Ask AutoLavish! Answers to your car care questions...

Picked it up off another. Let me know if I made out well.
3m Perfect-It 2 Rubbing compound (fine cut 90%)
Poorboy's Polish with carnuba (75% full)
Poorboy's SSR1 (85% full)
Poorboy's SSR2.5 (75% full)
Meguiar's NXT Tech Wax (80% full)
Poorboy's EX-P (75% full)
Invisible Glass (new)
2 microfibers
1 handpad
Brand New Random Orbital with 3 pads
Will I be able to use these products with the orbital? What kind of pads should I be looking to get to complimetn these products? Thanks guys!
5432418004_5ef16025b9_b.jpg

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Do youhave a list of supplies and where to find them? I would like to get the grit guards and mits.

I have no lists... but I can help to point you in the right direction depending on what you're looking for!
First check out Detailedimage.com as they have the majority of things I like.

I took your suggestion and picked up some 1Z Cockpit Premium yesterday at a shop I found in PA. I almost pulled the trigger on some ONR and some Collonite 845, but figured I'd wait for a bit.

1Z Cockpit Premium is AMAZING. You're going to love it. ONR is a love it or like it product. I like it, some others love it and swear by it. I'm not that much in love with it compared to some guys I know.
845 is good stuff... but unless you don't have a decent wax or sealant already, I'd say you won't need it. Much harder to use than stuff like Blackfire, and the results aren't as impressive as you might think IME compared to how some people describe it. From other people, you'd think it lasts for years or decades, but I don't see much of a difference compared to stuff like Blackfire or Powerlock, and would much rather use something easy to use twice than something fussy once.


1.) I have a 2100psi 2.0 gpm gas powered pressure washer.
I would like to use a foam cannon to throw down the soap, but is this washer too strong? It doesnt have any adjustment for psi/flow that I know of.
Also, how is something like this ? Does it foam enough to make it worthwhile? I'd prefer a non-powered foam gun because the pressure washer is pretty damn loud and would be annoying to listen to every time I wash the car.

2.) When using the foam cannon do you just use a water bucket for rinsing the wash mitt since the soap is on the car?

Holy cow! Autogeek is selling the Gilmore Gun for $70 bucks!!
Let me give you my advice... if you really want it - check out amazon.com for the Gilmore Foam Gun. ;)

2100PSI is likely too strong... but maybe not. It depends on how close you are to your paint. PWers use such low volumes of water that it's all in distance. Use it correctly and it might be fine. Keep in mind that while foam guns / cannons can be fun... they're often times not 100% needed. I almost never wash my own car with either. If you want you car to look good, make sure you invest in two dedicated 5 gallon buckets for washing along with Grit Guards for each.
The hose attached foam guns do create some foam... but not the super thick stuff you see in most of our pics. They also use a lot of product very quickly, so I would recommend using a cheaper shampoo in them while saving your good stuff for your two bucket washing solution.

Foam gun:

DSC01107.jpg



Foam Cannon:

DSC04741.jpg




Lastly, when using foam, you can either have one rinse bucket with a Grit Guard, or have two buckets (rinse / wash like normal) with Grit Guards. The choice is yours.

Hope this helps!
 
Well, I guess I'll just save my money on 845, pick up the Leather Master stuff I was looking at, as well as some new clay, clay lube, and ONR and call it a day. I finally picked up some 4" pads and backing plate for my PC as well.
 
http://www.detailedimage.com/ is who Mark uses... they have it all

ONE of the places we use. You can also check out places like detailersdomain.com, dodojuiceusa.com, www.carnaubawaxshop.co.uk, and some others if you'd like.


Mark, what do you think about dodo juice supernatural? what wax would you reccomend for pearl whites? thanks

I love it - I recently did a full review of it in an article you should read if you're considering it: http://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-Pro/product-review-dodo-juice-supernatural-carnauba-wax/

Product recommendations go off a lot of thing and for obvious reasons I don't normally go around recommending $200 wax :D
How often do you want to have to use the product, how durable does the product need to be, how hard is your water, is the car garage kept, do you like the pearlescent brightness or a liquidy look better, and what's your budget?


