So for any number of reasons (time, my inexperience as this forum has scared me off washing it myself, logistics as I don't have anywhere to wash it) I get my car washed at a local detailing place. They charge $10 to hand was the exterior and $20 for a hand wash and to clean the interior. So I need to get the car waxed though and they have a package that they say protects "dark cars" and I have the dark silver Clubman with black roof. So I have a few questions before I take it in:

1) He told me they'd "remove the clear coat" before adding coats of wax and such. Do I want them to remove the clear coat?

2) With the black roof, it seems different to the body. Should I tell them anything specific about the roof and should they do something differently with it?

Sorry if these are dumb questions, but this isn't my forte. Thanks in advance.

 

I always find it interesting to hear terminology used so loosely that it really takes on new meaning. And I want to make it clear that I'm not putting you down...we just need to be on the same common ground in order to discuss the problems here and possible answers.

First off:

There is no need to be scared about washing your car. You can do a superior job over the guys you pay $10 - $20 with even the basic knowledge you currently have. I'm certain of that.

Second anytime anyone tells you they have something that protects "dark cars" or "dark paint" what they are saying is their product has fillers of some sort to minimize the scratches and swirling so evident in neglected black paint. By filling in minor defects, the paint looks reasonably better.

Thirdly, your clear coat is an inherent part of your paint. It cannot be removed and will not be removed for waxing purposes. Given the price, I won't even assume they are talking about claying or removing bonded contaminants. I'm thinking they will use something to remove any existing protection like dish washing soap before rewaxing it.

Fourthly, despite the colors you see, and despite your paint having metallic flakes while your roof doesn't, they all have one thing in common. There is a layer of clear paint over it. So regardless of the color of your paint, anything you apply or add to your paint, is really being applied to this clear coat.

So the answer is no, there is nothing you need to tell them about the roof.

Finally...to wash your paint, at the bare minimum you just need a bucket or two holding a few gallons of water, a sponge, some wash solution, and some waffle weave drying towels. Using the ONR(Optimum No Rinse) method and good techniques, you can wash your paint without needing a hose or a place to rinse the paint.

If you want more info, I'll be happy to provide that to you.

Here's a video using a modify ONR technique..using a hose to rinse it down first, then ONR to wash it clean before drying.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Anahei...=1421622223579

Richard

 

If i pick one of those ONR's up ill be washing on my lunch breaks at work in a corporate garage lol... oh the rumors that will start


PS: just watched that video... Excellent.

 

Does your town have one of those DIY wash bays? That is what I like for in the winter when I cant have the hose out. The minimum amount is usually about $2 and one cycle is enough for me to wash and rinse the MINI.

In case you are unfamiliar with this set up, there is usually a hose that you can select water, shampoo or wax to come out of. Additionally there is usually a brush although I wouldnt use that on my paint or good wheels (I will for my banged up winter wheels though). You can bring your own sponge or, if your car isnt too bad, you can just use the water pressure to get your car cleaner. I bring my own sponge and microfibers (for drying) and a spray wax. Usually I will put them in a little bucket just so I dont have to bag them or get the inside of the car wet (but I dont actually use the bucket for washing).

 

removing the clear coat means they are going to remove your windows and hide them.

per wat OG has already mentioned.

 

I totally agree with OG. I've been detailing cars for almost 7 years now I can tell you with 100% certainty that these jokers don't know what they are doing. Almost all cars made today come with clear coat, and the clear should never be removed. That being said there is no such thing as "color specific work" because when dealing with car paint we are only working on the top layer of clear coat (paint color is below the clear coat level). The problem is darker colors show imperfections more easily (i.e. you can see the imperfections in the clear coat more easily) than say a silver or white car. It doesn't mean a silver or white car doesn't have the imperfections, they are just harder to see on the cars. That being said the roof and the body both have clear coats and should be treated exactly the same way. I used to work for one of these hack shops when I first started, and they used to play this game all the time. And judging by what they said to you about the clear coat, I believe they are the same way. I decided to go on my own and learn how to detail the proper way, and i can honestly say doing your own wash is the best route. The internet is a great resource to get started and there are many detailer blogs and websites. I'd definitely suggest going the self wash route and investing in some wash buckets and equipment if you can.

 

Here's something to get you started if your not trying to go to crazy (can't say the same for myself ):
Things you'll need (all can be purchased from walmart or target): Wash mitt, two buckets, car wash soap (meguiars gold class is good), Micro fiber for drying, Micro fiber for removing wax x 2, final inspection/detailer spray and claybar (meguiars sells a good starter kit), and wax or sealant and applicator pad.

1) First fill one bucket with plain water
2) Fill the second with soap water mix
3) Hose down your car to remove loose debris (make sure to do in a shaded area out of direct sunlight)
4) Take your wash mitt and put it into the soapy water bucket.
wash car from top down making sure to rinse wash mitt periodically in the plain water bucket often. (Also do not drop wash mitt on ground as this will pic up debris that will cause more damage to your paint).
5) Dry car with micro fiber drying towel.
6) Spray car with final inspection/detailer spray and spray claybar.
7) Rub claybar across area just sprayed with light to moderate pressure (this will remove contaminants that make your paint feel like sandpaper) take care not to drop the claybar, if you do throw it away and get a new one.
8) take the dry micro fiber (not one used to dry car) and wipe off final inspection spray. Your car should now feel like glass and squeak when you run your fingers across it.
9)Now your ready for wax. put wax on applicator pad (liquid or cream waxes are easier to deal with for beginners) and lightly apply to your paint. Try not to get it on any plastic trim as this will be a pain to remove, and also don't drop the applicator.
10) with another dry microfiber remove the wax after it has had a little while to cure (cure time is usually only a few minutes depending on the wax). And you should be done.
Hopefully I didn't miss anything and sorry that I didn't go into cleaning wheels and what not, but I could go on for days on how to clean a car top to bottom. I am actually doing a job in a few weeks. Maybe I'll post a write up for it in the detail 101 section for reference if you need more examples.
Also OGs ONR method is really good too if you don't have access to hose and will definitely be better job than if you paid those other guys to do it.