Detailing Trinity: Claying, Polishing, and Waxing your way to a proper finish
#121
What products would you pick from all that's available?--- The best one product from every manufacturer ... The best wax, the best polish, the best spray for clay...
Instead of keeping with all the products from one brand just choose the very best of each one....
Who make the best foam pads? The best pad cleaner and conditioner?
Instead of keeping with all the products from one brand just choose the very best of each one....
Who make the best foam pads? The best pad cleaner and conditioner?
#122
We've had extensive trials with Power Lock and are not recommending it for a few reasons. We've noticed heavy streaking and hazing on dark colored vehicles. We always have to go back after every applications and do a wipe down several times.
Another reason we don't use it any more is due to adverse reactions when there's any humidity in the atmosphere. Once again, lots of hazing and cloudiness in dark colored vehicles.
Another reason we don't use it any more is due to adverse reactions when there's any humidity in the atmosphere. Once again, lots of hazing and cloudiness in dark colored vehicles.
#123
What products would you pick from all that's available?--- The best one product from every manufacturer ... The best wax, the best polish, the best spray for clay...
Instead of keeping with all the products from one brand just choose the very best of each one....
Who make the best foam pads? The best pad cleaner and conditioner?
Instead of keeping with all the products from one brand just choose the very best of each one....
Who make the best foam pads? The best pad cleaner and conditioner?
Wax:
If you like a warm look with more depth, carnauba is the way to go. If budget isn't an issue, zymol vintage is my recommendation. If on a budget, P21S 100% carnauba fits the bill. Something in between would be zymol destiny.
If you want shine and gloss, synthetic is the way to go. Something like Sonax Liquid Nano Wax or RejEx would be my recommendation.
Polish:
Simple hand polish, P21S Paint Cleanser or Sonax Paint Cleaner will give you great results. Swissvax Cleaner Fluid Regular is fantastic as well.
If you're looking for machine polish to remove all the imperfections in the paint, Menzerna SIP and Super Finish will be all you need.
Clay:
Lumiere Medium Clay and Lube will be the best clay for most applications.
Hopes this steers you in the right direction.
#124
We've had extensive trials with Power Lock and are not recommending it for a few reasons. We've noticed heavy streaking and hazing on dark colored vehicles. We always have to go back after every applications and do a wipe down several times.
Another reason we don't use it any more is due to adverse reactions when there's any humidity in the atmosphere. Once again, lots of hazing and cloudiness in dark colored vehicles.
Another reason we don't use it any more is due to adverse reactions when there's any humidity in the atmosphere. Once again, lots of hazing and cloudiness in dark colored vehicles.
#125
Moe,
I have a couple of questions for you:
1) Can you and should you clay your protective film?
2) How do you get the swirls out of the Protective film is you tape it off and do not Polish it? I thought you were supposed to polish it.
3) Have you tried HD Uno? - I have heard amazing results replacing multiple products
4)when polishing do you use the orange pad on the whole car before going to the white or do you go back and forth in each section?
5) on a dark car is it best to hand wax or Sealant?
On several detailing forums everyone raves about the Griot Orbitol. They say the PC vibrates to much but the Griot for the price is awesome. I live in the NW and use the Power Lock by hand on 2 different black cars - love it, never a problem
Did not see this is the threads so... the order goes as follows
Wash
Clay
Wash again
Menzerna SIP with Orange CCS pad speed 5 on the PC
Menzerna 106fa with White CCS pad speed 4-5 on the PC
Finish with Wax or Sythentic
I have a couple of questions for you:
1) Can you and should you clay your protective film?
2) How do you get the swirls out of the Protective film is you tape it off and do not Polish it? I thought you were supposed to polish it.
3) Have you tried HD Uno? - I have heard amazing results replacing multiple products
4)when polishing do you use the orange pad on the whole car before going to the white or do you go back and forth in each section?
5) on a dark car is it best to hand wax or Sealant?
On several detailing forums everyone raves about the Griot Orbitol. They say the PC vibrates to much but the Griot for the price is awesome. I live in the NW and use the Power Lock by hand on 2 different black cars - love it, never a problem
Did not see this is the threads so... the order goes as follows
Wash
Clay
Wash again
Menzerna SIP with Orange CCS pad speed 5 on the PC
Menzerna 106fa with White CCS pad speed 4-5 on the PC
Finish with Wax or Sythentic
#126
Moe,
I have a couple of questions for you:
1) Can you and should you clay your protective film?
2) How do you get the swirls out of the Protective film is you tape it off and do not Polish it? I thought you were supposed to polish it.
3) Have you tried HD Uno? - I have heard amazing results replacing multiple products
4)when polishing do you use the orange pad on the whole car before going to the white or do you go back and forth in each section?
