Car washing for the non-OC
1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 20
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Just read through the entire thread and have placed an order with DP! I have one Hydro question - should I avoid the trim or windows when spraying this on, or can I just Hydro the entire car after washing? I thought wax would leave white marks on the plastic trim, so it seems like the hydro would cause a white film to develop over time...
Thanks!
Thanks!
Nope, you can Hydro everything with no problem! BUT Clarity is great for glass, especially with DP's glass cloth, and Black Wow is awesome on trim. But Hydro won't hurt it or leave residue.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 59
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Sold on hydro
Ok, so I'm sold on hydro after reading the above! I too want to keep my mini pretty without making it my second job. I have a special issue though. I live in Jonesboro and regularly drive through rice fields after dark in the summer--and when I do the front of my current vehicle is covered with bugs!!!! I want to keep the bugs to a minimum on the mini! What wax would you recommend for the front or some other strategy. Sadly can't avoid the rice fields.
thanks!
thanks!
I would recommend you at least stay on the road and not in the field.
I would recommend Epic since it works so well with Hydro and it lasts a very long time. Then again, bug guts are nothing if not tenacious and early removal before sun baking is key.
I would recommend Epic since it works so well with Hydro and it lasts a very long time. Then again, bug guts are nothing if not tenacious and early removal before sun baking is key.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 15,382
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I gather that when you say through rice fields, you mean on a road with fields on either side of it. Seeing as how rice grows in water, if your in the fields you likely have more than bug issues
As MiniMaybe said, Epic, or any high quality wax is your first defense in helping to keep washing time to a minimum. This is also a good reason for a Clear-bra.
Mark
As MiniMaybe said, Epic, or any high quality wax is your first defense in helping to keep washing time to a minimum. This is also a good reason for a Clear-bra.
Mark
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
I do mean on paved roads surrounded by rice fields! I thought about a clear bra and dealer talked me out of it because the paint underneath the clear bra will wear much less than other paint and when it is removed the difference will be noticeable (esp after at least 3years) are the prima products the best? Thanks!
The dealer talked you OUT of clear bra?? That's a first!
Some things to consider:
1) The front end of the MINI, due to it's "uprightness", takes a ton of hits - bugs, rocks, etc. Thus, it gets a lot of chips. A clear bra will help prevent this.
2) A clear bra is a few hundred bucks. A good repaint is much more.
3) If you use proper waxes/sealants on the car to provide protection from UV rays, you should have no problem with fading. The entire surface, clear bra and all, will be protected equally by whatever wax or sealant you put on it. As long as you keep up with it, there should be no fading.
As far as products go, Prima is very popular here due to ease of use and the incredible support this forum receives by the vendors that make and sell the line. There are tons of options; the best way to go is just to pick a line and roll with it, because things are usually meant to work with one another within a product line.
Some things to consider:
1) The front end of the MINI, due to it's "uprightness", takes a ton of hits - bugs, rocks, etc. Thus, it gets a lot of chips. A clear bra will help prevent this.
2) A clear bra is a few hundred bucks. A good repaint is much more.
3) If you use proper waxes/sealants on the car to provide protection from UV rays, you should have no problem with fading. The entire surface, clear bra and all, will be protected equally by whatever wax or sealant you put on it. As long as you keep up with it, there should be no fading.
As far as products go, Prima is very popular here due to ease of use and the incredible support this forum receives by the vendors that make and sell the line. There are tons of options; the best way to go is just to pick a line and roll with it, because things are usually meant to work with one another within a product line.
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,001
Likes: 0
From: New York, NY
I do mean on paved roads surrounded by rice fields! I thought about a clear bra and dealer talked me out of it because the paint underneath the clear bra will wear much less than other paint and when it is removed the difference will be noticeable (esp after at least 3years) are the prima products the best? Thanks!
did you buy your mini in memphis? i did and they tend to not be in favor of the clear bra. i almost got one (closest good installer i could find was in St. Louis), but decided against it because of the look. after much highway travel, i have some unfortunate rock chips.
however, some of them are above level where the clear bra would be so...
