[AJ56]

Originally Posted by viXit

Why not claying?

I have had very good success removing tar ,paint and sap from my paintwork with some clay

In my experience if it’s fully cured paint that’s not coming off with polish or even 70% IPA, it’s well past medium strength blue clay’s ability to remove. You can use heavy duty red clay which will work but that really scratches the paint (more than a compound), hence my advice to use a compound.

For tar/sap use a tar remover, that eliminates the need to polish paint afterward to fix the micro marring left by the clay.

[batish]

Guys, I need some tips regarding care and maintenance for black paint.

These are the steps I follow every 3-4 months:

1. Wash the car thoroughly to remove all oils and contaminants.
2. Use IronX to remove iron contamination
3. Spray and wipedown with IPA
4. At the last, Collinite 845.

For recurring cleaning when it is not much soiled then waterless wash Proklear RAW Xtreme CX and for dusting - Jopasu Duster.

Now, my queries are:

• Do I need to use any sealants before applying wax? If yes, then which one? Turtle Wax Seal n shine or mirror glaze by meguiars?
• Is cleaning with Proklear which has Carnauba Wax in it, fine? Asking as there is already wax applied?
• Lastly, is this cleaning routine okay or do I need to make some changes?
• Are the steps, schedule and products fine or here also I need to make some changes?

[vikasshu]

Hi Batish,

Like you, even I own a dark colour car which requires lot of care. Till today, I maintain my car on my own. This post of mine from 2016 lists down the steps that I take whenever I go for detailed cleaning. For regular cleaning, I use ONR wash and wax every 20-25 days or depending on the dirtiness of the car.

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/techn...ml#post4039600 (A superb Car cleaning, polishing & detailing guide)

One more point - the knowledge that I have gained from this thread and other places is that selants are better than wax as they have longevity.

I hope this helps. I have listed down all the products as well that I use.

Thanks & Regards

Vikas

Originally Posted by batish

Guys, I need some tips regarding care and maintenance for black paint.

These are the steps I follow every 3-4 months:

1. Wash the car thoroughly to remove all oils and contaminants.
2. Use IronX to remove iron contamination
3. Spray and wipedown with IPA
4. At the last, Collinite 845.

For recurring cleaning when it is not much soiled then waterless wash Proklear RAW Xtreme CX and for dusting - Jopasu Duster.

Now, my queries [/list]

[LordSpymaster]

Hey,
I am a recent owner of the 5th Gen Honda City (ZX) Pearl White and have begun to worry about maintaining its look and colour. On reading this and other threads, I have begun formulating the plan below for cleaning. Please do advise and help with the product list.

Background: My objective is to have a quick and easy dirt fix/cloth/cleaner that shouldn't take more than say 15 minutes or so, and then something else which I can do once a month (approximately). The car is cleaned daily by the car guy, with whom I plan to sit and explain the 1st point below as well. Also, I plan to follow this cleaning regimen for at least 6 months to a year before taking any professional cleaning and detailing services (Essentially, I want to learn this stuff myself first).

Queries:

1. For quick cleaning/dusting, I keep reading about this Jopasu Car Duster. Do I need anything else to quickly lift dust from the car, or will this be fine?
2. For the once-a-month cleaning, I read about applying wax or sealant, plus shampoo etc. Honestly, I'm a little confused, so if someone can help break down the items I need, that'll be great.
3. For the above, I think I would need a car shampoo + wax or sealant + cloth or applicators?
4. What sort of cleaning cloth and applicators should I go for?
5. Lastly, is it a good idea to use a gardening water hose and spray water for cleaning the following areas (say once a month): Tyres, mud flaps, below the car, engine and other stuff under the front hood?

Thanks, everyone for patiently reading and answering my seemingly simple and basic questions.

[batish]

Originally Posted by LordSpymaster

Background: My objective is to have a quick and easy dirt fix/cloth/cleaner that shouldn't take more than say 15 minutes or so, and then something else which I can do once a month (approximately).

The only cleaner that comes to mind is Jopasu. It'll clean in less than 15 minutes provided your car has light dust only, nothing solid or liquid.

The car is cleaned daily by the car guy

If the car has been cleaned daily by 'the car guy' then you need to get it detailed. Since they use the same rag everywhere swirls are pretty much evident. If you don't get it detailed first then everything you do is wastage of time and resources since you won't get any results.

with whom I plan to sit and explain the 1st point below as well

I don't think he'll care much since he has to do multiple cars in the morning.

Also, I plan to follow this cleaning regimen for at least 6 months to a year before taking any professional cleaning and detailing services

You'll have to get it detailed first, then you can maintain the car yourself.

[*] For quick cleaning/dusting, I keep reading about this Jopasu Car Duster. Do I need anything else to quickly lift dust from the car, or will this be fine?

Nope. For light dust, this is enough. In NCR, it lasts about 4-5 months then it just chokes up and becomes super heavy.

[*] For the once-a-month cleaning, I read about applying wax or sealant, plus shampoo etc. Honestly, I'm a little confused, so if someone can help break down the items I need, that'll be great.

Shampoo is for cleaning your car - removing oils and other decontaminants. I'm sure you know what shampoo is. Regarding wax or sealant - wax is just a layer which enhances your paint's gloss and helps preserve the clear coat. It is non-abrasive means it does not remove light scratches or anything on your paint. Simply enhances it and protects it.

Sealant on the other hand is applied before wax is applied and it's main purpose is to protect paint. Main difference is that sealant lasts much more than wax. Good wax lasts about 4-5 months in our conditions and it varies how your keep your car, how you wash it, covered/uncovered parking etc.

