Ty
05-03-2009, 10:51 PM
Recommended Products
In the interest of full disclosure, I am in no way affiliated with, employed by, have any vested interest, or in any way receive compensation from the sale or distribution of the product lines reviewed or the company that manufactures or markets it.
Results Obtained
These articles are not intended to warrant or guarantee any results with any of the products mentioned. No endorsement of companies or their products mentioned is intended, nor is criticism implied of similar companies or their products not mentioned. The author does not provide, nor guarantee and is not responsible or liable for any third-party products or services. Brand, product and company names used throughout these articles are trademarks of their respective companies and are used for product identification purposes only.
Proper Technique
A sound understanding of the proper technique and the correct process will produce excellent results even with a mediocre product. A quality product used without the proper surface preparation or application technique will never obtain a satisfactory result. Using the proper methodology (surface preparation, using a quality product, along with the correct application technique) will ensure an excellent result.
Skill Level / Experience
Some methods described may be beyond the capabilities of the average detailer or enthusiast; in this case we strongly encourage the reader to consult a professional detailer or body shop concerning the matters discussed herein.
Liability
The writer assumes no responsibility, expressed or implied, due to misuse or misinterpretation of the information or methods used, or for any vehicle damage or injury that may occur due to the suggestions and information offered.
Product Quality and Technique
Proceed with this in mind; the products you use constitute a very small factor in the equation. Methodology and technique constitute 95%; the reasoning behind the choice of quality products is to eliminate any limiting factors, thus enabling you to place emphasis on technique used. There is no `one correct way' to apply a product; the way detailing products are customized are what each individual finds give them their desired results
Aesthetics
The aesthetics- of a vehicles appearance is very subjective to say the least, the only best wax or sealant that really matters is what looks 'best' to you. In the final analysis it all come down to; 85% preparation, 5% product, 7% application methodology and the balance is in the ‘guy’ of the beholder
Quick Detailers
Quick detailers, often shortened to (QD) are a car detailing product with limited cleaning, gloss, and protection properties. Most quick detailing sprays diminish true surface slipperiness every time they are used, this occurs because a polymer is not easily adaptable to a spray formula. To be efficient the polymer needs to be emulsified to work as a spray, most quick detail sprays create a short-lived, slippery finish by using silicone oils and water but this attracts dust and do little to increase durability.
The biggest concern most people have with quick detailing is scratching or dulling the paint, this is a genuine concern as they are only designed to remove light surface contamination. Such as light dry dust, fingerprints, smudges, etc, or as a final touch-up to the paint finish at a Concours d’élégance events. They can also be used for the removal of water spots, as the solvents in their formulations evaporate quickly to prevent further spotting and their silicone oils provide lubrication to prevent scratching.
Application methodology
It is important to use a premium quality long nap micro fibre towel, lightly spray the towel, not the paint surface and wipe in one direction only, use a very light downward pressure, lifting the leading edge of a micro fibre towel upwards with each pass. This will avoid any dust build up on the leading edge of the towel and avoid surface scratching. After each pass turn and / or refold the towel, spray and repeat on the clean surface.
MDMS report - for a typical (QD) - 80 - 90 % Water, 0.5-1.5% Carnauba wax, 0.1 – 5% Silicone or Mineral oil, 0.1-2.0% 2-Butoxyethanol (a solvent) 0.1 - 5% < Isopropyl alcohol report
Alternative products -
a) Carnauba - Pinnacle Crystal Mist is a blend of super-refined, Brazilian Ivory Carnauba wax, conditioning oils, and crystalline polymers. Apply a micro-fine layer after applying a Carnauba Wax
b) Acrylic -Menzerna High Gloss Acrylic Shield is a high gloss, acrylic sealant that mists on and buffs off with ease. It can be used on top of any polymer or acrylic paint sealant to increase shine and extend protection
c) Polymer - Zaino Brothers Z-8 Grand Finale™ Spray Seal should be used if the polymer is Zaino Z-2PRO™ as it is formulated with a specialized polymeric protection system providing enhanced optical qualities (this polymer-based product can also be used on a Carnauba wax without any bonding issues and it produces great results)
Information resource
Automotive Detailing Inside & Out; a Knowledge Base for the Perfectionist– by Jon Miller
In the interest of full disclosure, I am in no way affiliated with, employed by, have any vested interest, or in any way receive compensation from the sale or distribution of the product lines reviewed or the company that manufactures or markets it.
