Auto Geek Online Auto Detailing Forum - Ask the Expert featuring Mike Phillips http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ Got detailing questions? Our resident expert, Mike Phillips, has answers. en Thu, 17 May 2012 13:27:47 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/images/autogeek/misc/rss.jpg Auto Geek Online Auto Detailing Forum - Ask the Expert featuring Mike Phillips http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ Product Mixing http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/50275-product-mixing.html Thu, 17 May 2012 06:14:43 GMT Well I often see people mixing chemicals toghether and im sure you have as well. So what are your favorite mixed and what do you use them for? Also has anyone ever goten the Idea to mix a couple different brands of sealants toghether like meguiars, poorboys, blackfire, pinnacle etc..... toghether and used it just for the heck of it and see what would happen, anyone want to experiment? Write any thoughts down on any question, im just curious as to see your mixes, (Experimentations):dunno::bump2: Well I often see people mixing chemicals toghether and im sure you have as well. So what are your favorite mixed and what do you use them for? Also has anyone ever goten the Idea to mix a couple different brands of sealants toghether like meguiars, poorboys, blackfire, pinnacle etc..... toghether and used it just for the heck of it and see what would happen, anyone want to experiment? Write any thoughts down on any question, im just curious as to see your mixes, (Experimentations):dunno::bump2: ]]> Ask the Expert featuring Mike Phillips Alex22 http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/50275-product-mixing.html Paint thickness question on upcoming job http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/50270-paint-thickness-question-upcoming-job.html Thu, 17 May 2012 04:15:02 GMT Ok well I have landed a pretty large job for myself and have a question about paint thickness. It is a custom vehicle that was completely resprayed after completion(2007). It was painted in a factory blue(Viper GTS Blue), but there is no telling if it was painted using factory paint or a custom blend. This is a 100k+ vehicle with quite a bit of history and I absolutely want to be sure of a few things before I get to work Friday morning.

The question is....
Considering there is no way of knowing what paint, and how thick it was laid. Anything I need to take into considering?

I plan on masking off all of the top edges and corners, then going back and buffing those by hand. Only polishing out the flat panels. Lucky for me, there are very few edges to worry about. I will more than likely start with some 105 and a wool pad on a rotary...JK!!! Ok I will probably test out the worst area starting with a LC Gray pad and 205. It was detailed last year, but has been outside since then. There are some scratches and other blemishes, but the main thing is the new owner knows this and accepts them. However the shop doing some work on it wants it to look it's absolute best before getting put in a container and shipped across the ocean.

Discuss...

FWIW I know I did not include much information about the vehicle and that is intentional to protect the current and future owner. If you have any valid advice and need more specifics we can discuss details over PM's ]]> Ask the Expert featuring Mike Phillips Frenchie http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/50270-paint-thickness-question-upcoming-job.html Newb Needs Help W/LSP Question http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/50235-newb-needs-help-w-lsp-question.html Wed, 16 May 2012 12:11:24 GMT Ok, I unfortunately have found this site, and am now a crack head. Took a while to get all the acronyms down but think i'm on the right track. Just finished doing a complete paint cleansing and put down a coat of FK100P. I'm looking to put on a second coat, but am wondering what the correct prep is before doing so. Wash and dry and then go on? Would a IPA wipe be good, or strip the base coat? Thanks to you all in advance, and thanks for all the information this site provides. Even if it means I have something new to be OCD about (wife loves it.....)/. ]]> Ask the Expert featuring Mike Phillips keystone183 http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/50235-newb-needs-help-w-lsp-question.html Wish I Found This Site Earlier!!! http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/50220-wish-i-found-site-earlier.html Tue, 15 May 2012 20:55:43 GMT After reading Mike Phillips thread on restoring single stage paint,I'm ready to admit the
errors of my ways and seek atonement for my aggressive attempt at bringing back a
30 year old repaint.
Thinking that it was a lacquer base paint,I wet sanded it smooth,going from# 600 to #2000
in some heavily rough areas.Everything looked great ,even after using a liquid polishing
compound and then a final carnauba wax top coat.
Well after a couple hours in the sun,it became dull and full of swirls.
I'm guessing my failure to condition the paint was my shortfall,and have applied my first
rubdown with #7 Meguiars,leaving it on for 24 hours.
Hopefully I'm on the right track
I skipped the clay bar cleaning,figuring the wet sanding cleaned the surface enough already.
Is there any thing else I should be doing?

Hers's a couple of shots before I attempted anything.
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]]> Ask the Expert featuring Mike Phillips jdog53 http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/50220-wish-i-found-site-earlier.html Old bottle of Megs Gold Class http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/50214-old-bottle-megs-gold-class.html Tue, 15 May 2012 19:31:07 GMT I have a really old bottle of "Meguiars Gold Class Clear Coat Liquid Car Wax". I was wondering two things. First, would it still be good if it was left in a non temp controlled environment for probably around 10 years (It was in my garage). It seem to shake up OK (slightly watery though). Second, is it synthetic or carnauba? I know the newest version sold on Autogeek is carnauba but my version does not say anything about it on the bottle. It does say, "Long lasting polymer protection"?

