Quickest (lazyest) detailing method.

[DanGB]

Hi guys,

Normally I just wash my car and leave it becuase I cant be bothered to do anything else. But now my car is on display more at shows etc, i'd Like to make it a bit more shiney

Basically whats the easiest and prefebly cheapest way to detail my car. Ie; a quick polish with some super product?

Im not looking for some miricle mirror shine, just a step above a plain wash.

Cheers,
Dan

 

[Empi5]

I like using NXT quick detailing spray, you can get it from Halfords, spray on wipe off. leaves a nice deep shine

 

[DanGB]

Ok thats interesting as I have some turtle wax spray on wax and was doubting the effectiveness of it.

 

[andyGbeatz]

Autoglym's Valet kit does the job quite well..

Deep Resin Polish works wonders if you put the effort in

 

[jetsetjimbo]

Ok thats interesting as I have some turtle wax spray on wax and was doubting the effectiveness of it.

Quick detailing spray isn't a wax. It's a way to remove light contaminants and restore a 'just waxed' finish. That is assuming you've waxed it at some point.

Your best bet is to probably just to get someone to do a professional detail on it. Then you can just maintain it by using the correct washing technique. Waxing will only need to be carried out periodically once it's been carried out properly...

 

[DanGB]

Whats the difference between polish and wax?

 

[jetsetjimbo]

Polish is used to restore the finish of the paint by 'cutting' out imperfections though different degrees of abrasion.

Waxing provides the paint with a protective layer agains the elements (and makes the paint nice and shiney )

 

[DanGB]

ahh so it seems waxing is the order of the day seeing my paint is only 3 months old

 

[jetsetjimbo]

Indeed

When you look at the paint on the car in direct sunlight can you see a spiralish spider webbing effect?

 

[DanGB]

Yes its already covered in swirls

But hey im not bothered..

 

[jetsetjimbo]

You need to wash with a wash mit rather than a sponge using 2 buckets (one for the detergent and one to rinse in) and 2 mits (one for the top half and one for the bottom) and then use some kind of water magnet type towl / microfibre cloths to dry.

If you're after good results from just one product (wax wise) I'd recommend Meguiars NXT liquid wax - applied with a microfibre pad. It's pretty easy to apply and remove and will also mask some of the swirls.

 

[CH1]

Yes its already covered in swirls

But hey im not bothered..

You have a Black car! I assume. Its a nightmare to keep clean and every imperfection shows up but once cleaned and polished its looks the best.

This detailing can get quite addictive (not to mention expensive!), just find a couple you like and stick to them. As mentioned sticking to the 2-bucket method of washing and using clean Microfibre cloths etc should prevent any further swirling.

 

[DanGB]

Yes ive always used a wash mitt type thing, but only 1 bucket

I have to get a bottle of the Meguiars NXT liquid wax I think.

Cheers

 

[CupraTgirl]

The tiniest bit if dirt can cause swirl marks so always use two buckets! Even dropping a cloth on the ground and picking it straight up can pick up enough dirt on it to cover the car in swirl marks, so keep them off the floor and in a bag away from any grit!

The best wax i have found is Nattys Blue Paste Wax, its easy to use, doesnt leave dust particles all over the car and really brings the paint out although every car responds differently! Yours may not come out as well with that but may come out better with something else and vice versa

I would say its not a good idea to do something like cleaning your car 'quickly' as this is when it gets damaged! A detailing spray is good but thats only really a touch up after washing once its been waxed a few times

 

[FinerDetails]

nice to see so many posts from those who have learnt so much in recent months!

 

[jetsetjimbo]

nice to see so many posts from those who have learnt so much in recent months!

You've taught us well

 

[FinerDetails]

The tiniest bit if dirt can cause swirl marks so always use two buckets! Even dropping a cloth on the ground and picking it straight up can pick up enough dirt on it to cover the car in swirl marks, so keep them off the floor and in a bag away from any grit!

I would say its not a good idea to do something like cleaning your car 'quickly' as this is when it gets damaged! A detailing spray is good but thats only really a touch up after washing once its been waxed a few times

two very sound pieces of advice here people! read them twice! remember them!

 

[DanGB]

grrrrr some students poored some Fosters on my roof. at least it gives me an excuse to wash it properly now.

 

[CupraTgirl]

two very sound pieces of advice here people! read them twice! remember them!

Thank you VERY much

 

[JKing]

I like to use a QD spray after I've done the midweek (washed at least twice a week) wash and dry to get rid of water marks and bring back the "just waxed shine".
At the weekend it gets a full wash (2 buckets + mitts) dry, arches, alloys, trim then if it needs it a polish then seal with wax. You'll find the car much easier to wash once it's been done properly and you can keep on top of it.

QD spray is invaluable in this weather, I dont use my car much so it tends to just have a layer of dust on it. Quick rinse and dry then QD makes it look like its had a full detail again.

I recommend you bin the sponge and leather and get a good wash mitt, lots of micro fibre polish cloths and some large waffle weave drying towels.