The Good Stuff?!?!?!

[HeavyMetal]

I would use a decent mitt and good quality wash (like Meg's Gold Class). Everything else would depend on what the customer wants and how they are prepared to take car of the finish you create. For example, my nephew has done a couple cars with me and now understands how to properly care for a finish. His car gets all the top end stuff with a full 3 step polish and seal. OTOH, my neighbor saw what we were doing and asked. We explained what it would take to keep up the finish. He was unwilling to do hand washes and wanted to still use the local magic wand. His car got a one step correction and some 845.

 

[alko]

I would use a decent mitt and good quality wash (like Meg's Gold Class). Everything else would depend on what the customer wants and how they are prepared to take car of the finish you create. For example, my nephew has done a couple cars with me and now understands how to properly care for a finish. His car gets all the top end stuff with a full 3 step polish and seal. OTOH, my neighbor saw what we were doing and asked. We explained what it would take to keep up the finish. He was unwilling to do hand washes and wanted to still use the local magic wand. His car got a one step correction and some 845.

No doubt....I'm getting ready to machine polish my dad's car and I'll probably top off with some Swissvax. I think i'll definitely be adding some Collinite to my shopping cart. What did you use as a one stepper?

 

[HeavyMetal]

No doubt....I'm getting ready to machine polish my dad's car and I'll probably top off with some Swissvax. I think i'll definitely be adding some Collinite to my shopping cart. What did you use as a one stepper?

I used Meg's UC on an orange pad. If you work it correctly it will produce a nearly full polish finish. It's not quite as glossy as when you come back with a finishing polish, but most people can't tell. Especially when their car was a swirled and hairlined mess when you started. I just told my neighbor no more machine washes with the brushes - no touch or the magic wand only. I did warn him that the wax wouldn't last because of the harsh chemicals. He didn't care. He felt the wash applied wax was good enough:doh:. We'll see if he still feels that way in a couple weeks.

 

[alko]

I used Meg's UC on an orange pad. If you work it correctly it will produce a nearly full polish finish. It's not quite as glossy as when you come back with a finishing polish, but most people can't tell. Especially when their car was a swirled and hairlined mess when you started. I just told my neighbor no more machine washes with the brushes - no touch or the magic wand only. I did warn him that the wax wouldn't last because of the harsh chemicals. He didn't care. He felt the wash applied wax was good enough:doh:. We'll see if he still feels that way in a couple weeks.

Ugh...that would probably bother me...spend all that time working on the car to have them go back to bad habits. But....you can lead a horse to water but you can't make em drink. Thanks for the info!!!

 

[HeavyMetal]

Ugh...that would probably bother me...spend all that time working on the car to have them go back to bad habits. But....you can lead a horse to water but you can't make em drink. Thanks for the info!!!

I look at it this way: repeat business. I figure in a few weeks when the car is dull and lifeless, he'll want at least another wax. If not then, surely next spring.

 

[alko]

I look at it this way: repeat business. I figure in a few weeks when the car is dull and lifeless, he'll want at least another wax. If not then, surely next spring.

Indeed! :xyxthumbs:

 

[Kurt_s]

I haven't been around the forum for a while so Hi to all.

When working with a new client or friend. Do the right thing and do it even when no one is looking. Referrals are the best business opportunities.

The CG Citrus Wash and Gloss is a powerful wash to remove most heavy junk, wax and some sealants before correction. I only use it pre correction or pre waxing. It seems to strip wax quite well at the higher stripping concentration listed on the bottle. Nice lubrication, pretty cheap and leaves a nice gloss. Meg's gold class won't strip like the CGCWG but it usually does a fine job of cleaning and lubricating for the money. Some use Dawn to help strip the old wax but it tends to dry the paint. Hence I prefer something like CGSWG or Megs precorrection. I still like Optimum Car Wash as my daily wash which would be fine it you have it.

I never invested in a foam gun. I know, I know, I know. One of these days. I have several levels of wash mitts from new sheetskin and microfiber to older synthetics, so I always have a choice. The CGCWG seems to get the mitt pretty clean on its own if you are worried.

I still use clay and have not tried the Elastrofoam, but Jon knows his stuff. If there is heavy tar on the paint after washing and before claying, I will often use either mineral spirits or a tar remover, followed by the clay bar. It's just faster and doesn't load up the clay bar.

Good luck!