Results Obtained
These articles are not intended to warrant or guarantee any results with any of the products mentioned. No endorsement of companies or their products mentioned is intended, nor is criticism implied of similar companies or their products not mentioned. The author does not provide, nor guarantee and is not responsible or liable for any third-party products or services. Brand, product and company names used throughout these articles are trademarks of their respective companies and are used for product identification purposes only.
Proper Technique
A sound understanding of the proper technique and the correct process will produce excellent results even with a mediocre product. A quality product used without the proper surface preparation or application technique will never obtain a satisfactory result. Using the proper methodology (surface preparation, using a quality product, along with the correct application technique) will ensure an excellent result.
Skill Level / Experience
Some methods described may be beyond the capabilities of the average detailer or enthusiast; in this case we strongly encourage the reader to consult a professional detailer or body shop concerning the matters discussed herein.
Liability
The writer assumes no responsibility, expressed or implied, due to misuse or misinterpretation of the information or methods used, or for any vehicle damage or injury that may occur due to the suggestions and information offered.
Product Quality and Technique
Proceed with this in mind; the products you use constitute a very small factor in the equation. Methodology and technique constitute 95%; the reasoning behind the choice of quality products is to eliminate any limiting factors, thus enabling you to place emphasis on technique used. There is no `one correct way' to apply a product; the way detailing products are customized are what each individual finds give them their desired results
Aesthetics
The aesthetics- of a vehicles appearance is very subjective to say the least, the only best wax or sealant that really matters is what looks 'best' to you. In the final analysis it all come down to; 85% preparation, 5% product, 7% application methodology and the balance is in the ‘guy’ of the beholder
Quick Detailers
Quick detailers, often shortened to (QD) are a car detailing product with limited cleaning, gloss, and protection properties. Most quick detailing sprays diminish true surface slipperiness every time they are used, this occurs because a polymer is not easily adaptable to a spray formula. To be efficient the polymer needs to be emulsified to work as a spray, most quick detail sprays create a short-lived, slippery finish by using silicone oils and water but this attracts dust and do little to increase durability.
The biggest concern most people have with quick detailing is scratching or dulling the paint, this is a genuine concern as they are only designed to remove light surface contamination. Such as light dry dust, fingerprints, smudges, etc, or as a final touch-up to the paint finish at a Concours d’élégance events. They can also be used for the removal of water spots, as the solvents in their formulations evaporate quickly to prevent further spotting and their silicone oils provide lubrication to prevent scratching.
Application methodology
It is important to use a premium quality long nap micro fibre towel, lightly spray the towel, not the paint surface and wipe in one direction only, use a very light downward pressure, lifting the leading edge of a micro fibre towel upwards with each pass. This will avoid any dust build up on the leading edge of the towel and avoid surface scratching. After each pass turn and / or refold the towel, spray and repeat on the clean surface.
MDMS report - for a typical (QD) - 80 - 90 % Water, 0.5-1.5% Carnauba wax, 0.1 – 5% Silicone or Mineral oil, 0.1-2.0% 2-Butoxyethanol (a solvent) 0.1 - 5% < Isopropyl alcohol report
Alternative products -
a) Carnauba - Pinnacle Crystal Mist is a blend of super-refined, Brazilian Ivory Carnauba wax, conditioning oils, and crystalline polymers. Apply a micro-fine layer after applying a Carnauba Wax
b) Acrylic -Menzerna High Gloss Acrylic Shield is a high gloss, acrylic sealant that mists on and buffs off with ease. It can be used on top of any polymer or acrylic paint sealant to increase shine and extend protection
c) Polymer - Zaino Brothers Z-8 Grand Finale™ Spray Seal should be used if the polymer is Zaino Z-2PRO™ as it is formulated with a specialized polymeric protection system providing enhanced optical qualities (this polymer-based product can also be used on a Carnauba wax without any bonding issues and it produces great results)
Information resource
Automotive Detailing Inside & Out; a Knowledge Base for the Perfectionist– by Jon Miller