Peleg's Guide to Detailing - Page 5

Peleg · 05-09-2006, 05:52 PM

So you put about 2 hours into washing your STi (or other car), you polished it and now it's ready for wax.

There are 2 types of waxes out there: Carnauba and synthetic.

Let's start with Carnauba wax, which isn't commonly found in your autoparts store. This wax is more expensive than synthetic bottled wax. It is made of fronds from some specific tree that grows in Brazil. The advantages of this wax is the depth and shine it gives, the dis-advantage is the price and how long it lasts (60-90 days, depending how much you drive the car, etc.)

It is said to make black, red and other dark colored cars shine very nicely.

The other type of wax is synthetic, wax made of acrylic resins. It is cheaper, but still provides nice shine and protection for the paint. It also lasts alot longer.

I'm currently using Black Magic (after I use the Sonus polish applied with a polisher) and apply it by hand with a Sonus towel.

Applying your favorite wax:

Don't make the mistake applying waxs and sealants using household towels like someone i know did just recently on an expensive BMW M3.....the result was long deep scratches in the clearcoat that require wet sanding...

Invest in a high quality towel or two, it will cost alot less than a body shop wet sanding your clearcoat.

I also tried waxing with the polisher in a small section, that didn't come out well, so I recommand waxing by hand.

Last but not least, waxing (and polishing) should be done away from direct sunlight. I like to start washing my STi around 4 PM when the sun is out, but not as strong and isn't shinning directly on the driveway. By the time I'm done washing and drying, I'm ready for polish, the temperature outside is cool (about 6 PM) but there is enough light to work with. I can polish the STi in an hour flat with my Porter polisher. Than around 7, I still have another 1.5 hours for waxing and if that isn't enough, there is always the garage.

Pictures to follow tomorrow. (when I get back home from travel)

sizzflair · 05-09-2006, 06:42 PM

Question:

Is it ok to polish and wax after you already have a coat of wax on your car? or should you wash the car with dawn to take the wax off and then polish & wax?

Peleg · 05-10-2006, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sizzflair

Question:

Is it ok to polish and wax after you already have a coat of wax on your car? or should you wash the car with dawn to take the wax off and then polish & wax?

First of lets address the Dawn issue. I wouldn't recommand using dawn on your car paint, thus it may be too abbrasive. The folks at Autopia car care even discuss it.

Yes you can polish the car if its already got wax on it, it will take off the wax, so just reapply the wax when you're done.

***Nachos Libres*** · 05-10-2006, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peleg

First of lets address the Dawn issue. I wouldn't recommand using dawn on your car paint, thus it may be too abbrasive. The folks at Autopia car care even discuss it.

Yes you can polish the car if its already got wax on it, it will take off the wax, so just reapply the wax when you're done.

I never use Dawn either, just a clay bar. Thanks for the affirmation.

sizzflair · 05-10-2006, 02:28 PM

Ah ok.. i thought people said to use dawn or something when you want to do a full detail from clay to wax... since dawn takes off the wax? O.o

Thanks!

MorePSiTehBett4 · 05-19-2006, 12:39 PM

using citrus engine degreaser and light on steel pad

thanks peleg-

carmi

Peleg · 05-28-2006, 05:49 PM

Some of you may own another car with sunroof, it may be an older car that you like to drive to work.

In my case it's a 94 mildly modified Integra. The sunroof started vibrating when I open it. The factory grease is dry.

Mobil 1 synthetic grease took care of that problem. Applied some new grease in the rails and operated the sunroof a few times, no more vibration.

* You can also use this on the rails of your garage door if the grease there has dried!

Peleg · 05-28-2006, 05:58 PM

If your wiper blades got abuse from the summer sun and rattle, give 303 Wiper Blade Treatment a shot before you swap your blades.

Each applicator can great both wiper blades.

SUBIRU · 05-29-2006, 01:03 AM

Peleg Detail Special COMPLETED! Click this link to find detailing review!

to peleg! hanging out, helping out, and lunch was fun! let me kno when you need my help!

4banger · 06-06-2006, 08:52 PM

Peleg, do you have any tips on using touch up paint? Thanks.

Peleg · 06-24-2006, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4banger

Peleg, do you have any tips on using touch up paint? Thanks.

I haven't done much work with touch up paint.

Are you trying to fix a paint chip?

4banger · 06-24-2006, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peleg

I haven't done much work with touch up paint.

Are you trying to fix a paint chip?

A bird pooped on my roof and when I went to wash the turd off, it took a few small specks of paint with it.

SoaReS · 06-24-2006, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reeksti

damn peleg u are the man

+1 your detailing guides kick a$$

evodon84 · 06-24-2006, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peleg

Are you trying to fix a paint chip?

I am I have several any suggestions?

Peleg · 06-26-2006, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evodon84

I am I have several any suggestions?

I haven't attempted it yet, although I have a book on the subject and a special kit to fix it which I haven't tried.

http://www.langka.com/paint_chip_repair.php

I will probably try it first on my daily driver.

In general, you have to clean the area well with wax remover and then apply the kit with the original factory paint that you can get from the dealer.

