Professional TIPS and TRICKS

[Skyboi]

I started this thread to list tips and tricks so the average TITAN Brother can do a better job detailing. I'm not trying to teach in depth here so don't crucify me if I don't mention certain things along the way...Remember it's just tips and tricks and they're all 101 courses. Basics.

Topics I'll cover here are:
1. Wax jobs 101
2. Washing 101
3. De-tar and wash prep 101
4. Buffing 101
5. Tires and wheels 101
6. Windows and glass 101
7. Interiors 101

I'll start with the average wax job for the serious guy using any type of buffer. Random/dual action or variable speed polisher using wool or foam pads.
WAX JOB 101

Here's a tip to help you guys not eff up the black plastics and flat black surfaces that are not supposed to be waxed.

I see this all the time and and think what a douche bag for getting wax on that.
Here's what you need to not be a douche bag:

1. Rolls of painters tape(blue) preferably in 2 sizes....One regular 1/2" and the other 2"... Masking tape will also work fine just don't press it down "too" hard or you might have a hard time with left over adhesive upon removal.

2. Paper.... newspaper will work fine

INSTRUCTIONS:
After your vehicle is washed and completely dried, wrap your mirrors with paper and tape them...Cover them up completely using the tape to seal off the edges of the black plastic as if you were going to paint the vehicle.

Next, tape off all the weather stripping, mouldings and anything else that you should not get wax or compound on around your vehicle. Like your cowal and wipers. Again, as if you were going to paint the vehicle. If using a variable speed buffer...remove your antenna and tape the base.

So all around the windows, doors, tailgate areas, mud guards, rear bumper top gets papered and taped.

Nothing left but paint now...Have at it. Completely apply and remove wax with the tape and paper on. all that's left afterward is to remove the tape and paper and give it a final wipe down to pick up and residue and your done.

Seems like a lot of work up front but the results are professional and the trim will look great.

It's all about the details...Hope this helped someone and good luck.

Also, give me feedback with any success stories.

[Fat Possum]

Originally Posted by Skyboi

...what a douche bag for getting wax on that.

Great post, SB, thanks for the tips.

Okay, so I'm a big DB and got carnuba on my black plastic trim. How do I get it off? I've heard a toothbrush, (detailer's best friend,) and toothpaste? Do you have a better idea? TIA.

Also, thank Mr Yeungling for me, would ya'?....'bout time they started selling that delicious brew down here. All us hillbillies are hooked.

[bbomar]

Thanks Sky!!

[Skyboi]

Originally Posted by Fat Possum

Great post, SB, thanks for the tips.

Okay, so I'm a big DB and got carnuba on my black plastic trim. How do I get it off? I've heard a toothbrush, (detailer's best friend,) and toothpaste? Do you have a better idea? TIA.

Also, thank Mr Yeungling for me, would ya'?....'bout time they started selling that delicious brew down here. All us hillbillies are hooked.

Yeah...I've been known to tip several dozen over a weekend too... try the Lager Light...not so heavy on the palet after 6 or so.

As far as the wax goes...
Tooth brush with a little citrus based cleaner.

You'll probably never get it all the way off but you can keep it hidden with a petroleum(oil) based dressing...when you see the wax again, re-apply.

[grnTitan04]

Ammonia eats wax, but don't go crazy with it.

[goathead]

sometimes to get wax residue from trim and crevices you can use a toothbrush and some quick detailer spray. that way you can use as much as you want and it will still be protected when done.

[P's Titan]

Originally Posted by Fat Possum

Okay, so I'm a big DB and got carnuba on my black plastic trim. How do I get it off? I've heard a toothbrush, (detailer's best friend,) and toothpaste? Do you have a better idea? TIA.

You can use some Adam's VRT to clean it up and make it shine!

[Skyboi]

OK...After creating this thread I thought I'd better start backing up my claims of running a detailing business for many years.

So I detailed my 1 1/4 yr old '07 SE 4X4 Granite and it still looks better than the day I picked it up.

Check out the depth and clarity of the reflection.
The reason it's so clear is because of the way that I wash it and the products that I use... This was the first detail since winter started here in Pa.

Can you count my fingers in the last pic?

