Detail n00b needs help

[AhmedGTR]

Hey guys, I'm new to the forum and found this section and I could use some expert help. I know just about nothing about detailing and all of the different products. In fact, I'm overwhelmed just being on the forum and searching around. I hope this is in the right section.

I have recently been seeing some scratches and brownish scuff type marks show up on various body panels of my GTR. At first I was clueless how they may have happened. After a number of wipedowns with some cheap microfiber towels I bought at Advance Auto, they seem to be showing up on more areas of the car. The white color hides it pretty well, and you can't see them until you get within 12 inches of the car.

I'm getting more and more convinced that these POS microfiber towels are causing the scratches/scuffs b/c they seem to be showing up all over the car, and the only thing that has been on all of the panels are the towels. Most of the marks are small, but some are larger. These seem to be on the surface as I can't feel anything for most of them. See the pics below.

Seeing how I don't know much about detailing, I didn't know where to start to remove these. Someone recommended trying ScratchX 2.0, but I wanted to find out more so I don't make it worse. That's why I'm here looking for help. I don't know where to begin. I'm certain a paint correction would get these out as well as some other swirls and light scratches, but would like to see if there is another option I should try first? If it's something I don't think I can handle, I'll take it to a pro. I appreciate the help!

 

[jamesboyy]

Welcome to autogeek...as for your concern it may be those microfiber towels fault if not washed correctly but it also can be where you had some kind of grit or contamination fell between towel and paint therefore scratched your paintwork first off check to see if any of these defects catches your nail if they do than its mostly likely not the towels fault and should be touched up but if your fingernail don't catch then a combo like meguiars m105 and m205 by hand should level out and take away defect

 

[wdmaccord]

What is your wash method? Drying method? What type of mitt do you use? What type of drying towels do you use? How do you care for your mitt and towels?

The more detail you can tell us about the processes you use, the better chance we might be able to tell you where you can make some changes and keep scratches like that from appearing.

 

[EVOlved]

Where do you live I recommend finding somebody to learn a little from so you can take your care for one of my favorite vehicles to the next level.

You should not just be "wiping down with MF" that may be your issue not the actual MF you need to at least be using a QD or WW product if wiping a MF towel on the surface, or it will induce marring (a.k.a. fine scratches).

 

[AhmedGTR]

Welcome to autogeek...as for your concern it may be those microfiber towels fault if not washed correctly but it also can be where you had some kind of grit or contamination fell between towel and paint therefore scratched your paintwork first off check to see if any of these defects catches your nail if they do than its mostly likely not the towels fault and should be touched up but if your fingernail don't catch then a combo like meguiars m105 and m205 by hand should level out and take away defect

I'm pretty careful as to check if there is some grit on the towel before using a quick detail spray. Most of these do not catch my nail at all, it seems to be on the surface. As I mentioned, I know very little about detailing. Can I make it worse by using m105 and m205 by hand? I guess I'm just scared of making it worse.

What is your wash method? Drying method? What type of mitt do you use? What type of drying towels do you use? How do you care for your mitt and towels?

The more detail you can tell us about the processes you use, the better chance we might be able to tell you where you can make some changes and keep scratches like that from appearing.

The last several years, I've always taken all of my cars to a brushless car wash, where the car is washed and dried for me. I'll usually apply a spray on wax after with a microfiber towel. I'll just dress the tires with a foam spray and wipe down the wheels with a separate microfiber towel. Pretty basic as you can imagine, nothing fancy like I have been reading on the rest of this forum. As you can see, this is not my area of expertise and I don't spend much time doing it. I spend a lot more time working on the mechanicals of my cars and never got into detailing. But it would be nice to increase my knowledge now.

Where do you live I recommend finding somebody to learn a little from so you can take your care for one of my favorite vehicles to the next level.

You should not just be "wiping down with MF" that may be your issue not the actual MF you need to at least be using a QD or WW product if wiping a MF towel on the surface, or it will induce marring (a.k.a. fine scratches).

