Some Detailing Observations: My 9 Commandments

[runrun411]

Swanicyouth, nice post full of good info.

IMO here's the 10th rule: stay away, far away full the automatic car wash with the so called MF brushes. AKA the Scratch-o-matic.

 

[Supergus1]

"Skip layering different LSPs for durability..."
What about layering the same LSP for durability? I'm thinking of 2-3 coats of Meg's Ultimate Liquid Wax to extend the protection through the N.E. winter months.

 

[cardaddy]

..... Or Caddy? I'm on the lookout for a rust-free Caddy, running or not.

What about a 99 D'Ville D'Elegance?
(Garage queen extraordinaire comes to mind.)

I don't own my own PW, but keep borrowing from friends and family while they don't need theirs. The big Honda/BE is a pain to go get from my buddy who lives 45 miles away, but works really well in my system. But I most often get to use cheap, disposable, Chinese electrics. They work quite well, but eventually I'll have to suck it up and get a decent electric of my own (I'm really not big on small gasoline engines and the carcinogens they spew).

I hear ya'.... I've got a 13HP Honda PW that I won't crank up to do cars with for the love of money!

Sears has a combo electric PW and steam cleaner that we picked up for $150 on sale early last year that's been great. rops:

I'm glad you wrote this because now, just maybe, I won't end up with a house full of products like you have

Oh GOD don't come to my garage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Really, WHO NEEDS 20 different compounds and polishes? :dunno:

(Pssst... that'd be ME!) :laughing:

 

[SameGuy]

LOL Yeah, I have too many, too. I do a "sniff test" every so often to check if anything has gone off. Luckily, pretty much my entire current stock has no ingredients that sour. That gallon of D151 should last me into the next decade if I don't pick up the pace and take on new clients...

As for the Caddy... I meant a first-generation VW Rabbit Pickup, made in Westmoreland, PA, from 1979 to 1982.

 

[FUNX650]

5. Do use a water based or polymer based tire dressing on your garage queen, if not a coating. If you have a special car that only sees nice weather and want to stick with conventional dressings - skip oily/silicone based dressings.

These dressings are not necessary for a garage queen, attract a ton of dirt, and are difficult at best to clean off the tire. Water/polymer dressings are much easier to clean off - making them easily renewable. Actually, skip oily dressings period anywhere on your car.

Steve...

You mention polymers.
My understanding is that:
Polymers are everywhere---part and parcel of almost everything there is.
Even Silicones are polymers.

Honestly:
I still can't understand what you're saying constitutes polymer car-care products...including polymer dressings; and, how they would be different than water-based, and oily/silicone-based car-care products...including water and oily/silicone dressings.

Please advise. TIA.

Bob

 

[Nomadsto]

I agree with so much of this it's uncanny. Where wasthis post before I started spending thousands 3 years ago! Aww whats the difference I wouldn't have listend anyway lol. Besides i'm still good for atleast a grand a year out pure curiosity. Great post!

 

[swanicyouth]

Steve...

You mention polymers.
My understanding is that:
Polymers are everywhere---part and parcel of almost everything there is.
Even Silicones are polymers.

Honestly:
I still can't understand what you're saying constitutes polymer car-care products...including polymer dressings; and, how they would be different than water-based, and oily/silicone-based car-care products...including water and oily/silicone dressings.

Please advise. TIA.

Bob

Products advertised / well known for containing polymers. None of this is science. "Wax" may have no actual wax in it as you know, but it's still called wax. It's sort of a case of "I know what it is when I see it". And, actually - I think YOU know what it is when you see it. Some polymer examples are UT&TG, D4510, and Prima Infinity.

Silicone type dressings leave sludge on your tire and an oil slick on your driveway. Generally, they don't "dry" - but usually feel wet. Again, the term may not be 100% correct - as I do realize most of these products contain varying amount of silicones and other similar ingredients - but, again; I know what it is when I see it - that's why I tried to give examples throughout.

 

[JMP]

Thanks to all for the great info....

 

[SameGuy]

But isn't that what a good hobby is? Interesting? Pure curiosity is what drives most avid practitioners of most hobbies! Wanting to find that perfect product that achieves the results you're after, or try that new technique you've read about in hopes that it fits your style and process.

 

[geekdout]

Its hard to disagree with such common sense and well thought out "commandants" for the enthusiast.

1 Its nice to hear so many people agreeing with this one on coatings. I thought I was in a very small minority not really seeing the propose of paint coatings for me. But I still think I will be putting some DP paint coating on the roof of my truck shortly.

2. If I am going to use a spray wax I try to use a spray wax thats in the same family of products as my LSP.

3. I might have to try Dlux.

7. I really like use using Iron X soap as a wheel cleaner.

8. I have given this situation some thought in the past and have wondered if their is anything to gain with a wax over a sealant other then the look.

 

[FUNX650]

Products advertised / well known for containing polymers. None of this is science. "Wax" may have no actual wax in it as you know, but it's still called wax. It's sort of a case of "I know what it is when I see it". And, actually - I think YOU know what it is when you see it. Some polymer examples are UT&TG, D4510, and Prima Infinity.

Silicone type dressings leave sludge on your tire and an oil slick on your driveway. Generally, they don't "dry" - but usually feel wet. Again, the term may not be 100% correct - as I do realize most of these products contain varying amount of silicones and other similar ingredients - but, again; I know what it is when I see it - that's why I tried to give examples throughout.

