We have all seen it before, wax build up trapped in and around door edges, emblems and moldings. That whitish chalky look that reveals a car or truck has been quickly and slop polished. If your ride is important to you and you really want to prep the finish like the pros then read on.
First off we determine how dirty the vehicle is. If it is simply dust from driving then air blowing it down will work to remove 80% of the dust on the surface. A small pancake compressor that plugs in to a 110 volt outlet will do the job just fine. As a safety measure purchase an air blower with a rubber tip so you will not scratch the surface if you accidentally bump it.
If at all possible detail your vehicle in a garage or under a carport and never in the direct sun. The outside wind will tend to blow dust back on to the surface as you are trying to detail, so it makes sense to do it indoors if possible. The next step is to purchase tack cloths. The Surgical Blue brand of cloth is very tacky yet it does not leave a sticky residue when used properly like some brands do.
It is best to unfold the tack cloth so it is puffy, about a 1/2 thick covering just out side your hands surface. While lightly wiping the cars finish this will pick up 100 percent of the dust. These cloths are designed for Pre-paint cleaning so you know they are the best. Be sure and let the cloth do the work. No pressure just let it glide. 2- 4 strokes as long and straight as you can then folding the tack cloth to a new clean side. Repeat until the whole vehicle is wiped. Dupont has E-4144 Sontera polishing cloths that are disposable. These will not scratch any surface but allow water wiping, polish application and removal just right.
If the air blow method and tack cloth will not do the job because there is too much dirt on the surface then the next method is to wet down some Sontera towels and wipe the surface clean. Without tearing them in to individual pieces fold 3-4 cloths together the same as we discussed with the tack rag and dampen them well.
Be sure and squeeze excess water from the towels so it is as wet as can be without dripping. It should not drip once you squeeze it out, other wise you will be leaving water streaks and spots on the finish. The same method is used as the tack rag, long strokes but turn the rag more often to a clean side.
Remember that taking your car to a car wash and or using a wash bucket like an every day driver will scratch the finish. This will be undetectable outside and in high light but in low light you will see the hair line scratches that the soap and water bucket method offers. The dampened Sontera cloths will pick up the dirt easily because of the amount of moisture on the towel.
You have to turn the cloths to a clean area on a regular basis until your project is completely done. This could mean 3-6 sets of cloths if need be. Folding them to a 1/2 thick like the tack rag is perfect and continue to wipe and turn to a clean side until the rag is not picking up any more dirt. Never rinse out in water and use the same cloths as this will scratch the surface. Once the car is completely cleaned the next step is to mask off all the emblems, moldings and body gaps to keep wax and or polish from entering in and being stuck down in to the crevices making it hard to remove. Simply lay it on with your left hand/fingers pushing in to place while the right hand is guiding it. Reverse that if you are left handed.
3M 05990 hand Glaze is not a wax and it will only last 1-2 days. The finish it leaves is superior to that of a wax job but it is used for show work only. The following application methods will be the same for the wax of your choice. In the refinishing business we use this product because it has no silicone like wax which can contaminate a paint shop with fish eye problems.
Keep in mind that although it does not last as long as wax does the excess of this product is wiped off much easier then excess wax is. Small amounts are squeezed on to the Sontera cloths the size of a 50 cent piece is fine. In a circular motion apply the glaze with minimal pressure, when you witness this you can see how easily a molding or emblem will get buildup in the cracks compared to the taped areas.
You simply take another set of folded dry cloths and wipe until the residue is gone. You will see a beautiful reflection in the paint. If you have stubborn scratches or any stains 3M Finesse It part #5929 will remove them. It takes longer by hand using this material but if you are not use to power buffing then only use it by hand. It is the same application rate as all the other methods. It will also buff out the finish nice but will still need to be glazed to finish it off.
On to the tires we use a product called Forever Black available at most auto parts stores. This product blackens the tires so they look brand new but it does not leave them shiny or fake looking like some products do. Tires need cleaning before hand just like paint does. Using some of cloths previously used on the painted surface water wipe them down just past the treads.
For an all out show car remove the tires and clean in and out of the treads first. We actually rap the tires with plastic after highly detailing them and once we have the vehicle in place at a show we cut the plastic away so even the tread grooves are perfect. Apply tire gel evenly and liberally as the foam block applicator works and the tires are very porous. Wipe with a dry rag to remove the residue. Touch up if needed.
Following these methods will give you the ultimate results. The typical vehicle will take about 2 hours to achieve this if you are working steadily. This is worth it if you have to have the best.
Article provided by the Hot Rods team of Jeff Lilly Restorations!
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