Detailing questions answered here!

[SoloSK71]

Not sure if this one has been answered or not. How would you (or would you?) try to 'blend' the edges of 3M and/or vinyl stripe packages when you are waxing so that you do not get that sharply defined line when the 3M/vinyl ends?

- SK

[Moose]

Originally Posted by jayzwife

Thanks for the education. I do have one question for you. The dealership did a lousy job of cleaning the windows and now they look really spotty, like the worst water spots I have ever seen. How can I get them off, so my car looks perfect? Thanks for the help.

Well, I'd probably start off by washing the entire vehicle again. I'm not sure what the spots are from, but starting with a good cleaning outside is a good start.

I'd follow up by using a good window cleaner, ie; 'Stoners' Invisible Glass on both the outside and inside of the windows, using papertowels of old newspapers.

If the marks are still present, you can try polishing the glass. You can try claying the glass or use a wax with a mild abrasive first. Then, a good quality wax on the exterior to protect should work just fine. (I've actually "Zainoed" the exterior side of the windows on my Jeep.)

That should remove the marks.

Please let me know if this worked.

Ed

[Moose]

Originally Posted by SoloSK71

Not sure if this one has been answered or not. How would you (or would you?) try to 'blend' the edges of 3M and/or vinyl stripe packages when you are waxing so that you do not get that sharply defined line when the 3M/vinyl ends?

- SK

SK, my experience with stripes/3M has been to never polish over the edges, but to polish both stripes/3M while polishing the paint, which will not only offer protection, but make the appearance that much better. IMO, there's really no way to "belnd" the edges - I'm assuming you're referring to lessening the feel of the edge in relation to the paint.

Most stripes and 3M applications are pretty thin. By polishing them each time you polish the car, and avoiding the edges, you can make them appear to be "blended".

Ed

[Super Sport]

I ran over some freshly painted road lines during the evening rush hour, and I have splatter all over the side of my car and - believe it or not - on the back of the trunk. Couldn't avoid the lines, had to get on the highway. I've already tried claying with very little success and I've already ordered some automotive paint-safe graffiti remover. If all else fails, what is there I can do? I was thinking about a rubbing compound?

[Moose]

Originally Posted by Super Sport

I ran over some freshly painted road lines during the evening rush hour, and I have splatter all over the side of my car and - believe it or not - on the back of the trunk. Couldn't avoid the lines, had to get on the highway. I've already tried claying with very little success and I've already ordered some automotive paint-safe graffiti remover. If all else fails, what is there I can do? I was thinking about a rubbing compound?

I've detailed a few cars with this too. :( In every instance, I used clay. It took some "elbow grease", but I was able to get the paint off.

You could try to break down the ltex in the road line paint with a product like WD40 too.

Be very careful though using any chemicals as they can harm both the clearcoat and paint.

[WadeWilson]

Originally Posted by Moose

Quick answer; Black is tough!

That being said, when clean, its one of the baddest looking colors.

IMO, the "trick" is getting the paint properly protected, ie; a good wax/polish. Starting with this as "a base", will make owning a black car much easier.

Thanks. Looking forward to being able to try your methods on my new 5th Gen.

[Moose]

Originally Posted by Stang_Killer

Thanks. Looking forward to being able to try your methods on my new 5th Gen.

I'm here if you need any help.

[Ctrain24]

Moose, I've been using a Turtle wax mitt to wash and the Absorber to dry. I noticed some light scratches last time I washed so I'm gonna ditch both of them. What wash mitt do you use and what name brand towels do you dry with? Do you shop for a specific brand or use any made in the USA 100% cotton towels? I went to bed, bath and beyond but all the towels they had were imported from Egypt, India, and Pakistan. I have the Zaino towels but I use them for polish removal. I've been thinking about ordering the microfiber drying towel and wash mitt from Griots Garage

Drying towel
http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...rying+towel.do.

Wash mitt
http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...+wash+mitts.do

or

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...t-wash+mitt.do

What do you think?

