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Old 07-22-2008, 10:25 PM
  
imaj
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Frisco
Here are a few links for all you folks that shows the proper way to detail a new car.

2008 Lexus LS460 New Car Prep - 6speedonline.com Forums

Also, The duster only adds to the damage. I've never been a fan of the duster and this is just my feelings here. I could never understand how an oily cotton fiber gets better when there's more dirt and grit on it. The best thing is to wash the car. There are other products such as Optimum No Rinse wash that basically only use up about 3 gallons of water to wash the car. You wash with the No Rinse and wipe off with microfiber towels.

What if there was a liquid that you sprayed on the car and all you had to do was wipe, and the need for a wash was eliminated? Sound too good to be true? Well, it is. Now I know there are those that will give me gripe about this, but I challenge anyone to wipe down a dusty car with a detail spray then shine a halogen light afterward. What you’ll see are the micro-scratches caused by the dust, which are microscopic rocks, being dragged across the surface.

Detail sprays have their place. The original intention of a detail spray was to wipe down paint finish in dealer showrooms, private collections, or at a Concours event. However, detail sprays are now used as an alternative to washing a car. In my opinion, there is nothing better at getting dirt off a car than washing.

Detail sprays come from many different manufacturers but are mainly of two classifications: Natural carnauba sprays or synthetics. Neither of the two is better than the other. Just as with a wax, you achieve a certain “look” by using either two sprays. The synthetics give you more shine and gloss due to their silicones and/or polymers. For example, einszett Detail is a polymer-based technology spray. It has an anti-static agent that helps repel dust. The polymer technology can be felt when you apply the spray; the silky smooth flow of the microfiber over the finish is a sign. On the other side of the spectrum, Zymol Field Glaze is a natural carnauba-based product that contains no silicone or petrochemicals. It actually contains carnauba sap instead of wax. The sap is obtained from tapping the tree just like getting maple syrup. The natural carnauba spray will give the finish more of a glow than shine. There is much more depth and it can be noticed on metallic and solid colors.

The proper way of using a detail spray is either after a wash or after dusting the finish; a finish that has surface dust in the garage from the air, not the road.

After a proper wash and dry, applying a detail spray will rejuvenate the wax helping stop rapid deterioration. This is the secret of not having to wax every other week. If applied properly and consistently, most detail sprays will enhance the appearance of the finish, giving you the same look as the day the car was waxed. If you don’t use de-ionized water, the detail spray will also take care of the pesky water spots.

You can also use detail sprays if your car is garaged and not driven too often. Say you washed the car two weeks ago and it hasn’t been driven. By simply dusting the finish with a natural wool duster, not the California duster, you remove most of the superficial dust. Then you’re ready to apply the detail spray.

Application of most detail sprays is simple. Work in small sections and don’t over-use the product. Spray about 2-4 sprays in a 3’X5’ area, and with a microfiber towel folded in half or fours, gently wipe the finish in a linear motion. Imagine you’re filling the pores of the paint with the liquid wax. For example, I would spray half the hood, usually about three sprays on a Porsche, and gently wipe from the window to the bumper. Gently work back and forth until the finish becomes transparent. Then, flip the microfiber over with the dry side, and final buff to reveal the remarkable finish. If using a high-quality microfiber towel, you’ll notice the dual-pile. One side of the towel will have a short nap, great for wiping windows, and the other side will have a long nap. Use the long nap for detail sprays and removing wax. And remember, your towel should not be wet when you are done; if so, you’ve used too much product.

Anyway, enjoy your beautiful cars!
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