How to use Griot's Garage to detail your car - A detail job Richard Griot would be proud of!

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

How to use Griot's Garage to detail your car - A detail job Richard Griot would be proud of!


Griot's Garage is introducing a number of new products at SEMA this year and to when I have new products to test out I like to schedule a cool car in dire need of help for the product testing and reviews. Recently my friend Paul purchased a 1970 Plymouth 'Cuda with the 340 engine and 4-speed transmission out of a museum where it has spent the last 15+ years of it's life.


Besides the new product being introduced, they recently introduced their 5" pad system for their 6" DA Orbital Polisher as well as their Complete Compound, Complete Polish and their recently reformulated Best of Show Wax.

Pictured below are all the Griot's Garage pads, products, tools and towels I used for this project. I'll walk you through the steps and the products I used to take a diamond in the rough and turn it into a glistening gemstone.


Step 1: Washing the car

As a professional courtesy to the current owner and future owner of this car and cars like this I tend not to use the traditional car wash process including running water to wash the car. The reason why is to avoid getting water into places you cannot reach to dry and thus creating a potential rust issue down the road. Anyone that has restored a car knows the most expensive part of any muscle car restoration is removing rusted sheetmetal and replacing it or repairing it with rust-free parts. Besides the cost of the pars the labor involved is extensive and costly.

So to get this car clean I used the Griot's Spray-on Car Wash

Mike's Technique Tip
When using a waterless wash, the trick to getting the car while leaving a scratch-free finish is to use the product heavy or wet and also use a LOT of clean, dry microfiber towel.

Detailing Terminology: The words heavy and wet when used in the detailing world means use a lot of product. Specifically, when using a waterless wash you don't mist a little product onto a panel you spray down a heavy saturation. This way there's LOTS of liquid on the surface to provide both the cleaning agents to loosen built-up dirt and also lots of lubrication to protect the paint while you're wiping it with a microfiber towel.



If you look closely at the below pictures you can see I've spray on a heavy layer of the Griot's Garage Spray-on Wash

You can also see the heavy spray of product on the glass, which shows up better in the pictures but the same heavy spray of product is on the paint.

Next I use the Griot's Garage Spray-On Car Wash Cloths to wipe the car clean.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Step 2: Inspect the paint for above surface bonded contaminants and if discovered, remove them.

I did the baggie test. The paint felt rough.

I clayed a section on the front of the hood. I like to use clay when I'm curious to see the color of the contaminants on the paint. Other methods work great to remove contaminants but clay can show you what's coming off the paint.

Sometimes I like to place the clay on a white microfiber towel to show the contrast...

Gloss comes from a smooth surface
Years ago I wrote an article that explains that gloss starts with a smooth surface. In order to create a super high gloss finish you must make the paint as smooth as possible and this starts with removing the contaminants like you see on the clay patty above.


While I tested the paint with white detailing clay to see the color or the contaminants on the paint, after testing with clay I finished removing the contaminants with two new products by Griot's Garage.



Review and How-To: Griot's Garage 6" Surface Prep Pad


Now you can throw away your detailing clay and remove contaminants by machine!


Griot's Garage 6" Surface Prep Pad

Most people that know me through the online car detailing world know that I prefer to do as many procedures by machine instead of working by hand because simply put, the human hand cannot compete with the results you can create when working by machine.

Not only is this true when machine compounding, polishing and waxing paint but it's also true when it comes to removing above surface bonded contaminants like,

1. Overspray paint
2. Tree sap mist
3. Industrial fallout
4. Traffic pollution
5. Airborne dirt, dust and contaminants

The above types of airborne contaminants land on your car's finish anytime you're car is outside. Whether you're driving it or if it's parked at work or outside when at home. Over time, contaminants build-up on the exterior surface and form such a strong bond that they won't wash off when you wash your car.

Historically, the way professional detailers and do-it-yourselfers would remove these types of contaminants is by using detailing clay. Griot's Garage has introduced a new tool that will enable you to remove these contaminants by MACHINE!

This new tool is called the Griot's Garage 6" Surface Prep Pad and in my opinion and experience it is the BEST way to effectively remove 100% of any contaminants on your car's finish. It works better than normal car detailing clay and besides working better it lasts longer. Plus - if you drop it on the ground you can simply wash the surface off and then continue to use it.

