Ask A Professional Detailer
#21
Members
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Toronto, ON
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by bdkinnh' post='653572' date='Aug 24 2008, 09:49 PM
Thanks for the reply. I just started using a power washer, so I'm not sure how possible that will be, but I may be able to figure something out.
#22
Contributors
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Salem, NH USA
Posts: 445
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Holden_Caulfield04' post='654036' date='Aug 25 2008, 04:41 PM
Pre-rinses and rinses can be performed with a pressure washer, but it is always recommended to hand wash your vehicle. Just add a healthy amount to your wash bucket.
1) Rinse car with pressure washer
2) Foam using Cam Spray foamer
3) Hand wash using microfiber wash rag (dipped in water, not suds)
4) Rinse with pressure washer
4) Dry with microfiber waffle weave towels
Where would I fit in the vinegar? Mix it in with the water in #3? What ratio (i.e. X oz per gallon)? Would it be OK to spot treat with pure vinegar?
#23
Contributors
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Salem, NH USA
Posts: 445
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
One other thing: what is the best way to clean pads? After I finished on Saturday with the black CCS pad (used for Collinite 476s) I soaked it in water & Dawn, but that was only partially successful. Is there a good way to get it back to new condition, or is it a case of "once used with wax, can only be used with wax from then on?"
#24
Members
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Toronto, ON
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by bdkinnh' post='654051' date='Aug 25 2008, 04:52 PM
I used the pressure washer for the first time on Saturday; my steps were:
1) Rinse car with pressure washer
2) Foam using Cam Spray foamer
3) Hand wash using microfiber wash rag (dipped in water, not suds)
4) Rinse with pressure washer
4) Dry with microfiber waffle weave towels
Where would I fit in the vinegar? Mix it in with the water in #3? What ratio (i.e. X oz per gallon)? Would it be OK to spot treat with pure vinegar?
1) Rinse car with pressure washer
2) Foam using Cam Spray foamer
3) Hand wash using microfiber wash rag (dipped in water, not suds)
4) Rinse with pressure washer
4) Dry with microfiber waffle weave towels
Where would I fit in the vinegar? Mix it in with the water in #3? What ratio (i.e. X oz per gallon)? Would it be OK to spot treat with pure vinegar?
I would replace steps #2,3 and replace them with a traditional hand wash with either a Home Depot GS (grout sponge), or a Sheepskin Wash Mitt (preferable). In a 5 gallon wash bucket, I would use 2-3 cups of Vinegar.
#26
Members
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Toronto, ON
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by mk4' post='653193' date='Aug 24 2008, 07:46 AM
I have swirl marks on my hood and some light scratches on the side. I have used Menzerna IP with orange pad on Porta Cable 7724. It seems to come out better, but does not really get rid of the swirl marks. If I used a circular polisher, would that help get better results?
Make sure you are completely breaking down the polish before you stop to remove it. Nine times out of ten, incomplete correction is a result of not breaking down the polish enough, aka moving the polisher too fast. Only polish one small area at a time. Don't use too much polish. Use speed 6 for correction, speed 1 for applying wax.
#27
Members
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Toronto, ON
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by BrianTx5' post='653546' date='Aug 24 2008, 09:02 PM
What kind of car or cars do you drive?
But I do drive a BMW.
#28
Members
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Toronto, ON
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by bdkinnh' post='654757' date='Aug 26 2008, 02:35 PM
One other thing: what is the best way to clean pads? After I finished on Saturday with the black CCS pad (used for Collinite 476s) I soaked it in water & Dawn, but that was only partially successful. Is there a good way to get it back to new condition, or is it a case of "once used with wax, can only be used with wax from then on?"
#29
Contributors
Join Date: May 2004
Location: SoCal San Diego
Posts: 2,863
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
My Ride: 545i Sport
Model Year: 2004
Engine: N62
Originally Posted by bdkinnh' post='654757' date='Aug 26 2008, 11:35 AM
One other thing: what is the best way to clean pads? After I finished on Saturday with the black CCS pad (used for Collinite 476s) I soaked it in water & Dawn, but that was only partially successful. Is there a good way to get it back to new condition, or is it a case of "once used with wax, can only be used with wax from then on?"
For Lake County CCS pads, I soak them in cleaning solution (1 packet and 2 1/2 gal. H20) and squeeze the wax out, do not wring and then air dry. I also use an orange cleaner without phosphate (biodegradable) I just can't remember the brand name. Car washing liquid also works .
Edit: Ooops! sorry, didn't mean to hijack the thread. Just trying to help and share experience .
#30
Members
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Los Angeles (Woodland Hills), USA
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2004 BMW 545i
so i saw the Z4 i would be detailing and there's tons of tree sap over it. she took it to a carwash and they couldn't get it off for her. what would you recommend?