Any advice for a newbie Klasse user?

I

imported_The Uncle

New member
And, yeah, I've used the search option and read most of the existing posts on the topic. (including the discussion of different ways to apply SG, as well as the thread in the "hall of fame" forum).



I've have a 6-month old car, and I've already used Meguire Gold and S100 on it. It is a light colored car, with no swirl marks or problems with the paint. I like the way MG and S100 looks, but I wanted to go with something that would offer better (and more durable) protection. So, if hanging out at this site for a while, I decided to give Klasse a try. I've got a 16 ounce bottles of AIO and SG sitting on my desk now, and planned to try AIO this weekend, and then start layering SG next weekend.



To be honest, I'm a tad initmidated. I've seen a few newbies (like me) visit this forum in the past, and the advice they always seem to get is to go with Mothers or Meg three-step solution. Anyway, the sense I've gotten here is that the Klasse approach may be a bit more complex than it sounds.
 
~One man’s opinion~



I don’t think you’ll find it difficult or intimidating there are some good ideas here on application methods. Like most things “find a method that works, one that suits you and gives you the results you find matches your needs� I would add ‘ 90% Preparation, 5% product, the rest is in the ‘guy’ of the beholder.



Klasse is a great product (it's not Autoglym, but then nothings perfect - lol)





~Hope this helps~







Experience unshared; is knowledge wasted…/



~ justadumbarchitect ~so I question everything ~
 
I would check the threads with the BillNorth method.



I did two cars over the past two weekends, and can advise my personal advice:



If applying AIO by Porter Cable polisher, work at about speed setting 4. Spritz the pad with a shot of quick detail spray (I don't think that brand is critical), and add a small dab of AIO. Then work smoothly over the entire panel several times. After applying to the panel, wipe off excess with a microfiber cloth (no need to wait for it to dry).



It's really not too hard to apply AIO and SG, so I wouldn't wait a week - I'd go straight to SG after finishing the last panel with AIO.



When using the SG, use a microfiber application pad, slightly damp (wet out, then wrung out). Apply a very small amount, and work it by hand, covering over each place on a panel about 3 times. Then immidiately wipe off the SG using a dry microfiber cloth. Wait 24 hours, and apply a second coat of SG using the same method.



The results I got were very good, with none of the hazing or streaking that I had read about in several of the other Klasse SG threads.



Good luck, and enjoy the results!
 
This is REALLY helpful.



I'm going to start using the AIO by hand. So, from what I've read in the HALL OF FAME thread, the approach is to use a damp applicator pad, a nickel size dab of AIO, and then wipe off excess with MF. Right?
 
That's the way it was recommended by CMA.



I would think that it would be similar whether by hand or by PC: Damp applicator, and a small 'dollop' of AIO. After doing a panel or two, you'll find the correct amount. Once you start, you'll realize that it's pretty hard to screw it up. I found AIO to be very easy and forgiving. (SG was the same way for me - using the BillNorth method, but I've read some horror stories here as well)



PS: Let us know how it comes out on Monday!
 
Just one additional note.



Do the AIO (even 2 coats if you want), but follow with one coat of SG. If your paint is in good shaped (clayed, polished, etc.) those two steps should only take you an hour.



Then put on a second coat of SG the next weekend. Then you're all set for the winter. The recommended curing (not drying) time for SG is 24 hours, so leaving it until the next weekend will allow you to layer onto a cured coat.
 
"Doesn't AIO have "curing" time as well?"



There's a label on that bottle, young man!

Do one panel at a time. Do not wait, wipe it off. Do the next panel...



SG requires time to cure. Not true for AIO.



Jim
 
I feel your pain, "young man." :D I too was a bit intimidated about trying the Klasse twins. But I did the reading you've done (especially the Hall of Fame article), and went at the old Benz, and it worked great. The only significant problem I had was removing the AIO residue (which was a major PITA in my case), but I'm quite certain that was because I was applying it to a long-neglected, quite oxidized finish.



Also, I quickly realized that, when applying the AIO, the pad should just barely be damp. Too much liquid makes it too watery. No adverse effect on the results, just seemed to take me a little longer to "work it."



By the way, be aware that Autopians require meticulous, attentive "care and feeding." So if you want to keep them from snarling, be sure to take "before-and-after" pictures and post them here after your weekend's work. :up
 
I may be in the minority here ... but ... you've had the car 6 months and it's never been clayed? I'd clay that baby in a New York minute. For one thing, it got subjected to lots of debris, including rail dust, before you even saw it. Since then, if I'm recalling LA's pollution situation correctly, it's been subjected to significant pollution.



Here is the testimonial I posted after my first clay experience, on a car that I believed had a "flawless" finish. I'd just encourage you to pick up some clay (Mother's is good and readily available) and just try a 2-foot section. If you decide you don't need to clay now, just put the clay on a shelf, and you'll definitely want it 6 months from now.
 
I've been very pleased with Eagle One's Wipe and Shine as the applicator wetting agent when using AIO, 2 squirts then nickel AIO, one squirt then dime AOI afterwards. Just remember "less is more", in other words apply the AIO as thinly as possible. Do your vehicle twice, 24 hours apart. I say twice, to make sure you get complete coverage.
 
Gonzo,



Why are you saying to apply two coats of AIO 24 hours apart? You can apply two coats of AIO with no wait time. I think you mean SG. SG needs 24 hours to cure before you apply a second coat.
 
I applied Klasse for the first time a few weeks ago on the wife's Saturn. I had no problems whatsoever. I used my PC with a white polshing pad to apply the AIO and a slighty damp MF applicator for the SG.
 
~One man’s opinion~



I agree with Lynn, when we picked up the Jag we requested (despite the dealer protests) no ‘customer delivery ’prep work just remove the plastic coverings.



When we got the car home, I washed it to remove the Cosmo line and then clay, the amount of debris that was on the clay from a “brand new carâ€� was unbelievable, so I second the advice…. clay as soon as you can.



I think it is SG that needs 24 hours cure time not AIO and the two coats are to ensure coverage as AIO contains a solvent cleaner



~Hope this helps~







Experience unshared; is knowledge wasted…/



~ justadumbarchitect ~so I question everything ~
 
Yup. This all helps a lot. You've all convinced me, and I will clay the car first.



One last question: I'm going to use the SG in the morning (before the sun gets high), will it be OK for me to put the car cover on that night? In other words, will the car cover have any impact on the "curing" process?
 
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