Last longer than clay
Normal detailing clay loads up with the contaminants you're removing of your car's finish. As you use the clay you knead and re-knead it to expose fresh clay to work with. In reality, as you knead a used clay patty you not only fold the contaminants into the clay but you also fold or move them back out to the working surface so you're never truly working 100% clean. Then at some point the clay becomes so loaded with contaminants that you must throw the clay away and switch to a new piece of clay.

Griot's Garage 6" Surface Prep Pad lasts 5 times longer than traditional clay plus because you can wash and rinse the contaminants off the surface as you work around the car you're always working clean for better results faster.



Griot's Garage new 6" Surface Prep Pad for working by machine or hand!

The diamond pattern embossed into the polymerized rubber surface creates channels for contaminants to flow into instead of becoming trapped between the pad and the paint for a safer and more effective decontamination process.

The foam core enables the pad to flex to maintain surface contact when machine decontaminating curved body panels.

Directions

Step 1: Break in new pads on glass before using on paint

When starting out with a brand new pad it's important to break in the polymerized rubber surface by running it over some clean glass like the windshield.

Mist some Griot's Garage Speed Shine onto a section of clean glass.

Run the pad over a section of glass for about 5 to 6 section passes on the 3 to 4 speed setting.

Your pad is now broken in and read to use on paint.

Step 2: Mist a generous amount of Griot's Speed Shine onto a section of paint.

Step 3: Using only a little more than the weight of the machine, move the Surface Prep Pad over the paint on the 3-4 speed setting.

Adjust the speed setting so that you can clearly see pad rotation. The pad must be rotating for effective contaminant removal.

Step 3: Repeat this process over the rest of the car.

After decontaminating a section of paint or an entire panel, use a clean microfiber towel to wipe off and remove any residues.

The best way to maximize gloss...
If you're looking for the maximum shine out of our car's finish then look into the Griot's Garage 6" Surface Prep Pad. Gloss comes from a smooth surface. Taking your car's finish to show car quality starts with getting the paint as smooth as possible by removing any contaminants off the surface. After removing contaminants off the surface the next step is to remove defects like swirls and scratches below the surface. The combination of addressing above surface bonded contaminants followed by removing below surface paint defects is the approach professional detailers use to create award winning paint on show car and you can create these same results on your car.


On Autogeek.com


Griots Garage 6 inch Surface Prep Pad

Griots Garage 6 Inch Random Orbital Polisher

Griots Garage Speed Shine Detailer - 35 oz

All Griot's Products

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Decontamination continued....


Review and How To: Griots Garage Brilliant Finish Synthetic Clay



Gloss comes from a smooth surface
If you love a shiny finish then the first step to restoring a high shine finish is to remove any contaminants that doesn't wash off during the washing process. Contaminants like overspray paint, tree sap mist, industrial fallout, traffic pollution and other airborne contaminants build up on the exterior surfaces of your car and form a bond that is strong enough that normal washing simply won't remove. That's why after washing off loose dirt the next step to restoring the factory fresh appearance is to remove any bonded contaminants.


Griot's Garage Brilliant Finish Synthetic Clay

New from Griot's Garage!
Griot's has introduced an easy to use synthetic clay pad. It has an easy to grip, ergo foam handle built-in which makes it super easy to hold on both horizontal and vertical sides. In fact, it's real easy to drop a normal piece of clay patty when working on vertical sides and if this happens you must through normal clay away to avoid scratching your car's finish. But not so with this new synthetic clay replacement for regular detailing clay. First the easy-grip foam handle ensures you don't drop it and if you do, unlike normal detailing clay you can simply rinse this synthetic clay off and go back to claying.


Polymerized Rubber Surface
The important part however is the face of this Synthetic Clay as this is where the magic takes place. Like normal clay, this polymerized rubber surface contains a paint safe abrasive which as you rub the surface over contaminated paint it safely abrades off the contaminants to leave smooth clean paint behind. The diamond pattern creates channels for contaminants to reside until you rinse it off helping to prevent any scratching or marring since particles are not trapped between the paint and the surface of the diamond patterned surface.


