I guess I need to wash my truck…

[Kristina]

When my truck was new in April of 2019 I had it professionally Ceramic coated with Ceramic pro brand coating. It was a four year product and fairly expensive. Worth it? To be honest it is hard to say. Even with Ceramic coating maintenance and detailing are needed to keep it looking like I want it too. Their maintenance product, Ceramic Pro Care is $65.00 for about 10 oz. (300 ML)

Now that my four year Rangerversary is approaching I am planning a major detailing day (or two) when the weather gets warmer.

Here is my plan. I know that your access to the same brands may be limited, but these are the things that work for me.

Wash Adams car shampoo. It is PH balanced and works well. Pressure washer first, then foam cannon, then rinse with hose, dry with leaf blower and then Adams white micro fiber towels. I like these for drying they are very absorbent. For other micro fiber use I like these from Ceramic pro. They are very soft, the same on both sides and they don't pickup as much grit and debris if you drop one.

Clay bar I am going with a real clay this time. Probably from Mothers or Maguire's. I have used the artificial ones and they are good but not as good as real clay, and they wear out eventually.

Paint touch up A few nicks to repair. Four years daily driver. I have some from Scratches happen.

Stripping? I will use a fairly weak (15 to 17%) Isopropyl alcohol solution to remove old coatings.

Coating 303 Graphene Nano spray coating. I used it on my Mustang instead of Ceramic and very happy with the results.

Wheels Same as paint

Tires 303 Tire and rubber cleaner, rinse with pressure washer. Spray with 303 Protectant. Have used 303 tire balm but it is thick and difficult to get in the side cleats on the BFG KO tires. Spray is easier and results are equal.

Rubber and plastic trim including head lights and tail lights. 303 Protectant.

Wheel wells and under side. Good wash with pressure washer. I have used 303 Protectant in the past with good results, but this time I am going to ty some Wool Wax.

Interior. I have some stains on passenger seat from spilled carry out food. I have used some leather cleaner but it still needs some attention. Not sure what to try next.

Dash and plastic panels Light coating of 303 protectant.

Carpet Just a good vacuuming and some carpet cleaner where needed. What ever is in the kitchen cabinet.

Glass A really thorough cleaning and then Rain X on the exterior.

Engine compartment. Just a good wash and 303 protectant on all the plastic and rupper.

Best of luck to you on your detailing. Make a day of it and enjoy. When you are finished sit back with a cold beverage and admire the awesomeness. I am one of those people that actually enjoys detailing vehicles. It is not work if you perceive it as fun.

Thank you a lot for step by step explanations, very easy to get an overview.
I’ll look for products I don’t have yet soon and if weather turns nice, I will find the time.
I let no one else drive her, I don’t want anyone else to touch her either.

One day I’ll wash her.

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[Kristina]

What about clay bar?

 

[Dr_Strangelove]

Kristina I love that you've swung like a pendulum to the dark side. Welcome. We don't need mirrors because we have our trucks.

Clay will pull contaminants off of your paint but I would not think of it as a "every time I wash my truck" step because it is a mild abrasive and it is taking a wee bit of clear coat with it as you use it.

I use clay as the first step before a rotary polish and then a sealant. For the first time I went ceramic and now I'm hoping to not touch clay for a long time. You could also use a wax as a sealant which is more old school.

Now ask us for rotary polisher recommendations. I love this. ? I use this one. (But really only because I'm a Milwaukee tool nut and I have the M18 system to use the batteries.)

 

[AzScorpion]

What about clay bar?

I like using a clay mitt. They're much easier to use and cover a larger area. Also if you drop it you can just wash them off where a clay bar is no good and you have to throw them away.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

What about clay bar?

They are amazing! There are also Clay Mitts but I haven’t used one yet - Dave will be along shortly to tell you about those.

I’ve heard good things about them.

Edit: He types much faster than I do. ? ?

 

[AzScorpion]

They are amazing! There are also Clay Mitts but I haven’t used one yet - Dave will be along shortly to tell you about those.

I’ve heard good things about them.

Edit: He types much faster than I do. ?

To late! ?

 

[Kristina]

Thanks guys!
Those answers came really fast!
Mild or aggressive clay?
As she gets her first layer there is a need for a good cleaning before.

