Recent content by dmw16

I was thinking about picking up the Griots 3" DA Polisher for mirrors, pillars, and other little spots. I am just a hobby detailer, not a pro or anything like that. Amazon actually carries it and I have $50 worth of gift cards so it would only be $55 with some pads out of pocket. So is it...

I currently use a foam gun hooked to a standard hose but recently I've been thinking of buying a power washer and foam cannon. For the at-home detailer is it worth spending the few hundred bucks to go to a foam cannon? The power washer would be useful for other various things - cleaning the...

I had originally bought a tank mounted propane heater but that takes up too much space in my tight garage. So I'm thinking a wall mount infrared heater. I was wondering if anyone can recommend one? Thanks

I have gotten a bunch of Sears gift cards over the past year and finally decided to buy a compressor, impact wrench, and the associated bits and pieces with them. First off, I am just a weekend DIY'er. Far from a pro, but I want something that I can see lasting me a while. The other...

Has anyone here ever built a fold down work bench for their garage? I have what I'd describe as a slightly-larger-than-one-car garage but I don't have enough space for a permanent work bench. I've been thinking of building something that folds down from the wall that has legs (that also fold...

The side of the driver's side leather seat in my wife's 2007 VW Beetle has a cut in it from a key. She's not 100% sure how it happened, but I'd like to get it fixed. The hole is no larger than the cross-section of the key. When the hole was made it was an in-and-out type thing so it isn't...

I am taking possession of a new (to me) 2009 135i in the next week or two and I want to start off by correcting any minor paint defects and then putting something on it to help protect the paint (as I drive a lot). I did a bit of research (albeit anecdotal in the form of click-and-brag type...

I did some searching, but most of what I found seemed to be related to detailing non-faired/cruiser style bikes. I just took possession of a brand new Daytona 675 and there are some light swirls on a few of the plastic fairs. What are the right products and processes to remove them? I'm...

Someone suggested that when I wax my new bike that I apply the wax using my hands. I had typically used P21S on my cars, but I am wondering if there are waxes you guys suggest specifically for hand application? Thanks.

I have a 2008 GTI and I have noticed some (what look to be fairly substantial) swirl marks and I am looking for some guidance on pads and products. What products (compounds, polishes) and pad combos (I use Edge Pads) would you guys suggest for a VW? I don't know how their paint compares to...

I found this link: "Polish until the residue goes clear" - Pictorial Explanation - Detailing World The writer describes using one light cut polish to both remove light swirls and to act as a finishing polish. Does anyone have any comments on this method? I was thinking of giving it a try...

My friend's dad has graciously let me use his Cayman S in my wedding and as a 'thank you' I'd like to get it detailed for him. So are there any good detailers you guys can recommend in the DC/MD Metro area? Either mobile or a shop is fine. Thanks.

I have heard that VW uses pretty hard clearcoat. My previous car as a Honda S2000 which has notoriously soft clear coat and I am wondering how to adjust my techniques. On my S2000 I used Optimum Compound and Polish and Edge pads. Basically all I need to correct right now (or when we get a...

I am picking up my first brand new car today (Red 2008 GTI) and it has the plaid cloth interior. I learned all of the detailing stuff I know (little compared to the folks here) while maintaining my leather interior. But how do I keep a cloth interior looking new? ALso, what is the best thing...

I used my PC for the first time today. The car isn't perfect; I think I need a more aggressive pad and product. But for a first time I am pretty happy with the results. My process was: Wash Clay Wash Optimum Compound w/ Edge Green Pad Optimum Polish w/ Edge Blue Pad JEFFS Werkstat...