Author Topic: Detailing Help? Come On In!  (Read 12526 times)

Offline CanuckG35

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Detailing Help? Come On In!
« on: April 06, 2010, 04:54:26 pm »
Hello everyone.  As an FYI, I own an auto detailing business in Southern NB and can help anyone that may have questions or want to know how to properly care for your vehicle.  If you want to know how to properly wash/dry, clay, paint correction, seal/wax, what products to use, etc, just let me know.  I'm here to help.   :)
« Last Edit: April 06, 2010, 05:45:48 pm by CanuckG35 »
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Offline vdk

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Re: Detailing Help? Come On In!
« Reply #1 on: April 06, 2010, 05:06:07 pm »
 :thumbup:

Offline rrocket

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Re: Detailing Help? Come On In!
« Reply #2 on: April 06, 2010, 05:59:07 pm »
OK...I'm about to correct the paint on my Lexus.  It's a bit more swirl than I'm used to, since the paint on the Supra was flawless.  Anyways, here's what I plan on doing...let me know if you have suggestions...


1) Clay bar with Riccardo Blue

2) PoorBoys SSR 2.5 with an Orange CCS pad

3) Poorboys SSR 2.0 with a White CCS pad

4) Poorboys Black Hole Glaze with a Black (or Blue?) CCS pad.

The very front end of the car might require some heavy cutting with SSR 3.0, because of all the road grime.

Does this sound good, or do you have a suggestion?
How fast is my Supra?  I sh*t on Cessnas from a roll....

Offline safristi

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Re: Detailing Help? Come On In!
« Reply #3 on: April 06, 2010, 06:11:20 pm »
..yeah!!!.......lay off rubbin' the poor boys................. :shuffle: :hide:
« Last Edit: April 06, 2010, 06:13:29 pm by safristi »
THERE IS NO CURE FOR "LOTUS"......ONLY TREATMENT.....

Offline CanuckG35

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Re: Detailing Help? Come On In!
« Reply #4 on: April 06, 2010, 06:14:16 pm »
OK...I'm about to correct the paint on my Lexus.  It's a bit more swirl than I'm used to, since the paint on the Supra was flawless.  Anyways, here's what I plan on doing...let me know if you have suggestions...


1) Clay bar with Riccardo Blue

2) PoorBoys SSR 2.5 with an Orange CCS pad

3) Poorboys SSR 2.0 with a White CCS pad

4) Poorboys Black Hole Glaze with a Black (or Blue?) CCS pad.

The very front end of the car might require some heavy cutting with SSR 3.0, because of all the road grime.

Does this sound good, or do you have a suggestion?

Hey Ron,

IIRC, you have a PC7424 right?  Depending on how severe your paint condition is will obviously dictate how abrasive the polish you will need.  PB's SSR 2.5 is a medium cutting polish so I would recommend starting off with an orange pad like you mentioned.  Try a small portion of a panel and if the cutting ability isn't up to your satisfaction, you can swap out with a yellow pad.  If medium cutting is all you need, I am certain an orange pad will suffice.  After SSR 2.5 I would definitectly recommend finishing up with SSR 1 (or similair) to remove any hazing or marring left by the 2.5.  

Also, if your paint correction is done correctly, you will not have any need for the Glaze whatsoever.  I know you told me previously, however I can't remember what color your IS350 is.  What plans do you have for your LSP once the paint correction is finished?

Offline rrocket

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Re: Detailing Help? Come On In!
« Reply #5 on: April 06, 2010, 06:31:25 pm »
My car is black...which is why I was going to try that Black Hole Glaze.


So skip over the SSR 2.0 and go right to 1.0?  What colour pad?

Offline tpl

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Re: Detailing Help? Come On In!
« Reply #6 on: April 06, 2010, 06:35:13 pm »
Hmmmmmm   I think I prefer the local car wash.  ::) ;)
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Offline CanuckG35

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Re: Detailing Help? Come On In!
« Reply #7 on: April 06, 2010, 09:58:56 pm »
My car is black...which is why I was going to try that Black Hole Glaze.


So skip over the SSR 2.0 and go right to 1.0?  What colour pad?


Regarding the glaze, I personally feel it is unnecessary if the job is done right with the polishing.  A glaze simply attempts to FILL in paint perfections, but in no means removes them.  If not removed properly with a polish, paint imperfections remedied with a glaze will come back very quickly.......which is why I am not typically a fan of them.  It's basically a bandaid fix......not something I would personally recommend. 

Regarding your question about SSR 2.0;  If you are using SSR 2.5 to remove paint imperfections, I would recommend finishing up with a finer polish than 2.0 to remove any hazing left by the 2.5. 

Offline initial_D

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Re: Detailing Help? Come On In!
« Reply #8 on: April 14, 2010, 03:15:40 pm »
How often should a car be waxed? Any difference if parked outside year round vs in the garage at night?

Offline CanuckG35

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Re: Detailing Help? Come On In!
« Reply #9 on: April 14, 2010, 04:10:31 pm »
How often should a car be waxed? Any difference if parked outside year round vs in the garage at night?

A typical carnuba wax will only last about 4-6 weeks, so you'll need to re-apply a carnuba fairly often.  If you don't have the time wax your vehicles every month or month and a half, I would recommend applying a synthetic polymer sealant instead of a carnuba.  Sealants will provide paint protection for approximately 4-6 months.  You can also layer a carnuba over a sealant (but not the other way around) if you want the added depth and gloss that a carnuba provides.

