Spring Winter Clean

Mc Love

Now that Spring has finally arrived....for some, what are everyone's plans for detailing? I'd love to know what is the best guide for getting rid of all the nastiness that comes with Winter and makes sure the car is looking the best for the coming months.

I'd just like an idea of what to do first such as de-tarring, claying etc. Obviously the pre-wash with snow-foam and washing the car with 2bm comes first or does it?

Slattsy

I was going to post something similar.
My hose cracked in January and ain't been able to get a new one. But off next week for Cheltenham so have loads of time. Car is filthy.

Need to get clay but have all the de-rar, iron x, shampoo et all.
I've never actually properly waxed my car. Like a carnouba one. What's the best wax you can get without breaking the bank?

MetzgerMeister

- Wheel wash
- Snowfoam
- 2BM + Mitt wash
- De-tar
- 2BM + Mitt wash
- Clay
- 2BM + Mitt wash
- Dry
- wax/sealant/etc.

For me though, I'll only be using meguiars last touch as I don't want too much protection to build up because I'll be doing another Gtechniq marathon once the weather gets warm and I can get somewhere indoors again.

Mc Love

What lube do you use with the clay?

Slattsy

Mc Love wrote: »

What lube do you use with the clay?

I've often used shampoo/water mix.
The lads miht clarify though.

Curran

Depends on the clay - some manufacturers will state that their clay might only need water to lubricate the clay....Im always a bit wary of that, so I'd always use a mild for of lubricant; diluted lube or sometimes shampoo and water is OK, but some shampoos with gloss enhancers can affect the clay by making it turn a bit funny on the surface; hard to explain, but like as if the clay is beginning to break down, but in reality its not that dramatic, but it certainly effects it.

Mc Love

That time of the year I guess.

Looking at picking up one or two things and I really like the look of the CarPro Cquartz CQUK Kit.

The other thing I was looking at is getting some good quality microfiber cloths as per the other threads, it would be appear that I am causing damage to my paintwork, which to be honest I can see myself, so would love to know which ones to purchase.

Also, I see DS is selling hand applicator polishing pads, are these better than using cloths when applying polish?

Think I am set for everything else, although I'd prefer to buy a 5L bottle of foam & shampoo.

Forgot to mention, what is the best APC to use and how/when do you apply it?

myshirt

APC is APC in my view... all the same, just be careful with the dilutions. Don't do what one guy done in this weather and let it freeze onto the surface!

I have some G101, but Tesco Daisy does the job also.

Mr Detail

myshirt wrote: »

APC is APC in my view... all the same, just be careful with the dilutions. Don't do what one guy done in this weather and let it freeze onto the surface!

I have some G101, but Tesco Daisy does the job also.

Is Tesco daisy not a washing up liquid?

markjh

Mc Love wrote: »

Also, I see DS is selling hand applicator polishing pads, are these better than using cloths when applying polish?

Can anyone shed any light on these hand applicators for polish? Are they any good?

Curran

myshirt wrote: »

APC is APC in my view... all the same, just be careful with the dilutions. Don't do what one guy done in this weather and let it freeze onto the surface!

I have some G101, but Tesco Daisy does the job also.

To a certain degree, yes a lot of APCs are quite similar, but G101 is very different, its very powerful, and a very good degreaser. Its needs to be diluted to the correct ratios too. Most other APCs wouldnt do much harm if not diluted right. Bilt Hamber Surfex HD is also much different; compared to say G101, its water based, so safer, yet has similar ability.

markjh wrote: »

Can anyone shed any light on these hand applicators for polish? Are they any good?

The Chemical Guys Hex Hand applicators? Bigger and easier to hold. Will give an ever so slightly more cutting ability to a regular applicator (as they are designed to be non-damaging), but you wont see major correction ability from them; machine is the only answer!