Simple Detail vs Full Detail?

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highgrade

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I have been using the Wolfgang products and I am really happy with them. However, there are more people wanting a detail but they don't want the "full detail". This past weekend I did a friend a favor and detailed his "little" car. It took me 8 hours. I don't mind but the amount of effort was really overkill (in my opinion). For folks that want a "simple detail" (just make my car look good), what kind of products should I have in my inventory that will allow me to get the paint looking good again with a good coat of wax or sealer that wont 1) break the bank 2) take all day

I know there are a lot of brands to choose from. I am hoping to get some good feedback that will allow me to use as few products as possible, get excellent results, cut time down, save some money (especially for the free cars), etc.

In addition to the products, what pads should I be using (colors)? I have a Flex 3401 and most pads already.

Thanks!
 
It sounds like an AIO product would fit the bill. There are several good ones...Megs d151, Optimum Poli-Seal, XMT 360, Megs D301 (w/MF finishing discs)...and one of the best kept AIO secrets around for black and soft paints (japanese)...SONAX Nano Tech Paint Cleaner (if you like a Carnuba based AIO protectant).

Pads I would use are light cutting polishing foam pads or in the case of using the Megs DA Microfiber correction system, the MF finishing disc.

I've found recently that the Megs DA Microfiber D301/MF finishing disc is an incredible time saver...you can work with a fast arm speed (at low machine speed; only need 2 passes). I've seen a shop that has 2 guys working...and as fast as one guy applies the D301, the other guy is wiping it off. In terms of time/price/good results...I'd try the Megs DA Microfiber system. The more I use it, the more I like it. Most AIOs are not going to give you a lot of correction ability, but of these mentioned, the D151 has the most cut.

Frankly, I'd have both the Megs D151, and the D301 products/w appropriate pads and that should cover you pretty well. If you need more correction, then your Wolfgang twins will be required...but it sounds like you want to eliminate 2 steps...and get the job done with 1.
 
The highly effective cleaning agents in SONAX Paint Cleaner are designed to remove oxidation and wax build-up from heavily weather-worn finishes. The abrasives smooth out fine blemishes and brighten the paint’s color to enhance the gloss of the final wax coat. SONAX Paint Cleaner is not recommended for vehicles less than a year old. But on older finishes, SONAX Paint Cleaner really makes them shine.

This statement in bold is keeping me from pulling the trigger.

Would you say it is the kind of abrasives in KAIO though? If so then it's not very much. Helped a buddy do his wife's 6 mth old beemer the other day and paint transfer wouldn't come off with KAIO on a white pad (that's what we were using on the whole car) but power finish on an orange took it off in 2 passes...

my apologies if this is pulling the thread slightly off topic
 
Problem is that washing and polishing out is easily 4 hours, and then you still have the interior to work on, which many people will appreciate more than having polished paint.

For your application (people who just want it to look good, but not cost much) I would spend the majority of your time on the interior, then get a good glaze and wax or an All-In-One product depending on how much time you have left after doing the interior.
 
LegacyGT said:
Problem is.
Click to expand...

exactly

That's the dilemma :(. Most people have no concept of what a properly prepared car looks like or what it takes. Its not something that one can do in less than a very long day if done correctly.

If I could be done in 8 hours and be proud of my work I'd be over the moon. Unfortunately 8 hours leaves me thinking of everything I didn't perfect... The owner thinks it's amazing though. LOL
 
poweraid said:
sorry megs d151
Click to expand...
Thanks!

silverfox said:
It sounds like an AIO product would fit the bill. There are several good ones...Megs d151, Optimum Poli-Seal, XMT 360, Megs D301 (w/MF finishing discs)...and one of the best kept AIO secrets around for black and soft paints (japanese)...SONAX Nano Tech Paint Cleaner (if you like a Carnuba based AIO protectant).

Pads I would use are light cutting polishing foam pads or in the case of using the Megs DA Microfiber correction system, the MF finishing disc.

I've found recently that the Megs DA Microfiber D301/MF finishing disc is an incredible time saver...you can work with a fast arm speed (at low machine speed; only need 2 passes). I've seen a shop that has 2 guys working...and as fast as one guy applies the D301, the other guy is wiping it off. In terms of time/price/good results...I'd try the Megs DA Microfiber system. The more I use it, the more I like it. Most AIOs are not going to give you a lot of correction ability, but of these mentioned, the D151 has the most cut.

Frankly, I'd have both the Megs D151, and the D301 products/w appropriate pads and that should cover you pretty well. If you need more correction, then your Wolfgang twins will be required...but it sounds like you want to eliminate 2 steps...and get the job done with 1.
Click to expand...
AIO? Sorry...not up to date on all acronyms. You gave a great answer and I will definitely look into these products.
I did not want to have to make 4 to 5 passes over the car with each product if not necessary. The detail was supposed to be basic but I did not think the I would get the best results using only 2 of the Wolfgang...

