Thoughts on changing my mindset about maintaining my finish?

cobrar97 said:
I was always taught that vertical scratches on the sides are less noticeable because the light would be reflecting outward to the sides of your plain-of-vision.. Again...that`s just what I was taught...doesn`t mean it`s 100% right.
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Whatever *you* see is what I`d go by. I just tend to notice horizontal marring less readily than vertical.

My take on the straight vs. circular is that there`s generally one viewing angle that shows stuff the most and that the circular ones have marring that`s more or less gonna have all 360 degrees so you`ll always have the "critical angle" in sight.
 
The biggest change to my mindset was I stopped thinking about shampoos, rinseless washes, waterless washes, and qd`s as distinct things and started thinking about them as "car washing chemicals".

You could wash a car with shampoo without a pre-rinse. You could wash using a rinseless product after hosing it down. You could even pressure wash then qd if you wanted to. The reality is marring comes down to a game of statistics. Not touching the car has the least chance of marring (obviously, lol). Wiping with a dry microfiber would have the highest chance. In between those two the more you can rinse/flush dirt off before wiping the paint the less chance you have of inflicting marring.
 
Also, noting I`m NOT a chemist, but I think there is a large amount of crossover in the chemistry of the various types of car wash products. Can a shampoo leave behind polymers? Probably. Can a rinse less wash use detergents that wipe away clean? Maybe (Look at Megs D114). Can a rinseless wash be mixed strong and work as well if not better than some qd`s? Sure. The point I`m trying to make is I wouldn`t call any of these products "good" or "bad". You just have to pick a product that achieves what you`re trying to accomplish.

I`ve always wondered what "polymers" actually are anyways....
 
Dan, "straight line / back and forth" on both vertical and horizontal panels?
On the vertical panels, should they be up / down or back and forth?

Just trying to make sure I understand. Thanks

Stokdgs said:
Another vote for straight line back and forth movements for anything washing, waxing, etc., and especially on the vertical panels, doors, fenders, etc...

This is also how you wet color sand by hand, with a block, in the Painting world, if you want to keep the surface flat and straight..

I just remembered Sal Zaino always stating his products had to be applied in straight line motions and he probably said that over 50 years ago!!! :)

See what I mean ??? The old guys have the wisdom... :)
Dan F
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glfnaz said:
Dan, "straight line / back and forth" on both vertical and horizontal panels?
On the vertical panels, should they be up / down or back and forth?

Just trying to make sure I understand. Thanks
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Glfnaz --
Sorry, I should have typed - Straight line up and down on the vertical sides of the vehicle, and straight back and forth on the hood, top and trunk lid..

Now, we all know that sometimes it is harder to go up and down on vertical panels, especially if they are really low, and you have to go straight line horizontally, so as long as you try to finish the last part up and down, it will help..

And if you choose to accomplish this in any other way or direction, I am sure it will still look great...
DanF
 
Huh, so you guys see horizontal marring more readily on vertical panels than vertical marring?

Guess it`s one of those different people are different things..I don`t see most horizontal marring on vertical panels unless I get down on a creeper and inspect from a highly unusual (for me) angle but I see the vertical scratches quite easily just standing there.
 
Accumulator said:
Huh, so you guys see horizontal marring more readily on vertical panels than vertical marring?

Guess it`s one of those different people are different things..I don`t see most horizontal marring on vertical panels unless I get down on a creeper and inspect from a highly unusual (for me) angle but I see the vertical scratches quite easily just standing there.
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I only see horizontal marring on a vertical panel, but not vertical on vertical. Maybe my eyes are on sideways. But hey...if Zaino agrees, I`ll go with that.
 
Here`s the "dilemma" that faces any vehicle-owner who washes their vehicle:
1) Wash it with the wrong products or methods, and you risk scratching and swirling the finish. (which seems to be a prevailing choice by many, as evidenced in vehicles I see in public) OR
2) DON`T wash it often, but risk damaging the clear coat/paint from environmental fallout, bugs, bird, droppings, tree sap, road salt/de-icer and the like that has been left on the surface for an extended period of time OR
3) Take it to a tunnel car wash and risk both because if it has brushes, it may scratch OR if it`s touchless, does not remove environmental fallout and the like completely and may cause the afore-mentioned surface damage.

I would offer a forth one, and that`s let a professional or knowledgeable hobbyist detailer wash and maintain your vehicle on a regular basis, but a (vast) majority of vehicle owners find this expensive and, hence, unnecessary.

I know for myself that a lot of the products and methods I use now for washing and maintaining my own vehicles (and those of others) are from suggestions and tips from respected Autopians, both pro and hobbyists, within this forum. Do I do everything "correctly" or what some consider "standard acceptable practice"? Hardly! I "pick-and-choose" those methods, but it IS definitely better than before my discovery of and membership in this forum, as are the results.

Which leads to another detailing "dilemma": what do I spend my money on for detailing? I suggest it should be in quality washing products and equipment. Having good wash media, buckets, grit guards, brushes, drying towels, and variety of soaps and cleaners should be the first order of investment for any car-care enthusiasts, as vehicle washes are what most of them will be doing on a regular basis.
 
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