[ModdedMach]

Hey guys, ive had 4 mustangs, ive always been meticulous in cleaning/washing and keeping it that way. Im not exactly new to the detailing world, my cars have always been very well kept but I had a few basic questions.

1. Is it possible to wash your car too much? i was mine 3-4 times a month.

2. Can a soap/water mixture that is too strong hurt your paint?
-I dont exactly measure my amount....

My car has good paint on it. I havent waxed it yet but i want to in the next couple weeks go through the process of removing swirl marks...cause i got em.
(I just bought it in november so the swirl marks arent my fault haha)

Here are the products I use.

Soap: Rainex Foaming car wash
Wax: Meguires tech 2.0 wax (idk what class of wax this is but its awesome)
I dont own a claybar kit yet....suggestions please
Mothers Mag/Aluminum polish (for my exhaust tips)
Armorall aerosol tire spray (low shine)
I currently dry my car with a terrycloth towel...i dont like it, feels wrong lol, i want to blowdry....suggestions

I usually wash my wheels and tips last using the same water from my car, should I do something different?

Im currently employing the 2 bucket system to avoid swirl marks, im planning on getting a grit guard soon.

Im open to any suggestions on product and technique, please feel free to critique. Try to hurry cause i wanna wash today, haha.

Thanks guys

[zinc02GT]

Originally Posted by ModdedMach Hey guys, ive had 4 mustangs, ive always been meticulous in cleaning/washing and keeping it that way. Im not exactly new to the detailing world, my cars have always been very well kept but I had a few basic questions. 1. Is it possible to wash your car too much? i was mine 3-4 times a month. 2. Can a soap/water mixture that is too strong hurt your paint? -I dont exactly measure my amount.... My car has good paint on it. I havent waxed it yet but i want to in the next couple weeks go through the process of removing swirl marks...cause i got em. (I just bought it in november so the swirl marks arent my fault haha) Here are the products I use. Soap: Rainex Foaming car wash Wax: Meguires tech 2.0 wax (idk what class of wax this is but its awesome) I dont own a claybar kit yet....suggestions please Mothers Mag/Aluminum polish (for my exhaust tips) Armorall aerosol tire spray (low shine) I currently dry my car with a terrycloth towel...i dont like it, feels wrong lol, i want to blowdry....suggestions I usually wash my wheels and tips last using the same water from my car, should I do something different? Im currently employing the 2 bucket system to avoid swirl marks, im planning on getting a grit guard soon. Im open to any suggestions on product and technique, please feel free to critique. Try to hurry cause i wanna wash today, haha. Thanks guys

I normally use 4oz to a 5 gallon bucket of Optimum Car Wash and no you can't wash the car too much.

Wash wheels/tires and exhaust tips first. I use Never Dull on my tips. The cleaners typically used for cleaning these aren't exactly harmful for paint, but not recommended to stay on it ya know?

NXT wax is pretty decent for an OTC wax. Meguiar's Gold Class car wash is probably the best OTC car wash you can find.

The terry towel is causing a ton of swirls. As for drying a car after washing and rinsing you need to let the hose run open ended with just enough water flow to push water around. Sheet water off the car. With a good wax the car should be almost dry at this point. Take a leaf blower and hit all the badges, edges, cracks etc. Come back around with a waffle weave microfiber towel (I use PakShack) and you should just have to blot dry the car.

[ModdedMach]

What do you suggest as far as a better wax that NXT 2.0

And what brand of claybar kit should i get...

Im about to throw down some money on cleanin sh*t

As far as "sheeting the water off my car" is this a reference to the open ended rinse?

[zinc02GT]

I believe Advanced Auto started carrying some of Meguiar's Professional line and they should have some Meguiar's Mild Detailing Clay. It'll be like $25 just for the clay, but it's well worth it. Just get a cheap bottle of Meguiar's Spray Detailer (in the red sprayer) and that will be more than sufficient.

OTC, you won't find much better than NXT 2.0. As far as better waxes, you'll have to start forking out some money for good ones. Just remember, the wax is only the protection and if a wax is adding ANY gloss then it's filling in swirls you didn't polish out.

Sheeting the water would be like this except I don't use as much water pressure. You want to avoid the splattering.

Dodo Juice Supernatural water sheeting - YouTube

Dodo Juice Supernatural water sheeting - YouTube

[ModdedMach]

I just picked up a leaf blower from lows, its 450cfm @250mph with variable control knob and it was only like 55 bucks haha. I also picked up a Microfiber cltoh. Is there any warnings as far as using a leaf blower for drying that i should know about? I know i should use the sheeting method first and blower for cracks and stuff, then touch up anything else with a Microfiber cotton terry cloth.

