Detailing chat

Special Circumstances wrote: »

I wouldn't be a great person for colours or modifications but that colour strikes me as awkward if you have a white roof and/or white stripes. Or a blue roof.

White roof here which I eventually intend to make black if the plasti dip is a success on the chrome!

Danger781 wrote: »

We've a water butt out the side of the house! It's 105 euro more though.. Is there really that much of a difference?

I am tempted to find out as I currently have a K2. I use it mostly for the foam lance. Looking at the specs there would have to be a difference given the higher pressure and flow rate. I wonder would it have any effect on how the foam lance performs??

BTW the K2 is a fine little machine. I would have no issues buying another. It's cleaned all sorts including the cars at our house for the last 10 years.

Just noticed detailing shed doesn't have the snowfoam lance for the karcher power washer in stock Had planned on doing some shopping tonight but that is a no-go now. Guess I'll have to use the ol' bucket and mit method instead with my cheap cleaning products!

On that note how do I decide what products to buy!? I've been trying to decide on what snow foam to get for about 20 minutes, and haven't even had a chance to look at what else I might need.. Clay, wax, glass cleaner, whatever!

Danger781 wrote: »

On that note how do I decide what products to buy!? I've been trying to decide on what snow foam to get for about 20 minutes, and haven't even had a chance to look at what else I might need.. Clay, wax, glass cleaner, whatever!

They will all do the job, pick one you fancy and go from there.

Maybe get all one make as there designed to work with each other but it's not the end of world if you don't.

*Kol* wrote: »

I see that LIDL have some paint brushes on sale. The three larger round ones would make good detailing brushes.

http://www.lidl.ie/en/Offers.htm?action=showDetail&id=29172

I got a couple sets of these the last time the were on special for this exact reason. Doing the job well ever since.

edburg wrote: »

Use the flat brushes for tyres and flat face wheels.

I wouldn't use the flat brushes at all due to the metal band holding in the bristles.

*Kol* wrote: »

I wouldn't use the flat brushes at all due to the metal band holding in the bristles.

I wrap mine in insulating tape so this is negated!

edburg wrote: »

You be holding the brush very strange if metal band hits anything while cleaning tyres and face of wheel.

I just wouldn't chance it. I prefer to use wheel woollies.

So I went to halfords today to buy myself a Karcher K4 power washer. To my dismay I could only find one on the shelf and the box looked a bit tattered. I figured it was normal to be in that kind of condition considering it was a large hardware store so didn't pay much notice. Picked up the box and started walking towards the till until I felt the leg of my pants getting wet. The box was leaking on me. The reason the box was falling apart was because the bloody thing was used. Can't believe they were selling that at full price. I didn't complain or make a fuss, but instead put the box back on the shelf and then just happened to spot an a clean K4 mixed in with a load of K2 washers.

There is a foam lance comes in the box but I assume it's not great. Either way I'll chance it tomorrow depending on the weather. Also picked up some demon wash snow foam which seems to have mixed reviews but it's the best I could get on short notice. Grabbed some meguirs Clay, Polish and Wax, along with halfords bug and tar remover. At home I already have some simoniz shampoo and other bits lying around.

What process should I follow tomorrow?

So I went to get some microfibers..... :pac:

Deleted User wrote: »

Where'd you pick up the rotary if you don't mind me asking?

It's a DAS-6 Pro, I picked it up from one of the local retailers down here, D&D Detailing. Sound lads, spent 2 hours just talking to them before I even got to start on the car!

I finally got my hands on a kestrel das6, second hand but was pretty cheap! It has no pads though, so I'm wondering what colour pads I need to go for just for minor imperfections, I won't be tackling orange peel etc with it. Also what make of pads? Thanks guys!

Alfie1 wrote: »

My car was de-tarred, clayed, de-ironed, glazed & waxed back in May, it now needs another coat of wax as the beading is fading.

If I decide it doesn't need de-tarring & claying again then what should I do to prepare the car for another wax ? I've read everything from using panel wipe to IPA & APC, fairly liquid has also been mentioned but I've also read that that doesn't actually remove old wax.

Maybe it's easier to just de-tarr & clay the car again before applying a new layer of wax, all advice welcome.

Personally, after 3 months I'd definitely clay and de-tar it again, the clay should take off a decent bit of the wax too and then a quick polish should take off the rest and leave it good for another waxing.

Also if I decide the car doesn't need a de-tar or clay already what's the best way to get rid of the remaining wax ?