Perfect size
The face of this synthetic clay pad is 4" in diameter and this is large enough to do entire large panels and even more perfect for working thin panels like you'll see me do on the 1970 Cuda I tested this new product out on.

Versatile
You can use the Griot's Synthetic Clay with the Griot's Speed Shine or with Griot's Brilliant Finish Car Wash when washing your car.


The SECRET to decontaminating paint during the washing step is to first wash and THOROUGHLY RINSE your car BEFORE using the Griot's Synthetic Clay to remove contaminants. Because the handle is made of soft foam sponge material it safe for use around clearcoat paints and when using it during the washing process you can squeeze it while rubbing it over the paint to release more soapy car wash solution to lubricate the surface as you remove contaminants.


Technique tip...
Break in your brand new Griot's Garage Synthetic Clay by rubbing it against clean glass with a spray lubricant. This will create a more perfect surface and help to prevent any marring to more scratch-sensitive surfaces.



How to use with Speed Shine

Step 1: Wash and dry car.

Step 2: Spray Griot's Speed Shine over a single panel. For large panels only tackle a section at a time.

Step 3: Rub the Griot's Synthetic Clay over the paint using a back and forth motion. After a few moments or after you feel the synthetic clay glide effortlessly over the paint, wipe off the excess residue and move onto a new section.

Step 4: Periodically rinse the face of the Griot's Synthetic Clay off under clean running water or in a bucket of clean water to remove any contaminants lodged in the diamond pattern face of the polymerized rubber face.



How to use when washing your car with Griot's Brilliant Finish Car Wash

Step 1: Working in the shade, wash your vehicle as you normally do.

Step 2: This is important - THOROUGHLY RINSE the vehicle to completely flush off all dirt loosened during the washing step.

Step 3: While the car is still wet, dip the Griot's Synthetic Clay into your bucket of soapy water and then rub in a back and forth fashion over a panel at a time. Rub for a few moments or until you feel the Griot's Synthetic Clay glide effortlessly over the surface.

Step 4: Rinse the panel you just decontaminated and then rinse off the face of the Griot's Synthetic Clay.

Step 5: Dip the Griot's Synthetic Clay back into your bucket of soapy water and clay the next panel repeating the process in step 3 and step 4.

Step 6: After using the Griot's Synthetic Clay over all the painted panels and any other smooth surface give the vehicle a final rinse and then dry off any standing rinse water.



Here's the Griot's Synthetic Clay removed from the packaging.

Here you can see the diamond pattern imprints on the surface of the pad and the channels it creates surrounding the diamond shaped nubs. These channels provide an escape for particles to flush into instead of being rubbed against your car's paint.

Easy to grip ergo foam handle makes removing contaminants easy PLUS helps to prevent you from dropping the synthetic clay when working on verticals sides.

Break in new pads
When using Griot's Garage Synthetic Clay for the first time break in the surface by rubbing it against clean glass using Griot's Speed Shine as a lubricant.

Rub the Griot's Synthetic Clay in a back and forth motion in the direction of the length of the panel to be decontaminated or in the direction of the length of the vehicle for larger panels.

Spray plenty of Speed Shine for lubrication while removing contaminants.

Results = Clean, smooth glossy paint
After using both the Griot's Synthetic Clay and the Griot's 6" Surface Prep Pad to fully decontaminate this 1970 Cuda the gloss has been restored.

On Autogeek.com


Griots Garage Brilliant Finish Synthetic Clay

Griot's Speed Shine - 35 ounce

Griot's Brilliant Shine Car Wash - 64 ounce

All Griot's Products

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Pictures can be deceiving

I took the below pictures after ONLY washing and decontaminating the paint using the new Griot's Garage 6" Surface Prep Pad by machine and the new Griot's Synthetic Clay by hand.

As you can see in the pictures the gloss is amazing!

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Continued...

Step 3: Visual Inspection
Now let's see what the paint really looks like. Here's what the paint really looks like when I light it up using the FLASH off my camera.

Besides the swirls, you can also see the paint has a splotchy stain over it.