There are a number of factors that can decrease the life of your paint protection.  Your washing habits, environmental conditions, etc can all effect the durability of waxes and sealants. 

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Re: Detailing Help? Come On In!
« Reply #10 on: April 18, 2010, 11:46:51 pm »
What other orbital polishers are out there besides the ones I've listed...

  • Porter Cable 7424 XP
  • Griot's Garage 6"
  • Flex XC 3401 VRG
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Offline rrocket

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Re: Detailing Help? Come On In!
« Reply #11 on: April 19, 2010, 12:07:01 am »
The Cyclo is also quite popular.

Offline CanuckG35

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Re: Detailing Help? Come On In!
« Reply #12 on: April 19, 2010, 12:54:23 pm »
What other orbital polishers are out there besides the ones I've listed...

  • Porter Cable 7424 XP
  • Griot's Garage 6"
  • Flex XC 3401 VRG

Another popular one among the detailing community is the UDM (Ultimate Detailing Machine).  Among the detailing enthusiast community, the Flex, PC, and UDM are typically the favorites.  For my detailing business, I prefer the Flex 3401.  I find it the most comfortable to use, and it breaks down the polish considerably quicker than the others.  As an example, it has 40% more power than the PC.  The Cyclo that Ron mentioned is typically aimed at novices and has only about 50% of the power of a PC. 

I hope this helps.  :)

Offline bridgecity

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Re: Detailing Help? Come On In!
« Reply #13 on: April 19, 2010, 01:27:15 pm »
Looking for some wax/sealant advice.  I recently picked up an '07 Tundra, Pyrite Mica (Metallic Brown) in colour.  I won't be doing any paint correction at this time.  Longevity is my main priority, as I don't want to be waxing this behemoth every month.  I was thinking of ordering Collinite 845 from eshine, but do you have other recommendations?
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Offline rrocket

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Re: Detailing Help? Come On In!
« Reply #14 on: April 19, 2010, 02:27:02 pm »
Poorboy's makes nice stuff.  One of my favs!

Offline CanuckG35

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Re: Detailing Help? Come On In!
« Reply #15 on: April 19, 2010, 02:54:51 pm »
Looking for some wax/sealant advice.  I recently picked up an '07 Tundra, Pyrite Mica (Metallic Brown) in colour.  I won't be doing any paint correction at this time.  Longevity is my main priority, as I don't want to be waxing this behemoth every month.  I was thinking of ordering Collinite 845 from eshine, but do you have other recommendations?

Since durability is your main priority, that will automatically take the carnuba wax out of the equation.  Carnubas will only last approx 4-6 weeks before they need to be re-applied.

So a synthetic polymer sealant will be what you are after, since it will provide you with paint protection for about 4-6 months (depending on what sealant you choose, your washing habits, etc).  There are a number of great sealants on the market.  Other than Collinite, some of my personal favorites and recommendations are;

Menzerna FMJ - Although Menzerna discontinued FMJ recently and replaced it with Power Lock, you still might be able to find FMJ in stock somewhere online.  It's been my absolute favorite sealant the last few years.  A breeze to use, offers average durability and looks fantastic.

Menzerna Power Lock - I personally haven't used this yet however a couple of other professionals in the industry have told me that it's every bit as good as FMJ but offers added depth and gloss like a Carnuba does.  Since it's new, I can't speak about it's durability yet.

Chemical Guys Jetseal 109 - Another great sealant that is extremely easy to work with.  Offers great depth and gloss.

Zaino Z2/Z5 - Offers awesome durability.  Some say it looks a little on the plastic side, however it's all a matter of opinion.  I personally like the finish it offers.

Blackfire Wet Diamond - Good depth and gloss, above average durability.

Poorboys EX-P - Average durability, looks great and is cheaper than the majority of other sealants.


I hope this helps.  :)



Offline bridgecity

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Re: Detailing Help? Come On In!
« Reply #16 on: April 19, 2010, 03:14:37 pm »
Thanks for the quick reply!  Choices choices.

Offline CanuckG35

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Re: Detailing Help? Come On In!
« Reply #17 on: April 19, 2010, 03:32:06 pm »
Thanks for the quick reply!  Choices choices.

You're welcome.  There are always lots of good choices out there when it comes to quality detailing products.  Some people find a product(s) that they like and stick with it, while others like myself are continually purchasing new stuff and trying all of the different products available.  Btw, eShine is a fantastic online place to purchase your detailing products from.  As far as Canadian suppliers go, I pretty much purchase all of my detailing supplies from them.  Extremely fast shipping and always very reliable.   :thumbup:

Offline bridgecity

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Re: Detailing Help? Come On In!
« Reply #18 on: April 19, 2010, 03:52:57 pm »
Another question.  I've been using 303 for interior plastics for the last couple years.  I like the natural/matte/no residue finish it offers, but it seems to finish unevenly at times, and I could pass on the scent. 

What would you recommend for a matte finish on interior plastics?

Offline CanuckG35

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Re: Detailing Help? Come On In!
« Reply #19 on: April 19, 2010, 04:00:36 pm »
Another question.  I've been using 303 for interior plastics for the last couple years.  I like the natural/matte/no residue finish it offers, but it seems to finish unevenly at times, and I could pass on the scent. 

What would you recommend for a matte finish on interior plastics?

I use 303 Aerospace almost exclusively and I've never had any issues with it finishing unevenly.  What are you using to apply the 303?  Another great product that offers a matte finish is Poorboys Natural Look Dressing.  It's a little cheaper than 303 as well.