Thanks! Yup, it's an incredible car and I feel like I need to increase my knowledge so I can take better care of the car. I live in Northern Virginia in the DC area. I would absolutely love it if someone was willing to teach me some basics in person. Are you familiar with anyone in this area? Or how can I find someone on this forum who would be willing to help? I would be happy to pay them to help me take care of this and teach me how to better take care of the exterior.

The car has been washed in a brushless car wash a handful of times. I do not wipe down the car with just a MF towel on its own. I always use a quick spray wax or detailer with a MF towel to wipe down. I also check to see if there is heavy dust on the car before wiping down the car with a quick detailer. I'll do my best to remove the dust before using a quick detailer.

 

[wdmaccord]

Go to the store sections of this site and also autopia-carcare.com and watch the how-to videos for washing your car (2 bucket method and rinseless wash). I'd say that is where you start and then let us know what questions you have.

You say the car is dried for you at the brushless wash? That could be part of the problem. I don't know how good of towels those guys use or how they are cleaned (or if they are used multiple times from car to car)?

M105/205 by hand shouldn't make them worse. These can be a little pricey, so if you aren't going to detail often, you could also pick up some ScratchX 2.0, Meguiars Ultimate Compound, and Meguiars Ultimate Polish. This should cost you all of $25 maybe? Get some hand MF applicators. Start with the Ultimate Polish and hit it 3-4 times. If you still see the marks, move on to ScratchX, again, 3-4 times. Move up to Ultimate Compound after that (if needed). Good idea to clay these spots first as well to remove surrounding contaminants.

 

[AhmedGTR]

^I appreciate the advice. I think I will give those products you mentioned a try. If I don't see an improvement, I'll take the car to a pro.

 

[EVOlved]

The last several years, I've always taken all of my cars to a brushless car wash, where the car is washed and dried for me. I'll usually apply a spray on wax after with a microfiber towel. I'll just dress the tires with a foam spray and wipe down the wheels with a separate microfiber towel. Pretty basic as you can imagine, nothing fancy like I have been reading on the rest of this forum. As you can see, this is not my area of expertise and I don't spend much time doing it. I spend a lot more time working on the mechanicals of my cars and never got into detailing. But it would be nice to increase my knowledge now.

You can go to a brushless wash that's fine it will degrade your LSP a little quicker usually as they use harsh chemicals. But DO NOT let them dry the car that IS your problem. How many cars have they used those towels on?? Think about it..

The car has been washed in a brushless car wash a handful of times. I do not wipe down the car with just a MF towel on its own. I always use a quick spray wax or detailer with a MF towel to wipe down. I also check to see if there is heavy dust on the car before wiping down the car with a quick detailer. I'll do my best to remove the dust before using a quick detailer.

How are you removing the dust??

 

[AhmedGTR]

^I've only owned my GTR since the beginning of the year. And I've only had it through a brushless wash three times, but yes I see your point about the drying towels they use. The car is not a daily driver and only gets driven on the weekends mostly (and is always garaged). If anything, I use the quick detailer + MF towel more. I use a car duster brush to remove the dust if I feel it's necessary.

 

[EVOlved]

I know some people have ok luck with the dusters but personally I would scrap it grab yourself like 20 good MF towels and some UWW+ or ONR, mix them to rinseless dilution soak the towels in it. Well why am I going over this google "Garry Dean Method".

 

[hernandez.art13]

Start a dedicated thread, you can title it something like, "Looking for a Detailer in Northern Virginia to help me detail my GTR."

Someone might be willing to help you out that way.

 

[AhmedGTR]

I know some people have ok luck with the dusters but personally I would scrap it grab yourself like 20 good MF towels and some UWW+ or ONR, mix them to rinseless dilution soak the towels in it. Well why am I going over this google "Garry Dean Method".

what is UWW+ and ONR?

Start a dedicated thread, you can title it something like, "Looking for a Detailer in Northern Virginia to help me detail my GTR."

Someone might be willing to help you out that way.

Thanks. I just got in contact with somebody already who may be able to help. Will see and post up if it doesn't work out.