[Skyboi]

A few more....

[LittleRam]

Very Nice!!

[goathead]

looks nice there SB.

[SDHQ SERENA]

Nice, really shiney!

[CBURNS1101]

wow very nice!!!!!!!!!!

[Skyboi]

CLAY BAR 101

Drumzdj PM'd me for some advise on using a claybar so I thought I would share with everyone. Some people never used one before and it's extremely easy once you get the hang of it.
If used wrong...you will scratch the crap out of your vehicle so here we go

Clay Bar 101

First off...Do the following before you clay bar.
1. wash vehicle
2. Use a de tarring product on the vehicle.. Either a citrus based or maybe Kerosene with a little carwash soap mixed in...Like 1/2 oz to a quart spray bottle..
3. rewash to remove residue.

Next is claybar time
1. Cut your clay bar in half and put 1/2 in a ziplock bag. Claybars are a little pricey. If you accidentally drop your claybar in some dirt you didn't ruin the whole bar ; ]

2. Soak the other half in some warm water for a few minutes to make it more pliable.

3. Take a squirtbottle and fill it with water and add 1/2oz of carwash soap as a lubricant. Keep it in your left hand and have the hose handy.

4. Starting with the hood or the roof...Work on 1 section at a time by misting the area completely with the soap solution and begin feeling the hood with your finger tips....you should feel a tiny gritty feeling of particles that are stuck on. the soappy solution increases the sensitivity. Roll your claybar into a ball to begin. Start rubbing the hood with the clay bar in long smooth strokes using light pressure...Like your waxing it. Make sure the surface stays wet.

Try to work in straight lines from front to back...If it feels like the claybar is losing it's effectiveness... remould it in your hands and get a fresh side to it and it will be fine. Just the nature of the product.

5. Rinse and feel with your fingers again....Should be extremely smooth now.

6. Repeat on all sections of the truck.

STAY OFF ANYTHING THAT IS BLACK PLASTIC, TRIM MOULDINGS, MIRRORS....YOU GET IT.

When you're done completely rinsing...Dry it, Wax it...drink beer, Think of Skyboi.

Good Luck, I hope this helps and don't forget to give me feedback.

[DrumzDj]

Originally Posted by Skyboi

CLAY BAR 101

Drumzdj PM'd me for some advise on using a claybar so I thought I would share with everyone. Some people never used one before and it's extremely easy once you get the hang of it.
If used wrong...you will scratch the crap out of your vehicle so here we go

Clay Bar 101

First off...Do the following before you clay bar.
1. wash vehicle
2. Use a de tarring product on the vehicle.. Either a citrus based or maybe Kerosene with a little carwash soap mixed in...Like 1/2 oz to a quart spray bottle..
3. rewash to remove residue.

Next is claybar time
1. Cut your clay bar in half and put 1/2 in a ziplock bag. Claybars are a little pricey. If you accidentally drop your claybar in some dirt you didn't ruin the whole bar ; ]

2. Soak the other half in some warm water for a few minutes to make it more pliable.

3. Take a squirtbottle and fill it with water and add 1/2oz of carwash soap as a lubricant. Keep it in your left hand and have the hose handy.

4. Starting with the hood or the roof...Work on 1 section at a time by misting the area completely with the soap solution and begin feeling the hood with your finger tips....you should feel a tiny gritty feeling of particles that are stuck on. the soappy solution increases the sensitivity. Roll your claybar into a ball to begin. Start rubbing the hood with the clay bar in long smooth strokes using light pressure...Like your waxing it. Make sure the surface stays wet.

Try to work in straight lines from front to back...If it feels like the claybar is losing it's effectiveness... remould it in your hands and get a fresh side to it and it will be fine. Just the nature of the product.

5. Rinse and feel with your fingers again....Should be extremely smooth now.

6. Repeat on all sections of the truck.

STAY OFF ANYTHING THAT IS BLACK PLASTIC, TRIM MOULDINGS, MIRRORS....YOU GET IT.

When you're done completely rinsing...Dry it, Wax it...drink beer, Think of Skyboi.

Good Luck, I hope this helps and don't forget to give me feedback.

Thanks man, much appreciated