Ask the Detailer

It’ll work fine, but Cerakote is in my opinion the best option. Easy to apply, cheap, lasts a hell of a long time. Makes wheels way easier to clean. A ceramic will probably last longer, just more expensive and harder to do. With Cerakote you just clean the wheels, MAKE SURE THEY ARE COMPLETELY DRY, and wipe it on.

 

Question: Do you think the Cerakote would be ok on any wheels, or would it only be ok on black wheels?

 

I assume it’s good for any. No reason to believe otherwise. I plan to do my new gunmetal ones with it also.

 

That's awesome. I just assumed seeing it used on black trim everywhere (and my brain thinks of cerakote like for firearms) that it was pigmented and could only be put on black stuff.

 

I don’t believe it’s pigmented. The wipes are white, and when I’ve gotten some on the paint (wiped off immediately) it was clear. I have some chrome mirror caps in the garage. If I remember I’ll put some on one just to see what it does.

Disclaimer as always: I’m not a professional or a scientist so I’m just giving opinions based on what I’ve experienced.*




*War Machine Uneducated Internet Opinions Corp Inc LLC Worldwide assumes no liability for any damage done based on statements made by it’s CEO. Follow his advice at your own risk.

 

Of course. I appreciate your effort. I am just curious is all.


That fine print, though!

 

He is gonna need that non disclosure sent back to him ASAP

 

So I gave the Avalon King Armour Shield IX ceramic coating a shot last night. I have no comparison for it in terms of ceramic coatings since this is my first one. I tested it on my wife's 2019 Pearl White Honda Odyssey. I washed, clay and iron decon, polished, IPA wipedown, then finally coated. I have never done a ceramic coating, but it was fairly easy. It was about 55° degrees last night when I applied it, so I gave it approx 3-4 mins per section to allow it to set before buffing/leveling it. The kit came with everything needed to apply it. I was nervous at first, but after doing the roof first, I realized it was nothing to be afraid of, but still respect it and its cure times. It will sit in the garage until at least Christmas since we have rain forecasted today and tomorrow. Once a sunny day comes along, I'll move it out. I'll admit it cuz I know it happens sometimes, but I did have one spot that I've found this morning where I missed leveling it out. It's right along a piece of trim. I did it last night in a poorly lit garage (thats on my list to eliminate for my future shop). I definitely should have been more cautious and can only blame myself cuz this is a very user friendly coating. Time will tell how well it will last and go. I only coated the painted surfaces and the headlights and still had some left over. I'll prob do wheels and maybe windows with it later. I wish the bottle was clear so you can easily see how much you have left. But one bottle did my wife's entire van, so I'm sure one will do my entire truck. I'll try to keep people updated as time goes by. As of now, I'm liking it and feels really smooth and appears to have a bit more gloss in it than before.

 

I got a question, after I am done wasjphing my truck, I never really have a good plan on what to do with my cleaning utensils. How do I properly clean and dry those? Do you guys hang them up just leave in bucket?

 

I rinse my rags then run them through the wash

 

I'm guessing you're talking about the various brushes you've used? I rinse all mine out and then hang them up to dry. Below is a (very old) picture of my detailing cart......and it shows the brushes hanging from a 16x16 piece of plastic pegboard I bought from Home Depot

 

Thanks for the update. Interested to see how it holds up

 

Like that cart my neighbors think I am nuts with the way I clean my truck. Thanks for the tip. Usually once I am done it is hours later. I will break down ASAP and move on to something else. Will take my time in future and find something to hang em on.

 

Just washed and waxed my truck, plan on adding vinyl decals. In the instructions they say wipe with alcohol ratio, then apply. Do you think with the applications just put on the vinyl won't stick?

Also how will I clean around these decals with out ruining them?

 

Typical application directions for anything with adhesive. I wouldn't say that they won't stick, but they will definitely adhere better if you follow the directions. I clean around them with soft detail brushes.

 

Lots of very expensive detailing carts out there. That one is a Luxor bought off of Amazon for around 70.00 several years ago. At the time, Meguiars was selling the identical cart, with their logo on it, for about 100.00 more. You can get the regular Luxor one on Amazon for about 85.00 now....Autopia sells the identical one for 199.99. The 16x16 pegboard panels are made by Everbilt and cost around 6.00 at Home Depot.

 

Deal Alert - Meguiar's Ultimate Liquid Wax $4.95 @ AdvanceAutoParts.com (usually $24.99, $21 @ Amazon).

 

A very good deal for a decent sealant....thanks for posting

 

I agree. I almost wish I needed some at this price, but I have a half full bottle already.

 

Half full also means half empty, might as well get another one.

 

Anyone have experience with Dr Beasley's new primers/polishes? How about their microsuede products?

Re: Outsourcing detailing chem R&D vs homebrew. I thought these interviews were interesting. The big take away for me: Big shops shape the industry and trends, smaller shops closely respond to customer needs:

B&B Blending interview (with Pan):
https://youtu.be/Jevs_iIrzVI

Dr. Beasley's (Jim Lafeber) interview (with CAP):
https://youtu.be/lm1M8iVBHi8

 

Only new Dr. Beasleys primer I've even heard feedback about is Z1. Majority of the reviews speak to the wipe off being somewhat finicky, but mostly on softer paints. I've two detailer friends who both jumped on the bandwagon right away, and their take was similar. For my money, I'll wait until they refine it a little in that area. I'm also interested in real world durability....and it hasn't been out long enough to be able to back up its claims.

I have a tendency to agree with you on your take away. I'm simply going to narrow down my product shelf to what works for me. I have a cabinet full of things I purchased because I bought in too early.

 

I never have considered myself an optimist...

 

Pretty stoked right now...Advance Auto Parts is discontinuing McKee's 37 Hydro Blue for $3.52 a bottle (normally $20 or so). Great hydrophobic product, easy to apply...and I use it mostly on my wheels because the brake dust doesn't seem to hold on to the rim.

 

question... I have the PFM Terry weave drying towel from Griots and was wondering if they make a smaller version of the edgeless drying towel by chance ? I can't find anything but large. I don't have the edgeless but the one I have seems to big.
Thanks in advance !

 

There are two sizes of the original PFM.....25x35 and 16x16. If you watch, Pep Boys sometimes runs sales on the 16x16. The newer PFM, the huge one, only comes in one size as far as I know.

 

thanks!

 

can you send me the link to PEP BOYS I looked on their site and can't find it and the funny thing is thats where I ordered the large one from like a year ago
Thanks

 

It looks like Pep Boys is only selling the large one now...sorry about that

 

The Rag Company Double Twistress is smaller, and works very well. It’s the second best in my opinion after the PFM.