Here I'll frame up the shot so you can see the section of paint I'm revealing with my camera's flash.

Now we zoom in a little - I left a little bit of the number 0 from the 340 for perspective...

And here's a 800 pixel wide section cropped out of the original.

To the average person, this car looked great when it arrived to Autogeek. To the trained eye there's a show car finish hiding under the swirls and stains.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Continued...


First the horizontal body panels were compounded, polished and then waxed and after the horizontal panels were finished the process was repeated over the vertical panels.


Step 4: The Correction Step with Griot's Complete Compound

Products used

• Griot's Complete Compound
• Griot's Garage 5.5" Orange Foam Correction Pad
• Speed Setting - 6.0

Compounding Technique

Small Sections
Each panel was divided into smaller sections about the size of a 16" by 16" microfiber towel. After a section was compounded, when moving onto the next section I would overlap a little into the previous section to ensure uniform material removal for a uniform final appearance.


Cross Hatch Pattern
When working a section, a crosshatch pattern was used UNLESS the panel being compounded was thin and then a simple back and forth pattern was used since there's not enough width to effectively move the pad and polisher in a crosshatch section.

See my article here dated October 8th, 2012

The Yoda Technique for Buffing out a Car




Perform 8 Section Passes
A single section pass is here you move the polisher and pad over the section being compounded from the starting point at one side of the section until you cover the section with 50% overlapping passes to reach the opposite side of the section being compounded. This is one section pass. Repeat this 7 more times using a crosshatch pattern and you will have performed 8 Section Passes over the section, which is normal for removing major swirls and scratches with a free spinning, 8mm orbit stroke length orbital polisher.

See this article,

How-To do a "Section Pass" when Machine Polishing with a DA Polisher




Precision Correction and Polishing Work
For the thin panels and for getting around tight and intricate areas I used the new Griot's Garage Pneumatic Micro Rotary Buffer.

The small, compact size of the Griot's Micro Rotary Buffer made it very easy to control.

The 3.5" pads were perfect for removing swirls, scratches and oxidation from all the thin panels.

The easy to control air powered rotary buffer made working around components a cinch.

The 3.5" pads enabled me to polish out the paint behind the fresh air intake grill without slinging splatter behind the grill.

Now this is what I cal surgical precision buffing...

See my full review of the Griot's Micro Rotary Polisher here,

Review: Griot's New Micro Rotary Buffer







Step 5: The Polishing Step with Griot's Complete Polish

Products used

• Griot's Complete Polish
• Griot's Garage 5.5" Black Foam Finishing Pad
• Speed Setting - 6.0

Kissing the finish
If you look at the splotches of polish on the paint in the below picture, this is a technique called,

Kissing the finish

You can read about what it is, why to do it and how to do it here,

Kissing the Finish by Mike Phillips

Polishing Technique

Same as compounding technique except at this point you really should only need to make around 5-6 section passes and you can tackle a little large section at one time.

The point being is that the grunt work, that is the majority of the deepest swirls and scratches SHOULD HAVE BEEN removed during the compounding step. The polishing step is to refine the results of the compounding step to ensure each square inch (or millimeter if you like the metric system), is perfectly clear and haze free.

Any deep swirls and scratches NOT removed during the compounding step are not normally removed via the polishing step.





Step 6: The Sealing Step with Griot's Best Show Wax

Products used

• Griot's Garage Best of Show Wax
• Griot's Garage 5.5" Red Foam Waxing Pad
• Speed Setting - 2.0

If you look closely you can see a thin film of wax on the paint.

.

Machine Waxing Technique

The machine waxing technique is nothing like the compounding or polishing steps. At this point all you're trying to do is spread a thin uniform layer or wax over the paint.

Work large sections
You DON'T have to work small sections like you do when compounding and polishing. In fact, you work as large of a section as you can reach as long as you can see that you still have enough product on the surface to spread out via the polisher.


The big idea
The big idea behind machine waxing is to remove your hand from the process and thus pressure points from your fingertips. You're also able to work faster and do better work. The human hand can never compete with a machine applied wax.


