Cleaning the creases between trim/panels?

T

tnforever

New member
Hey all,



Despite having been here for quite a while, I'm still a noob in a lot of ways, this is one of them.



After a detail in which you spend hours and hours on, it's so frustrating to see that while everything is nice and shiny, from the wheel wells to the trunk lid, wax dust and general dirt build up in the gaps between panels and trim pieces really detract from an otherwise beautiful looking car.



I usually just use my nails and a mf towel with some qd to try to wipe it off, but alas, my fingernails are not quite long enough to reach deep enough, leaving some really distracting dull, grey/brown/whitish lines between the gaps, especially visible in the sun.



Are there specific (hopefully reasonably priced) tools that can help me reach into those areas? I'd love specific recommendations, especially those in the vroom price category.
 
Q-tips are usually pretty good, but sometimes they still can't reach that far in. I've used those foam/sponge paint brush sorta things. They compress really well so they slide farther back.
 
I use a sheepskin mitt while washing and pay particular attention to seams and gaps.
 
spray the cleaner air compressor inbetween every crack gets all cleaner out aswell as dust an contaminates. then wipe away with a qtip works great for me
 
Paintbrush, horsehair, about 2 inch. Wrap duct tape around the metal ferrule and stick it in your back pocket.

It's perfect for creases and thin bits and no horses were harmed in the making of this reply.
 
You could always tape the gaps off, at least during some of the work, to keep compounds/etc. out of those areas.



If that's not feasible, cleaning those areas frequently (even more than once per step if you're getting a lot of stuff in there) can make it less likely that it'll get overwhelming.



Clay (watch you don't get a piece stuck in there though).



Try wrapping a MF/etc. around a long, thin object.



Use a long wooden swab stick. Gotta be *very* careful about this, but if you "flag" the tip with a razor blade and soak it in something like M34 (to soften it up) you can *probably* do it without marring any paint.



Use a pressure washer.



Use a strong cleaner (that's still safe), and a long dwell-time.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I don't have access to an air compressor, so it's a no on that.



I have clayed before, but it seems that I can't really squeeze the clay far in enough... and I'm a bit worried about rubbing some of the LSP off if I clay after I wax.



A paint brush of some type sounds ok, but I remember trying it and the hairs couldnt really apply the pressure needed to agitate the dirt off.



As for mf's, I'm slightly worried about a sharp object stretching out/prematurely ruining the mf towels.



I am curious about foam paint brushes though, as well as the detail brushes they sell with a tapered rubber side.



Frequent cleaning/cleaning while washing is a good suggestion though, the abundance of lubricants sound like it'd be easier...
 
I have used all the above and found them to work well. Some additional tools I find useful. Round tooth picks (not the flat ones), wetted with QD if used gently can get into some tight places. I also have purchased a few different sizes of artist brushes found at art supply stores are useful. They have all sorts of sizes, shapes and stiffnesses (is that a word?). I sometimes trim the bristles with sissors to make them more effective. Another is an oval sash brush house painters use to trim windows. They come in different sizes, I find the smaller ones work well. You might not find them in big box store, smaller paint stores usually carry them. If all else fails look online.
 
tnforever said:
A paint brush of some type sounds ok, but I remember trying it and the hairs couldnt really apply the pressure needed to agitate the dirt off...
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Yeah, the problem I encounter is that if the brush is sufficiently firm to be effective, it's also likely to cause marring.

As for mf's, I'm slightly worried about a sharp object stretching out/prematurely ruining the mf towels.
Click to expand...



I don't care about some punctures to the MFs (doesn't seem to really hurt 'em any in the functional sense), but if the stick/etc. protrudes enough it might mar the paint.



I am curious about foam paint brushes though..
Click to expand...



Too flimsy IME, but it's not like they're all alike.



..as well as the detail brushes they sell with a tapered rubber side.
Click to expand...



Just remember that the rubber might not have a whole lot of cushioning, so be a little careful.
 
You can use a 1.5" paint brush, and cut the bristles down so they are about 1" long. Put some quick detailer, spray wax, or trim protectectant on the edge of the trim and use the brush to clean out the compound. Then wipe it clean with a towel. I usually do this after the final polish / wax.
 
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