The start of properly washing and waxing, tips and advice appreciated

[dondonbabyraptor]

Honorable mention products. Turtle wax black box kit for black vehicles, Collinite 845 if you are a wax guy instead of graphene. Optimum branded products like the gloss enhancer and paint prep, chemist knows what he is doing. And various synthetic clay mitts/bars. Chem guys honeydew or bubblegum soap.

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[DukeCanBuildit]

I will probably cave and buy the pressure washer eventually. It does make a lot more sense if I am doing all this work to prevent swirls but having a step in the process that creates more swirls.

Brandon,

Forget about that washer Dave sent you a link for, this is what you need, right here…..

FFPW!

 

[dondonbabyraptor]

Brandon,

Forget about that washer Dave sent you a link for, this is what you need, right here…..

FFPW!

Man that sucker is SWEEET. But if I get that, I’m quitting my current job and starting an auto detail business. XD too bad all nice things cost a lot hahah.

 

[AzScorpion]

After reading various comments and helpful tips I created my own process to detailing the truck. By no means I am an auto detailer but I feel I did my fair bit of research.
1. Clean tires and wheel wells. Apply tire shine.
2. Wash truck with meguiars gold car wash(going with a classic oldie but goodie, will try honeydew chem guys if it doesn’t foam enough in the foam gun) going to use two step bucket with grit guard method since I am using a microfiber mitt/brush. Eventually a pressure washer would be perfection to the setup.
3. Bring into garage and dry with Meguair’s drying microfiber. Just kidding, bought a black and decker leaf blower to air dry the truck.
4. Baggie/glove test then clay with optimum/mothers instant detailer.
5. Random orbital buffer + blue foam cutting pad with 3D speed AIO. Maybe orange pad dependent how bad the swirls are.
6. Mother’s CMX paint prepper (would of went optimum but the small bottle isn’t for sale on Amazon)
7. 2 coats of 303 graphene with chem guys microfiber applicator. Cross hatch pattern and one panel at a time.
8. Finish beer and enjoy the shine.

Best review and detailed guide for 303 graphene from a well known auto detailer. Highly recommend checking this out if you want to use 303 graphene. Appreciate all the responses guys, really helpful to finalize my process.

Will update when finished. Sometime mid next week month.

https://www.autogeek.net/303-graphene-review-and-guide.html

Looks like you have a good process figured out but I had to edit your last sentence. ?

Another thing I forgot to mention was that with Graphene there is no curing time so basically apply it and drive it. With most ceramic coatings there is a day to two curing so you can not drive or take your truck out of the garage. Looking forward to seeing it all finished.

Edit: When you do the baggie test do it while it's lubed with the speed detailer. That way it will slide on the surface easier and you'll get a better feel for the grit.

 

[FoD]

After reading various comments and helpful tips I created my own process to detailing the truck. By no means I am an auto detailer but I feel I did my fair bit of research.
1. Clean tires and wheel wells. Apply tire shine.
2. Wash truck with meguiars gold car wash(going with a classic oldie but goodie, will try honeydew chem guys if it doesn’t foam enough in the foam gun) going to use two step bucket with grit guard method since I am using a microfiber mitt/brush. Eventually a pressure washer would be perfection to the setup.
3. Bring into garage and dry with Meguair’s drying microfiber. Just kidding, bought a black and decker leaf blower to air dry the truck.
4. Baggie/glove test then clay with optimum/mothers instant detailer.
5. Random orbital buffer + blue foam cutting pad with 3D speed AIO. Maybe orange pad dependent how bad the swirls are.
6. Mother’s CMX paint prepper (would of went optimum but the small bottle isn’t for sale on Amazon)
7. 2 coats of 303 graphene with chem guys microfiber applicator. Cross hatch pattern and one panel at a time.
8. Finish beer and enjoy the shine.

Best review and detailed guide for 303 graphene from a well known auto detailer. Highly recommend checking this out if you want to use 303 graphene. Appreciate all the responses guys, really helpful to finalize my process. Will update when finished. Sometime mid next week.

https://www.autogeek.net/303-graphene-review-and-guide.html

9. Park under berry tree for the shade and bird song...

?

 

[AzScorpion]

When you have time check out Pans video. He goes into good detail on all his videos on how to apply different coatings and what to expect from them. I've been watching them for years and I know some don't like him but I think he has really good videos. If you watch his older videos he also does a lot of comparison videos with foam cannons, microfiber towels, different vehicle dryers, etc.

