Picture this: In his younger days, a veteran member of the collision repair media was given the task to wash his employer's company van. Following the lead of his co-workers, he located a hose and a well-used bucket – which had been used to clean up accidents – and he pulled a box of laundry detergent off a shelf.
He mixed the detergent and hot water in the bucket and washed the van under a hot July sun. Things seemed to go well enough, but the van's finish didn't shimmer like it should have – it appeared a bit dull and cloudy. The following morning the business owner approached the young man and said, "What did you clean my van with? It took the wax right off."The lesson: Soaps made to lift stubborn stains from clothing will lift wax from a vehicle finish.
Produce your best finish – the result of top-rate detailing – with the following tips.
The proper wash
1. Assess your environment. If your detailing center is indoors or, at the least, covered, you avoid issues such as wind, contaminants and heat, especially a too-hot finish brought on by a vehicle sitting in the sun too long. Never begin your work on a finish that's not cool to the touch. If necessary, move the vehicle inside or find a way to block the sun rays until the finish is cool.2. Use a cleaning product made specifically for cars, something that cleans and protects a shiny new finish. There are plenty of products available, but it always pays to familiarize yourself with anything new to the market. Talk to a vendor and ask for suggestions, such as products that include gloss enhancers or surface conditioners. When it comes to mixing the product, always use clean water and follow the directions.
3. Use two clean buckets that are dedicated for use only in the detailing department and for vehicle washing. Shop buckets are like bank pens. If they're not chained down, they end up everywhere. When buckets wander off, they can be used to clean spills or other chores that involve caustic chemicals. Label your buckets for detail use only.
Why two buckets? Remember, when you're washing, you'll need to rinse dirt and contaminants off your cleaning tool. Instead of dumping contaminants back into the main wash bucket, rinse in the second bucket. Using a second bucket also is beneficial because it allows the suds in the first bucket to last longer. You'll want one bucket with soapy water and the other with clear water for rinsing.
4. Consider using a cleaning mitt, preferably one with many filaments because they do a terrific job of drawing away dirt and other contaminants from the surface into their internal structure. Wash cloths and synthetic (flat-sided) sponges can trap contaminants on the surface and scratch the finish. Other effective options are cotton chenille wash mitts and pads because they hold a lot of soapy water and are gentle on finishes.
5. Wash the tires and wheels first. If you wash the car body first, water will dry and leave spots on a vehicle before you finish washing the tires and wheels. Also, don't reuse the same wash water on the vehicle's finish. Throw out the dirty water, rinse the buckets thoroughly and then refill.
6. Wash a vehicle from the top down. Be methodical. Moving from the top down allows you to thoroughly wash the entire vehicle and you don't risk water and soap dripping onto areas you've cleaned already.
7. Rinse often, thoroughly and properly. Rinsing often prevents soap from building up and leaving spots on the finish. If you're washing outside on a warm day, keep the whole car wet to prevent spotting. Perform a final rinse with the nozzle off the hose. The free-flowing water will roll off the vehicle in sheets, allowing it to dry faster.
8. Dry with a proper cloth. Use a synthetic microfiber towel or chamois. Synthetic towels absorb water well and are gentle to the finish. That's important because finishes often are scratched while they're being dried off. Synthetic towels are a cost-effective option because with proper care they can last a long time.
Be sure to change towels as you dry. The longer a towel is used, the more dirt deposits are created that can scratch the finish. Don't use the same towels on tires and wheels you use on the finish. Use towels intended for wheels and tires.The best wax job
1. Choose the best wax for the job. As with your selection of a cleaning product for the finish, educate yourself about waxing and polishing products. Don't buy based on price. Remember, you want to show off the vehicle finish. Speak with a vendor and find out all of your options.2. Apply dry and cool. The finish needs to be completely dry before you start waxing. Even a little moisture can make wax smear. You also don't want to work on a surface that's too hot. Heat can evaporate your wax before you apply it.
4. Thin is in. Wax in multiple, thin coats. The thinner the coat, the better. Thin coats usually add the most depth and color. Put down multiple thin coats, adding a coat after the previous one has dried. Caution: If you're adding multiple coats, don't use waxes containing cleaners. These products will remove a wax coat as they are being applied.
5. Fix your mistakes. As you add wax layers, you may notice uneven spots. You don't need to start over because products are available to fix these problems. Keep products that can fix smears and streaks in stock.
6. Use a high-quality cloth to remove excess wax. Lower quality products will leave lint in your work.
You might be familiar with these steps, but a reminder never hurts. Detailers have a terrific responsibility because their work determines the quality of the finish. There's no better way to create a top-notch finish than attending to the details.
