Please offer your opinions on quick detailers. In between full details, car always gets dusty and spotty.Will using quick detail hurt the finish if not done properly,and if so what is the right products and procedure for this job? Are quick detailers cleaners or waxes? I've heard many differing views about this, your interest and advice are appreciated.

 

I use a spray detailer only if I haven't driven the car...ie...I'm detailing the car, haven't finished all the panels, walk away, the next day, I do a quick spray before picking up my Flex again.

I find it too difficult to tell what is simple dust, and what is road contamination to trust a detailing spray and a MF towel. If I've driven the car, I re-wash it with DI water.

 

Big discussion about this over on Autopia recently. The general concensus is that using a QD on a dusty car will create marring, no matter how good your products or procedure. If the car is dusty, you should wash it. If you're looking for a time saver, use a rinseless car wash, like Optimum No Rinse (ONR).

 

Just seconding the above comments. I only tried once on a slightly dusty car and had to buff out the fine scratches. Hard to beat copious amounts of water (and soap).

 

You guys have made me so proud.....great advice Detail Sprays aren't to take the place of washing. They're designed to wipe down the finish at a concours, at a show where fingerprints sometimes gather on the paint, etc. After a wash, you can use a detail spray to get rid of any water spots or add some shine back to the paint. Also, a detail spray should be kept in the car for times where mother nature leaves you presents via birds or trees

 

THEIR EVIL! Just good for short term gain.

yea, the car will be ""clean" but for that 15min wash job, you will spend 3hrs polishing it all out!

 

Isn't that the truth Not worth the short term gain as mentioned.

 

what about too help with drying? I usually use a bunch of microfibers to remove the bulk of the water after washing, and then a little quick detailer to wipe down the car. This is for after just a quick wash, when the car has a good coat of wax still on it.

 

This is OK. The point we're trying to make is that detail sprays should be used on a finish that is already clean. As long as you remember that it's not to take the place of washing.

 

Thanks for all your advice. I'll just leave it alone till next wash.