5) on a dark car is it best to hand wax or Sealant?
On several detailing forums everyone raves about the Griot Orbitol. They say the PC vibrates to much but the Griot for the price is awesome. I live in the NW and use the Power Lock by hand on 2 different black cars - love it, never a problem
Did not see this is the threads so... the order goes as follows
Wash
Clay
Wash again
Menzerna SIP with Orange CCS pad speed 5 on the PC
Menzerna 106fa with White CCS pad speed 4-5 on the PC
Finish with Wax or Sythentic
I have a couple of questions for you:
1) Can you and should you clay your protective film?
2) How do you get the swirls out of the Protective film is you tape it off and do not Polish it? I thought you were supposed to polish it.
3) Have you tried HD Uno? - I have heard amazing results replacing multiple products
4)when polishing do you use the orange pad on the whole car before going to the white or do you go back and forth in each section?
5) on a dark car is it best to hand wax or Sealant?
On several detailing forums everyone raves about the Griot Orbitol. They say the PC vibrates to much but the Griot for the price is awesome. I live in the NW and use the Power Lock by hand on 2 different black cars - love it, never a problem
Did not see this is the threads so... the order goes as follows
Wash
Clay
Wash again
Menzerna SIP with Orange CCS pad speed 5 on the PC
Menzerna 106fa with White CCS pad speed 4-5 on the PC
Finish with Wax or Sythentic
2. If it's light swirls, we've had good luck with Menzerna Super Finish and our white ccs pad with a flex. Different films will vary in level of correction and reaction with polish/pad combo
3. I have not. I believe John at Metropolitan Detail sells the product and has extensive knowledge of its performance
4. It all depends on the imperfections and level of correction. I usually polish with one stage first on the whole car before moving to the next stage
5. Completely up to you. Carnaubas give you warmth and depth and synthetics give gloss and shine. Polishing is most important. I prefer carnaubas as the LSP
Your routine is spot on....you're obviously reading and following this forum
#127
1. You can use a FINE grade clay on film
2. If it's light swirls, we've had good luck with Menzerna Super Finish and our white ccs pad with a flex. Different films will vary in level of correction and reaction with polish/pad combo
3. I have not. I believe John at Metropolitan Detail sells the product and has extensive knowledge of its performance
4. It all depends on the imperfections and level of correction. I usually polish with one stage first on the whole car before moving to the next stage
5. Completely up to you. Carnaubas give you warmth and depth and synthetics give gloss and shine. Polishing is most important. I prefer carnaubas as the LSP
Your routine is spot on....you're obviously reading and following this forum
2. If it's light swirls, we've had good luck with Menzerna Super Finish and our white ccs pad with a flex. Different films will vary in level of correction and reaction with polish/pad combo
3. I have not. I believe John at Metropolitan Detail sells the product and has extensive knowledge of its performance
4. It all depends on the imperfections and level of correction. I usually polish with one stage first on the whole car before moving to the next stage
5. Completely up to you. Carnaubas give you warmth and depth and synthetics give gloss and shine. Polishing is most important. I prefer carnaubas as the LSP
Your routine is spot on....you're obviously reading and following this forum
Ha ha. I have been reading the detailing forums for a long time, but have been to chicken to polish myself. Up until now that is. I have been using the Mezerna Power Lock and love it. I am surprised you are not recommending it anymore. I was told with my car I should use an Orange pad then White followed by red. With the red pad do I use my sealant with it or do i use a finishing product? I want to try the HD uno as I have heard great things. Basically 1 product and just change the pads.....So Orange w/ HD Uno, White w/HD uno and then do I use Red w/ HD uno or Red w/ my powerlock?
#128
Ha ha. I have been reading the detailing forums for a long time, but have been to chicken to polish myself. Up until now that is. I have been using the Mezerna Power Lock and love it. I am surprised you are not recommending it anymore. I was told with my car I should use an Orange pad then White followed by red. With the red pad do I use my sealant with it or do i use a finishing product? I want to try the HD uno as I have heard great things. Basically 1 product and just change the pads.....So Orange w/ HD Uno, White w/HD uno and then do I use Red w/ HD uno or Red w/ my powerlock?
The red pad is a finishing pad...it should only be used with a sealant. So power lock would be perfect for it.
Read up on HD Uno on their site. It seems interesting. Watched the video. Good shot of before, but after was of a different section and different light angles. I'm a bit skeptical of their claims. Will have to order some and give it our test.
If you're following their system, Orange and White with Uno, Red with Power Lock.
