After over two weeks of reading up in this forum I have finally performed my first ever detailing session. I really mean it, it was the first one! No photos since I dont have a digital camera.
Please read my previous post for the history:
http://autopia.org/forum/showthread.php?t=75282&page=2&pp=12&highlight=newbie+questions
I was looking into JW and Collinite but then Duragloss caught my attention and I just went ahead and ordered the PBA and TPP 105 and Aquawax. The reason is because I dont have enough time and space to do detailing and I know these products require some work.
Try detailing your car by the curb next to near an intersection with a traffic light
That was my situation, I spent 4.5 hours washing, claying, washing, polishing bird poop, PBA'ing and TPP'ing. It was hilarious the way people walking by were looking at me like I am some crazy spending that much time on a car. People stopped on red light kept on passing comments and it kept me amused.
By no means did I do a perfect job, but for the first time ever I think I did a darned good job using nothing but my own two hands; no machines.
1. Started by washing with Optimum No Rinse. This product is amazing.
2. Clayed with Sonus Ultra Fine clay. No marring or swirls. It was amazingly easy. Used 5 capfuls of Optimum No Rinse with 32 oz. of water as lube. And wiped off residue by MF
3. Washed again with Optimum No Rinse
4. Used ScratchX to remove some clear coat scratches but was disappointed when it did not do anything.
5. Then used No. 7 Polishing Compound for bird poop etching and was amazed at how easily it removed that stuff. I didnt try that on scratches but I bet it would've removed them.
6. Then applied the PBA. This thing goes on clear and it hard to remember whether you have already covered an area. I applied with MF applicator and ended up using up half the bottle. What a waste!! But the product is cheap!
7. Then applied the TPP 105 over it with a foam applicator. Did one panel at a time, let it haze and removed with polishing MF.
The end result was a beautiful looking car!!! I was amazed at the ease of use of Duragloss products. I thought this whole thing was going to be hard as hell, but it was just tiring nothing else. Maybe I will learn how to use less PBA next time. I didnt use as much TPP, but definately more than an ounce. The car looks wet and very reflective. I used Aquawax on it the day after and that thing was easy as hell too.
Moral:
If you are an apartment dweller stick with easy to use products. Even with easy to use products it took me sooooo long. Optimum No Rinse is the way to go. Duragloss has my business and I am a believer.
It has been two days and the paint is slick, very slick.
I will have mastered the art of curbside detailing in a few months :spot
Thank you all for the sound advice. Please comment on what I should've done differently. How do I apply a thin coat of PBA, should I switch to foam applicator?
Please read my previous post for the history:
http://autopia.org/forum/showthread.php?t=75282&page=2&pp=12&highlight=newbie+questions
I was looking into JW and Collinite but then Duragloss caught my attention and I just went ahead and ordered the PBA and TPP 105 and Aquawax. The reason is because I dont have enough time and space to do detailing and I know these products require some work.
Try detailing your car by the curb next to near an intersection with a traffic light
That was my situation, I spent 4.5 hours washing, claying, washing, polishing bird poop, PBA'ing and TPP'ing. It was hilarious the way people walking by were looking at me like I am some crazy spending that much time on a car. People stopped on red light kept on passing comments and it kept me amused.By no means did I do a perfect job, but for the first time ever I think I did a darned good job using nothing but my own two hands; no machines.
1. Started by washing with Optimum No Rinse. This product is amazing.
2. Clayed with Sonus Ultra Fine clay. No marring or swirls. It was amazingly easy. Used 5 capfuls of Optimum No Rinse with 32 oz. of water as lube. And wiped off residue by MF
3. Washed again with Optimum No Rinse
4. Used ScratchX to remove some clear coat scratches but was disappointed when it did not do anything.
5. Then used No. 7 Polishing Compound for bird poop etching and was amazed at how easily it removed that stuff. I didnt try that on scratches but I bet it would've removed them.
6. Then applied the PBA. This thing goes on clear and it hard to remember whether you have already covered an area. I applied with MF applicator and ended up using up half the bottle. What a waste!! But the product is cheap!
7. Then applied the TPP 105 over it with a foam applicator. Did one panel at a time, let it haze and removed with polishing MF.
The end result was a beautiful looking car!!! I was amazed at the ease of use of Duragloss products. I thought this whole thing was going to be hard as hell, but it was just tiring nothing else. Maybe I will learn how to use less PBA next time. I didnt use as much TPP, but definately more than an ounce. The car looks wet and very reflective. I used Aquawax on it the day after and that thing was easy as hell too.
Moral:
If you are an apartment dweller stick with easy to use products. Even with easy to use products it took me sooooo long. Optimum No Rinse is the way to go. Duragloss has my business and I am a believer.
It has been two days and the paint is slick, very slick.
I will have mastered the art of curbside detailing in a few months :spot
Thank you all for the sound advice. Please comment on what I should've done differently. How do I apply a thin coat of PBA, should I switch to foam applicator?