Qship5
09-22-2009, 12:06 AM
This week's detailing tip is about the basics of proper washing techniques. Proper washing methods will help keep your paint looking good and avoid the major causes of swirls and fine scratches. (We discussed washing your wheels as the first step of a full car wash the other week, so the steps below are after you have washed the wheels.)
Always start with clean water and a freshly rinsed bucket. It’s important to use a car wash that is rich in lubricants. The purpose of the car wash is to remove contaminants and lubricate them so they do not scratch the paint as they slide off the vehicle. Dish detergents are not ideal because they remove protective coatings. There are a lot of good choices out there, but make sure you get one specifically designed for cars as they do not remove wax and provide ample lubrication of gritty particles. (If anyone wants recommendations just PM me)
How do you prevent swirl marks? Use two buckets. Fill one bucket with soapy water and fill the other with clean water. Each time you’re ready to reload your wash mitt or boars hair brush with soapy water, dip it in the clean water first, to rinse out the grit and contamination you’ve just removed from your vehicle. Then dip it in the soapy water and continue washing.
An even better option is to use the Grit Guard. This plastic grid sits in the bottom of a 5-gallon wash bucket and stabilizes the water. Contamination and particles settle to the bottom of the bucket and the clean wash water remains at the top. I use one in each bucket.
Always rinse your vehicle thoroughly before you begin washing in order to remove loose debris. Then begin washing at the top of the vehicle. Wash down the vehicle as opposed to front to back. Remember that the lower panels are dirtiest. You want to clean the windows and the upper panels before cleaning the lower half of the vehicle so that you don’t transfer grit to the top half of the vehicle. Rinse and reload your wash mitt or boars hair brush often to prevent cross-contamination. Rinse your vehicle frequently as you work, especially in hot weather.
When rinsing, you don’t have to blast your car clean with the water hose. Free-flowing water (no nozzle) or a flat stream from a nozzle will allow the water to sheet off of your vehicle for a more thorough rinsing with less water remaining on the car.
If you don't have a spot free rinse system yet, you will now need to dry the car. There are several ways you can do this, but the key is to do it reasonably quickly to prevent water spots from forming on the paint or glass. If you have a blower or compressor, you can use that to blow off a lot of the water and then follow up with a micro fiber or waffle weave drying towel to get the rest. If you don't have a blower or compressor, another good option is a California water blade. These are made from surgical grade silicone and won't scratch your paint. Use the blade to remove most of the water and like above, finish with a microfiber or waffle weave drying towel. The best way to dry the car is to use a spot free rinse system and not even have to bother with drying at all!:) The added benefit of the spot free rinse is no towel drying, which means no chance or inducing fine scratches with the towel.
Once the car is dry or while it is drying if you have a spot free rinse system, you should take a dedicated waffle weave towel and wipe down your door jambs, underhood area, etc. Be sure to use a dedicated towel for this as you don't really wash all the dirt from here when washing the car and you want to make sure you have a specific towel for wiping down these dirty areas.
Know, sit back, relax, enjoy your clean car and have a cold one...You've earned it!:beer:
Always start with clean water and a freshly rinsed bucket. It’s important to use a car wash that is rich in lubricants. The purpose of the car wash is to remove contaminants and lubricate them so they do not scratch the paint as they slide off the vehicle. Dish detergents are not ideal because they remove protective coatings. There are a lot of good choices out there, but make sure you get one specifically designed for cars as they do not remove wax and provide ample lubrication of gritty particles. (If anyone wants recommendations just PM me)
How do you prevent swirl marks? Use two buckets. Fill one bucket with soapy water and fill the other with clean water. Each time you’re ready to reload your wash mitt or boars hair brush with soapy water, dip it in the clean water first, to rinse out the grit and contamination you’ve just removed from your vehicle. Then dip it in the soapy water and continue washing.
An even better option is to use the Grit Guard. This plastic grid sits in the bottom of a 5-gallon wash bucket and stabilizes the water. Contamination and particles settle to the bottom of the bucket and the clean wash water remains at the top. I use one in each bucket.
Always rinse your vehicle thoroughly before you begin washing in order to remove loose debris. Then begin washing at the top of the vehicle. Wash down the vehicle as opposed to front to back. Remember that the lower panels are dirtiest. You want to clean the windows and the upper panels before cleaning the lower half of the vehicle so that you don’t transfer grit to the top half of the vehicle. Rinse and reload your wash mitt or boars hair brush often to prevent cross-contamination. Rinse your vehicle frequently as you work, especially in hot weather.
When rinsing, you don’t have to blast your car clean with the water hose. Free-flowing water (no nozzle) or a flat stream from a nozzle will allow the water to sheet off of your vehicle for a more thorough rinsing with less water remaining on the car.
If you don't have a spot free rinse system yet, you will now need to dry the car. There are several ways you can do this, but the key is to do it reasonably quickly to prevent water spots from forming on the paint or glass. If you have a blower or compressor, you can use that to blow off a lot of the water and then follow up with a micro fiber or waffle weave drying towel to get the rest. If you don't have a blower or compressor, another good option is a California water blade. These are made from surgical grade silicone and won't scratch your paint. Use the blade to remove most of the water and like above, finish with a microfiber or waffle weave drying towel. The best way to dry the car is to use a spot free rinse system and not even have to bother with drying at all!:) The added benefit of the spot free rinse is no towel drying, which means no chance or inducing fine scratches with the towel.
Once the car is dry or while it is drying if you have a spot free rinse system, you should take a dedicated waffle weave towel and wipe down your door jambs, underhood area, etc. Be sure to use a dedicated towel for this as you don't really wash all the dirt from here when washing the car and you want to make sure you have a specific towel for wiping down these dirty areas.
Know, sit back, relax, enjoy your clean car and have a cold one...You've earned it!:beer: