How to correctly detail your auto

[PappaPenney]

Well, I found the clay at autozone and surprisingly it was located right next to the meguiars and mothers clay that I saw before.

Ok, more questions

Which compound is recommended, Optimum compound or the Optimum Hyper compound and is there really any big difference?

Also if I was to do the wash at my home what is a good rinse method, my water is hard water from the outside hose, however I have soft water in the house which could be used in a bucket. Brandon quoted this before,

"If you want, you can start at the diy carwash, but use your own stuff. Also, do the final rinse with the spot-free. After you do your "big" detail at the diy carwash, I would reccomend not going there and getting someting like Optimum No-Rinse wash (waterless wash you can do in your driveway in about 15min)".

Also what is snappy? Used for cleaning the pads but what is its real name?

Almost have all the items together, and ordered a PC kit today.
One last question, I live in the very hot state of AZ, it hit 110 degrees today. Is it not recommended to do any of the steps of the detailing process above certain temperatures? I know the clay for instance says to do in the shade and on a cool car. If after I wash my vehicle is moving it into the shade of the garage cool enough? Thanks again for any responses, really wish I would have started this at least a month ago.

Peace out

[father of 3]

Originally Posted by Brandon1

Step # 7 Finishing touches
Trim, I like Mequiars Exterior Trim Spray found at Target. Just spray it on any exterior plastic, mud flaps, side mirrors, tailgate protectors, bumpers, running boards, etc. Then wipe the excess off with a Microfiber.

hey Brandon,
Do you use something different now? I believe Megs Exterior Trim Spray is no longer produced. What would you recommend? Thanks.

[zpaul]

Now this tread is getting in my pockets again.
Brandon, thanks a lot. Will be waiting for the revised copy! Can you also suggest the shopping list?
Was waiting for something like this. Zaino is cool, but very confusing and time consuming. This is just right on the money for me.

P.S.
Do you tape the plastic when detailing? Most of synthetic waxes do not leave residue or discoloration.
I still can't get rid of the white stuff on the mud guards, since the day they sold it to me.

[Brandon1]

I only tape for compounding, others I dont.

Zaino, IMO, pass. There is much better for the money.......

Z8 is nice though, only thing worth getting from Z IMO

[Herbicidal]

Originally Posted by zpaul

I still can't get rid of the white stuff on the mud guards, since the day they sold it to me.

There are products that are supposed to remove wax residue from plastic, however, I don't have any recommendations. The other low tech way is...don't laugh...peanut butter! I would suggest smooth, not chunky! After a quick search on the internet I found THIS.

[mitchellh]

Originally Posted by zpaul

Do you tape the plastic when detailing? Most of synthetic waxes do not leave residue or discoloration.
I still can't get rid of the white stuff on the mud guards, since the day they sold it to me.

when use #26 wax i almost always goof up and get some wax on a trim piece. Mothers back to black cleans it right up, give it a shot.

You just wipe it on, wait a few seconds then buff it a little with a rag.

[zpaul]

Thanks for all the responses guys. Will give it a shot!