Jeff's Werkstatt How-To??

RobD said:
Well, it's the next day and the finish is no slicker than it was yesterday. Maybe it's the cold temps here (30's) that are slowing AJ's cure rate. Actually, it does not feel like a freshly applied LSP at all...both the back of your hand and MF towels drag slightly. When I preped with AIO, it felt slick. Wierd. This morning, I gave a small section a shot of QS and it helped the slickness a little, but not much.
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I think that's the first negative review I've read about AJ.



Can you apply AJ to the entire car then buff off?
 
NHBFAN said:
I think that's the first negative review I've read about AJ.



Can you apply AJ to the entire car then buff off?
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I first applied AJ by spraying it on a freshly AIO'd panel and wiping with a MF towel till it basically disappeared. At this point, I didn't notice an unusually un-slick finish, though it wasn't ultra-slick, either. I did not continue application this way because AJ was not spreading easily (for me). I continued the application with a MF applicator and allowed AJ to sit for a short time. Removing AJ was a little hard and some of the excess wasn't budging without harder buffing. I then mixed a little AJ in a spray bottle with distilled water and went over the finish. This easily removed the rest and cleared the finish. Yet, as I mentioned before, the slickness wasn't there. About an hour later, I tried another coat, this time using the spray on/MF towel method exclusively. This second coat spread a little more easily. Slickness, however, remained the same. So, that's where I am. The next time I wash the car, I'll try another coat and see what happens. I'll apply it with a MF applicator, again, but this time work AJ in till it nearly dissapears. If the slickness never materializes, I'll likely top AJ with something.
 
Rob-the temperatures may have something to do with it, but I've found that AJ doesn't end up as slick as UPP, Wolfgang or Zaino. Seems to be closer to a quality carnauba. Regardless, I really like the look and it seems to hold up very well.



Oddly enough, Carnauba Jett is noticably slicker, especially right off the bat.



Next time you apply AJ, I'd go with a foam hand pad and after you spread it around a section, without adding more product, go back over with the foam pad again and lightly work the visible excess into the paint before buffing off the rest with a microfiber towel.
 
Scottwax, I normally use a foam applicator for all LSP's, but the spray on/MF towel method is recommended, so I grabbed a MF applicator when I switched to standard application. It worked well and was easier to hold onto than the MF towel. Applying a QD with a MF towel is one thing, but spreading a (near) standard consistency LSP is another. Maybe I'll try foam next time, like you suggested. I agree that it must be worked in well so it is easier to remove. I'm not giving up on AJ...we all know products often have a learning curve to master before we get their best out of them.
 
Rob-Carnauba Jett is even tougher since it is a thicker liquid. Takes a little getting used to applying it via QD style.



Once you get it down, you will find it only takes 2-3 drops of product per panel once the pad is primed and it is pretty easy on and off.



BTW, you've never mentioned appearance. Care to comment?
 
I've used AJ on one car (mine), it's light metallic green (Ford's Legend Lime Metallic). The only other LSP I've tried on this color is #845 (car's < month old). AJ's appearance, IMO, is similar to UPP on metallics...clear with nice reflections, but not as wet as, say, BF or a good carnauba. It's depth is also similar to UPP. Ultimately, I can't say the look has knocked my socks off but it's nice, a softer look. Maybe another coat or two will make it come alive. In comparison, #845 was wetter/glossier and had more depth, just as one might expect.



I'm assuming the one pass with AIO was enough to remove the week old #845, if not, maybe some residual #845 has affected AJ's look and slickness. What do you think?
 
RobD said:
I'm assuming the one pass with AIO was enough to remove the week old #845, if not, maybe some residual #845 has affected AJ's look and slickness. What do you think?
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Hard to say, 845 is pretty durable but you'd think AIO would go through it. :nixweiss
 
Scottwax, how well does fresh AJ bead? Nice, tight beads or larger with more sheeting action? The next time I wash the car, if I notice the beading style appears atypical for AJ, something may have gone wrong with the application/prep. I know this isn't exactly scientific testing but...
 
The directions on AJ say it should be applied to a cool surface. I guess that means forget about using it on a darker colors in the sun...lighter colors, maybe. This was the first time I've used AJ and it was applied indoors.
 
RobD said:
Scottwax, how well does fresh AJ bead? Nice, tight beads or larger with more sheeting action? The next time I wash the car, if I notice the beading style appears atypical for AJ, something may have gone wrong with the application/prep. I know this isn't exactly scientific testing but...
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Small to medium sized beads.



LangMan37-you can use AJ in the sun if the paint isn't real hot, CJ, definitely not. I've tried it and had some problems with smearing in the direct sun. No problems in the shade though.
 
Scottwax said:
Small to medium sized beads.
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Thanks.



Update: It's been a few days since AJ's been on the car and the finish seems to have more life/pop, now. It also seems a little more slick - emphasis on the "little". I tried some AJ on the mirror of my other car (same prep with AIO) and the slickness is the same. So, either this is the way AJ is or the low temps are a factor. I'm curious to see how it feels when I wash it.
 
Update #2: It rained today and AJ is beading very well...small to medium sized beads, just as Scottwax described. Also, the reflections look very good. AJ definitely seems to get better with time...in these cold temps, at least.
 
it really does look better after awhile...when i first applied it to my daily driver i didnt think it was anything great... the next day or so it really came out to be nice looking...



-Justin
 
How you apply it makes a difference. If after you spread it out on the panel, you then work it lightly into the paint so it is hard to see, then buff off the excess, it comes out super clear and wet right off the bat.



Did two cars today with the JW twins in mid 50s weather. Seemed to work just fine. :)
 
I just got my Werkstat kit and i have to say this is one of the most presentable and well packaged detail product ive ever bought. It is very proffessional and its clear he put alot of thought into the packaging and presentation of his product. I cant wait to try them out now. Hopefully this weekend. Chris
 
impulsebrklyn said:
I just got my Werkstat kit and i have to say this is one of the most presentable and well packaged detail product ive ever bought. It is very proffessional and its clear he put alot of thought into the packaging and presentation of his product. I cant wait to try them out now. Hopefully this weekend. Chris
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he has done a great job with that, everything from the way the bottles are taped down (depending on order) to the envelope with the thank you on it...it all matches perfectly...



Scott: you really have not seen a change in AJ after 24 hours look wise? I mean I do find it looks really nice on darker cars right away but on both my white cars it really seems to need to cure before the looks really are impressive...



-Justin
 
4830Deuce said:
Scott: you really have not seen a change in AJ after 24 hours look wise? I mean I do find it looks really nice on darker cars right away but on both my white cars it really seems to need to cure before the looks really are impressive...



-Justin
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I don't usually see the cars until well after 24 hours have past. By then, it would be pretty hard to remember exactly how the finish compared to how it looked when I first applied it. The appearance does seem to clarify pretty quickly after application though.
 
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