 

[puckdodger]

That’s the secret ingredient right there. I would also advise a fine cigar. It helps you take your time.

Add a tumbler of whiskey and you will never want to finish...

 

[dondonbabyraptor]

Looks like you have a good process figured out but I had to edit your last sentence. ?

Another thing I forgot to mention was that with Graphene there is no curing time so basically apply it and drive it. With most ceramic coatings there is a day to two curing so you can not drive or take your truck out of the garage. Looking forward to seeing it all finished.

Edit: When you do the baggie test do it while it's lubed with the speed detailer. That way it will slide on the surface easier and you'll get a better feel for the grit.

Okay mayyyybe next month but we shall see haha. I had no idea the ceramic ones you need to cure a bit. Good thing I only shop on Dave’s shopping network so graphene was the only option. good tip on the baggie test.

 

[AzScorpion]

One thing too is when you're claying do not use any pressure. Just hold it (bar or mitt) and glide it over the surface in a front to back and side to side motion never do a circular motion. I always use way to much lube but I'd rather waste it than damage the clear coat. It's really an easy process just take your time and go slow and use a lot of lube and it'll come out like glass.

 

[dondonbabyraptor]

One thing too is when you're claying do not use any pressure. Just hold it (bar or mitt) and glide it over the surface in a front to back and side to side motion never do a circular motion. I always use way to much lube but I'd rather waste it than damage the clear coat. It's really an easy process just take your time and go slow and use a lot of lube and it'll come out like glass.

Great tip. I tend to rush things using more force but this is one case where slow and steady wins the race. Yeah I’ll be using a lot of lube too, I don’t want to ruin the clear coat either! Side to side got it, appreciate all the tips Dave!

 

[AzScorpion]

You don't have to do this all at once either. You can get the paint all prepped and ready then finish it the next day just make sure no dust has settled on it.

Sometimes it can be a little overwhelming the first time and rather than rush it it's better to stop and come back and start over. Just to give you an idea I can do all this in about 4-5 hours now but the first time was almost double that. Detailing is definitely a slow process that's why most don't like it. I find it relaxing and it's rewarding when you're done.

 

[dondonbabyraptor]

You don't have to do this all at once either. You can get the paint all prepped and ready then finish it the next day just make sure no dust has settled on it.

Sometimes it can be a little overwhelming the first time and rather than rush it it's better to stop and come back and start over. Just to give you an idea I can do all this in about 4-5 hours now but the first time was almost double that. Detailing is definitely a slow process that's why most don't like it. I find it relaxing and it's rewarding when you're done.

Wow that sure is a lot of time! I think I’ll set aside one good day to do it all. I won’t have garage access for overnight just during the day. I like normal washing and waxing but this will take it to a whole new level. Agreed on it being relaxing and rewarding, can get lost in the focus too I bet!

 

[OrangeStreak]

Does anyone know how to properly store a Clay Bar?

I used a new Clay Bar and stored the remaining unused portion in a Zip Lock bag. When I got it out the other day to use, it was stuck to the bag. One source said to soak it in water to loosen it and that made it worse. Any solutions? Thanks.

 

[AzScorpion]

Does anyone know how to properly store a Clay Bar?

I used a new Clay Bar and stored the remaining unused portion in a Zip Lock bag. When I got it out the other day to use, it was stuck to the bag. One source said to soak it in water to loosen it and that made it worse. Any solutions? Thanks.

You can spray it down with some lube (speed detailer) and store it that way, the lube will keep it from sticking to the baggie. That's another reason I like the clay mitts or towels because you just rinse them off and once they're dry just store them in the original packaging. I do give mine a light spray with lube just because you're only using it once a year and feel it helps keep it newer.

 

[OrangeStreak]

You can spray it down with some lube (speed detailer) and store it that way, the lube will keep it from sticking to the baggie. That's another reason I like the clay mitts or towels because you just rinse them off and once they're dry just store them in the original packaging. I do give mine a light spray with lube just because you're only using it once a year and feel it helps keep it newer.

Dave,
Referring to lube, I assume you mean the chemical spray that you apply to the spot before using the Bar? Mine is Meguiar's Quik Detailer Mist and Wipe. I am in a dry climate also and is there any issue with the lube drying out once you coat the Bar? Someone has suggested storing the Bar's in wax paper? Sounds like a good idea to use the clay mitts or towels...will try them next time

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