What is the proper washing techniques? I have read here where people have got swirl marks on there paint. I was my girls SSM and it doesnt have any. I use that Mr. Clean auto dry thing and a softmitt that goes over the hand? I just ordered a Flint Mica.....I want to prevent swirl marks from happening...

 

i use the 5pack microfiber wash mitt from costco. works well and no swirl marks.

 

^^ what he said

 

Can you pick those up from any autoparts store???

 

i haven't seen them in my local kragen or autozone, only in costco. they are real soft but looks different than the traditional microfiber clothes. also, i spray the mitt off with the hose after washing each section, before dumping it back into the bucket for more soap.

 

drive thru hand carwash

 

I just washed my NB for the first time with Mr. Clean and a foam/chemille softmitt I picked up at Advanced Auto. I also didn't scrub very hard to even prevent swirl marks to begin with, regardless of the type of rag. My goal is to not let dirt to cake up to begin with that it would require a lot of scrubbing...

 

I used to have a black Dodge Dakota. The only time I noticed any type of marks was when the wax started breaking down. I never washed in circles. I used either Meguiar's or Mother's 3 step systems to clean, polish, and wax. The polish really hid any micro abrasions and the wax was the icing on the cake. The 3 steps really only needs to be done twice a year if you keep it waxed regularly.

 

keep it waxed. swirl marks are inevitable though, our paint is soft soft soft

 

Mr. Clean auto dry is what people say is the best but Its very expensive.. I believe when you wax the car after a car wash that leaves water marks the wax will take it off so auto dry is just a lazy's man tool

 

Not just our paint... check out them is300'ers

 

i need to learn how to wax my car :T, n e way....

beep beep, time to move the thread

 

moved...

 

ok....here's my thoughts/procedures....

Wash using a chenille pad/mitt...the chenille will take the dirt away from the paint and suck it into the pad instead of pushing it around causing swirl marks....

only use a wash product, not a wash/wax combo....the combo products won't remove all the old wax....

each time you get ready to dip the pad in your soapy water bucket, rinse it off thoroughly first...this will get the dirt out of the pad and not contaminate the soapy water with as much dirt....

wash the entire top of the vehicle first (the cleanest parts) and then move your way to the dirty stuff....this will also help prevent swirl marks because less dirt will be trapped in the pad for a shorter amount of time while washing....

dry using a chamios or a microfiber, but remember, blot...don't rub....rubbing will drag any particles left behind across the paint causing swirl marks....

at this time, glide the back of your hand across the paint...is it glass-like? if you feel anything other than smooth, you need to clay before waxing.... the clay will remove any micro imbedded particles from your paint.....this will leave the finish very silky smooth feeling to the touch....

Personally, I use the Meguiars 3 step system.....it takes a little time, but it's all worth it..... all steps are applied like wax

1) Paint cleaner....this will clean deep into the paint...
2) Paint Polish....this will even out swirl marks and remove some scratches...
3) Carnauba Wax....this protects your paint....


for more extensive information, go to www.autopia.org

 

Here are some guides for you:

http://www.adamspolishes.com/videos

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...&threadid=2409

You *don't* have to use their products, but their methods are sound. It's the
standard that any show car enthusiast should know, and every good detailer does know!

The first one actually has videos.

Enjoy!

 

Just thought I'd add a little note:

While you *don't* have to use their products, those two
companies are tops in their markets because they make
quality products. I HIGHLY recommend both.

Read and learn! Your FM is bound to need work, but you can
prevent that by proper care!





The second one is my favorite. My hood had some nasty swirls and scratches
RIGHT FROM THE DEALERSHIP!!! I took care of them and I have better then factory
finish now!

 

I use a sheepskin wash mit with a bucket that has a grill on the botom to prevent dirt from getting into the mit . Also I rinse and shake the mit in the water frequently . DO NOT USE BATH TOWELS TO DRY YOUR TC , I did that the first time and it left alot of micro scratches in the paint . Also when I am done detailing my car I also take all towels and so forth ESPECIALLY the wash mitt , and it all goes in teh washing machine and store away from dirt and dust or anything else that might cause scratches

 

This is a good place to start:
Griots Handbook