Picked it up off another. Let me know if I made out well.
3m Perfect-It 2 Rubbing compound (fine cut 90%)
Poorboy's Polish with carnuba (75% full)
Poorboy's SSR1 (85% full)
Poorboy's SSR2.5 (75% full)
Meguiar's NXT Tech Wax (80% full)
Poorboy's EX-P (75% full)
Invisible Glass (new)
2 microfibers
1 handpad
Brand New Random Orbital with 3 pads
Will I be able to use these products with the orbital? What kind of pads should I be looking to get to complimetn these products? Thanks guys!

You might have - it just depends on how much you spent!
First off the things I know:
The NXT is the first generation bottle: it's an over-the-counter sealant with slight abrasives in it, has a great look, is easy to use, but the durable isn't outstanding. Make sure to reapply every month or every other month just to make sure. I'm personally a fan of it - especially for being an over the counter product.
Invisi Glass is awesome stuff. Maybe prefer the one you have in the aerosol can as it foams slightly.

Stuff I can shed a little light on:
Poorboy's products as (or at least were) based of Chemical Guy's / Warner Chemical compositions. Made to be great products at a good price. The "polish" isn't an actual polish but rather it seems to be a liquid wax or a liquid wax/sealant hybrid. Might be better than the NXT, so make sure you give them both a shot.
The actual polishes: Poorboy's SSR's and the 3M: PB polishes have had some nice things said about them, but most people go with the most popular products instead. The 3M Rubbing Compound is likely VERY aggressive, so be careful with it depending on how your vehicle's finish is.

Orbital buffers aren't very popular as they're not designed for heavy use and doesn't have a lot of paint correction ability due to their mechanical movement. They're basically a cheap step-up from doings things by hand. Polishing pads aren't made for them, and instead they take bonnets. The condition of the bonnet will depend on how smoothly / well the machine operates and the results you can achieve. Personally, I'd say it's not worth using to wax/seal your car, and if you are interested in polishing your paint, your best bet is to invest in the proper tools like a decent Dual Action polisher (PC7424 XP / Griot's Professional DA / Meguiar's G110v2).

Overall you have some nice new things to try out and you should surely document your experience and thoughts to post back on Motown. A lot of member's will benefit from what you have to say without a doubt.
 
Well, I guess I'll just save my money on 845, pick up the Leather Master stuff I was looking at, as well as some new clay, clay lube, and ONR and call it a day. I finally picked up some 4" pads and backing plate for my PC as well.

I think I told you before, but you'll want Soft Cleaner and Protection Cream from Leather Master. Because 845 is so popular, you can likely find some used or get a sample off of someone.

Clay is alway important, and it seems we can't get any of the good stuff here in the US due to patent laws from Clay Magic. If you want to kill some time, you can look into both of these more:
http://www.carnaubawaxshop.co.uk/shop/viewproduct.php?product_id=96
http://www.eshine.ca/riccardo_clay_original_yellow_8oz-4001.php?cat=10

As for lube, I do think it's nice to have a dedicated product (Chemical Guys Luber is nice as is Dodo Juice's Born Slippy), but ONR can be made into clay lube...
 
I think I told you before, but you'll want Soft Cleaner and Protection Cream from Leather Master. Because 845 is so popular, you can likely find some used or get a sample off of someone.

Clay is alway important, and it seems we can't get any of the good stuff here in the US due to patent laws from Clay Magic. If you want to kill some time, you can look into both of these more:
http://www.carnaubawaxshop.co.uk/shop/viewproduct.php?product_id=96
http://www.eshine.ca/riccardo_clay_original_yellow_8oz-4001.php?cat=10

As for lube, I do think it's nice to have a dedicated product (Chemical Guys Luber is nice as is Dodo Juice's Born Slippy), but ONR can be made into clay lube...