LegacyGT said:
Problem is that washing and polishing out is easily 4 hours, and then you still have the interior to work on, which many people will appreciate more than having polished paint.

For your application (people who just want it to look good, but not cost much) I would spend the majority of your time on the interior, then get a good glaze and wax or an All-In-One product depending on how much time you have left after doing the interior.
Click to expand...
Very true...

CEE DOG said:
exactly

That's the dilemma :(. Most people have no concept of what a properly prepared car looks like or what it takes. Its not something that one can do in less than a very long day if done correctly.

If I could be done in 8 hours and be proud of my work I'd be over the moon. Unfortunately 8 hours leaves me thinking of everything I didn't perfect... The owner thinks it's amazing though. LOL
Click to expand...
I don't like to cut corners. I did cut a few corners on this last job but the car still turned out great.

I appreciate all the responses. I will get out on AutoGeek and order some more supplies.
Another situation...I have a guy down the street who has a 2011 Subaru that has not been detailed since he bought it....about 8 months now. The paint still looks to be in pretty good shape.
Question: For news cars already in good shape, would the above responses still be valid or is there a procedure that can be done with new cars that are not as intensive as a full detail on a car that has been neglected for a long time?

thanks!
 
I detailed a black Nissan Maxima for my friend's dad this past weekend and he didn't want a "full" detail, just a quick "buff and wax." I ended up using Megs Ultimate Compound and it worked pretty well for a single-step product.
 
highgrade said:
Question: For news cars already in good shape, would the above responses still be valid or is there a procedure that can be done with new cars that are not as intensive as a full detail on a car that has been neglected for a long time?

thanks!
Click to expand...

You can use a one-step cleaner/wax on new or used cars.

The benefit to a one-step cleaner/wax, or what some call an AIO or All In One product is that these types of products will clean the paint, polish the paint and then leave behind some protection. Otherwise you would have to break the process up. Either option is okay it's just one takes longer.

Most OTC waxes at your local auto parts store are cleaner/waxes, they have to be for the average person that doesn't know much about detailing.

More information in these two threads...

How To Choose The Right Wax or Paint Sealant for your Detailing Project

The Lesson White Paint Teaches Us



These two projects were both done using cleaner/waxes....

Dodge Neon Extreme Makeover with Dodo Juice

KISS Detail - Extreme Makeover - Toyota Highlander


As was this,

Good upper body workout - Buffing out Bruno's RV



:)
 
silverfox said:
It sounds like an AIO product would fit the bill. There are several good ones...Megs d151, Optimum Poli-Seal, XMT 360, Megs D301 (w/MF finishing discs)...and one of the best kept AIO secrets around for black and soft paints (japanese)...SONAX Nano Tech Paint Cleaner (if you like a Carnuba based AIO protectant).

Pads I would use are light cutting polishing foam pads or in the case of using the Megs DA Microfiber correction system, the MF finishing disc.

I've found recently that the Megs DA Microfiber D301/MF finishing disc is an incredible time saver...you can work with a fast arm speed (at low machine speed; only need 2 passes). I've seen a shop that has 2 guys working...and as fast as one guy applies the D301, the other guy is wiping it off. In terms of time/price/good results...I'd try the Megs DA Microfiber system. The more I use it, the more I like it. Most AIOs are not going to give you a lot of correction ability, but of these mentioned, the D151 has the most cut.

Frankly, I'd have both the Megs D151, and the D301 products/w appropriate pads and that should cover you pretty well. If you need more correction, then your Wolfgang twins will be required...but it sounds like you want to eliminate 2 steps...and get the job done with 1.
Click to expand...
Thank you very much for this response. I am going to get the DA Microfiber system and also the D151 and D301.
I will post some pics of my next car when using these products.
Thanks!
 
I too would recommend D151. Also, remember that the more you detail cars, the quicker and better they will turn out. It typically takes me 4 hours to do this:
Wash
Clay
wheels/tires/wheelwells
D151 with 2 passes on Flex
clean and wax jambs
wax wheels
vacuum interior
shampoo carpets (no trunk)
Thoroughly clean leather
dress leather
clean steering wheel, dashboard, console, etc..
dress full interior
clean windows

It used to take me much longer but after you learn where to go a little faster you can really make up some time. Like instead of drying, you go immediately to clay. With D151 you can also polish as much as you need until you need to change the pad, then go back and wipe it all off. Instead of constantly putting the polisher down and wiping off the residue. D151 polishes off almost completely transparent so you can see your correction very clearly as you are moving.
 
I have yet to try the new MF DA system. Good to know that it is a time saver.
 
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