View Full Version : Quickest (lazyest) detailing method.
Hi guys,
Normally I just wash my car and leave it becuase I cant be bothered to do anything else. But now my car is on display more at shows etc, i'd Like to make it a bit more shiney :D
Basically whats the easiest and prefebly cheapest way to detail my car. Ie; a quick polish with some super product?
Im not looking for some miricle mirror shine, just a step above a plain wash. :)
Cheers,
Dan
I like using NXT quick detailing spray, you can get it from Halfords, spray on wipe off. leaves a nice deep shine
Ok thats interesting as I have some turtle wax spray on wax and was doubting the effectiveness of it. :)
andyGbeatz
04-07-2006, 14:20
Autoglym's Valet kit does the job quite well..
Deep Resin Polish works wonders if you put the effort in ;)
jetsetjimbo
04-07-2006, 14:25
Ok thats interesting as I have some turtle wax spray on wax and was doubting the effectiveness of it. :)
Quick detailing spray isn't a wax. It's a way to remove light contaminants and restore a 'just waxed' finish. That is assuming you've waxed it at some point. :)
Your best bet is to probably just to get someone to do a professional detail on it. Then you can just maintain it by using the correct washing technique. Waxing will only need to be carried out periodically once it's been carried out properly...
Whats the difference between polish and wax?
jetsetjimbo
04-07-2006, 16:07
Polish is used to restore the finish of the paint by 'cutting' out imperfections though different degrees of abrasion.
Waxing provides the paint with a protective layer agains the elements (and makes the paint nice and shiney :))
ahh so it seems waxing is the order of the day seeing my paint is only 3 months old :D
jetsetjimbo
04-07-2006, 16:18
Indeed :)
When you look at the paint on the car in direct sunlight can you see a spiralish spider webbing effect?
Yes its already covered in swirls :D
But hey im not bothered..
jetsetjimbo
04-07-2006, 16:26
You need to wash with a wash mit rather than a sponge using 2 buckets (one for the detergent and one to rinse in) and 2 mits (one for the top half and one for the bottom) and then use some kind of water magnet type towl / microfibre cloths to dry.
If you're after good results from just one product (wax wise) I'd recommend Meguiars NXT liquid wax - applied with a microfibre pad. It's pretty easy to apply and remove and will also mask some of the swirls. :)
Yes its already covered in swirls :D
But hey im not bothered..
You have a Black car! I assume. Its a nightmare to keep clean and every imperfection shows up but once cleaned and polished its looks the best.
This detailing can get quite addictive (not to mention expensive!), just find a couple you like and stick to them. As mentioned sticking to the 2-bucket method of washing and using clean Microfibre cloths etc should prevent any further swirling.
Yes ive always used a wash mitt type thing, but only 1 bucket :D
I have to get a bottle of the Meguiars NXT liquid wax I think.
Cheers :)
CupraTgirl
04-07-2006, 16:49
The tiniest bit if dirt can cause swirl marks so always use two buckets! Even dropping a cloth on the ground and picking it straight up can pick up enough dirt on it to cover the car in swirl marks, so keep them off the floor and in a bag away from any grit!
The best wax i have found is Nattys Blue Paste Wax, its easy to use, doesnt leave dust particles all over the car and really brings the paint out although every car responds differently! Yours may not come out as well with that but may come out better with something else and vice versa
I would say its not a good idea to do something like cleaning your car 'quickly' as this is when it gets damaged! A detailing spray is good but thats only really a touch up after washing once its been waxed a few times
FinerDetails
04-07-2006, 17:12
nice to see so many posts from those who have learnt so much in recent months!
jetsetjimbo
04-07-2006, 18:20
nice to see so many posts from those who have learnt so much in recent months!
You've taught us well ;)
FinerDetails
04-07-2006, 21:09
The tiniest bit if dirt can cause swirl marks so always use two buckets! Even dropping a cloth on the ground and picking it straight up can pick up enough dirt on it to cover the car in swirl marks, so keep them off the floor and in a bag away from any grit!
I would say its not a good idea to do something like cleaning your car 'quickly' as this is when it gets damaged! A detailing spray is good but thats only really a touch up after washing once its been waxed a few times
two very sound pieces of advice here people! read them twice! remember them!
:clap: :clap: :clap:
grrrrr some :censored: students poored some Fosters on my roof. :wtf: at least it gives me an excuse to wash it properly now. :rolleyes:
CupraTgirl
05-07-2006, 12:52
two very sound pieces of advice here people! read them twice! remember them!