Another thing is wax is much more glossy than sealant. So, people usually apply sealant first and then wax it. Here is the simplified version:


Source: Autogeek

[*] For the above, I think I would need a car shampoo + wax or sealant + cloth or applicators?

For swirl free washing you'd need wash mits, microfiber cloths, shampoo. Applicators could be microfiber cloths or sponges. Depends upon you.

[*] What sort of cleaning cloth and applicators should I go for?

Microfiber cloth. Higher the GSM better the chances of less swirls.

[*] Lastly, is it a good idea to use a gardening water hose and spray water for cleaning the following areas (say once a month): Tyres, mud flaps, below the car, engine and other stuff under the front hood?

Tyres and mud flaps- Yes, not an issue.

Below the car too you could use it if you can reach with a garden hose.

Engine and stuff under hood - Nope. Not a good idea, do it on a case basis - when it is extremely dirty because the chances of ruining something are much higher if you don't have an idea what you're doing. Many companies now have started putting stickers under the bonnet showing 'no washing'.

If you need to wash, cover the electrical parts - alternator, ECU etc and air intake and then wash it with a garden hose.

[LordSpymaster]

Originally Posted by batish

If the car has been cleaned daily by 'the car guy' then you need to get it detailed. Since they use the same rag everywhere swirls are pretty much evident. If you don't get it detailed first then everything you do is wastage of time and resources since you won't get any results.

Thanks a lot!

Quick question: Is the above necessary even for a ~30 day old car? I'd received it in end Sept and got the 1st service done recently.

[batish]

Originally Posted by LordSpymaster

Thanks a lot!

Quick question: Is the above necessary even for a ~30 day old car? I'd received it in end Sept and got the 1st service done recently.

Oh. It's almost new. Check for yourself for swirls under direct light. If there would be any they can be corrected with polish.

[LordSpymaster]

Thanks Batish!

Is there any good and fast spray type wax I can apply after the shampoo based cleaning is done? And should I wait before using wax, apply it on a wet car or a dry car?

Edit: Should regular cleaning be suspended on a car with wax too for a few days?

[batish]

Originally Posted by LordSpymaster

Is there any good and fast spray type wax I can apply after the shampoo based cleaning is done?

Although there are many spray waxes available, I haven't used them as I prefer to apply wax once in 4-5 months and then clean with Proklear Waterless Wax and Wax whenever need arises.

And should I wait before using wax, apply it on a wet car or a dry car?

I apply it after it wiping and drying the car.

Should regular cleaning be suspended on a car with wax too for a few days?

Considering our dusty conditions, I don't think it is feasible to suspend it. If you do, you'll have to wash it when you resume. You can use Jopasu duster to clean it regularly. It's a 10 min job.

[AJ56]

Originally Posted by batish

If the car has been cleaned daily by 'the car guy' then you need to get it detailed. Since they use the same rag everywhere swirls are pretty much evident.

Will add that diy detailing with some good clay and single step machine polishing is very much possible, but one needs to know the basics. It’s not necessary to go to a professional, unless you’re short on time or don’t like working yourself.

Originally Posted by batish

Another thing is wax is much more glossy than sealant. So, people usually apply sealant first and then wax it. Here is the simplified version:

Depends on the product, plenty of sealants are as glossy as pure carnauba waxes, but the type of lustre is different, waxes are slightly ‘warmer’ in their gloss.

Originally Posted by batish

Attachment 2373585
Source: Autogeek

Wasn’t expecting such obvious errors from Autogeek, no mention of IPA/panel prep before applying the sealant, no mention of chemical decon with tar/ferrous removers and to top it all, tells us it’s optional to apply a glaze full of fillers right after paint correction before laying down a sealant..

Originally Posted by batish

Engine and stuff under hood - Nope. Not a good idea, do it on a case basis -

If you need to wash, cover the electrical parts - alternator, ECU etc and air intake and then wash it with a garden hose.

Please do not use a garden hose in the engine bay as it puts out too much volume, you’ll end up flooding the area. Use a pressure washer as it’s much less water volume and does a better job cleaning. Stay away from the air intake and you’ll be good, engines are perfectly safe to pressure wash provided you remember they are weatherproof but not waterproof.

[JMaruru]

My car was on long term parking for around 6+ months and now I see light traces of mold on the steering wheel and seats.

Please suggest me some DIY solution for this issue.

[kotirajendra]

Originally Posted by JMaruru

My car was on long term parking for around 6+ months and now I see light traces of mold on the steering wheel and seats.

Please suggest me some DIY solution for this issue.

Vinegar, Iso Propyl Alcohol and our good old Sanitizer have worked well for me.

[Sidban85]

Any suggestions on good car care places near ISB Road, Hyderabad? New to Hyderabad and so, I wanted to understand if there are good places nearby? Near 3M seems 8kms away.

[Deepesh Goel]

Hi Guys,

Just Bought couple of car detailing products: Turtle was Seal n Shine and MEGUIAR'S G200416 Hybrid Ceramic Liquid Wax.

Need to know, can i apply meguiar's wax layer on the top of Turtle seal n shine layer, will it make any sense..? If yes, then how long should i allow sealant to sink in before i apply wax over it.

Thanks!

[JMaruru]

Originally Posted by kotirajendra

Vinegar, Iso Propyl Alcohol and our good old Sanitizer have worked well for me.

All three together OR does one of them do the job?

Also, what kinda sanitizer? Does they remove the slight hint of mold, completly?