Fantastic work, and great photos. What kind of camera/lenses do you use?
For a quick hand wash and polish/sealant without buffers etc, which soaps, polishes and waxes would you recommend? I've always just used a bucket and mitt with turtle wax car wash...probably the best results I've had with wax was collinite though I stopped using it since liquid wax made the job much quicker and easier. Unfortunately the paint on my two old cars is getting a little dry and gritty and will need a little extra attention in spring.
Firstly, the brand isn't more important then the technique. If you use the right brand wrong, it'll be worse then the wrong brand right, if that makes sense. They way I detail is far more in-depth then normal people need to do, below is the steps I would use to do a basic wash with minimal tools and products.
1.) Rinse vehicle down. If you have a pressure washer use it (electric only, and make sure it's not super strong). Pay attention to panel intersections, grills, badges, anywhere 2 pieces meet. Wheel wells and wheels should be rinsed as best as possible before using soap as well, to save the soap for the harder to remove debris.
2.) Pre-wash the car with an APC (All Purpose Cleaner). This should be a car specific cleaner as they are designed not to harm finishes. Follow the dilution instructions to the letter, they know how to use their own product. Apply this product to the lower half of the vehicle, wheels, anywhere with heavy dirt and stains. Front bumpers and wheel wells will need this after road trips for bug removal.
3.) Once the pre wash is applied, go around with a small round brush like a paint brush (again, detailing/car specific, they are a safe bet not to mar the finish) and clean any nooks and crannies a wash mitt won't clean. PAY ATTENTION TO THE PRE-WASH! If it is drying re hydrate it and stay on top of that, some pre-washes will stain if they dry.
4.) Once you've gone around the whole car, rinse with pressure and remove all the pre-wash and debris that comes with it. Pay attention to the soap residue. Do not leave any pre-wash on the car.
5.) Clean wheels. Using a wheel cleaner and appropriate brushes, clean the wheels and tires. Again, follow the instructions on usage and use the right tools. Brushes and Mitts used on wheels should no be used on paintwork, as brake dust has metallic particles and even the best rinsing job will not get it all out.
6.) Wash the car with hte 2 bucket method. This is a simple trick to help keep the soap clean and stop you from rubbing dirt back into the paint. Fill 2 equal buckets with water and only apply the car soap (car specific) to one. This this best for cleaning the paint, and then rinse the mitt in the other. Ring out he mitt before putting it in the clean bucket for the next panel. WATCH THE PANELS! Make sure the soap isn't drying, if so rinse it off and work in small sections.
7.) Clay the car. Clay bars level off embedded dirt in the paint and smooth it out for the wax process. You will need HOT water, a bucket for said water, and a lube solution. You can use clay lubricant but a strong mixture of car wash soap works too and is ore economical money wish. For a beginner it's best to use the solutions, as you can buy it all in a kit.
Claying is something that is the beginning of an advanced practice. Once you do it once you'll get it, but the first time can be a bit difficult. Working in partial panels, wet a section and apply lubricant. Do not work in sunlight for now. Heat up a chunk of clay in the hot water and flatten out a 2 inch or so round piece and put it in the palm of your hand. Rub it on the paint making sure there is lots of lubricant. You will feel the clay smoothing out the roughness and gripping, making a slight sanding sound that eventually disappears once the paint is smooth. Work in sections and rinse each section after done.
8.) At this point you can apply your wax. Make sure the panels are not hot, or super cold. Cool to luke warm is best. Some waxes like a long cure time on the paint, with another 12-24 hours after removal to breath. It's best to read the instructions and follow time directions the manufacture states. Tape up brake trim with painters tape to avoid white staining it.
Until specific products are in the picture, this is just a basic guideline. If you have products you're interested in list them and I can try to find information or guide you on how to use them.
SheepStar
