Ask the Detailer

I haven't had experience with CG soap. I've heard that one is decent, but only what others say. I've used meguiars before and it did well. I've switched to CarPro Reset and love it.

 

I think I’ll switch to Reset eventually. I just ordered the Griots wash bucket on wheels and it comes with 2 microfiber wash mitts and their basic orange Car Wash so I’ll give that a go.

 

What is the best way to clean this. I am always mindful of drips when filling up. I am worried I will spread the black schmutz on my paint and damage it somehow. any advice is appreciated.

 

What do y’all use to get the big guts off the front of the vehicle?

 

We always foam and use a bristle brush then spray out.

 

3D Bug Cleaner or APC diluted 3:1

 

Word of caution....I've been using 3D Bug Remover at 4:1.....used it on my black plastic mirrors for the first time instead of APC...it stained them....hoping a layer or two of Cquartz Dlux will hide it well

 

The orange concentrate? Good to know. I haven't experienced issues but I'll keep an eye out on it.

 

Yup......I decided I'd give it a try on the mirrors......was shocked by what I saw...I do have a set of chrome mirror caps that I might put on instead of trying to coat them

 

X2

 

Did he not polish the areas prior to applying the PPF? What kind of guarantee, if any, did he give you that the PPF will stay on for X amount of time? I've never heard of or dealt with PPF on top of a coating personally, but everything I know says it needs to be removed to apply PPF then the PPF coated.

Depends if you've driven the vehicle much, if any, or not. I'd probably use a rinseless in a spray bottle and microfiber to make sure any road grime (if driven) is removed first. IPA wipe the PPF and coat as usual.

 

If it's not too dirty, yeah. I use Optimum No Rinse diluted 1 oz to 16 oz for a rinseless spray. If you don't have that, you can get away with a dab of ph neutral soap in a spray bottle for a similar effect.

 

the company that did the ceramic my truck said you never ceramic under the ppf. always put the coating on top of the ppf

 

@Ckatz53 hey man I got two big bottles of underdog detail spray and it says it cleans as well. What is ur experience with this?

 

It works decent. Too "liquidy" for a real detail spray. Not a big chance it'll encapsulate and safely remove gnarlier stuff (dried bird shit for example). But, I have used it on fresh bird poop and bug splatter with great results. Very light dusting or light pollen I've used it on too and it appeared to work well enough to not microscratch. Just case dependent. I always have a 32 oz bottle of lightly diluted ONR handy so I'll typically go for that for any quick cleanings and finish with UD detail spray.

 

Ok this is why I asked. I usually use spiked punch for light cleanings (wipe downs) if the vehicle is actually dirty it always gets a wash. Funny enough the FJ is still not dirty after application of UD pro. That coating is pretty badass for shedding dirt.

 

People roll their eyes when I tell them my wife's Camry went 5 months through a Northeastern, salty winter and still looked the way it did. Yes it looked dirty after that much time/conditions, but compared to other vehicles it was a massive difference. UD Pro is killer. It's all we use anymore...I've cut out using all other coatings. Tested it enough and have it on almost 30 client's cars and every single one of them is happy.

 

Just an FYI for any prime members.
https://www.amazon.com/deal/1ec584b9?showVariations=true&ref_=cm_sw_r_apan_dlpg_wNGRiX7wjdqZZ

 

Chemical guys too.

https://www.amazon.com/deal/621912f6?showVariations=true&ref_=cm_sw_r_apan_dlpg_2o9F1lGouw3hK

 

I have a Ford Transit van in Blue Jean color. What the best product to protect it? I don’t have a garage tall enough, so I need a product I can use in the sun. I tried Griots and it was not good. I had no problems with Griots 3n1 on the Tundra, but I did that in the garage.

 

Coat it in UD Pro! Very forgiving. An easier cheaper and effective alternative is Turtle Wax Ceramic Spray. Here in MD weather, I've had daily driven vehicles 4 months after applying still going strong for a simple spray product.

 

I use Shine Supply Bug Off, and it will do the same thing on plastic if you let it get on there and don’t wipe off immediately. I’ve got painted mirror caps, but have had it happen to the plastic on the bottom of the mirrors.

 

Shine Supply Bug Off usually, but if they are really bad and caked on nothing works better than some bounce sheets and water. Don’t know why a detailing company hasn’t figured out what it is about them and made it into a dedicated product.
Get the bugs wet, wipe it down with Bounce sheets, and clean it off with a quick detailer. It’s a bit messy, which is why I usually use Bug Off, but it’s very effective. Don’t want to let either product sit on the paint very long.

 

Guess I’ll keep using the Bounce sheets then stuff gets baked on real quick this summer with the heat

 

I hear you. Had to resort to them on mine and my wife’s trucks the other day.