Ask a Professional Detailer Thread...

[Detailed Image]

Hey Gang,

Glad to see RSPEED back up and running even better than ever. I'm creating this thread to open up the forum for any detailing questions you would like to ask us.

For those of you who don't know about Detailed Image, we are a high end detailing company who specializes in working with each individuals needs to get the most out of his or her detail. We primarily sell packages to people but also do details locally here in Albany, NY.

So if you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask, no matter how simple or complicated the question may be.

Sincerely,

George @ Detailed Image

[Celtic1982citleC]

George, it's Justin. Just wanted to say that I love you, my car loves you, and we'll see you in the spring...again

::note:: This is a heterosexual post and am simply stating that Detailed Image, along with George, do an outstanding job and my vehicle would not look the same without their services. ::end/note::

[Shawn96VR-4]

I got a question. I use basic off the shelf products that aren't really good for removing stains on the vinyl (McGuiers) or the leather (LEXOL). Is there any products I can get at a store like Advanced auto that will serve me better? Also, how to clean the headliner?

I also been meaning to come down and get an estimate on some detailing but the car is always being moded. Grr.

Thanks!

[Detailed Image]

Shawn, I apologize for the delayed reply, I must have missed the question. For stuff picked up at a typical retail store you're probably looking at some of the best options already. Do a search on Folex and see if you can find it at a local department store, that's probably the next best cleaner I'd go to if I didn't have access to the products I stock.

This product should work on both the vinyl, leather and headliner, however... keep in mind it will not condition or protect your vinyl and leather. With any new product, test in a small area prior to doing your entire headliner, leather, vinyl, etc.

Unfortunately we do not perform the service business anymore. Over the winter we have been working with Kevin as far as training him about the proper detailing procedures and is using the same high end products and techniques we did. His contact info is kevin@detailsim.com if you'd like to talk to him about what he offers. He's mobile too so he can come right out to you. He already has some nice vehicles under his belt for the year to look at his work... A Ferrari, Porsche, Lincoln Truck, Corvette and a VW Beetle that recently won best new Beetle at a recent show.

If you have any other questions let me know.

George

[Shawn96VR-4]

Thank you for the response. It's going in for full paint so I am just going to concentrate on the interior. I have few leather strains, vinyl stains, and a dirty headliner that I have been tackling. Seems like you can only get things so far before you just can't do anymore. I tried wet vaccing the carpet and a TON of nasty shit came up but it didn't look much better.

[Detailed Image]

Chances are you'll need a combination of hot water, a cleaner or carpet shampoo, a firm bristle brush, a wet vac, and some elbow grease. This is the closest thing to simulating an expensive carpet extractor that professionals will use. (If you're interested in one ours is for sale for $999 we paid over $1700 for it new, heh )

Let us know how you make out with everything.

George

[Cavi Mike]

Are there any good color matching waxes out there? Lots of fine scratches that are down to the primer and I don't plan on painting this car until at least next year. I remember all of the old infomercials...

[DC2Nick]

I have a Question....

If your stupid mom spraypaints something WHITE just a little too close to your GREEN CAR....

How do you go about removing the rest of the little white dots on your hood, and bumper?

and if u guys still do work, how much to have my entire car buffed, waxed etc...

[JVG Motorsports]

Clay bar Nick. A nice aggresive clay bar.

[Detailed Image]

Originally Posted by Cavi Mike

Are there any good color matching waxes out there? Lots of fine scratches that are down to the primer and I don't plan on painting this car until at least next year. I remember all of the old infomercials...

Color matching waxes are just a marketing ploy and the color aspect has little to no effect on the end results. Some products do have fillers in them which will help hide imperfections, but the only thing that is going to fix paint down to primer is a touch up or respray.

Originally Posted by DC2Nick

I have a Question....

If your stupid mom spraypaints something WHITE just a little too close to your GREEN CAR....

How do you go about removing the rest of the little white dots on your hood, and bumper?

and if u guys still do work, how much to have my entire car buffed, waxed etc...

Originally Posted by JVG Motorsports

Clay bar Nick. A nice aggresive clay bar.

Nick, JVG Motorsports answered correctly. A clay bar works great for paint over spray.

Unfortunately we do not offer detailing service anymore. Feel free to contact kevin@detailsim.com for a quote on a quality detail, he took over the service side of things from us and uses high quality products and techniques.

George

[waltbabyluv]

wtf does my car have swirl marks on every inch of it? bad ones, how can i get them off, it looks terrible

[Detailed Image]

The reason you have swirls is primarily due to improper washing and drying tools and techniques. Things like: using a sponge, using a bath towel, using a chamois, using 1 bucket, using water blade, using a dirty wash mitt, using a dirty applicator pad, using a contaminated clay bar, using touch car wash is the worse, using too strong of a pressure washer... all are common things that contribute to adding swirls and imperfections to the paint.

The ideal situation is to always hand wash, using quality sheepskin wash mitts, 2 bucket wash system, an automotive shampoo that has great lubricity and suds, using waffle weave drying towels, a grit guard insert for the rinse bucket and the proper techniques will give you the lowest chance of adding imperfections to your paint.

On to removing them. If they are as bad as it sounds, you're going to need a buffer to make a significant impact on the swirls and imperfections. IMO there are only 2 that are strong enough, yet safe enough to use as a weekend detailer, the Porter Cable 7424 and the Cyclo. We stock the Porter Cable 7424 and is a must have tool for enthusiasts and professionals.

The other option, which I would save for trained professionals (which is rare), is a rotary buffer.

Along with a buffer you're going to need some abrasive polishes. The reason you need abrasives is to remove the top layer of clear coat which contains dips and valleys which are the swirls. The abrasive polishes will even out those dips and valleys leaving you with a smooth clear coat. When the clear coat is perfectly smooth, this is when you see a swirl free finish. The Menzerna polishes are an excellent line of abrasive polishes to use with a buffer.

If you want to give anything a shot by hand, I recommend trying ScratchX from Meguiar's. Try a small section and see how many coats and passes it takes by hand to remove the imperfections, then see if it's worth doing your entire car that way. Most people who attempt to properly polish by hand quickly realize they want to invest in a buffer.

For some further reading on the detailing process, check out these How-To Steps which will explain the 7 main steps in detailing with pictures of your clear coat to follow along with each step.

Sorry for the delayed reply, feel free to ask any other questions you may have.

George