What to use as a pre-wash

[BlackHawk]

I'm not sure if this is too expensive or not, but I have 2 bottles of this stuff

It seems to work well as as a pre-rinse and doesn't affect LSPs. If you read the label, its not only for bugs, its for tar, grime, etc...

Only problem is, I never use it because my cars don't get dirty enough.

I heard the Einszett Anti Insect is pretty good. Although $10 for 500ml there are better buys out there.

 

[PiPUK]

Contrary to popular myth, APCs do not automatically strip LSPs. If you have experienced this then you need to rinse more thoroughly (APCs will leave films of surfactant) or need to rethink the LSP you are using. At general purpose dilution, an APC should not strip. If you accept that, the next bit won't trouble you...

You guys have limited experience with prewash products but, in the UK, they are everywhere. Prewash products... these are chemically comparable to APCs. They may be marketed differently but they are chemically equivalent. We sell APCs as wax safe prewashes and we sell prewashes as LSPs. They do the same thing, same ingredient set, same prices. So perfectly OK to use an APC for prewashing. Just find the using concentration for general purpose cleaning and go with it. If it manages to strip your LSP then it has done you a favour, it will have removed a low quality product and told you that you can throw the bottle in the bin and get to AG to buy a better one!

 

[silverfox]

Some guys change LSPs like underwear, why else would they buy 59 different ones from sealants to waxes and everything in between?

So even if the APC strips the LSP its hardly a loss for some of the car crazy crowd.

Those people are not the concern. It's the guys and gals who don't want to spend every waking moment applying new LSPs that need to pay attention.

 

[FUNX650]

You guys have limited experience with prewash products

This may be true for some of the detailers labeled as being enthusiasts nowadays.

However...
There are some of us here in the States that have known-of/and-used:
Vehicle pre-wash chemicals...for many, many, many years.
Over 50 years applies to me.

Just seems like, to me, "newer" methods of marketing-tactics that are in place.

If it manages to strip your LSP then it has done you a favour,
it will have removed a low quality product and told you that you can throw the bottle in the bin
and get to AG to buy a better one!

^^^:iagree:^^^ One of the best advisements there is...:xyxthumbs:

Personally...
I want it where I have to use something like a very mild polish to remove
any remnants of an LSP if, or when, I desire for it to be: "stripped".

Stripping, except for that occurring in the 'proper-arenas', is highly overrated IMO.



Bob

 

[Wes Bremec]

Auto finesse citrus cleaner is awesome. I enjoy also the duragloss bug and tar remover. There both good priced an said not to strip LSP.

 

[inDetail]

If it's my first detail for a client or the first and last wash of the year. I usually mix CG Citrus wash and gloss with some purple power and use it in my home made presoak gun. Sometimes I will use a mix of CG wash and gloss and original blue Dawn. Dawn and a APC mixed with car shampoo will strip any old wax or sealants. Then a light power wash really well then 2B wash with just car shampoo.