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Florida
What about the Windows?
Bullet has been living the good life in Florida for almost a year now. I was turned onto Zaino on this thread...great stuff. I use all their products...my one frustration and hopefully you all can help is WINDOWS...seems as no matter what I use in between Zaino window waxing to clean my windows I'm left with a film that shows up as soon as my windows hit the sun....remember I'm in Florida....top down 60-70% of the time. I hate seeing this white smudgy film on the glass. Who's got a handle on a great glass cleaner or secret potion that eliminates this problem?
My MINI is 3 months old. So far I've washed it a few times, but haven't done more. Paranoia about new paint and the fact that it's been cold has kept me from spending too much time on it.
First, I am not one to spend every waking moment on my car...too many other requirements for my time. Reading the various posts here, it would seem some folks have no life outside the garage
Second, I have no clue about to really take care of a car's exterior. All of my previous cars have had a Ziebart or like coating to protect the paint. Problem is you can't get that here...the strong Vegas sun (UV) apparently makes these coatings break down too quickly.
Third, I haven't the budget to drop a ton of money on supplies...reading these posts I see folks describing purchases of supplies and tools of $300 and more. No way can I afford that (well, I could, but my wife who thinks of a car as only something one drives, would not get it). I have a $20 Coleman 6" waxer/polisher with no real clue how to use it. All these posts talk about what they do, but none really describe how.
Last, here in Vegas we have horribly hard water. I tried a chamois to dry my car but it just didn't work. No matter what, I end up with huge water spots everywhere.
All that said, I'm looking for a reasonable approach to washing and "detailing" my car. Not looking to create a show car, just want to keep it looking good and keep the paint in good shape. I feel like an idiot but previous attempts at waxing/polishing/whatever have resulted in a car that either looks no different or even worse than when I started.
PS...I have a transparent (vinyl?) nose protector on my car...any expereince on wht the long term effect will be to the paint underneath relative to the uncovered paint? Will it fade at a different rate?
First, I am not one to spend every waking moment on my car...too many other requirements for my time. Reading the various posts here, it would seem some folks have no life outside the garage
Second, I have no clue about to really take care of a car's exterior. All of my previous cars have had a Ziebart or like coating to protect the paint. Problem is you can't get that here...the strong Vegas sun (UV) apparently makes these coatings break down too quickly.
Third, I haven't the budget to drop a ton of money on supplies...reading these posts I see folks describing purchases of supplies and tools of $300 and more. No way can I afford that (well, I could, but my wife who thinks of a car as only something one drives, would not get it). I have a $20 Coleman 6" waxer/polisher with no real clue how to use it. All these posts talk about what they do, but none really describe how.
Last, here in Vegas we have horribly hard water. I tried a chamois to dry my car but it just didn't work. No matter what, I end up with huge water spots everywhere.
All that said, I'm looking for a reasonable approach to washing and "detailing" my car. Not looking to create a show car, just want to keep it looking good and keep the paint in good shape. I feel like an idiot but previous attempts at waxing/polishing/whatever have resulted in a car that either looks no different or even worse than when I started.
PS...I have a transparent (vinyl?) nose protector on my car...any expereince on wht the long term effect will be to the paint underneath relative to the uncovered paint? Will it fade at a different rate?
Bullet has been living the good life in Florida for almost a year now. I was turned onto Zaino on this thread...great stuff. I use all their products...my one frustration and hopefully you all can help is WINDOWS...seems as no matter what I use in between Zaino window waxing to clean my windows I'm left with a film that shows up as soon as my windows hit the sun....remember I'm in Florida....top down 60-70% of the time. I hate seeing this white smudgy film on the glass. Who's got a handle on a great glass cleaner or secret potion that eliminates this problem?
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
ordered in memphis
did you buy your mini in memphis? i did and they tend to not be in favor of the clear bra. i almost got one (closest good installer i could find was in St. Louis), but decided against it because of the look. after much highway travel, i have some unfortunate rock chips. however, some of them are above level where the clear bra would be so...
however, some of them are above level where the clear bra would be so...