Mothers has a nice clay bar kit that comes with 2-80g bars and the spray detailer for like $17.99, Meguires has a similar product for $22

[glittle75]

nothing touches my Mach except Microfiber, no terry, no cotton, no nothing. From washing, to clay, to wax, to drying, everythin needs to be microfiber or softer. If not your adding swirls.
You need more MF's, I have probly 20-30 and I still run out sometimes. Go on Autogeek.com and read in there forums, LOTS of great info, how-to's, and videos of how to do anything detailing. From washing, clay, wax, sealer, paint correction, everything.
I usually rinse the car, then start on the wheels (chrome for me). One MF to wash the wheels, one per wheel to dry them. Then polishing, one MF to put on the polish on all four wheels, and one per wheels to take it off.
Your final wipe on anything needs to be with clean MF for the best reult.
Washing, 2 bucket w/ guard. Wash mitt, then sheet it all off. I towel dry with a huge waffle weave towel.
Then Clay. Use the mentioned QD and clay. Takes me maybe 3-4 MF to clay the whole car. Wiping off the QD after your done claying one area. Eventually the MF will be saturated with QD, grab a new dry one.
Then Wax or Seal, whichever you are doing. The foam pad in the NXT can is fine to apply. Once it sets up and all, takes a few MF to get it all off the car.
Then I dress all the black that the Mach comes with. 1-2 MF for that job, including the Shaker, Chin, grill delete, etc. I use Back to Black for it, and it works great for me. Others use other things.
Then windows, maybe 3-4 MF for all the windows. 1 for font windshield inside and out, one for back, and one for each window and quarter glass. They get saturated fast with product, and gets to the put where your not wiping off anymore, and still putting it on b/c your MF is so saturated.
Theres more if you are like me and wipe down the engine and all, do interior, etc.
but im sure you get the idea. Try to keep a clean MF in your hand all the time.

IF YOU DROP THE CLAY, THROW IT AWAY!!!!!!

[ModdedMach]

Thanks for the details glittle, ill def check out autogeek.com for my supplies, i only have 1 MF cloth, its a big one, for drying, i havent waxed this car yet, just keeping it washed, ill probably do the clay bar and everything in the next couple weeks. As far as drying goes itll be a MF and blowdry. I def want to try back to black, ive never put any products on my shaker before so ill try that. My big thing right now is i want to take a whole day and do that whole thing, wash, dry, clay, wax. My swirl marks arent horrible, but its a black car so they are easy to notice, especially under light at night.

Should i use a swirl mark remover, rubbing compound, or just a good wax?

[brokenweasel]

Originally Posted by ModdedMach I just picked up a leaf blower from lows, its 450cfm @250mph with variable control knob and it was only like 55 bucks haha. I also picked up a Microfiber cltoh. Is there any warnings as far as using a leaf blower for drying that i should know about? I know i should use the sheeting method first and blower for cracks and stuff, then touch up anything else with a Microfiber cotton terry cloth. Mothers has a nice clay bar kit that comes with 2-80g bars and the spray detailer for like $17.99, Meguires has a similar product for $22

Your leaf blower is fine, that sounds a lot like the one I have. There isn't much in the way of warnings except don't let the tip smack your car.

Which microfiber did you get? I'd recommend getting some nice thick car-specific ones as they will be able to absorb more water and also keep contaminants away from the paint.

Both the Meguiars and Mothers clay kits are nice, I prefer the instant detailing spray that comes with the Mother's kit over the Meguiars, but either will do just fine.

[brokenweasel]

Originally Posted by ModdedMach Thanks for the details glittle, ill def check out autogeek.com for my supplies, i only have 1 MF cloth, its a big one, for drying, i havent waxed this car yet, just keeping it washed, ill probably do the clay bar and everything in the next couple weeks. As far as drying goes itll be a MF and blowdry. I def want to try back to black, ive never put any products on my shaker before so ill try that. My big thing right now is i want to take a whole day and do that whole thing, wash, dry, clay, wax. My swirl marks arent horrible, but its a black car so they are easy to notice, especially under light at night. Should i use a swirl mark remover, rubbing compound, or just a good wax?

