Special Vehicle Care 101: General Cleaning
#61
+1 Will definitely echo this, I learned how to detail pretty well for a non-professional with my BMWs. I first applied a CarPro CQuartz Cermaic Coating on my 1series with 2 layers and absolutely fell in love with my non-professional work
When my Cobalt Blue V8Vs came in, I had the car professionally paint corrected (18hrs), 3 layers of Esoteric Kamikaze Ceramic Coating applied as well on the brake calipers and wheels, then Xpel overlaid, followed up with another layer of coating on the Xpel - $1600 expense
I no longer need to worry about car detailing, I will do a rinse every couple of months (I daily drive the car if weather permits) but it looks perfect every time. I just sold all my detailing equipment on fb marketplace for $1500 to a kid that is picking up mobile detailing
The ceramic coatings have made car detailing a game changer and a less "maintenancy" of an item. Below are pics 1 day post coating work
When my Cobalt Blue V8Vs came in, I had the car professionally paint corrected (18hrs), 3 layers of Esoteric Kamikaze Ceramic Coating applied as well on the brake calipers and wheels, then Xpel overlaid, followed up with another layer of coating on the Xpel - $1600 expense
I no longer need to worry about car detailing, I will do a rinse every couple of months (I daily drive the car if weather permits) but it looks perfect every time. I just sold all my detailing equipment on fb marketplace for $1500 to a kid that is picking up mobile detailing
The ceramic coatings have made car detailing a game changer and a less "maintenancy" of an item. Below are pics 1 day post coating work
PS----jsut because you have a coating doesn't mean the surface doesn't require mainenance every 4-6 months depending on how you drive them. Coatings like clear coat will build up road grime over time and polishing is the only thing that will take that off. I will dig a picture of that up somewhere. It should be surprising to most people.
#62
Is it redundant to apply sealant and then apply wax? I read that because sealant is hydrophobic, it makes wax difficult to adhere to it. But some of my friends say it’s ok to apply sealant and then wax on top of it for double protection.
#63
It like asking is it redundant when its 45 degres outside to put on a long sleeve shirt and then a windbreaker. Do you have to put the windbreaker on? No you dont. But if you do it helps and makes life much more comfortable.
#64
No, that is actually the most proper thing to do. Think of it as layers. Each one provides some type of protection and for a limited amount of time. Look up AMMO NYC and look up the Paint Regimen and it will explain the process and resonating why. A good sealant will provide about 4-6 months of protection depending on your driving and storage conditions. Carnauba waxes only last about 3 weeks when its warm outside. Hot outside maybe less, but they provide a deep hue to the paint, rather than just a surface shine.
It like asking is it redundant when its 45 degres outside to put on a long sleeve shirt and then a windbreaker. Do you have to put the windbreaker on? No you dont. But if you do it helps and makes life much more comfortable.
It like asking is it redundant when its 45 degres outside to put on a long sleeve shirt and then a windbreaker. Do you have to put the windbreaker on? No you dont. But if you do it helps and makes life much more comfortable.
Do I have to buy a wax remover since I do not know if or what the previous owner used or if they even used wax? Or will using clay bar and lubricant remove previous wax and sealants so I can start fresh?
Last edited by lovingit; 12-21-2018 at 10:05 AM.
#65
#66
I enjoy cleaning the cars. I think that is where I look away from products like ceramic coatings.
Larry at AMMO does an amazing job with his products, if you keep up with his line you will see amazing results.
Larry at AMMO does an amazing job with his products, if you keep up with his line you will see amazing results.
#67
So generally speaking, is washing your car with dish washing soap like Dawn worse than using car wash soap like Meguirs?
Isn't soap "suds", just the car wash soap bubbles and froth?
Last edited by lovingit; 12-21-2018 at 02:05 PM.
#68
Special Vehicle Care Protectants
Dish washing soaps strip the paint surfaces of all sealants, waxes, and toppers. (if you dont know what a topper is---any product you put on top of your protection; such as spray wax, spray detailers, etc.....) This allows for a bare surface to start from. Claying your paint will also strip the surface of protection.
Meguires Car Wash soap and all the other basic Car Wash Soaps without additives such as (Citrus--will strip, Wax--helps wax the surface) will not remove any of the protection you have applied. That is what they are designed for.
#69
You have now heard multiple data points from Aston owners who have detailed their own cars for years but prefer ceramic coatings now.
#72
I have the V spoke wheels. They are a pain to clean! I used simple water soap and microfiber and spent the longest time getting in and around the V spokes. It was a pain cleaning the inside of the wheel. There are still areas I couldn’t get my hand into near where the brakes sit. Most likely will need a wheel woolie. I don’t ever recall cleaning the inside of my beemer wheels just the outside face. I’m guessing no one uses any spray on and hose off wheel cleaners?
#73
I have the V spoke wheels. They are a pain to clean! I used simple water soap and microfiber and spent the longest time getting in and around the V spokes. It was a pain cleaning the inside of the wheel. There are still areas I couldn’t get my hand into near where the brakes sit. Most likely will need a wheel woolie. I don’t ever recall cleaning the inside of my beemer wheels just the outside face. I’m guessing no one uses any spray on and hose off wheel cleaners?
#74
I have the V spoke wheels. They are a pain to clean! I used simple water soap and microfiber and spent the longest time getting in and around the V spokes. It was a pain cleaning the inside of the wheel. There are still areas I couldn’t get my hand into near where the brakes sit. Most likely will need a wheel woolie. I don’t ever recall cleaning the inside of my beemer wheels just the outside face. I’m guessing no one uses any spray on and hose off wheel cleaners?
PS21 Wheel gel will work just fine on your wheels. Best bet is to get them perfectly clean (likely removing each one to do it properly) and then coat the with some type of silica based coating or spray type (spray type will only last a few months) then only use soap and water. Wheel cleaners will take away the coatings or silica spray properties.
Just be extra carful with cleaners, a lot of them can damage wheels if let to dry, or dwell on any surface to long etc...... I gave you a perfect cleaner if you choose.
#75