MINI COOPER :: North American Motoring - Working in tight areas with quick detailer

countryboyshane · #1 03-30-2009, 09:44 AM

Does anybody here have tips on how to prevent overspray on windows/plastic when using a quick detailer product like Zaino Z6? I’m trying to use as little product as I can and think that spraying a little bit of product directly on a microfiber rag might be less efficient since the rag is absorbing the product. Am I crazy, or should I just go ahead and give my rag a little spritz in these tight areas?

Yes… I’m one of those guys that’s OCD about their Mini’s appearance

mcdbrendan · #2 03-30-2009, 09:58 AM

One thing I do is "hang" a microfiber over the window when you spray the closest panel. This usually blocks the spray from hitting the window. Try to learn to control the spray nozzle a bit more by switching from the spray to stream setting and using a shallow trigger pull. (This may or may not make sense, I'm not too familiar with the Zaino bottles)

Another option is to try out Prima's Slick (after your Z6 runs out of course) which is safe on everything, hence no need to worry about a little overspray.

countryboyshane · #3 03-30-2009, 10:21 AM

Hmmm that's a pretty good idea! I'll definitely do that.

What's funny is that I've used a spare piece of matboard from my artwork to shield off things before when working on my wheel flares but I don't know why I didn't think of doing something like that with what was already in my hand. Looks like I got a little too fancy!

I definitely know what you mean about trigger finesse

misslindsey · #4 03-30-2009, 10:48 AM

(Hi Shane!) Z6/Z8 won't hurt your windows or plastic, either. I also tend to spray close to a panel and then work it around with a towel. I really like DP's microfiber mitt things (I'll totally give you one when I see you). They're great for getting in the little spots. Of course when using a thicker towel, I sometimes spray right on the towel, too - but I do hate to waste it. Either way, I find one good squirt on a side panel is usually plenty and I work up towards the windows/trim, and on the bonnet/boot I dribble a little (hah) and work in smaller areas.

And off-topic, kudos to you if you're actually using QD right now - poor Lewis is cold and dirty. I thought about scrubbing up my summer wheels, and then it SNOWED.

countryboyshane · #5 03-30-2009, 11:57 AM

I'm actually still waiting to do my full detail job for the summer. Can't wait to Zaino the R56 to a whole new level! I've got some minor paint dings and am waiting on my Langka kit to properly touch them up with my dealer paint sticks.

I'm with you though on the snow issue. My car was lookin' damn good on Friday and then the nasty weekend hit me. Snow and it's practically April. That's Michigan for ya! Thank god it didn't accumulate

kenchan · #6 03-31-2009, 12:22 PM

i use those small hairspray bottles you can get at the ContainerStore for fine touchups. it has a finer mist
and better control in tight areas.

actually, i use the spray head from those and use it on my little griot's sampler bottles.

**phil@detailersdomain** · #7 03-31-2009, 09:55 PM

i would have to agree most detail sprays won't hurt the glass or the trim pieces I typically just use a clean mf to wipe down the over spray.

**OctaneGuy** · #8 04-03-2009, 04:18 PM

I spray the MF towel or MF sponge applicator with a bit of QD and wipe it. A couple of spritzes is all you need. Or as others have said, use a different spray bottle, like the finger type you push down that atomizes the liquid to a fine mist.

Richard

CR&PW&JB · #9 04-03-2009, 04:27 PM

Why would you need to spray the tight areas anyway ?

I just spray the middle of the large panels, start with the mf in the middle where I sprayed, and then work out to the edges and the tight areas. The mf cloth will have plenty of QD spray on it to get those other spots.

Frank in Toledo · #10 04-04-2009, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by countryboyshane

Does anybody here have tips on how to prevent overspray on windows/plastic when using a quick detailer product like Zaino Z6? I’m trying to use as little product as I can and think that spraying a little bit of product directly on a microfiber rag might be less efficient since the rag is absorbing the product. Am I crazy, or should I just go ahead and give my rag a little spritz in these tight areas?

Yes… I’m one of those guys that’s OCD about their Mini’s appearance

What's the harm? Quick Detailer is not going to hurt those areas, just buff off the same as the rest of painted areas.

countryboyshane · #11 04-04-2009, 05:54 AM

Ok thanks for the tips people. This will be my first time using a product like Z6 so I didn't know how bad it would stick to glass and plastic as stupid as that may sound. Today is the big detailing day and these tips help!

mcdbrendan · #12 04-04-2009, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by countryboyshane

Ok thanks for the tips people. This will be my first time using a product like Z6 so I didn't know how bad it would stick to glass and plastic as stupid as that may sound. Today is the big detailing day and these tips help!

Good luck, post pictures!

-brendan

quikmni · #13 04-04-2009, 12:14 PM

I have not had any problem with getting Z6 on trim pieces or the glass. It works pretty well on trim. I just clean the glass with window cleaner as a last step.