Get that 50ccs of wax! Stat!

M

MAF260

Member
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7,662
Another vote here for the clay mitt you can pick up at Halfords. If you have a decent base to start with it makes it easy work. As with everything, it's all in the preparation. I've just cleaned Mrs MAF's black BMW (mobile pig sty, stable, kennel with a good smattering of mud and general crud). I had it detailed/prepped when it was brand new almost 18 months ago. All it takes now is a relatively quick clean and drying and it come up spotless.
 
EnzoMC

EnzoMC

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Messages
1,999
Conaero said:
I still use a clay bar like you Enz, just I heard the mitts are very good but yet to try it for myself.

You may not like the Harley's as your on a different level when it come to detailing but is great for us domestic types, it goes on and off easy and recon I could get it on and off in 10 mins if I was against the clock. It also works extremely well with a dusting of Demon Shine over the top.

Newton turns his nose up at it as he says its petrollium based but it does the job.
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I like to try different products to test and comment on.
 
EnzoMC

EnzoMC

Member
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1,999
CatmanV2 said:
Arrggghhhh option paralysis :)

Thanks Enzo. Matt's getting me a tub of Harlys. It meets my cost expectation right now. I'll grab some detailing stuff for post the drive down and see how it pans out.

Cheers

C
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no probs C. offers open if needed.... just remember wash, dry, clay and clean in lines not circles
 
CatmanV2

CatmanV2

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48,789
EnzoMC said:
no probs C. offers open if needed.... just remember wash, dry, clay and clean in lines not circles
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Thanks. I suspect it's a learning curve. I'll try other stuff as well (although probably not to your level or professionalism). Your comments are noted. I still find myself washing in circles (grrrr)

Will be buying a proper snow foam lance when my Demon foam is dead.

C
 
2b1ask1

2b1ask1

Special case
Messages
20,273
Conaero said:
I still use a clay bar like you Enz, just I heard the mitts are very good but yet to try it for myself.

You may not like the Harley's as your on a different level when it come to detailing but is great for us domestic types, it goes on and off easy and recon I could get it on and off in 10 mins if I was against the clock. It also works extremely well with a dusting of Demon Shine over the top.

Newton turns his nose up at it as he says its petrollium based but it does the job.
Click to expand...

Ah so someone reads my rants!

The point I do drum on about is that petroleum stabilised waxes and polishes are just that, you cannot build layers as the new application immediately dissolves the previous and more so an issue with polishes (as oposed to waxes) where this process can even de-stabilise the balance of chemicals and abrasives which can defeat what you are trying to achieve and even lead to swirly paint!

Apart from silicone products that shouldn't be anywhere near any vehicle, they all use carnauba wax at varying percentages, polishes up to an absolute maximum of 14%, petrolium waxes up to an absolute maximum of 40% but in reality most will only get to 30% at their top end waxes, this is for a number of reasons but essentially as you spread the product out the distillates are evaporating so a higher proportion of distillates gives you a longer working time. I'm sure you have all experienced chalky residue or the cloth (microwipe) suddenly clagging up!

I may well bang on about zymol but it is fascinating how it works using an enzyme that activates in oxygen and 'sets' the wax. This allows up to 70% wax in the mix and genuinely allows layers to be built up. True it is shockingly expensive. Also I'm not referring to the 'cleaner wax' you can get in Halfords but proper glazes.
 
EnzoMC

EnzoMC

Member
Messages
1,999
two bucket little tip, don't put your wash mitt into the the second bucket, wash your mitt with hose into the second bucket. if you put your mitt into the second bucket all your doing to picking up dirt as that what mitts are meant to do... just a suggestion....

your wash bucket should be as clean as when you started
 
CatmanV2

CatmanV2

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48,789
EnzoMC said:
two bucket little tip, don't put your wash mitt into the the second bucket, wash your mitt with hose into the second bucket. if you put your mitt into the second bucket all your doing to picking up dirt as that what mitts are meant to do... just a suggestion....

your wash bucket should be as clean as when you started
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My lord. You can wash my car *any* time!

C
 
E

Ebenezer

Member
Messages
4,501
I'm going to need some machinery if I'm going to go down the detailing route. Spent a very pleasant 4 hours yesterday morning washing and waxing in preparation for Brands but I'm absolutely knackered! Getting the polish off was bloomin' hard work. Have the same problem with the 2 buckets too as both are black!. This time I purposely ensure that the rinse bucket was the one furthest away... I think. Still very green on this. Car looks beter than when I started but I have a lot to learn. I think my claying technique is useless as when I was waxing it revealed hundreds of spots that needed a lot of work to polish off.
Eb
 
EnzoMC

EnzoMC

Member
Messages
1,999
I'm arranging a detailing day with Peter, think C is up for this and Eb your more than welcome. can cover off everything from basis washing to machine polishing. I have different types of machines you can try on a test panel. and best ways to work with wax that makes it easier :)
 
EnzoMC

EnzoMC

Member
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1,999
CatmanV2 said:
Don't tempt me :)

C
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no probs offers open anyway with 30% off as a thank you for giving me a lift twice when on the euro trip

downside it is a long way to come here and sure you have other good detailer near you

side note it would be 2 days work
 
CatmanV2

CatmanV2

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48,789
EnzoMC said:
no probs offers open anyway with 30% off as a thank you for giving me a lift twice when on the euro trip

downside it is a long way to come here and sure you have other good detailer near you

side note it would be 2 days work
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Bloody ****, chap. You don't need to offer me a discount for giving you a lift! (although I'm touched) A beer is plenty!

C
 
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