Popped my car wash cherry today!

hairyprincess

Wow, I feel so good! And I've only done the first wash, I'm dying to get it washed again. Going to tackle the inside first and the wheels.

Now as I was washing I seen LOADS of bits of tar, a few scraps, some worse than others and two or there chips have taken paint off the bonnet. Any and all suggestions on how to get rid of them would be great. I can upload pics if that helps.

I think I may have found a new addiction!

Curran

Get yourself a good tar remover - spray on, allow dwell for a few minutes and rinse off - jobs a good one!

The scrapes and stone chips are a far more difficult job; one that might be best left to a professional.
Some of the scrapes you might be able to polish out. The stone chips will need paint; you can get kits that do this but you need patience and a steady hand, and ideally a machine polisher to give them the once over when done.

You could buy some polish to apply to the paintwork that will add depth and shine but also help hide the defects, such as the lighter scrapes. The polish will contain fillers to hide them and eventually will wash out and so will need to be re-applied. If you go this route, ensure you get a good wax or sealant to apply over the polish to help lock it in and make it last longer!

Any other questions; fire ahead; plenty of people able to help you here!

hairyprincess

Thank you for such a thorough reply.

I got such a kick after washing I went and got a spray on tar remover, I managed to get half the car done before the rain started. Hopefully I'll finish it tomorrow. Should I give the car another wash then before I polish it?

The polish I got is Autoglym Super Resin Polish and I got some sort of polish stockinette to put it on with. Can I wax/seal immediately after the polish? Any wax or sealer that you recommend I get, or not get? Do I use a microfibre cloth to put it on?

I got such a buzz seeing it so clean! Unfortunately the scrapes are so much more obvious now! I noticed a fair few chips in it while I was detarring. I'll have to shop around for a price for getting them sorted professionally.

Curran

Give it a good hose down after the tar remover - a quick wash wouldnt do any harm.
Dry it, then get stuck into the polishing. Autoglym Super Resin Polish is a very good hand polish and does a good job of hiding light defects, while restoring depth and gloss. The recommended wax or sealant would be from Autoglym also, as they are designed to work best together. Their wax is expensive but very good; HD Wax, but their sealant; Extra Gloss Protection is excellent also, and is very good value for money.

Polish the car, buff it off when it dries to a white haze / chalky finish. Be careful in direct sunlight...perhaps do it panel by panel. Once buffed off, you can apply the wax or sealant. Apply in thin layers...dont lash it on...it will be harder to remove. Better two or three thin layers than one just lashed on. When you know to buff it, is when it has turned to a haze, but if you run your finger on the panel and the product removes without and streaks or leaves residue behind, its ready to buff off. Leave for 30-45 mins before applying another layer.

Foam applicator for the polish, if you are going for Extra Gloss Protection then Id recommend a Microfibre applicator pad (works a bit better) and a plush microfibre cloth to buff, ideally a different one for the polish and wax / sealant!

hairyprincess

Wow the wax is pricey alright, I'll go for the EPG for now. Is it ok to put it on with a microfibre cloth in case I can't get an applicator pad?

The tyres look dreadful now and the wheel arches. I'll give the arches a good going over when I get to do the next wash. It's a miserable morning so far, hopefully it'll brighten up later and I can get stuck in again!

From reading a few threads on here I have learned that 'sponge' is a dirty word so I had to laugh yesterday when the owner of the auto parts shop where I bought my products told me to use a sponge with the tar remover. I just about held back from scolding him! What is happening to me?!

vectra

As Curran said.
When applying the EGP. Make sure you put it on light .... VERY light.
Repeat coats are much better than a "Lash it on kill you to remove coat"

See if you can get some Megauirs Tyre Gel ( Purple looking stuff )

If you have no power washer. Get yourself a bottle of APC.
Dilute at 5/1 ratio in a spray bottle and go to your local jet wash station.
Spray under the arches fut try to avoid getting on the paintwork as it will remove some of your hard earned shine.

Leave to dwell for a few minutes and blast under them with the jetwash.

Dont forget to do the windows.
A car never look finished with streaky glass.

Curran

hairyprincess wrote: »

From reading a few threads on here I have learned that 'sponge' is a dirty word so I had to laugh yesterday when the owner of the auto parts shop where I bought my products told me to use a sponge with the tar remover. I just about held back from scolding him! What is happening to me?!

Sponge doesnt get mentioned too often in Detailing circles!
The guy in the part shop is just VERY un-educated; as are probably more than 95% of the public when it comes to taking care of their car's exterior.

Wash mitts only, and two buckets to wash the car!

What is happening to you?? Well, you've been bitten by the detailing bug....its OK, nothing that will affect your health, just your sanity and bank account!! :P

hairyprincess

Finally I got to polish and seal the car today. I'm delighted with the results, but I'm not finished yet! I've been well and truly bitten!
If tomorrow stays dry I plan on doing the wheel arches, tyres, and hubcaps, and finish the interior. I was well pleased when I saw some beading on the car after a light shower this evening!

Hatfry

^ Very nice