TomsCustomDetailing

Seems like you guys could use a hand in the shine department. I can answer some of the myths and questions you have about detailing.

So Go ahead ask me anything!!

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-Certified Master Detailer

Hondaslayer

I'm good




:)


Just cleaned her up today though, suggestion on a good underhood cleaner?

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It's real velour. Just let yourself go!

I Want Candy!

How do you deal with inclusions ?

Respsray ?

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GTI Goodness - launch control rocks (but missing the Fozz)

OzFozz.com

pleiad7

+1

Need to remove rally-x dirt and grime from the engine bay.

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-Silke
04 FXT PP PSM ~ "Subed"
98 Forester S ~ "Slynki"
92 SVX LS-L ~ x2

stripedrex

Cool! What's the best way to handle swirls on a black car? Also, I got bird poop on the car, I wet it then started to wipe it off. Crap scratched the car! Big time even, it's like the bird pooped sand?!?! So with that, what's the best way to handle removing poop =)?

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do or do not. there is no try.

I Want Candy!

Birds use sand and grit to digest food and do **** it out at times.

Best way is to irrigate it well with water only, warm preferably, until it is all gone. Don't touch it with a cloth or fingers until it is washed off.

I have a black XT that came courtesy of the dealer with plenty of swirls.

If they are only light then a Random Orbital with a good quality polish such as Menzerna Final Finish will take them out and then apply a sealer and wax.

If they are deep you can still use a RO but will need a heavier duty polish.

Often the best way is to pay a pro detailer to get the swirls out, apply a cleaner then sealer and then wax.

After that you can take care of it with a good washing process which has been covered before in other threads.

http://www.detailparadise.com.au/index.php is a great place for info as it http://www.waxit.com.au/

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GTI Goodness - launch control rocks (but missing the Fozz)

OzFozz.com

jbleee

I have problems when i use Liquid NXT wax on my car. They say to use a nickel sized drop per panel but when i do that it just seems like the wax is going on all clear, its not a flat white color like some of the previous waxes i used (mequires gold class, Zymol) Im just not sure if im using enough but it seems like it works.
Also how long should i wait till the wax is rdy to be taken off? Since its hot now above the 90s it seems like the wax dries within minutes and that i just wipe it off . ??

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-Jeff
04 forester x mt gold

VSB XT

After I polished then waxed my black forester I notice that the paint had almost fade like spots or a sheeted water look, all over the car. I think it is the carnuba melting in the hot Arizona sun in combination w/ the wax. Is there 1st. something you can use to remove the sheeted/faded look?
2nd. What can you do to polish and wax a car w/out it fading or melting when you live in Lava town?

sirwilliam

Jblee, you should see some white w/ the polish. It is best to do the waxing in the shade or on a cooler day if possible.

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BLUE WASABI

Eurgiez

+2 ...wanna make it look nice and black again

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05 FXT+VF39+TBE=Stoopidly Fast!

TomsCustomDetailing

I Would reccomend a good (but not too powerful) pressure washer to get most of the mud out. Always cover the alternator and do it while the car is running. if it hesitates stop spraying!

I would also reccomend FK's line. Thats all I use in my shop. They take some time to get used to but once you get the hang of them they are awesome!

Here is the link:

http://www.fk1usa.com/products-consumer.htm

Check out the 221-D and the 121. I use the 121 on everything from headliners to engine bays.

I would also reccomend the Sampler kit. The 2180 Sealant is truly amazing. Dont use it if you have excessive swirling and spider webbing as they will be magnified under the product. The pink wax is also great!

For the record I dont sell or have any business relationship with any of the products I reccomend. I have found what works great for me and figured I would pass it on to fellow Suby owners.

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-Certified Master Detailer

TomsCustomDetailing

Do I sense hostility?

I honestly didn't mean to step on any toes here. Merely trying to help!


What do you mean by inclusion? Subsurface contaminate, Run or orange peel in the finish?

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-Certified Master Detailer

TomsCustomDetailing

Minor swirling and scratching can be fixed with a compound and a buffer. I usually use a random orbital and a light compound such as poorboys SSR1 on Subaru's. Suby paint is easily corrected because it is so soft. I have not tried this product by hand though. I think it would take a very long time but I guess it could be done on small imperfections.

I would recommend the Porter Cable 7424 to everyone. It is almost idiot proof. You really have to try hard to damage the paint. It can usually correct most minor flaws in your paint. It also cuts your detail time down a huge amount. I can run a good coat of wax on my wife's neon in under 10mins.

Here is the link:

http://www.autogeek.net/po.html

The general rule of thumb with scratches is if you can feel it with your fingernail it cannot be buffed out.


If you decide to take it to a professional always check out their work first. Preferably on a black car. If you see buffer trails or holograms (you will know it when you see it) Baal out. There are a lot of hacks out there.

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-Certified Master Detailer

TomsCustomDetailing

It sounds like you used too heavy or coarse polish. Suby paint is very soft. Try using a lighter polish to get rid of the dull spots. If you alppied the wax unevenly or too heavy it will also give it a streaky dull look. A little dab will do ya!

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-Certified Master Detailer

Roo

Candy keeps people honest around here...

Sometimes it comes off differently.

Welcome. BTW, when are you taking a road trip out west?? When you do, bring your detailing stuff, since we don't have a competent detailer in the town where we live.

The only "detailer" we have looks like a meth user who was working his hardest to keep from having to deal with us, and accept our business.

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-There is no such thing as can't, only won't.