 

[AzScorpion]

Thanks guys!
Those answers came really fast!
Mild or aggressive clay?
As she gets her first layer there is a need for a good cleaning before.

Most clay mitts are mild which you want. I use a speed detailer for the clay lube. Spray it on a wet panel, rub the mitt gently (no pressure at all) from side to side then up and down. Do not make circles with it. Once you have a panel done slip a sandwich baggie on your hand and feel the surface. If it still feels bumpy the redo it until it feels smooth and move onto the next panel and repeat.

 

[AzScorpion]

Be careful though after you're done with this process and waxing it, it'll be very slick and slippery.

 

[rydfree]

Kristina I love that you've swung like a pendulum to the dark side. Welcome. We don't need mirrors because we have our trucks.

Clay will pull contaminants off of your paint but I would not think of it as a "every time I wash my truck" step because it is a mild abrasive and it is taking a wee bit of clear coat with it as you use it.

I use clay as the first step before a rotary polish and then a sealant. For the first time I went ceramic and now I'm hoping to not touch clay for a long time. You could also use a wax as a sealant which is more old school.

Now ask us for rotary polisher recommendations. I love this. ? I use this one. (But really only because I'm a Milwaukee tool nut and I have the M18 system to use the batteries.)

Best buffer/polisher out there is the dual head , dual action Cyclo . Used several for 20 years at my business and the only one I kept after closing the business finally kicked the bucket last year . It was 35 years old.
Cyclo Polisher, Dual Head Polisher, Cyclo Orbital Polisher, orbital buffer, cyclo buffer, machine buffer, airplane buffer, trailer buffer (autogeek.net)
You can get all types of foam pads that vary in coarseness depending on whether you want to cut , buff or polish.
Generally I just use these two for 90% of the time.
Amazon.com: Cyclo (72-145x4-4PK) Orange Foam Compounding and Polishing Pad with Loop, (Pack of 4) : Automotive

Cyclo (72-120x4-4PK) Green Foam Polishing Pad with Loop, (Pack of 4) (amazon.com)

I replaced it with this cheaper knockoff version that use the same pads and so far I'm impressed with it for the money .
TruePower 4" Dual Head Random Orbit Polisher 350W - Walmart.com

 

[Kristina]

Be careful though after you're done with this process and waxing it, it'll be very slick and slippery.

I think I better leave my truck be and clean my bicycle, lawnmower and chainsaw instead.

 

[Jhbryaniv]

Kristina I love that you've swung like a pendulum to the dark side. Welcome. We don't need mirrors because we have our trucks.

Clay will pull contaminants off of your paint but I would not think of it as a "every time I wash my truck" step because it is a mild abrasive and it is taking a wee bit of clear coat with it as you use it.

I use clay as the first step before a rotary polish and then a sealant. For the first time I went ceramic and now I'm hoping to not touch clay for a long time. You could also use a wax as a sealant which is more old school.

Now ask us for rotary polisher recommendations. I love this. ? I use this one. (But really only because I'm a Milwaukee tool nut and I have the M18 system to use the batteries.)

Jesus, don't kill your paint with that rotary... LoL

A friend brought her car home from the auto body shop where they fixed a dent. Part of the fix was polishing the paint... They burned through the paint in 2 different locations... She was pissed.

Also, @Kristina

 

[Kristina]

Gave her a quick bath to check out the paint condition after winter so I know what is waiting for me if salt and everything else is removed.
Don’t know who collected this much sand and dirt stuck under the truck At least this is gone for now and wheels are in good condition.

 

[Jhbryaniv]

Gave her a quick bath to check out the paint condition after winter so I know what is waiting for me if salt and everything else is removed.
Don’t know who collected this much sand and dirt stuck under the truck At least this is gone for now and wheels are in good condition.

Doesn't look that bad.

The best thing I see from the picture is I can actually make out what is being reflected off the hood. Ie there isn't a ton of scratches and swirl marks. I see some scratches, but nothing that a good wash, decon and maybe light clay won't take out.

One thing I didn't mention earlier that is important to remember... Black paint can be super gorgeous when clean, but a few scratches can ruin the loom.

Maybe while I'm bored in class today I'll draw what I picture a scratch being and why they are so hideous on black paints....

 

[Jhbryaniv]

Can y'all read this?

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