:clap: :clap: :clap:
Thank you VERY much ;)
I like to use a QD spray after I've done the midweek (washed at least twice a week) wash and dry to get rid of water marks and bring back the "just waxed shine".
At the weekend it gets a full wash (2 buckets + mitts) dry, arches, alloys, trim then if it needs it a polish then seal with wax. You'll find the car much easier to wash once it's been done properly and you can keep on top of it.
QD spray is invaluable in this weather, I dont use my car much so it tends to just have a layer of dust on it. Quick rinse and dry then QD makes it look like its had a full detail again.
I recommend you bin the sponge and leather and get a good wash mitt, lots of micro fibre polish cloths and some large waffle weave drying towels.
CupraTgirl
05-07-2006, 14:01
You have PM Iain ;)
FinerDetails
05-07-2006, 16:36
Thank you VERY much ;)
your welcome;)
FinerDetails
05-07-2006, 16:37
I like to use a QD spray after I've done the midweek (washed at least twice a week) wash and dry to get rid of water marks and bring back the "just waxed shine".
At the weekend it gets a full wash (2 buckets + mitts) dry, arches, alloys, trim then if it needs it a polish then seal with wax. You'll find the car much easier to wash once it's been done properly and you can keep on top of it.
just be wary of washing it too much, you increase the chance of inflicting swirls by over washing...
i know mate, trust me my car gets swirls if u breath on it. Ready for another session with the PC, might try some of the menzerna range
AR-CoolC
05-07-2006, 21:29
Ready for another session with the PC, might try some of the menzerna range
Already ?:-o It wasn't that long ago I remember seeing your show if off thread.
Oh well it's an excuse to use power tools ey?:cartman:
FinerDetails
06-07-2006, 15:44
like I said, be ware of 'over washing'......
Right, got my new toys of NXT tech wax liquid and some applicator pads/cloths. Sooo whats the best technique. Might try it out later
:D
FinerDetails
06-07-2006, 18:06
apply in straight lines, keep it thin, apply in one direction, then immediately in opposite so achieve what looks like a cling film thin layer of NXt over each panel.
Leave to cure, and wipe off. If it take more then one wipe with light to medium pressure, you applied to much! Its not how you buff off a product, its how you put it on!
jetsetjimbo
06-07-2006, 18:10
apply in straight lines, keep it thin, apply in one direction, then immediately in opposite so achieve what looks like a cling film thin layer of NXt over each panel.
Leave to cure, and wipe off. If it take more then one wipe with light to medium pressure, you applied to much! Its not how you buff off a product, its how you put it on!
I think only applying in one direction is what's been causing the streaking on my bonnet... How many sections would you do the complete bonnet in Iain?
I was under the misguided impression that it was on in one direction and off in another for some reason.
FinerDetails
06-07-2006, 18:13
apply in 2 foot section, or smaller while you get the hang of it, using long consistent passes, then overlap in opposite
tip: dont start in a corner with the pad, you will struggle to spread the NXT out from the corner...seems obvious when you think about it....
jetsetjimbo
06-07-2006, 18:16
apply in 2 foot section, or smaller while you get the hang of it, using long consistent passes, then overlap in opposite
tip: dont start in a corner with the pad, you will struggle to spread the NXT out from the corner...seems obvious when you think about it....
Cool!
Do you reapply how often should I be reapplying the wax to the pad (ish) and how much on there at a time (ish)?
I don't think I'm a million miles away to be honest, things just need honing a little. :)
FinerDetails
06-07-2006, 18:19
if you are using a foal pad, then a pea sized drop only..... once the pad is loaded you can gauge this and use as needed, watch for consistency of layer applied, this is your gauge.....
jetsetjimbo
06-07-2006, 18:27
if you are using a foal pad, then a pea sized drop only..... once the pad is loaded you can gauge this and use as needed, watch for consistency of layer applied, this is your gauge.....
MF pads (motorgeek) only. I assume similar for that too?
apply in straight lines, keep it thin, apply in one direction, then immediately in opposite so achieve what looks like a cling film thin layer of NXt over each panel.
Leave to cure, and wipe off. If it take more then one wipe with light to medium pressure, you applied to much! Its not how you buff off a product, its how you put it on!
how long to leave on to cure?
jetsetjimbo
06-07-2006, 22:40
I think 30 minutes or so has been recommended in the past.
pay finer details for a good days lesson/work
from what ive seen and on the site its a bargain :)