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
After reading through much of this thread and reading the rave reviews, I ordered $100+ bunch of cleaning supplies from detailers paradise. I sure hope the stuff lives up to the hype and is easy to use, so I will use it. I'm not OCD about cleaning stuff, but want to keep my cooper looking good, and hope the quality car care products will be worth it!
For starters I ordered: Mystique, Hydro, Clarity, Nero and the associated microfiber to use with it.
My main question now is how often do the non OCD folks do a real heavy duty wax job?
Also, how can I effectively wax my rims to help keep the brake dust from sticking. BTW I have white rims. Are there any tools to help with this job?
thanks a bunch!
For starters I ordered: Mystique, Hydro, Clarity, Nero and the associated microfiber to use with it.
My main question now is how often do the non OCD folks do a real heavy duty wax job?
Also, how can I effectively wax my rims to help keep the brake dust from sticking. BTW I have white rims. Are there any tools to help with this job?
thanks a bunch!
1st Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: middle part of AR
Waiting for the Epic to cure....
Hooked sinker and all! I've been out this morning washing, clay bar, and just applied the Epic. So I came in for a drink of H2O and here I am reading up on the how to's again.
This thread is a bait and switch to turn us all into OC detailers!
I think I'll go Nero the dash and other inside parts while I'm waiting.
This thread is a bait and switch to turn us all into OC detailers!
I think I'll go Nero the dash and other inside parts while I'm waiting.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,759
Likes: 0
From: Denver, CO
After reading through much of this thread and reading the rave reviews, I ordered $100+ bunch of cleaning supplies from detailers paradise. I sure hope the stuff lives up to the hype and is easy to use, so I will use it. I'm not OCD about cleaning stuff, but want to keep my cooper looking good, and hope the quality car care products will be worth it!
For starters I ordered: Mystique, Hydro, Clarity, Nero and the associated microfiber to use with it.
My main question now is how often do the non OCD folks do a real heavy duty wax job?
Also, how can I effectively wax my rims to help keep the brake dust from sticking. BTW I have white rims. Are there any tools to help with this job?
thanks a bunch!
For starters I ordered: Mystique, Hydro, Clarity, Nero and the associated microfiber to use with it.
My main question now is how often do the non OCD folks do a real heavy duty wax job?
Also, how can I effectively wax my rims to help keep the brake dust from sticking. BTW I have white rims. Are there any tools to help with this job?
thanks a bunch!
Most people find the Prima system to be very easy to use so I think you will too. I know where you're coming from in terms of ease=use. I must admit, I was not into this stuff until my husband introduced me to high quality products that were not only more effective but... easy to use! Some will detail their cars regardless of the ease of use but I'm like you- it has to be easy or I just may not do it! (I know, for shame!
)I have found that most OCDers do a major prep and wax job twice per year on average. Indeed, there are some who do it much more and some who just do it once per year. But overall, a large majority do it twice per year.
Of course, the effectiveness of a twice-per-year prep/wax job really depends on your process and the durability of your wax. A prep step not only increases the results but will always increase your durability as well. (A prep step would entail a paint cleanser polish, like Prima Amigo, P21S Paintwork Cleanser, etc. OR an abrasive polish, like Swirl, etc) Some of the premium synthetic waxes (ie Prima Epic, Zaino, Sealant Glaze, etc) are very durable and last 4-6 months on average. There are many other synthetic waxes and certainly all carnauba waxes which last much less time.
Alternatively, if you use Hydro at least once per month then you'll have this same level of durable protection. It depends on your style/preference. Some people use both kinds of wax (one as a base then Hydro as a touch-up) and others just use one product/techinique.
For ease of cleaning brake dust, either use one of the durable synthetic waxes mentioned above or Prima Wheel Armour, which is a polish and synthetic wax designed to stand up to the high heat environment of wheels. Nothing eliminates the need to wash off that nasty brake dust but waxing them with a durable synthetic wax will make it a wipe down project as opposed to a long scrubbing project.