I'll have to read the clay info a bit more. I was going to do the Clay Magic fine clay and DJ Born Slippy, since I don't really have a dedicated clay lube. I think those two you mentioned, along with a bottle of Leatherique Rejuvinator oil is going to cover the leather, and I really just want to try ONR. All this cold weather is giving me a huge itch to start detailing the Mustang, and I can't wait to see what a good weekend's worth of work is going to do to it.
 
I'll have to read the clay info a bit more. I was going to do the Clay Magic fine clay and DJ Born Slippy, since I don't really have a dedicated clay lube. I think those two you mentioned, along with a bottle of Leatherique Rejuvinator oil is going to cover the leather, and I really just want to try ONR. All this cold weather is giving me a huge itch to start detailing the Mustang, and I can't wait to see what a good weekend's worth of work is going to do to it.

Sounds like you're all set!
You'll enjoy the ONR just for the sake of being able to work on the car a little. I know we all have "the itch" right now.
 
You might have - it just depends on how much you spent!
First off the things I know:
The NXT is the first generation bottle: it's an over-the-counter sealant with slight abrasives in it, has a great look, is easy to use, but the durable isn't outstanding. Make sure to reapply every month or every other month just to make sure. I'm personally a fan of it - especially for being an over the counter product.
Invisi Glass is awesome stuff. Maybe prefer the one you have in the aerosol can as it foams slightly.

Stuff I can shed a little light on:
Poorboy's products as (or at least were) based of Chemical Guy's / Warner Chemical compositions. Made to be great products at a good price. The "polish" isn't an actual polish but rather it seems to be a liquid wax or a liquid wax/sealant hybrid. Might be better than the NXT, so make sure you give them both a shot.
The actual polishes: Poorboy's SSR's and the 3M: PB polishes have had some nice things said about them, but most people go with the most popular products instead. The 3M Rubbing Compound is likely VERY aggressive, so be careful with it depending on how your vehicle's finish is.

Orbital buffers aren't very popular as they're not designed for heavy use and doesn't have a lot of paint correction ability due to their mechanical movement. They're basically a cheap step-up from doings things by hand. Polishing pads aren't made for them, and instead they take bonnets. The condition of the bonnet will depend on how smoothly / well the machine operates and the results you can achieve. Personally, I'd say it's not worth using to wax/seal your car, and if you are interested in polishing your paint, your best bet is to invest in the proper tools like a decent Dual Action polisher (PC7424 XP / Griot's Professional DA / Meguiar's G110v2).

Overall you have some nice new things to try out and you should surely document your experience and thoughts to post back on Motown. A lot of member's will benefit from what you have to say without a doubt.

Oh yeah totally forgot about that! $50 for all of that. I'm excited to explore into the world of paint correction! Kinda intimidated to be honest but i'm sure i'll make it through haha Thanks for the advice/input. So on something like minor swirls what process of correction should I be taking? Wash/clay/ssr2.5/ssr1/exp polish then the nxt?
 
Oh yeah totally forgot about that! $50 for all of that. I'm excited to explore into the world of paint correction! Kinda intimidated to be honest but i'm sure i'll make it through haha Thanks for the advice/input. So on something like minor swirls what process of correction should I be taking? Wash/clay/ssr2.5/ssr1/exp polish then the nxt?

Not too bad I'd say.
Correct on order. Last would either be the NXT as you mentioned, or the PB "polish."
 
Product recommendations go off a lot of thing and for obvious reasons I don't normally go around recommending $200 wax :D
How often do you want to have to use the product, how durable does the product need to be, how hard is your water, is the car garage kept, do you like the pearlescent brightness or a liquidy look better, and what's your budget?
.

i would like to use the product once a month or every other month. its a daily driver so id prefer more durable than not, live in the city so water is pretty soft. car is not garage kept, id like a little of both brightness and the liquid look. id say mainly the pearlescent brightness. thanks Marc!
 
Im wondering what type of wax is ideal for a black car. The paint is already in very good condition (IMO). I have been using Meguiars Gold Class paste wax with decent results, but am looking to step up to better products. Any suggestion?

