I was working on a vehicle today trying to remember what someone had told me for a time saver. Lucky I had saved it in a PM. However, I started thinking it would be nice to have a thread were everyone could post something helpful. If you can think of something that might help another member please post :thumb: I will start :giggle: Instead of taping newspaper on the front windshield cover it with an old towel. Just tuck it in a the base. If you are concerned you are applying to much pressure on your PC, place a few dots on the side edges of the pad. If the pad is moving freely you will not see the dot. :worship2: The credit goes to AL on that one :applause2:
Good thread, I always use my big WW MF's to cover the windshield and rear window after I use them to dry the car.
The PC dots are a good idea... I personally have a huge sharpie line going from the center of the backing plate close to the edge of it, which allows me to see how fast it's spinning. Other time savers off the top of my head... 1. when doing a full detail, don't thoroughly dry the car, rather just a VERY quick wipe and door/trunk jambs... if you're going to clay before polishing don't dry the car at all... you will dry it when you're wiping off the clay lube and you will remove any water spots with polishing... 2. only lightly buff off polish residue when finishing a panel and move on (considering you know condition of the paint and what the polish removed, etc.) 3. do the interior right after applying sealant
1. use an electric leaf blower to get water out of cracks and crevices after washing 2.If doing an engine detail, while the dressing is setting up, start on the wheels and tires. Usually I can get the wheels and tires done in under 10 minutes if not neglected, by then the dressing has dried/soaked in pretty well, then I go back and wipe down excess dressing in the engine, then proceed onto the wash. 3. Use water based dressings on tires. Just spray on (don't wipe off, let it soak into the tire) and then start the next part of your detail. When you're done with other tasks, all you need to do is come back and wipe down excess or any overspray that got on to the rims or body panels. 4. Use WOWA sealants like Ultima PGP (for obvious time savings reasons). Pete
1. If doing a full detail in one day, do the interior first so that the interior, specifically the carpet and seats, are given enough time to dry after going over it with an extractor. 2. Test-polish a small area to find out what proper approach of pad combinations and polishes are necessary to correct the paint for full or almost perfect paint correction. 3. Clean up your detailing gear and other misc. items as you wait to buff off your LSP, for those that require it. 4. Have meals made so you don't have to go out to buy food.
Detailing Tips: 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 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 colour 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 fibre 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 optimising light refraction and the reflectivity of the bodylines 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. 14.13. 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.