If you're going by hand the swirl remover and rubbing compounds won't do much. Also just a tip: I am a fan of Mother's products, their wheel and tire cleaner is great, so is their clay and instant detailer, but Back to Black is easily their worst product. It looks fine, but it lasts all of one wash. I would highly recommend Aerospace 303 protectant:
303 Products - Aerospace Protectant, High Tech Fabric Guard - World's Leading Automotive Care Products
and if you order some of it from a detailing supply company, order a bunch of microfibers while you're at it. You'll need as many as you can get your hands on. Some sites to check out:

We Are Car Care -- Car Wax, Car Polish, Auto Detailing Supplies, Car Buffers & Car Accessories Store
Detailed Image - Premium Auto Detailing and Car Care Products
www.detailersdomain.com (forum sponsor)
Car care supplies, equipment and accessories - Autoality Incorporated (free shipping over $50)
Car Wash, Wax, Polishes, Microfiber Towels and Best Auto Detail Supplies - Chemical Guys Professional Car Care Products - Wholesale and Retail (Monster microfibers are nice)

[ModdedMach]

My MF i got was from O'Rielly's specifically for drying cars. its 6.25sq feet and is thick like a bath towel, im probably going to go online somewhere and buy like a 50 pack of smaller MFs in bulk too, for polishing, claying, waxing and such.

I like doing my waxing and polishing by hand, powertools near my car make me nervous, lol, easy to f**k your paint up real quick at 2k rpms.

As far as removing swirl marks goes...what kinda product should i use, and if i am correct that part should take place in between claying and waxing right?

Im really more experienced then i sound lol, all my cars have been really pretty, i just wanna do everything right the first time lol.

[brokenweasel]

Originally Posted by ModdedMach My MF i got was from O'Rielly's specifically for drying cars. its 6.25sq feet and is thick like a bath towel, im probably going to go online somewhere and buy like a 50 pack of smaller MFs in bulk too, for polishing, claying, waxing and such. I like doing my waxing and polishing by hand, powertools near my car make me nervous, lol, easy to f**k your paint up real quick at 2k rpms. As far as removing swirl marks goes...what kinda product should i use, and if i am correct that part should take place in between claying and waxing right? Im really more experienced then i sound lol, all my cars have been really pretty, i just wanna do everything right the first time lol.

Look up dual-action orbital polishers. On full blast I can press the rotating assembly into my hand (with a foam pad) with no problem. A DA will be exceptionally difficult to mess up your paint because it oscillates rather than straight spinning. Link:
Dual Action Orbital Polisher Guide: how to remove swirls, scratches, & oxidation with an orbital buffer. Porter Cable 7424, foam pads, backing plate,
And yes, in between claying and waxing. I'd recommend using a 50/50 concentration of isopropyl alcohol and distilled water to wipe down your paint after polishing to make sure any and all compound/polish residue is gone.

[ModdedMach]

Cool between claying and waxing, thats when i take out the swirls...now what kind of product do i use to do that? and should i use a power polisher or can i do it by hand?

[ModdedMach]

Originally Posted by brokenweasel If you're going by hand the swirl remover and rubbing compounds won't do much. Also just a tip: I am a fan of Mother's products, their wheel and tire cleaner is great, so is their clay and instant detailer, but Back to Black is easily their worst product. It looks fine, but it lasts all of one wash. I would highly recommend Aerospace 303 protectant: 303 Products - Aerospace Protectant, High Tech Fabric Guard - World's Leading Automotive Care Products and if you order some of it from a detailing supply company, order a bunch of microfibers while you're at it. You'll need as many as you can get your hands on. Some sites to check out: We Are Car Care -- Car Wax, Car Polish, Auto Detailing Supplies, Car Buffers & Car Accessories Store Detailed Image - Premium Auto Detailing and Car Care Products www.detailersdomain.com (forum sponsor) Car care supplies, equipment and accessories - Autoality Incorporated (free shipping over $50) Car Wash, Wax, Polishes, Microfiber Towels and Best Auto Detail Supplies - Chemical Guys Professional Car Care Products - Wholesale and Retail (Monster microfibers are nice)

Ok, so heres what i need....

DA power polisher for the swirl marks
Swirl Mark remover or Rubbing compound (you tell me which)
Claybar and Quick Detailer Spray
Assload of MF cloths
Aerospeed 303 protectant for the black stuff
Gritgaurds for my two new 5 gallon buckets

Did i cover all my bases?

Also whats the difference between rubbing compound and swirl mark remover? And Differences in applications.

[brokenweasel]

I recommend Aerospace 303 because you can use it on anything plastic or rubber and it does an excellent job of protecting everything. Tires, door trim, dashboards, even leather. With an SPF 40 rating, this is some great stuff.