If you are worried about ruining your good stuff, I would recommend using a foam gun with something like CG citrus wash and gloss to break up the grime and stuff before doing your wash. As for clay, an Ultima Elastrofoam would be a good candidate so you don't go through a whole bar while doing the car. You can just rinse it in the wash bucket and keep going.

From the initial cleaning and claying on, the car should be in good enough shape to use your best stuff without worry of ruining something.

 

[Silverstone]

Here's the scenario...you have a neighbor/friend/new customer and they want you to detail their car. The car has never seen a professional detail, let alone a good wash other than the local gas station swirl-o-whirl.

Do you use the good wash/shampoo? The good wash mit? Aside from quality pads, polishes, and waxes, what do you guys use to "prepare" the vehicle for paint correction/polish/sealtant?

Well I'm no pro but I'm actually in the middle of doing a friends car that was filthy and treated just as you describe. I washed with a little car soap for lube and a lot of Dawn, twice, with a good but old wool mitt. I would think that the most important thing would be effectiveness since the dirt shouldn't hurt anything. I could see not wanting to soil a brand new mitt though. So I used the two year old one with the hole in the thumb. :xyxthumbs:

Ugh...that would probably bother me...spend all that time working on the car to have them go back to bad habits. But....you can lead a horse to water but you can't make em drink. Thanks for the info!!!

That's the situation I'm in. She's going to go back to an occasional car wash place and parking it under all the oak trees in her front yard, when she has a garage.

So I'm just doing a claying, PC application of Klasse AIO, and a top coat of WGDGPS. I'm not looking for repeat business though, just doing a favor for a friend while she's out of town.



.

 

[alko]

Well I'm no pro but I'm actually in the middle of doing a friends car that was filthy and treated just as you describe. I washed with a little car soap for lube and a lot of Dawn, twice, with a good but old wool mitt. I would think that the most important thing would be effectiveness since the dirt shouldn't hurt anything. I could see not wanting to soil a brand new mitt though. So I used the two year old one with the hole in the thumb. :xyxthumbs:

As I continue to ramp myself up for starting a side business, I have to remember that not everyone has maintained their vehicle like mine, so I need to expect disgusting cars, inside and out. I am going to stock up on decent equipement, as I got rid of all my old stuff.

That's the situation I'm in. She's going to go back to an occasional car wash place and parking it under all the oak trees in her front yard, when she has a garage.

So I'm just doing a claying, PC application of Klasse AIO, and a top coat of WGDGPS. I'm not looking for repeat business though, just doing a favor for a friend while she's out of town.

....man I share you pain...my customer....well let me not refer to my fiance as a customer ;-) she takes the train to work, so she parks in a lot. 9 times out of ten she'll park under a tree, so when I go to wash her car, there is sap everywhere. Good luck with your friends car.

 

[Kurt_s]

If all fails after you correct the paint, offer to wash and "spray wax" the car for your client/fiance. The car will look better longer and you won't be quite so upset when the car comes back with bird guanno and sap on it. I like OCW as it holds up well but there are plenty of options.

 

[alko]

If all fails after you correct the paint, offer to wash and "spray wax" the car for your client/fiance. The car will look better longer and you won't be quite so upset when the car comes back with bird guanno and sap on it. I like OCW as it holds up well but there are plenty of options.

I will have to look into OCW. I can't really get upset with her, as she doesn't share the same desires when it comes to car care. Which is fine, but please save me the extra effort!!! LOL!

 

[Kurt_s]

I've been married for over 20 years. My bride definately likes a clean car but wash and wax a car herself? Right.... I don't have time to detail every month and detailing is a hobby for me.

I get a least a couple of extra months between clay and wax/sealant jobs when I use OCW every 2-3 car washes. You should be able to get a trial size of OCW or the Pinnacle spray wax with an order. Definately give those two a go.

I will have to look into OCW. I can't really get upset with her, as she doesn't share the same desires when it comes to car care. Which is fine, but please save me the extra effort!!! LOL!

 

[Bunky]

Although I cannot claim a foam gun is essential, it is fun to use and detailing needs to have entertainment value.

 

[alko]

I've been married for over 20 years. My bride definately likes a clean car but wash and wax a car herself? Right.... I don't have time to detail every month and detailing is a hobby for me.

I get a least a couple of extra months between clay and wax/sealant jobs when I use OCW every 2-3 car washes. You should be able to get a trial size of OCW or the Pinnacle spray wax with an order. Definately give those two a go.

Thanks for the info! I will look into these two.