common question that i get is when to use a detail spray...

1. when do you use them?
2. how do you use them?
3. what are the various types for?

------

detailers sprays now also can include waterless wash products. they were first used for car shows... when a car arrives at a car show, it has dust and some minor road dirt (from gas fumes, etc). "detailers sprays" were used to give the show cars a "just waxed" look. they are now used for more than car shows, and are appropriate for daily use on most cars.

1. detail sprays can be used in between washings to keep that "just washed" look.
they are also good lubes for clay.

2. the car should be free of dirt, and can not show any sand or road grimes that might cause swirls... if any significant "dirt", the car will need to be washed and not detail sprayed (to avoid swirls). a car with "normal" driving would first have its glass cleaned with a glass cleaner. then the car is dusted.
as a true wacko, i have a separate duster for each of my cars. and i have a duster that is only used on the lower parts of the cars (including wheels).
the car is first dusted. its not a rub the duster over the paint type process... its a lightly flick the ends of the duster over the paint, in a motion as the air flows over.
once dusted, the detail spray is sprayed lightly, according to the instructions on a small section of the car (half the trunk for example). a clean mf is used to wipe it down- turning as you go.

3. two main types: with protection, and pure cleaner.
for cleaning, my favs are the carnauba based, but the synthetic based are also good. those are used for the in between washings, and will bring the pop back to the paint.
i like the pure cleaners as clay lubes, and would not use a cleaner with wax or synthetic in it to clay with (i dont want wax clogging up the clay or keeping it from being as effective as it can be). some folks use soap water... spray an area (similar to the above area- like a half trunk for example) and clay front to back. when finished with the clay, wipe it down with a clean mf - you can either rewash the car (imo its not necessary, but doesnt hurt either), or go straight to your next step (polish or protection).

i can keep a car looking "just detailed" for several months using the above.
btw, another common questin is what to do about rain. usually rain causes some grit to be forced up to the sides of the car. so i usually wash the car after rain. sometimes you can go waterless after rain, it all depends on your inspection...

the first step of detailing is...
inspection!!

other thoughts, comments, etc. on this important detailing process ??

 

Thanks wanabe. Can you please post your favorite products for each job?

 

for the non-protection, pure cleaning i dont really think it matters... used a megs detail spray (with no protection in it- a redish bottle- quik detailer or something like that) yesterday for the claying i was doing.

for the carnauba my favs are dp and speed shine- those are by far my favs

for synthetics, just used zainos (z6 i think)- but it does best over zaino

btw, good question-

what are your favs (anyone)?

 

Have you ever tried Poorboy's Spray & Wipe or that Chemical Guy's QD I recently posted about?

They are a definite cut above something like Meguiar's QD. They provide a lot more lubricity (similar to the difference between a good car wash soap and a bad one) which helps to minimize swirling that may be caused during the process.

Plus, the added lubricity will allow you to QD a car that is more than just dusty without causing swirls.

 

I like Z6 because I use Zaino...just don't think I can afford to use Z6 all the time compared to the reglar megs red bottle.

Maybe I should start saving for Z6

 

try a carnauba based spray over your zaino...
you still might like your z6, or you might be like me and give it up for the wax

this is a carnauba spray over p21s over many coats of zaino:

 

Is it Z6 that is the cleaner QD and Z8 is the QD with sealant? If so I've used Z6 and it smells AWFUL and IMHO is nothing special and not worth the premium.

 

For the waterless sprays, I like Poorboys Spray & Wipe. I actually buy it in 5-gallon containers. It is great for a slight amount f dust or to use just before polishing/waxing/sealing to insure that the surface is clean.

 

I really like Prima Hydro and Slick on the synthetic side. They work very well on black and leave no smears or residue.

Griot's Speed Shine still works very well for me on the nuba side. I like to use it as the first spray down after a day out then finish off with either Hydro or Slick.

 

[QUOTE=kctheflish,Sep 17 2007, 06:54 AM] I really like Prima Hydro and Slick on the synthetic side. They work very well on black and leave no smears or residue.

Griot's Speed Shine still works very well for me on the nuba side.