-Heather
Banned
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,759
Likes: 0
From: Denver, CO
). Waffle-weave microfiber drying towels are ideal.It does not work well with natural or synthetic chamois towels (like the Absorber).
If you're using any polish or most waxes and want to avoid powder on the edges of your stripes, I think the easiest way is to use very narrow blue painter's tape along the edges. (I'm not usually a taper but will definitely tape stripes and the edge of clear bras for this reason... especially when using a polish)
-Heather
Thanks Heather for the fast reply.
I don't polish my car since I just got it for 3 months only. So Hydro & Slick are safe for the stripes then I am good. I got both already but not start to use them yet, so spray Hydro after the last rinse while water still on the car then MF together to dry right? Slick works like a mild cleaner like bird droppings, bugs those things, do I need to dilute Slick to use? When I spray Slick it kinds of yellowish & condense (I mean denser than water, not thick). Am I suppose just spray on those bugs/droppings then wipe it with MF that's all? How about inside the car like the dash & the leatherette seat? Am I suppose to use Nero? I use Wheel Armor to coat my wheels like wax but last time I just use some cotton cloth instead of MF. Am I suppose to use MF with the Wheel Armor? What other Prima products will you suggest? I usually wash my car every week, at most two weeks. So far no swirl yet cause I went to those no touch car wash all the time, and I only use MF to dry it.
Thanks.
I don't polish my car since I just got it for 3 months only. So Hydro & Slick are safe for the stripes then I am good. I got both already but not start to use them yet, so spray Hydro after the last rinse while water still on the car then MF together to dry right? Slick works like a mild cleaner like bird droppings, bugs those things, do I need to dilute Slick to use? When I spray Slick it kinds of yellowish & condense (I mean denser than water, not thick). Am I suppose just spray on those bugs/droppings then wipe it with MF that's all? How about inside the car like the dash & the leatherette seat? Am I suppose to use Nero? I use Wheel Armor to coat my wheels like wax but last time I just use some cotton cloth instead of MF. Am I suppose to use MF with the Wheel Armor? What other Prima products will you suggest? I usually wash my car every week, at most two weeks. So far no swirl yet cause I went to those no touch car wash all the time, and I only use MF to dry it.
Thanks.
1st Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: middle part of AR
Heather,
Thanks for all the advice on this topic. I have used all of the products in the beginner/intro pack and found them as advertised. Easy to use, looks great too.
The only problem is now my wife wants her Pilot done too.
That brings up a question. I did a search on upholstery cleaners and didn't really come up with a clear suggestion. My wife's kid hauler is probably dirtier on the inside than the outside. SOMEBODY, spilled her coffee/mocha/coke in the passenger seat. Got any suggestions for the easy interior clean up?
Thanks,
Thanks for all the advice on this topic. I have used all of the products in the beginner/intro pack and found them as advertised. Easy to use, looks great too.
The only problem is now my wife wants her Pilot done too.
That brings up a question. I did a search on upholstery cleaners and didn't really come up with a clear suggestion. My wife's kid hauler is probably dirtier on the inside than the outside. SOMEBODY, spilled her coffee/mocha/coke in the passenger seat. Got any suggestions for the easy interior clean up?
Thanks,
5th Gear
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,073
Likes: 3
From: Lubbock, TX
Haven't used it on the car quite yet but we have one of those Bissell li'l green machine steam cleaners. Would probably work quite well on stains such as coffee/mocha/coke etc. I'm assuming they're fabric since you're mentioning upholstery cleaners.
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 422
Likes: 0
Hooked sinker and all! I've been out this morning washing, clay bar, and just applied the Epic. So I came in for a drink of H2O and here I am reading up on the how to's again.
This thread is a bait and switch to turn us all into OC detailers!
I think I'll go Nero the dash and other inside parts while I'm waiting.
This thread is a bait and switch to turn us all into OC detailers!
I think I'll go Nero the dash and other inside parts while I'm waiting.
if you have spent enough time to read this entire thread...you are well on your way to becomming one!!