[Moose]

Originally Posted by Ctrain24

Moose, I've been using a Turtle wax mitt to wash and the Absorber to dry. I noticed some light scratches last time I washed so I'm gonna ditch both of them. What wash mitt do you use and what name brand towels do you dry with? Do you shop for a specific brand or use any made in the USA 100% cotton towels? I went to bed, bath and beyond but all the towels they had were imported from Egypt, India, and Pakistan. I have the Zaino towels but I use them for polish removal. I've been thinking about ordering the microfiber drying towel and wash mitt from Griots Garage

Drying towel
http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...rying+towel.do.

Wash mitt
http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...+wash+mitts.do

or

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...t-wash+mitt.do

What do you think?

Hi!

For towels, (and I'll be getting these shortly) I'd go with the "blond towels" off of www.zainobros.com. I'm going to use them for polish removal as well as drying. I'm currently using bath towels by Fieldcrest for drying, but they're no longer available. :(

For washing, I use either sheepskin or chenile wash mitts. (Use aseparate one for the wheels and lower body areas)

Here is a link to the Zaino distributor I use. Carl is a great guy to deal with.
http://www.hcvind.com/ He has everything you'd need.

Ed

[fastal]

What is best way to clean the shark fin? Since I'm fairly short it is a reach to get to that area of the roof. Last time I washed the car and used the tropi-care stuff I got some wax on the antenna and now it has white streaks.

[Moose]

Originally Posted by fastal

What is best way to clean the shark fin? Since I'm fairly short it is a reach to get to that area of the roof. Last time I washed the car and used the tropi-care stuff I got some wax on the antenna and now it has white streaks.

I'd try some spray detailer/cleaner on a terrycloth towel to remove the wax residue. If it still remains, try a soft bristle brush, ie; toothbrush.

As far as cleaning it goes, I'd just wash it at the time you're washing the car. And maybe use some detailing spray for protection.

[fastal]

Originally Posted by Moose

I'd try some spray detailer/cleaner on a terrycloth towel to remove the wax residue. If it still remains, try a soft bristle brush, ie; toothbrush.

As far as cleaning it goes, I'd just wash it at the time you're washing the car. And maybe use some detailing spray for protection.

Thanks, I'll try the toothbrush after work today. I think I'll also have to find something to stand on so I'm not reaching so far across the car.

[Computerplay]

Moose...thanks for all the great advice.

I've never used Zaino and have been dying to try it, especially since my new Camy will be BLACK.......have a few questions:
-do you use the ZFX additive every time and do you think it makes it a better finish/easier?
-I live in South GA....hot/humid as heck. From what I read, Zaino polish can stay on for 20 min. or overnight before wiping off....does the Zaino polish dry slow.....is that the reason for the ZFX additive? If so, if it's hot out, should I skip the ZFX and just let it dry 24 hours in between coats? Current stuff i use dries fast and hard to get off.
-I use MF wash mitts, cloths, drying towels and applicators....any problems that you know of with these? I will be getting some of the blond towels and a new mitt as you suggested, when I get my Zaino.

Side note......just detailed my daughters RED 2001 alero and it was a mess.....Chips, Scratches, Oxidation. Used all Meguiars....Gold wash, Ultimate Compound, ScratchX2.0 and Gold wax. Took me 2 weeks and about 10 washes in between, but I was very happy. Also used the Meguiars Scratchx2 on my dark gray Tundra.....worked really well as long as scratch is not too deep.

[HALFFAST]

Hey Moose, I have read through the whole thread here and you give some great advice, the only thing I'm not seeing is a reccomendation for a quality long lasting tire shine product, something that wont drip onto the wheels and proceed to gather up a 20 ton load of brake dust.
Also I have always used "armourall" for interiors (dash/console plastic surfaces etc..) but is there something better you use or would recommend that in your opinion works better or as well with less of the "slippery" feel left behind.

Cheers