Most important element of detailing

[ShocK]

A lot of people swear by product brands for one reason or the other. Some love products that others have difficulty in getting good results. It appears that there are two types of detailers. Those that are on a mission and those that want results now. I would be in the latter. I want to drive my car more than I want to rub on it. Yet I want a showroom shine too. There could be a long debate on which company makes the best product. I think most of us have our favorites. However before we even get to the product. I believe its all about prep work. A dirty car cannot shine like a clean car can even when you use the same product. Brand name car wash products may be ok to remove the brands wax but I find that most brand carwash soap is weak and not as effective as dishwashing liquid. People say no dishwashing liquid, It will ruin your clear coat.... That is a myth. Clear coat and paint, like a lot of dish ware is plastic/acrylic. Dish washing liquid is safe for plastic and it easily cleans oil and grease from your paint. I also find that applying dishwashing liquid to a long handled soft bristled brush is more effective than a sponge or towel. I use a bug scrubber for stuff stuck to paint. I don't use a bucket, Thats resusing dirty water. I use a hose and never let the soap dry or sit on the car. I rise as I clean. This works best for me. What are some technique you use when you prep a vehicle for waxing or conditioning?

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[Bunky]

Based upon your comments, it intends on what you want.

New car paint if properly delivered will have clean paint free of any marring (reduces gloss) and swirls (scratches in the paint). This is the showroom shine.

To maintain this shine, you have to prevent marring, swirls, and other environmental effects (water spots, airborne contaminants that get on the paint, etc). The showroom shine can be reduced is degraded by washing, drying, and the environment effects over time. There are accepted ways that minimize marring, swirls, etc. when washing/drying if properly done.

Here is one difference: Some people notice things more than others and others do not care about such things. This is why everyone debates waxes all the time. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

The best practices are: a ph neutral soap (dishwashing detergent is not), a good soft wash media (wool, boars head brush, etc), plenty of mixed soap (a separate rinse bucket is even better), microfiber towels for drying. etc. These are all outlined at web sites like www.mothers.com.

If you think you like your results, then why argue about it. Now the test is to get someone to look at your paint and assess whether there is marring and swirls since you may not be able to see them to judge whether your technique is causing damage or not.

My guess you have marring from using the bug scrubber but you just do not notice it. Again, if you think it looks good, then that is all that matters. It is when you want someone to agree with you that you have to accept other standards of good.

[fascistfaction]

Dish detergent will not hurt your clearcoat or paint. It will remove the wax from your paint that protects it. I would not use dish detergent as it is too harsh. I would never use a brush either unless you are scrubbing the deck of a ancient ship. Use a natural sponge or a microfiber and two buckets. One bucket for soap (charging) and one bucket of clean water (discharging). Refill a couple of times in order to avoid picking up debris and running it across the paint. I would never use a terry cloth towel for drying or wax removal. USe a real chamois or a microfiber towel. This photo is after I washed, clayed, polished, applied a paint sealant, and finally a coat of wax:





FF