Allow the wax to dry to a haze
Before removing the wax allow it to dry to a haze. In most cases after applying the wax, you can start removing the wax where you first started out when applying it and then simply,

Follow your path of travel

The Griot's Best of Show Wax dries quickly when applied correctly and applied correctly means a thin layer.



Roof is Finished

Here's the results after the roof was compounded, polished and waxes.

I explain why to knock out the roof first, (before doing the rest of the car), all the way from start to finish here,

Knock out painted roofs first, then tackle the rest of the car...



Hood and Trunk Lid Finished

Here's the results after the hood and trunk lid were compounded, polished and waxed.

All that's left now are the 6 side panels.






Autogeek Cover-up Towels

Horizontal surfaces are finished, before I tackle the vertical panels I placed Autogeek Cover-up Towels over the waxed surface to protect them from any compound or polish splatter as I work around the sides of the car.

I cover this technique and why to do it on page 118 of my how-to book The Complete Guide to a Show Car Shine

Sorry... no pictures of any of the compounding, polishing or waxing being performed to the horizontal surfaces or the vertical surfaces. I detailed this car a few days before Team Autogeek left for SEMA 2016 and all staff was busy with normal job duties.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Continued...

Here's the final results or what I call...

The Beauty Shots!

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Continued...


Finishing touches...

Tires were treated with the new Griot's Garage BLACK SHINE High Gloss Tire Gel. At the time production version of this product was not shipping. These results were creaetd using a beta version.

See my write-up here,



Review: BF Goodrich T/A Radials never looked so good! - Griots BLACK SHINE High Gloss Tire Gel



Griot's BLACK SHINE High Gloss Tire Gel

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Continued....


List of all products used...



On Autogeek.com


Griot's Spray-On Car Wash

Griots Garage 6 Inch Random Orbital Polisher

Griots Garage 6 Inch Heavy Duty Random Orbital Polisher

Griots Garage 5 Inch Vented Orbital Backing Plate

Griots Garage 3 inch HD Backing Plate

Griots Garage 5.5 inch Orange Foam Correcting Pad

Griots Garage 5.5 inch Black Foam Finishing Pad

Griots Garage 5.5 inch Red Foam Waxing Pad

Griots Garage 6 inch Surface Prep Pad

Griots Garage Brilliant Finish Synthetic Clay

Griots Garage Speed Shine Detailer 35 oz

Griot's BOSS 3.5" buffing pads

Griot's Pneumatic Micro Rotary Buffer

Griots Garage Complete Compound 16 oz

Griots Garage Complete Polish 16 oz

Griots Garage Best of Show Wax 16 oz - New Formula!

Griot’s Garage Spray-On Car Wash Cloths – 3 Pack

Griots Garage Micro Fiber Polish Removal Cloths - 3 Pack

Griots Garage Black Shine Tire Gel

Griots Garage Target Tire Dressing Kit - 2 foam tire gel applicators and one handle




Pictures of products used...

 

[KBsToy]

Needless to say AWESOME !!!!!

As always THANKS !!!!!

This time of the year Griots Spray Wash is my product..

 

[boomdone]

Very cool. Really enjoyed reading. The timing is appropriate as well. I just ordered a GG 6" with a 5" BP and the new 3" HD BP as well as 3" and 5" Boss pads. Now I just need the surface prep pad and some Boss creams and I'll be totally set.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Just to comment....


I've been answering car detailing questions on the Internet that I can document back to 1994, that's 23 years.

One of the most common questions comes from people that have always worked by hand but are ready to make the switch to working by machine and when they are ready to make their purchase their question is usually something like this...


Which tool for a beginner?


Here at Autogeek we sell all the popular tools and when used correctly they can all turn out show car quality work as I document via pictures of all the tools being used in our Competition Ready Detailing Classes. (you get to use all the tools on really cool cars when you attend one of these classes).


While all the tools are capable with the right products, pads and technique... if you are just starting out or if you're looking to purchase a polisher as a gift fro someone one, then my advice is to keep it simple. Keep it real simple. You or the person you're purchasing the gift for can always add more advanced tools to their tool collection down the road.

The Griot's Garage 6" DA Orbital Polisher is a great starter polisher. And if all you're detailing is your own cars then it could be the only polisher you ever need.