OR you can do what my neighbor did and go with reputible dent/paint mobile service.

05-09-2006, 05:52 PM	#61
Peleg STI Guru Car: 04 Subaru WRX STi Fav Mod: Whooshing sounds Location: NorCal Posts: 5,669 Join Date: Nov 2003 Trader Rating: (11)	Wax So you put about 2 hours into washing your STi (or other car), you polished it and now it's ready for wax. There are 2 types of waxes out there: Carnauba and synthetic. Let's start with Carnauba wax, which isn't commonly found in your autoparts store. This wax is more expensive than synthetic bottled wax. It is made of fronds from some specific tree that grows in Brazil. The advantages of this wax is the depth and shine it gives, the dis-advantage is the price and how long it lasts (60-90 days, depending how much you drive the car, etc.) It is said to make black, red and other dark colored cars shine very nicely. The other type of wax is synthetic, wax made of acrylic resins. It is cheaper, but still provides nice shine and protection for the paint. It also lasts alot longer. I'm currently using Black Magic (after I use the Sonus polish applied with a polisher) and apply it by hand with a Sonus towel. Applying your favorite wax: Don't make the mistake applying waxs and sealants using household towels like someone i know did just recently on an expensive BMW M3.....the result was long deep scratches in the clearcoat that require wet sanding... Invest in a high quality towel or two, it will cost alot less than a body shop wet sanding your clearcoat. I also tried waxing with the polisher in a small section, that didn't come out well, so I recommand waxing by hand. Last but not least, waxing (and polishing) should be done away from direct sunlight. I like to start washing my STi around 4 PM when the sun is out, but not as strong and isn't shinning directly on the driveway. By the time I'm done washing and drying, I'm ready for polish, the temperature outside is cool (about 6 PM) but there is enough light to work with. I can polish the STi in an hour flat with my Porter polisher. Than around 7, I still have another 1.5 hours for waxing and if that isn't enough, there is always the garage. Pictures to follow tomorrow. (when I get back home from travel) This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad. Last edited by Peleg : 05-09-2006 at 05:58 PM.

05-28-2006, 05:49 PM	#67
Peleg STI Guru Car: 04 Subaru WRX STi Fav Mod: Whooshing sounds Location: NorCal Posts: 5,669 Join Date: Nov 2003 Trader Rating: (11)	Sunroof is vibrating Some of you may own another car with sunroof, it may be an older car that you like to drive to work. In my case it's a 94 mildly modified Integra. The sunroof started vibrating when I open it. The factory grease is dry. Mobil 1 synthetic grease took care of that problem. Applied some new grease in the rails and operated the sunroof a few times, no more vibration. * You can also use this on the rails of your garage door if the grease there has dried! Last edited by Peleg : 06-26-2006 at 08:12 AM.

05-28-2006, 05:58 PM	#68
Peleg STI Guru Car: 04 Subaru WRX STi Fav Mod: Whooshing sounds Location: NorCal Posts: 5,669 Join Date: Nov 2003 Trader Rating: (11)	Wiper blades treatment If your wiper blades got abuse from the summer sun and rattle, give 303 Wiper Blade Treatment a shot before you swap your blades. Each applicator can great both wiper blades.

05-29-2006, 01:03 AM	#69
SUBIRU Silver Member Car: 05 STi Fav Mod: fix-it tickets Location: sj, ca Posts: 875 Join Date: Oct 2005 Trader Rating: (3)	this detailing service comes highly recommended Peleg Detail Special COMPLETED! Click this link to find detailing review! to peleg! hanging out, helping out, and lunch was fun! let me kno when you need my help!

05-09-2006, 06:42 PM	#62
sizzflair Professional STI Racer Car: 06 Subaru WRX STi (B Fav Mod: Exhaust/Turbo Location: Bloomfield Hills, Michiga Posts: 640 Join Date: Nov 2005 Trader Rating: (1)	Question: Is it ok to polish and wax after you already have a coat of wax on your car? or should you wash the car with dawn to take the wax off and then polish & wax?

05-10-2006, 02:28 PM	#65
sizzflair Professional STI Racer Car: 06 Subaru WRX STi (B Fav Mod: Exhaust/Turbo Location: Bloomfield Hills, Michiga Posts: 640 Join Date: Nov 2005 Trader Rating: (1)	Ah ok.. i thought people said to use dawn or something when you want to do a full detail from clay to wax... since dawn takes off the wax? O.o Thanks!

05-19-2006, 12:39 PM	#66
MorePSiTehBett4 The Next Petter Solberg Car: 04 STi JBP Fav Mod: 04 STi JBP For sale PM ME Location: SAC, NORCAL Posts: 894 Join Date: Feb 2006 Trader Rating: (1)	using citrus engine degreaser and light on steel pad thanks peleg- carmi

06-06-2006, 08:52 PM	#70
4banger Professional STI Racer Car: 05 WRB STi Fav Mod: TiC AST's - 7/6K Location: Chesapeake, VA Posts: 601 Join Date: Feb 2005 Trader Rating: (3)	Peleg, do you have any tips on using touch up paint? Thanks.