As far as compounds and polishes go:

Meguiars Ultimate Compound and Ultimate Polish are two great products, they have good working times with a DA and are easily found in virtually any store that sells car care supplies. I would recommend starting with those, although better compounds can be had at any of the sites I linked above.

There are various grades of compounds - heavy, medium etc... and various grades of polish - medium, finishing, final, etc... Which all can be paired with different grades of pads (generally foam) for different amounts of cut or swirl removal.

If you don't have hours and hours and hundreds of dollars to spend, get some medium cut pads, a DA polisher and Ultimate Compound and go to town. Watch a bunch of video's online of how to use the DA and see how you like it, and I'd be willing to bet you'll be happy with the results.

If you want to go farther, I'm afraid you're going to have to start doing a lot more research than just this site and start reading all about the hundreds and thousands of products and techniques used in professional car detailing.

[ModdedMach]

ok so rubbing compound and swirl remover are about the same thing?

Thanks for the info, im all over autogeek like a kid in a candy store.

Meguires ultimate compound, followed by the polish followed by wax/sealant yes??

[brokenweasel]

Originally Posted by ModdedMach ok so rubbing compound and swirl remover are about the same thing? Thanks for the info, im all over autogeek like a kid in a candy store. Meguires ultimate compound, followed by the polish followed by wax/sealant yes??

Rubbing compound and swirl remover are basically the same thing, except different formula's with different amounts of cut. Look for a water-based one (Meguiars 105 and 205 are) which will wash out of pads easier and clean up without filling in and hiding swirls.

The ultimate compound would be a good one-step. I'm not sure I'd plan on doing a two-step polish since this is your first time and it will take a while.

Detailing Bliss Forum - News is a good place to read up on detailing as well.

[ModdedMach]

When you say to get a compound that is water based and doesnt fill in or hide swirls, you said that cause we arent trying to fill them in, just polish them out permanently, right?

As far as a 1 step vs 2, i think its hard to make a 2 step process into one, so ill probably just read up on the right way or proper way it should be done and do it. Im not completely new to the detailing world, just newish to this level of it lol. Ive never tried anything i couldnt tackle.

i have time to read up, its gonna be a couple of weeks before i drop 150 bucks on a DA polisher lol.

[brokenweasel]

Originally Posted by ModdedMach When you say to get a compound that is water based and doesnt fill in or hide swirls, you said that cause we arent trying to fill them in, just polish them out permanently, right? Precisely! As far as a 1 step vs 2, i think its hard to make a 2 step process into one, so ill probably just read up on the right way or proper way it should be done and do it. Im not completely new to the detailing world, just newish to this level of it lol. Ive never tried anything i couldnt tackle. i have time to read up, its gonna be a couple of weeks before i drop 150 bucks on a DA polisher lol.

You're on the right track young grasshopper! Depending on the severity of the swirling and how anal you want to be about it, compounding and polishing can go from a one-step to as many steps as you want, basically. So to say it MUST be 2-steps is a little misleading. Good luck with the research! You'll learn all sorts of things that will drive your loved-ones crazy (my girlfriend called me a few choice names while I was replying last night )

[ModdedMach]

Haha i know what you mean, i watched a tutorial last night, basically this is the jist of the process, in a basic way for minor swirls. he used wolfgang products

1. Wash and Dry Completely
2. Claybar the car with spray detailer
3. Use a swirlmark remover/rubbing compound at high speed in a crosshatch pattern and do 4-6 section passes applying apprx. 15 lbs of downward pressure.
5.Buff with MF cloth
6. Repeat step 3 using a wax/sealant, let it set up.
7.Buff
8. Enjoy

Something like this. after seeing the swirl marks in the video i think i may have what is referred to as spider webs, rather than swirl marks.

My paint has a great mirror like finish but under light you can see what is best described as spider webs or lines around the reflection of the light.
Is there a difference between spider webs and swirls?

[ModdedMach]

Oh my dang.... check this out, this just explained questions like for real.
So basically from my recent education, you wanna use the least aggressive compound on your paint that will take care of the problem, for swirls you will need a medium cut compound to a deep cut compound depending on the severity of the swirls.
If you just wanted to revamp a car that had light swirls and hadnt been waxed in a long time, a clay bar, shallow cut compound at medium speed and a synthetic sealant would do the trick.

This chart is freakin amazing....
http://www.auto-geek.net/charts/wax-chart.pdf

I soon will have the blackest Mach 1 around...