Ask a Professional Detailer...

[R35SEDAN]

I've noticed that i misspoke. not orange peel but they are not swirl marks either. they're scratches in the clear that build up in one area. right behind the rear windows in that little dip's the main problem.

[Detailed Image]

Originally Posted by R35SEDAN

I've noticed that i misspoke. not orange peel but they are not swirl marks either. they're scratches in the clear that build up in one area. right behind the rear windows in that little dip's the main problem.

Sounds like it could have been some wet sanding that may not have been polished out completely?

Chances are you'll still need a multi-step polish to remove them.

If you could snap a picture of the affected area, I could try to give you some better suggestions.

George

[drifts500]

Hey George, can I use M105 on the windshield to take off water spot?

Plus I tried very aggressive Meguiar clay bar and Stone Tarminator to get rid of rail dusts, but did not work. So wet-sand is the only way right??

Thanks

[R35SEDAN]

Originally Posted by Detailed Image

Sounds like it could have been some wet sanding that may not have been polished out completely?

Chances are you'll still need a multi-step polish to remove them.

If you could snap a picture of the affected area, I could try to give you some better suggestions.

George

I actually just went backwards through your posts and used them as advise. took me a while cause the weathers been up and down here. The muliti step polish with my orbital+a hand polish, high end 3m glaze, (we have a collision store supplier near my house) then i cleaned it really well and used the Purple Haze followed by Blue Velvet wax...that took care of it thanks. Its like glass now. I do have one question you probably covered before. I love detailing my car, almost do it everyday. I know this isn't a good thing as I'm causing more harm than good. What i usually end up cleaning is road grime and dust. nothing really stuck to the car. What do you think of those wool or microfiber dusters cause i know they'd get the job done but i would think it an easy way to cause scratches?

[Detailed Image]

Originally Posted by drifts500

Hey George, can I use M105 on the windshield to take off water spot?

Plus I tried very aggressive Meguiar clay bar and Stone Tarminator to get rid of rail dusts, but did not work. So wet-sand is the only way right??

Thanks

I'd try polishing with M105 or something similar before trying to wet sand your glass. In the event you go too aggressive, you may not be able to remove the wet sanding marks and might have to replace your windshield. don't consider myself an expert on glass repair though. It's not like correcting paint as glass is much harder.

Originally Posted by R35SEDAN

I actually just went backwards through your posts and used them as advise. took me a while cause the weathers been up and down here. The muliti step polish with my orbital+a hand polish, high end 3m glaze, (we have a collision store supplier near my house) then i cleaned it really well and used the Purple Haze followed by Blue Velvet wax...that took care of it thanks. Its like glass now. I do have one question you probably covered before. I love detailing my car, almost do it everyday. I know this isn't a good thing as I'm causing more harm than good. What i usually end up cleaning is road grime and dust. nothing really stuck to the car. What do you think of those wool or microfiber dusters cause i know they'd get the job done but i would think it an easy way to cause scratches?

I'm not a fan of any of the dusters. They can potentially mar the finish over time or when used incorrectly. I prefer using a good quick detailer along with a plush microfiber towel. I find it's safer and doesn't take that much more time to maintain. I'd suggest something like Optimum Instant Detailer, Poorboy's Spray & Wipe or Chemical Guys Synthetic Quick Detailer along with a plush microfiber towel.

Let me know if there's anything else I can help with.

[Joey G]

Question, What is your recommendation for cleaning/polishing neglected stock exhaust tips.

[HarrisonK]

George,

I do not have a PC and I do not know how to use one so it is not very high on my list to buy. I know your recommended detail process is Wash -> clay -> wash -> polish -> 50/50 alcohol-water -> glaze -> seal. As of now I wash -> clay -> wash -> wax. This is because I do not own a PC. Can I polish, glaze and seal by hand? If so what is the best method to use?

Thanks!

[yourdoinitwrong]

Originally Posted by HarrisonK

George,

I do not have a PC and I do not know how to use one so it is not very high on my list to buy. I know your recommended detail process is Wash -> clay -> wash -> polish -> 50/50 alcohol-water -> glaze -> seal. As of now I wash -> clay -> wash -> wax. This is because I do not own a PC. Can I polish, glaze and seal by hand? If so what is the best method to use?

Thanks!

I'm certainly no expert but I have been down the same road before so I thought I would chime in. My process = wash, clay, wash, paint prep spray, polish, pre-wax cleaner spray, glaze, seal, wax. Polishing by hand will not produce the results you are looking for so what I have done is do the first steps and then have the car professionally polished at a detail shop. After that you can continue your process. I hand-apply the glaze, sealant, and wax. I previously asked George if there was a benefit to using a machine for the last three steps and he said there is not and that he also applies those steps by hand sometimes. Hope that helps.

[Detailed Image]

Originally Posted by Joey G

Question, What is your recommendation for cleaning/polishing neglected stock exhaust tips.

Here's a step by step tutorial on restoring exhaust tips.

Originally Posted by HarrisonK

George,

I do not have a PC and I do not know how to use one so it is not very high on my list to buy. I know your recommended detail process is Wash -> clay -> wash -> polish -> 50/50 alcohol-water -> glaze -> seal. As of now I wash -> clay -> wash -> wax. This is because I do not own a PC. Can I polish, glaze and seal by hand? If so what is the best method to use?

Thanks!

Originally Posted by yourdoinitwrong

I'm certainly no expert but I have been down the same road before so I thought I would chime in. My process = wash, clay, wash, paint prep spray, polish, pre-wax cleaner spray, glaze, seal, wax. Polishing by hand will not produce the results you are looking for so what I have done is do the first steps and then have the car professionally polished at a detail shop. After that you can continue your process. I hand-apply the glaze, sealant, and wax. I previously asked George if there was a benefit to using a machine for the last three steps and he said there is not and that he also applies those steps by hand sometimes. Hope that helps.

+1

As yourdoinitwrong mentioned, there is a very big difference in polishing by hand versus using a quality machine. I personally would opt to skip polishing altogether and save up for a machine. You can go through the rest of the process by hand no problems. I personally only use a machine for polishing and paintwork cleaners, but any of my protection steps usually get applied by hand, sometimes glazes as well, depending on which product I'm using. It really boils down to preference.

I'd suggest after claying the paint to use Chemical Guys EZ Creme Glaze, then layer a sealant on top of that. The CG glaze works great with sealants since it's acrylic based. Some glazes don't play nicely with sealants and can potentially sacrifice the durability.

Let me know if there's anything else I can help with.

[drifts500]

Hey George, can I use PlasticX for g35 silver plastic trim to get rid of scratch?

[Detailed Image]

Originally Posted by drifts500

Hey George, can I use PlasticX for g35 silver plastic trim to get rid of scratch?

Certainly worth a shot. Depending on how deep the scratch is will determine if PlasticX can do the job or not. Start with light pressure and add more if needed, you don't want to rub too hard and actually rub off the painted surface. Let us know how it turns out for you.