Benefits

It has plenty of power - The most powerful polisher in it's category as attested to by thousands of users.

8mm Orbit Stroke Length - This style of orbital polisher is responsible for MILLIONS of cars being successfully de-swirled and made to look like molten glass.

Excellent warranty - Again, as attested to by thousands of satisfied customers.

Lots of backing plate options - This allows the user to use the largest variety of pads as compared to any other tool.

Lots of pad options - Did I say lots? I mean LOTS of pad option! My guess is there are more pad options for this tool than any other tool on the market including not just the great pads that Griot's offers but lots of other pads available on Autogeek.com

Lightweight - This tool only weighs around 5 pounds. Anyone can learn how to use and master this tool. Young and old, men, boys, ladies and yes girls.

Compact design - The compact design makes this tool easy to use and work around just about any shape of car, boat, motorcycle, airplane or motorhome.


The above is just off the top of my head but you get the idea. For someone just starting out in the machine polishing world whether they are a weekend warrior buffing out their own car or starting a detailing business, this is a great starter polisher and for some a forever polisher.

It's also available in a heavy duty version which means here at Autogeek we've already wired in a heavy duty 25' cord so the user is ensured the right gauge wire to run the tool without harming the electronics in the tool or voiding the factory warranty. Plus you don't have to hassle with extension cords and remember, not all extension cords use the right gauge wiring.



On Autogeek.com


Griots Garage 6 Inch Random Orbital Polisher

Griots Garage 6 Inch Heavy Duty Random Orbital Polisher


The Griot's Garage 6" DA Orbital Polisher

If you have any questions about this tool or questions about which backing plate, pads or product to get with it? Or even if you have questions on how to use it?

Call Autogeek's top notch Customer Care Staff and they can answer all your questions and help you to get exactly what you need for all your car detailing projects.


1-800-869-3011


And of course, you can always join the AutogeekOnline discussion forum where myself and hundreds of other passionate car lovers will do our best to answer your questions...



Click here to join the AutogeekOnline Car Detailing Discussion Forum!



:dblthumb2:

 

[The Guz]

Excellent write up Mike. Especially for those that are just starting out.

 

[High Caliber]

That's my favorite car 71 Cuda w/ Hemi or a 440 preferably in Plum Crazy! That orange sure hits you in the eyeballs now! Love it, looks fabulous.

 

[Justin at Final Inspection]

Awesome Mike! Griots Garage has really been stepping up there game over the past year or so. My favorites include my G21, BOSS microfiber pads and there Fast correcting cream.

Great job on a iconic car.

 

[Mike lambert]

I don't know why I waited so long to try Griots, but since Rod Kraft went to work for them, I have been converted and love everything that I've used!Nice work!

 

[Eric@CherryOnTop]

Awesome Mike! Griots Garage has really been stepping up there game over the past year or so. My favorites include my G21, BOSS microfiber pads and there Fast correcting cream.

Great job on a iconic car.

Jeez Louise, I was just going to make this EXACT same post!

 

[Klasse Act]

Mike, incredible work on the Cuda'!

I'm glad you showed what can be done with Griot's Garage products, they are often overlooked by many here on AG and with your detailed write up, well, I see some sales coming their way for sure! That pneumatic polisher must be nice to use, too bad I don't have an air compressor but for those who do, great little tool for sure. I've been using Griot's since 2005 and every single one of their products have done what they said they'd do. I even bought a digital air gauge from them back in 2007 and the battery has never been changed out, quality stuff!

 

[Klasse Act]

That's my favorite car 71 Cuda w/ Hemi or a 440 preferably in Plum Crazy! That orange sure hits you in the eyeballs now! Love it, looks fabulous.

This one is a 70', the 71' has 4 headlights, the only Cuda' to have that BTW.

 

[RTexasF]

This is one of the best write ups I've seen from you and I've read many even back to the Meguiar's days. The car is from my era, the photography, time taken, explanations, links to product & articles are all simply excellent. The final result you produced with the Griot's products is nothing short of showcar status. Thanks Mike, this one was a home run in so many ways. Your expertise is appreciated. I still learn from here on a daily basis even though I'm a bit too old to put it to use.