Newbie Question: How to Prep before Applying Car Pro CQuartz DLux

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dancinmama

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I’m going to apply this product to the exterior black plastics on my new MKC. The plastic surface has had nothing applied to it except water when rinsing the car. The car only has 500 miles on it and has been garaged.


I have read a couple of reviews and am reading different methods of cleaning/prepping the surface prior to application of the DLux.


When you read the Car Pro DLux write up in the Autogeek store, it states, “Treated surfaces should first be cleaned with an exterior cleaner, such as Detailer's Cleanse-All Exterior Cleaner.” In one of the Autogeek reviews the detailer washed and then applied isopropyl alcohol to remove any oils from the surface without using the Cleanse-All.



I wonder whether just thoroughly rinsing and drying would be adequate prep since the plastic is “virgin”. I will do whatever prep is necessary, but did not want to waste time on something that might not be necessary.


I plan to tape off around the plastics after the vehicle has been prepped and have already purchased foam applicators to help apply the product in tight spaces.


Any tips for prep would be greatly appreciated; tips for a successful application would be great too!!


TIA

P.S. I'm a girl and have never detailed anything in my life!!
 
RMM said:
Food for thought:

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/product-reviews/52351-carpro-cquartz-dlux-review.html
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/product-reviews/54420-product-review-carpro-dlux.html
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/product-reviews/67202-review-capture-rapture-dlux-pt-ii.html
Click to expand...

Thanks for the links.

I had already read link #1. He's the guy who used the isopropyl alcohol in his prep.

In link #2, the prep is to wash with an APC and then use an eraser - yet ANOTHER way to prep before applying the product.

In Link #3, the guy was prepping for more than just an application of DLux and I didn't understand even half of what he was doing or why.


I would really appreciate it if someone could let me know what prep I should do on brand new factory plastics prior to applying DLux. Am I totally off base for thinking that all I really might need to do is rinse really well and dry thoroughly?
 
Here's my $.02:

Since you're making the effort to apply Dlux - and it does take some time / attention to detail (no pun intended), you want to do it right.

For me, "right" would be to clean the trim with the APC that I think was on your order list (the Detailers stuff, I believe) and then, make sure any residual cleaner / oils are removed using Eraser (this is what I use - good stuff and it smells great!) or IPA. That way, you can be confident your application will last a long time.

I'm one of those do it once, do it right kinda guys so of course this is just my opinion.

Good plan to tape off around the trim - I think you'll find that application isn't all that difficult, just remember to "buff" off any excess Dlux, working a section at a time - maybe a door panel's worth or so at a time. Then, make sure it doesn't get wet for 12+ hours after application.

Good luck!
 
dancinmama said:
I’m going to apply this product to the exterior black plastics on my new MKC. The plastic surface has had nothing applied to it except water when rinsing the car. The car only has 500 miles on it and has been garaged.


I have read a couple of reviews and am reading different methods of cleaning/prepping the surface prior to application of the DLux.


When you read the Car Pro DLux write up in the Autogeek store, it states, “Treated surfaces should first be cleaned with an exterior cleaner, such as Detailer's Cleanse-All Exterior Cleaner.” In one of the Autogeek reviews the detailer washed and then applied isopropyl alcohol to remove any oils from the surface without using the Cleanse-All.



I wonder whether just thoroughly rinsing and drying would be adequate prep since the plastic is “virgin”. I will do whatever prep is necessary, but did not want to waste time on something that might not be necessary.


I plan to tape off around the plastics after the vehicle has been prepped and have already purchased foam applicators to help apply the product in tight spaces.


Any tips for prep would be greatly appreciated; tips for a successful application would be great too!!


TIA

P.S. I'm a girl and have never detailed anything in my life!!
Click to expand...

A year ago when my car was 1 month old, I applied Dlux after an Eraser wipe down. I just now redid it with Dlux after a year sitting outside 24/7. It really didn't need it, as it looked brand new, but I want to keep it protected.
 
dancinmama said:
...
I would really appreciate it if someone could let me know what prep I should do on brand new factory plastics prior to applying DLux. Am I totally off base for thinking that all I really might need to do is rinse really well and dry thoroughly?
Click to expand...

Never assume that a brand new car does not need a proper prep procedure: who knows what stealerships do before handing the car to its first owner.

Use APC and then either IPA, CarPro Eraser or Gyeon Prep.
 
Boy, do I feel dumb!! Now I realize that the Car Pro Erase is the isopropyl alcohol.

I will definitely be getting some of that and will apply it after I wash the car. Actually it sounds to me like that should do the trick as it will remove any residual oil or polish from the plastic surfaces in preparation for the DLux application.

I'm gonna go look at some other possible choices for an APC.
 
Rsurfer said:
A year ago when my car was 1 month old, I applied Dlux after an Eraser wipe down. I just now redid it with Dlux after a year sitting outside 24/7. It really didn't need it, as it looked brand new, but I want to keep it protected.
Click to expand...

This is what sold me on the product. I've read a few reviews done by detailers who used it, one of which lives is Florida. Their cars were outside 24/7 and after a year the exterior plastics still look great.

My MKC is garaged so I'm expecting the Pro Car DLux to last at least a couple of years before a reapplication MIGHT be needed. I am REALLY EXCITED about using it.
 
dancinmama said:
Boy, do I feel dumb!! Now I realize that the Car Pro Erase is the isopropyl alcohol.

I will definitely be getting some of that and will apply it after I wash the car. Actually it sounds to me like that should do the trick as it will remove any residual oil or polish from the plastic surfaces in preparation for the DLux application.

I'm gonna go look at some other possible choices for an APC.
Click to expand...

CarPro Eraser isn't IPA...but you are almost there: it's a blend of IPA, water and surfactants! :dblthumb2:

http://www.carprochina.com/files/Eraser MSDS 2011.pdf

Because of the "extra" components, it doesn't feel as grabby on paint as a normal mixture of IPA and water.
 
dancinmama said:
This is what sold me on the product. I've read a few reviews done by detailers who used it, one of which lives is Florida. Their cars were outside 24/7 and after a year the exterior plastics still look great.

My MKC is garaged so I'm expecting the Pro Car DLux to last at least a couple of years before a reapplication MIGHT be needed. I am REALLY EXCITED about using it.
Click to expand...

Don't forget to do your headlights and taillights too.
 
RMM said:
CarPro Eraser isn't IPA...but you are almost there: it's a blend of IPA, water and surfactants! :dblthumb2:

http://www.carprochina.com/files/Eraser MSDS 2011.pdf

Because of the "extra" components, it doesn't feel as grabby on paint as a normal mixture of IPA and water.
Click to expand...

Okay, so from what I'm reading, I could use straight IPA from the drug store instead of purchasing Car Pro Erase. Is that right?
 
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