Ask the Detailer

It’s possible the window molding is wearing out, causing the streaks. If so, it’s pretty cheap and easy to replace them.

 

Dammit now I HAVE to buy another product.

 

it's in my cart now and about to check out...as well as some other stuff lol

 

What else are you getting?

 

I needed some more ONR. I had ordered the green one a while back and don't like it (I should have known better).

 

I suck at detailing. I suck at basic car wash. I like Griot's garage and I have some of their products (Ceramic wash, Ceramic 3-1 wax spray, glass cleaner, Speed detailer, possibly a few more), but every time I do a wash, even on a small car, it is streaky, spotty, etc... I am terrible. I try to go small sections at a time, and dry using a big microfiber drying towel, but I think my biggest failure is that I don't get it dry enough and it spots up. And when I try to do the 3-1 ceramic wax it gets all streaky. I am heading back to the start of this long thread and I am going to try and read it, but if someone has a link to the simplest car washing/detailing steps that are the hardest to mess up for somebody like me (as in, if I do exactly what it says, I should be OK ) I would be greatly appreciative!

Thank you!

Steve

PS I am hoping to get ahead of the curve so when I wash my new-to-me Tundra, I don't end up with acres of water spots and streaks vs a small car worth. I guess I better get a small ladder or something so I can reach it all

 

you might be using too much 3-in-1. I use 1 or maybe 2 sprays per panel, no streaks.

 

You are using to much 3-1 or its being done in the wrong environment (to damn hot or sunny)
Water spots happen even on coated vehicles so consistency is key. Don't be so hard on yourself and start to understand where you are making errors and change it up a bit till you get it right. I would also get yourself a wipe down product for after you wash and dry the truck. ONR would also probably be very useful for you as well.

 

Thank you!

You know, this was the 2nd time I used it, first time on wife's RAV4 which is Super White. I barely used any. That one came out OK. This time, on a dark car (dark ocean blue), I had the idea that maybe I wasn't using enough, so I really sprayed it on there! And then tried use some disposable wal-mart microfiber cloths that I think we not that great...

A wipe down product - do you mean like Turtle Wax wax as you dry type product? Or something specific to the drying process, but that doesn't have a wax built in.

I'm checking into ONR, never heard of it before today, but have seen it 5-6 times today

 

Ok first of all throw all those microfibers in a bin labeled “don’t use on paint”

onr is the acronym for optimum no rinse and can be had by TRC (the rag company) perfect to add to your new microfiber order from them.

 

Gotcha, they are GONE!

Optimum no rinse - I just checked it out, sounds like the ticket for me!

 

Thanks for the tip! Might just go ahead and replace them.

 

Detailing pros…. Looking to coat my matte black wheels prior to the winter out here in Colorado. What do you guys like? Adams? AmmoNYC? Something to make the mag chloride easier to clean up and keep the nice matte finish. Thanks in advance.

C

 

I ordered the ONR wash kit that came with a bucket, grit guard, and several high quality waterless/no rinse microfiber towels. And I have a few gallons of distilled water, going to give it a try if it comes in this weekend

 

I’ve repeatedly stated not to get the green one.

 

ONR (and/or Shine Supply Eco Shine) should really be in any detailer’s arsenal. It’s such a versatile product with many uses. Can be used at different ratios as a rinseless wash or a quick detailer. I keep a pre-mixed spray bottle in my truck at all times.
Works great as an interior cleaner, glass cleaner, to help clean bugs off while on a trip, can clean wheels as long as they aren’t too dirty, etc. Any time I’m in my truck waiting for someone or something I’ll spend that time washing the windows or touching up the interior.

 

i did order it with some the blue ONR, so it's not like I went without the trusty one. But now I get to throw it away and/or give it to someone who doesn't know any better lol

 

I did the same a couple of years ago. Way too streak prone. Gave it to a family member.

 

The black sheep of the family should be here for the holidays

 

I've run into the same problem but my truck is black so wasn't as obvious. Been a while now but think I used a polish or compound of some sort and a microfibre pad to remove it. I did order the Toyota black chrome exhaust tip and extended it a couple inches or so past the exhaust, so far so good.

 

I recently purchased ONR no rinse and I was wondering if I can use it in the same way as CarPro ECH20? I didn’t see it being used the same way anywhere. I mix (ECH20) it a 15:1 in a spray bottle with distilled water. Spray it down and wipe it off…

FYI, I want to strictly use ONR as a waterless wash.

 

I decided to just follow the instructions for ONR and the stuff works amazing. I feel it has better cleaning abilities but has less of a shine than ECH20. Both are great products but I will probably start using ONR more due to less streaking.

 

Glad to see you're enjoying it! ONR is super versatile I love it.

 

There is an interior cleaning thread with awesome information and tips for you.

 

I haven't used any interior products from P&S, but Carpet Bomber appears to be like any interior upholstery/fabric cleaner. Check this thread out for my experiences.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/interior-detailing-helper-thread.71041/

Edit: make sure the drill brushes you have are soft (typically white in color delineates the softest option) and just extract. Mineral deposits and not necessarily grime/enzyme stains cause interior seats, especially those in Toyotas, to appear stained. Extraction is your best bet.

 

I just installed the Agricover Lomax hard tri-fold tonneau cover with a matte black finish. Should I do anything to it to help protect it from the sun? Cerakote wipes, regular carwash or ONR, or some special product? Since it is so big and flat and right in the sun I am hoping to keep it from fading.

Thank you!

 

I have had the same cover almost two years now. I've kept mine black with Aerospace 303 up until recently I applied a ceramic coating to it. Either will work well. Many here have had good results with cerakote on plastics/trim/covers.

 

Thank you.

 

+1 for 303

 

How often are you guys applying the 303 to your cover? I’m about to get a new cover and would also like to keep it looking black.