Washing Basics for a newbie

Sat Jul 04, 2015 4:31 pm

After being inspired by some of the imaculate cars and engine bays on display at the Ace Cafe e30 meet last month I realised there is so much possible and that I need to do than the simple wash I have always done. Ill be honest, I had never heard of the 2 bucket method or the concept of claying before reading this section! So thanks!

After reading through this forum I decided to invest in a few basic extras and change my washing method and to see how much difference it makes. I woke up extra early today before it gets too hot and did the below on my other car this morning and plan to do my e30 next weekend so thought I'd ask before hand if there are any other basic/cheap improvements I can add to the following plan:

-Shampoo/ Wash using the 2 bucket method and a microfibre mitt and then rinse

- work through panel by panel using a g3 clay mitt using clean shampoo as a lubricant. Then rinse and dry

- AG super resin polish applied with a polish applicator and then buff with a microfibre cloth

- apply a wax (I had some left over liquid turtlewax to finish - is this considered any good?) and buff off using a microfibre cloth.

I just used the basic shampoo on the glass and wheels. Is there anything more I should be doing which would make a big difference? Maybe I'll try glass cleaner on the windows next time?

I am amazed at what the g3 mitt achieved and the paint feels so smooth now and is sparkling!

The above has already made a huge difference to my civic and Im looking forward to carrying this out on my e30. I'll post up some pics next week.

Thanks

Sat Jul 04, 2015 6:29 pm

You have done the basics...

You also get products that "decontaminate" ie remove metal particles and other fall out materials and also paint cleansers that remove tar etc

There are far superior products to turtle wax...it is also a good idea to "seal" the paint after a clay bar / clay mitt and then apply 2 layers of wax... you can get filler wax that "fills" minor swilr marks etc...

But well done on taking the first steps into the endless world of detailing...

Sat Jul 04, 2015 8:53 pm

Thanks. I'll definitely buy a better wax next time and remember to do 2 layers as I only did 1.

Sun Jul 05, 2015 8:02 pm

I was pleased to see beading of water on the bodywork when it rained today. Should I also be applying wax to the windows and chrome bumper too or just the main bodywork?

Mon Jul 06, 2015 9:12 am

viz007 wrote:Should I also be applying wax to the windows and chrome bumper too or just the main bodywork?

As diable says...don't apply wax to the windows...it is ok on the chrome bumpers...try not to get it on any of the plastic trim.

Sat Jul 18, 2015 10:05 pm

What a tiring day! I finally decided to carry out the detailing procedure you recommended above to my e30. Washed, clayed, polished with AG super resin, sealed with AG extra gloss protection and then 2 coats of wax. Mr Miyagi would be proud.

I am pleased with the results even if it took all afternoon and most of the evening!

The only area I feel I need to improve on are cleaning the wheels. I have a small wheel brush to get into the holes of the alloys using car shampoo but there is definitely room for improvement! Any special techniques or products you can recommend?

Here are a some pics of my hard work. Thanks

Sat Jul 18, 2015 10:48 pm

That looks beautiful!

As for the wheels, I've been told that "Bilberry Wheel Cleaner" is a good product for cleaning wheels.
I haven't tried it but I'm considering buying it.

Sun Jul 19, 2015 10:05 am

Great job mate!

Yes there are specific wheel cleaners...I use Bilt Hamber products bilthamber.com

Have a read through their product list descriptions etc. The wheel cleaner is called Auto Wheel.

Sun Jul 19, 2015 9:32 pm

Thanks guys. It looked even better today with the roof down and sun out (pic posted in COTM section). Received a few complements too!

Ill research the wheel products suggested.

Tue Jul 21, 2015 10:05 pm

There is a lot of good info on http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog ... dvice.html

Sat Apr 09, 2016 8:12 pm

Beautiful!

Mon Sep 11, 2017 5:53 pm

Most iron-out/fallout removers are good for alloys, some smaller brushes/used rags wouldnt go a miss either. And a powerful jet wash to blast it out once it's done it's job.

Mon Sep 11, 2017 6:59 pm

Holly Thread Resurrection.