#129
Hi Moe:
My question relates to static electricity. I polished my basalt black 996TT with Menzerna SIP followed by Menzerna Final finish. Then I waxed with P21S. The results were pretty remarkable to say the least. The one issue is now that the surface has been thoroughly polished it is also collecting everything through the static build up. Any tricks other than a final wash?
My question relates to static electricity. I polished my basalt black 996TT with Menzerna SIP followed by Menzerna Final finish. Then I waxed with P21S. The results were pretty remarkable to say the least. The one issue is now that the surface has been thoroughly polished it is also collecting everything through the static build up. Any tricks other than a final wash?
#130
Hi Moe:
My question relates to static electricity. I polished my basalt black 996TT with Menzerna SIP followed by Menzerna Final finish. Then I waxed with P21S. The results were pretty remarkable to say the least. The one issue is now that the surface has been thoroughly polished it is also collecting everything through the static build up. Any tricks other than a final wash?
My question relates to static electricity. I polished my basalt black 996TT with Menzerna SIP followed by Menzerna Final finish. Then I waxed with P21S. The results were pretty remarkable to say the least. The one issue is now that the surface has been thoroughly polished it is also collecting everything through the static build up. Any tricks other than a final wash?
Hope this makes sense and helps. Let me know.
#131
Moe, need some advice please. Picking up a CPO 09 Red Cayenne GTS
this week, its has spent its life so far in NY state around NYC and Long Island, what do i need to look for in the paint to see if it has been taken care of. my concern is winter salts, acid etc. ...I have used P21s products in the past with good results ( all work done by hand ) but reading this thread has me thinking of going a different direction on product. I have a 2000 mile trip home should I give this paint a compete trinity before making this trip or just work the front area, hood and fenders ?
Kevin
this week, its has spent its life so far in NY state around NYC and Long Island, what do i need to look for in the paint to see if it has been taken care of. my concern is winter salts, acid etc. ...I have used P21s products in the past with good results ( all work done by hand ) but reading this thread has me thinking of going a different direction on product. I have a 2000 mile trip home should I give this paint a compete trinity before making this trip or just work the front area, hood and fenders ?
Kevin
#132
Moe, need some advice please. Picking up a CPO 09 Red Cayenne GTS
this week, its has spent its life so far in NY state around NYC and Long Island, what do i need to look for in the paint to see if it has been taken care of. my concern is winter salts, acid etc. ...I have used P21s products in the past with good results ( all work done by hand ) but reading this thread has me thinking of going a different direction on product. I have a 2000 mile trip home should I give this paint a compete trinity before making this trip or just work the front area, hood and fenders ?
Kevin
this week, its has spent its life so far in NY state around NYC and Long Island, what do i need to look for in the paint to see if it has been taken care of. my concern is winter salts, acid etc. ...I have used P21s products in the past with good results ( all work done by hand ) but reading this thread has me thinking of going a different direction on product. I have a 2000 mile trip home should I give this paint a compete trinity before making this trip or just work the front area, hood and fenders ?
Kevin
If it were my car, I'd just drive her home and give her a good bath. Then see how everything looks. A lot of times, the car was just detailed and glazes were used hiding everything. Giving a good wash usually wipes off the cheap stuff and gives you a good idea of your starting point.
From there, you'll either do a simple clay, polish, and wax or get into machine polishing. Either way, I'm sure she'll look fantastic when complete.
Here is a good kit regardless of which way you go:
http://www.glisteningperfectionstore...Wax-Kit/Detail
Hope this helps.
#133
Moe, really appreciate this helpful thread. It's been an interesting and informative read. Now to my question. I have a new addition to my family and my priorities have changed. I want to spend less time cleaning cars and more time with my boy. However, a dirty car still bothers me and I'm still inclined to wash my own cars rather than going to a car wash.
Do you have a recommended method for easier maintenance of my vehicles( arctic silver 911, mercedes e-class and a black mercedes gl450)? I was thinking something in the lines of doing a good detail on each vehicle (your trinity method) and then use a duster or detailer spray for subsequent cleanings until the wax wears out. I had a habit of washing my vehicles twice a month and usually use up a good portion of a saturday to clean all three vehicles. I'm willing to sacrifice perfection for more free time with family.
Thanks for your advice.
Do you have a recommended method for easier maintenance of my vehicles( arctic silver 911, mercedes e-class and a black mercedes gl450)? I was thinking something in the lines of doing a good detail on each vehicle (your trinity method) and then use a duster or detailer spray for subsequent cleanings until the wax wears out. I had a habit of washing my vehicles twice a month and usually use up a good portion of a saturday to clean all three vehicles. I'm willing to sacrifice perfection for more free time with family.
Thanks for your advice.
#135
Sounds good. Appreciate the business!!