Newbie to detailing.

[Gerbs]

Is there any devices that are able to tell you the paint mm thickness without costing a fortune.

[syee]

Originally Posted by Gerbs

Is there any devices that are able to tell you the paint mm thickness without costing a fortune.

eBay seems to have a bunch of cheap paint thickness gauges. I've never used any of them so I don't know how accurate or reliable they are. I'd think the old adage of "you get what you pay for" may apply here but for $20-$30 maybe it's worth the gamble?

[supafamous]

Originally Posted by impulseX

Bumping an older topic, but any one know how good this one might be?

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01...MMI4SF6N&psc=1

I just got this and have used it a couple times. It's ok - still tinkering with the settings as the medium setting resulted in a mixture that was too watery so the foam just fell right off the car. Second time near max setting was more effective but still not as good as a foam cannon.

Going to order some car wash that's a bit more foamy to play with and see how it goes.

You also need to buy a quick connector from Home Depot as the connectors it comes with only work with Asian hoses. Cost about $13.

[kross9]

anyone have any good recommendations as to a go to emergency kit to throw in the boot in case of a bird shit..

My car seems to be a magnet.

Last bombardment i got washed off 4 hours later as i was out and already etched the paint from the heat

[JordanL]

Originally Posted by kross9

anyone have any good recommendations as to a go to emergency kit to throw in the boot in case of a bird shit..

My car seems to be a magnet.

Last bombardment i got washed off 4 hours later as i was out and already etched the paint from the heat

In my car I carry the following... A waterless wash prediluted (Waxedshine Envo Wash works great), A quick detailer to boost gloss at a show or meet (Waxedshine Envo QD) a handfull of microfiber towels (different qualities, pile height etc). I keep all of that in a bag I got from Waxedshine (super useful, worth every penny). With that id be able to remove any bugs or bird droppings safely and quickly. Pay Alex @ Everything Car Care a visit and drop my name. He'll help you put a good kit together for a good price to help you keep on top of the bird droppings.

[dhari]

Hey all

I just started detailing as a side hustle. Any recommendations on how to clean engine covers and have the plastic look nice and fresh? I used an engine de-greaser and it made the plastic look old and dry.

[syee]

Originally Posted by dhari

Hey all

I just started detailing as a side hustle. Any recommendations on how to clean engine covers and have the plastic look nice and fresh? I used an engine de-greaser and it made the plastic look old and dry.

I'd imagine using an APC to clean and then some protectant to treat it (like 303, or if you want something that's OTC, Armour All) would do the job. Engine degreaser would probably work too but seems a bit overkill if the cover is just dirty/dusty.

[gn02156668]

Prepared myself for the Albertan winter , topped up several layers of Autoglym sealant + Carnauba wax on top of my Cquartz UK ceramic coating.

[dhari]

I was thinking of restoring some headlights. It is really necessary to buy the kits or can I just buy the sandpaper and polish separately?

[Gerbs]

sandpaper is better

[koukimonst3r]

Originally Posted by gn02156668

Prepared myself for the Albertan winter , topped up several layers of Autoglym sealant + Carnauba wax on top of my Cquartz UK ceramic coating.

That's not gonna survive Fort Mac lol

[dhari]

Originally Posted by Gerbs

sandpaper is better

Going to give it a go this weekend. I'm scared and excited!

[chinese_driver]

Anyone here used synthetic clay towels, clay blocks or clay discs for DA polishers vs a traditional clay bar? So many mixed reviews online but im not sure cause theyre pretty expensive for what they are. Just tryna save time claying cars and get more use out of each time I clay.

[dhari]

Originally Posted by chinese_driver

Anyone here used synthetic clay towels, clay blocks or clay discs for DA polishers vs a traditional clay bar? So many mixed reviews online but im not sure cause theyre pretty expensive for what they are. Just tryna save time claying cars and get more use out of each time I clay.

I haven't but will try out the clay towel. I think it should be more efficient just based on the surface area that is covered. I shall report back.

[911fanatic]

Originally Posted by chinese_driver

Anyone here used synthetic clay towels, clay blocks or clay discs for DA polishers vs a traditional clay bar? So many mixed reviews online but im not sure cause theyre pretty expensive for what they are. Just tryna save time claying cars and get more use out of each time I clay.

The clay towels will cut claying time down dramatically but even the "mild" ones can be fairy aggressive and may require a light polish to remove mild scuffing. We tend to use clay bars when not polishing and clay towels to speed things up if I know I'll be polishing after.

[chinese_driver]

Originally Posted by 911fanatic

The clay towels will cut claying time down dramatically but even the "mild" ones can be fairy aggressive and may require a light polish to remove mild scuffing. We tend to use clay bars when not polishing and clay towels to speed things up if I know I'll be polishing after.

Alright thats good to know sounds like just what I need...

Also picked up some Waxedshine WS1 compound for some scratch and swirl removal and im pretty satisfied with the results, no second polish, no sealant or wax...

[gn02156668]

Hello everyone from Alberta , Lee the Detailer is back !

Did a 1 stage polish on my 2016 rally red Mitsubishi RVR today due to the " courtesy wash " by dealership when I picked up the vehicle last year.

The weather is finally nice enough for me to work on the vehicle today.

As usual, a 2 buckets hand wash was performed, followed with clay clothing the paint in order to remove any embedded dirt. After that , I decided to use the CARPRO Essence which works as a 1 stage polish and primer to install Cquartz ceramic coating.

That way, i can just install the ceramic coating right on top of the Essence instead of wiping down the whole vehicle with IPA. According to CARPRO, Essence can be used as a standalone product and it has a durability of 9 months approximately. However, considering the Albertan weather here, I have installed Cquartz on top for a longer durability ( 2 years approximately)

*I did enjoy using Essence as it was really easy to use. However, it may not be able to remove severe swirls , in that case, I would use Meguiar 105 to correct the defected paint.

The vehicle tires' were then dressed and windows were polished as well. No job was done until the rims were protected with Dr. Beasley rim sealant and exhausted pipe was polished with Autoglym metal polish.

The end result speaks for itself as the paint is really shiny like a mirror.

Enjoy !