Thanks,
Ryan
 
i would like to use the product once a month or every other month. its a daily driver so id prefer more durable than not, live in the city so water is pretty soft. car is not garage kept, id like a little of both brightness and the liquid look. id say mainly the pearlescent brightness. thanks Marc!

Hmmm... I see.
Well here's the thing: with not being garage kept, the protection will diminish much more quickly - even on a white vehicle. White doesn't absorb nearly as much heat as black (black paint can hit over 170 degrees in the summer even in Michigan), but the UV rays of the sun will certainly affect how a product performs.
Because you have beautiful pearl paint, to show it off as much as possible you'll want a product with a lot of clarity so it really "pops" in the sun. I'd recommend you stick with an easy to use, highly durable, and very slick sealant for now: something like Blackfire Wet Diamond, Menzerna Powerlock, Chemical Guys JetSeal109, or Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant 3.0. The durability of any of these should be at least a few months in your conditions, and the slickness will help to keep things from sticking to your car while making it a lot easier to wash. If you'd like to add on a coat of a high quality wax, I'd recommend you look into a product like Dodo Juice's White Diamond. White Diamond's formula is based off the early Supernatural formula and has outstanding clarity for a carnauba wax. You could get another quality but less expensive wax, but many carnauba waxes are known to dim down metallic flake / pearl in paint. White Diamond will give you a nearly identical look to Supernatural at a fraction of the price, and both will have similar durability (maybe around 2 months for your use).
I hope this helps!


Im wondering what type of wax is ideal for a black car. The paint is already in very good condition (IMO). I have been using Meguiars Gold Class paste wax with decent results, but am looking to step up to better products. Any suggestion?
Thanks,
Ryan

Ryan,
Meguiar's Gold Class has a big following for a reason: it's known to be a very nice wax, especially for the price. I think the only other Meguiar's wax that can compete with the following of Gold Class is Meguiar's #16 Mirror Glaze which isn't sold in the US any longer and seems to have a cult-like following.
To answer your question though; first take into account that the prep work is the most important aspect for ALL cars, but this is especially true for black. Black shows everything - so the easiest way to think of your paint is like a mirror. A mirror that is dirty and hazy will still reflect, but not nearly as precise as a super clean highly polished mirror. Swirls, scratches, marring, etc all take away from the clarity of your paint, and in no other color is this more obvious than on black. Get your "black mirror" looking perfect and it won't matter if you use waxes like Zymol Royale, Swissvax Divine, or Turtle Wax. It's all about the prep.
Will its easy to talk about polishing your car correctly to a near perfect finish... in reality that's a very time consuming process and requires a lot of specialized products and know-how. Here's a low budget short cut:
Glazes & All In Ones.
A glaze is a product typically used for show car prep that adds either oils or polymers to give a wetter look while temporarily filling in light swirl marks. While they usually only last for a period of 2-6 weeks, for that time you'll see a visual reduction in swirls which equates to a darker finish that gives your a more reflective look from the increased clarity.
All in One products (AIO) can be thought of as a "Jack of all trades, master of none." They have some light polishing agents in them which will help to resurface your finish very slowly. Those abrasives will round-off the edges of swirls and scratches as the product is worked into the paint. Rounded edges don't refract light in the same manner, so you'll notice that after a few uses, you're finish has actually improved resulting in a more reflective finish from the increased clarity. In addition to the polishing nature of AIOs, they also leave behind a little protection which will likely last you between one and two months.
I hope this gives you a better idea on how to get that much more out of your black car's paint. I could recommend some other actual wax products, but I think you'll likely see a bigger difference in a Glaze or AIO product over a luxury carnauba wax.


I tried the 1ZCP yesterday to wipe down the interior, and WOW! that stuff is the shit. Definitely a fan now.

What took you so long!!! :P
Told you that you'd love it. We're still on our 10L jug (only about 1/4 left!), and have had a lot of clients turned into believers.
 
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