfaces hood to trunk, vertical surfaces front to back. This application technique affects the paints optical properties by optimizing light refraction and the reflectivity of the body lines and contours of the vehicle. 10 .Avoid circular motions when using an abrasive product (polish) as they cause swirl marks. 11. By applying two thin coats of product it will provide maximum density of your protective layer and uniform coverage providing a uniform gloss, clarity and reflectivity. 12. If there are any places were there is a thick build-up of wax or sealant, simply lightly mist the affected surface with distilled water 13. After washing and thoroughly rinsing, spray the area you are about to dry with a quick detailing spray (QD) with a 100% cotton cloth, then dry the area with a waffle weave Micro fibre towel, to provide a `just waxed' appearance. 14. To keep water out of your side mirrors during washing, cover them with a Saran wrap elastic top plastic cover 15. Use a rolling tape type lint brush, designed to remove lint from clothing, on your roadster or convertible fabric top. Daily use will remove any lint or light dust and reduce cleaning time requirements drastically. Be careful around rear widow area to avoid scratches. 16. To create a gentle cleaner wax, mix a 4:1 solution of Liquid wax and Fine Hand Polish and apply to surface with a 100% cotton cloth, ideal for gold or chrome plated fittings 17. To avoid friction of the vinyl rear window material of a roaster or convertible, place a 100% cotton cloth, front and back, before putting the top down. Do not use terry cloth towelling, as this is abrasive and will cause scratches. 18. Always apply detailing products to applicator not the vehicles surface, this will use less product and you'll obtain a more satisfactory result 19. If the paint can be rectified by chemical means (e.g. acid, concrete, water spotting, etc.) then this is the answer; not abrasive cleaning. Using the correct chemical cleaners will dissolve the contaminants rather than abrading the paint. 20. Always use the least aggressive product first, evaluate the surface, then only if necessary `step-up' to a more abrasive product and / or pad. Information resource Automotive Detailing Inside & Out; a Knowledge Base for the Perfectionist– by Jon Miller © TOGWT ™ Ltd Copyright 2002-2008, all rights reserved Detailing Articles This is one of is one of a series of unbiased and informative, knowledge based, subject specific articles, which are dedicated to the automotive detailing enthusiast or professional detailer in search of development and further education Copyright Protection and intellectual property rights-© This work is registered with the UK Copyright Service that supports international copyright protection by securing independent evidence that will help prove originality and ownership in any future claims or disputes. All original material is copyright, unless otherwise state (1) it may be copied and distributed for non-commercial purposes only provided that you retain all copyright and other proprietary notices contained in the original material, (2) the information is copied in full with no changes unless prior written agreement is obtained from TOGWT, and a reference to © TOGWT ™ is included, any unauthorized use of these materials may violate copyrights and/or trademarks