Actually...
I was being very serious, when asking of you, the "polymer-question".
I still am when I ask the following:

(Then, according to my understanding of the above explanation):
Are you basically saying that car-care polymers are mostly synthetic/man-made ingredients that are found polymer car-care products?

Note:
And to be sure, IMHO:
Any mention of Polymers, makes a topic Science related.

Bob

 

[Rez90]

Good List. Notes taken.

 

[allenk4]

#8 - I like entertainment. In any case, I believe as long as a sealant has "cured", it can be topped off with a wax, the "sacrificial barrier".

I don't think the sealant being cured will allow it to stand up to solvents...

PiPUK?

 

[allenk4]

"Skip layering different LSPs for durability..."
What about layering the same LSP for durability? I'm thinking of 2-3 coats of Meg's Ultimate Liquid Wax to extend the protection through the N.E. winter months.

I read a study on another site that looked at layering of waxes

Basically it determined that a 2nd coat could add some thickness, but the main benefit is ensuring complete coverage

In one section of the study, the application of a 3rd coat actually decreased the thickness

 

[allenk4]

Honestly:
I still can't understand what you're saying constitutes polymer car-care products...including polymer dressings; and, how they would be different than water-based, and oily/silicone-based car-care products...including water and oily/silicone dressings.

Please advise. TIA.

Bob

I fell into this trap recently

What I think most people are doing is associating Silicone with Solvent...at least that was what I was doing

Chemistry seems easy on one level, but deeper is murky to me. Just as I was beginning to understand the pH scale...here comes PiPUK with the real story

 

[allenk4]

But isn't that what a good hobby is? Interesting? Pure curiosity is what drives most avid practitioners of most hobbies! Wanting to find that perfect product that achieves the results you're after, or try that new technique you've read about in hopes that it fits your style and process.

I believe my Detailing is driven by a complete lack of control in other aspects of my life and delayed gratification


Detailing can be "Perfect" if only for a short time, nothing else in life ever is truly Perfect

It provides almost instant gratification, Life seldom does

The more you put into it the better the results...Life...



Wow, that was a bit Gloomy

 

[FUNX650]

Chemistry seems easy on one level, but deeper is murky to me. Just as I was beginning to understand the pH scale...here comes PiPUK with the real story

I'm hoping that PiPUK's fellow Scientists/Chemists, (and even the Formulators, and the Blenders), that currently share a certain camaraderie over on Autopia.org...
will also be willing to share their extensive chemical knowledge at their "new forum home".

Bob

 

[swanicyouth]

Actually...
I was being very serious, when asking of you, the "polymer-question".
I still am when I ask the following:

(Then, according to my understanding of the above explanation):
Are you basically saying that car-care polymers are mostly synthetic/man-made ingredients that are found polymer car-care products?

Note:
And to be sure, IMHO:
Any mention of Polymers, makes a topic Science related.

Bob

Bob, I think your making this too complicated. Most of the time you simply need to read the product description to get a feel of what type of dressing you are in store for. If the manufacturer doesn't tell you - I say skip it.

I'm not one to need chemical explanations or believe in manufacturer conspiracy theories. If the description fits the product and the user's experience - that's good enough for me and for most. I don't think we need an organic chemist to tell is why all dressings are this, that, or the other thing.

From Product Descriptions....

Examples of water based:

Pinnacle Black Onyx Tire Dressing utilizes a water-based formula free of harsh solvents

Opti-Bond Tire Gel is the next generation tire dressing from Optimum. The thick, water-based formula provides a high gloss shine on all tires

Examples of coatings:

DP Tire Coating is an acrylic-based resin that forms a flexible, chemical-resistant coating on your tires.

Tuf Shine Tire Clearcoat is a water-based coating for your tires that provides unsurpassed protection and a shine that lasts months instead of weeks.

Examples of polymer based:

Wolfgang Black Diamond Tire Gel makes tires shine with an advanced polymer formula with UV blockers and ozone repellants

Prima Infinity Trim & Tire Cream is an advanced polymer-based tire and trim protectant designed to deliver long-lasting protection and a like-new appearance on treated surfaces.

Examples of oil/silicone like dressings (I recommend staying away from these):

Chemical Guys Liquid Extreme Shine Oil Based Dressing delivers the shine, darkness, and dry-to-the-touch feel you want in a vinyl and rubber dressing.

Black Wow is a one step silicone-based trim dressing that restores the color to faded, dull exterior trim

 

[cardaddy]

LOL Yeah, I have too many, too. I do a "sniff test" every so often to check if anything has gone off. Luckily, pretty much my entire current stock has no ingredients that sour. That gallon of D151 should last me into the next decade if I don't pick up the pace and take on new clients...

As for the Caddy... I meant a first-generation VW Rabbit Pickup, made in Westmoreland, PA, from 1979 to 1982.

Wabbit Pickup?!?!?! Ahhhh nawwww.... you can put one of those in the TRUNK of my *real* "Caddy". Im the MAN

Silly me, I still miss the Scirocco! :dblthumb2:

 

[SameGuy]

I believe my Detailing is driven by a complete lack of control in other aspects of my life and delayed gratification


Detailing can be "Perfect" if only for a short time, nothing else in life ever is truly Perfect

It provides almost instant gratification, Life seldom does

The more you put into it the better the results...Life...



Wow, that was a bit Gloomy

Gloomy, perhaps, but succinct. I think that about nails it for me, though. It's striving to improve and learn more that keeps me at it. I hope I never find the end of the road.