Here is a pic:



Thanks for any help,
Drew ]]> Ask the Expert featuring Mike Phillips WRXINXS http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/50214-old-bottle-megs-gold-class.html How to fix semi gloss wheels? http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/50205-how-fix-semi-gloss-wheels.html Tue, 15 May 2012 13:29:13 GMT I have a friend that called me the other day and needless to say i couldnt give him much advice. He took his car through the drive through car wash and they added their "spray wax" to the whole vehicle and while the rest of the car is fine his wheels now look stained with a white residue that wont come off. I told him to try a wheel cleaner first (some kind of meguiars) and that didnt work so I told him to pick up some of Griot's wheel cleaner at his nearest advanced auto. That made it look a bit better but this is what he's left with. We havent tried degreaser or any polishes but then again i wasnt sure where to start since it appears to be a semi gloss finish.
]]> Ask the Expert featuring Mike Phillips RhetoricMixes http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/50205-how-fix-semi-gloss-wheels.html <![CDATA[Difference(s) between Meg's Final Inspection, Last Touch, and Synthetic Spray Detailer?]]> http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/50173-difference-s-between-meg-s-final-inspection-last-touch-synthetic-spray-detailer.html Mon, 14 May 2012 21:32:17 GMT Well amigos, the title says it all... I am vexed!

What ARE the difference(s) between:
-Meg's #34 Final Inspection (HERE)
-Meg's D155 Last Touch (HERE)
-Meg's #135 Synthetic Spray Detailer (HERE)

The product summaries all seem like interchangeable adjective-laced echoes of each other. I'd love to finally put this mystery to rest with the help of the members here! THANKS friends :) ]]> Ask the Expert featuring Mike Phillips Dynamic_Detailing http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/50173-difference-s-between-meg-s-final-inspection-last-touch-synthetic-spray-detailer.html What to put on top of Klass http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/50152-what-put-top-klass.html Mon, 14 May 2012 12:52:27 GMT I have a dark red 2009 Honda Accord. I have Klass AIO followed by two coats of the sealant glaze. Looking for an easy to use durable wax. Suggestions? At some point in time lets say I have waxed the car three or four times. Do I just start over with AIO, sealant, wax do I just keep waxing until the car is sold? Thanks. Dave I have a dark red 2009 Honda Accord. I have Klass AIO followed by two coats of the sealant glaze. Looking for an easy to use durable wax. Suggestions?

At some point in time lets say I have waxed the car three or four times. Do I just start over with AIO, sealant, wax do I just keep waxing until the car is sold?

Thanks.

Dave ]]> Ask the Expert featuring Mike Phillips dadavis http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/50152-what-put-top-klass.html <![CDATA[Car Wash Solution: Best of Both Worlds? (Aggressive & Finesse)]]> http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/50145-car-wash-solution-best-both-worlds-aggressive-finesse.html Mon, 14 May 2012 03:48:32 GMT Friends - what's up? :)

I am increasing my workload and taking on some additional clients for detailing, and had two specific questions I know the pros here will be able to help me out with! HERE is the AutoGeek product page for their wash solutions.

1. Aggressive Wash:
What's the optimum choice for a really strong "once-over" wash product that will save the most time and headache really tackling everything possible from road grime and bugs etc? I will be using this product as the first wash in a two-step system, and would like something economical (by the gallon if possible) as well as dependable to really provide a dramatic cleaning performance to 'prep' the cars from their filthy condition to be ready for the second-step (below) the 'Finesse.'
*Would Meguiar's D108 Super Degreaser be 'too much' here? (See it HERE)

2. Finesse Wash:
What's the premier pampering (it's subjective I know, but I'm looking for thoughtful insight) 'car spa' super-glossing, and super-sud wash solution that would be ideal for cleaning an "already cleaned" car as the second step in my two-stage wash process for daily-driver type cars to condition the paint and really enhance the depth and brilliance of the car's surface, getting it ready for the ongoing detail process (clay, sealant, carnauba...) with as much meticulous precision as possible?

Note: I have been using, for quite some time now, Meg's NXT Generation Car Wash (click HERE to see it) since it's very cheap and seems to be very good (I double wash all my cars anyway, but I'm really looking to refine and hone-in my technique)!

Quote:
My ideas at this point before you fellas lend your advice and voices of expertise are:
1. Meg's Mirror Glaze #62 Car Wash gallon (see it HERE) or Meg's D108 Super Degreaser maybe (see above - is it 'too' harsh for wash step-1)?
2. Pinnacle Bodywork Shampoo (although I'm weary because it only talks about "dark colored" cars on the webpage seen HERE)
--or--
2b. Ultima Waterless Wash+ Super Concentrate @ 4oz per gallon dilution ratio (see it HERE)
I'd like to possibly (?) avoid the 'wax as you dry' type products, since I'll be hand waxing all of my customers cars upon request, BUT, please suggest one or two of your favorites if any truly good ones actually exist. I would always rather spray something like Optimum's spray Car Wax (HERE) which I prefer over Duragloss's AquaWax spray since Optimum's contains BOTH carnauba AND a sealant, on by hand right before drying with microfibers. THANKS :) ]]> Ask the Expert featuring Mike Phillips Dynamic_Detailing http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/50145-car-wash-solution-best-both-worlds-aggressive-finesse.html <![CDATA[Can I polish & wax clear coated plastic?]]> http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/50125-can-i-polish-wax-clear-coated-plastic.html Sun, 13 May 2012 18:10:28 GMT I'm pretty new to the game. I'm detailing the wife's CR-v; it has quite a few panels that are plastic, but painted and cleared. Is it ok to polish & wax these areas? I searched for an answer, but to no avail, sorry if I missed it. :confused: ]]> Ask the Expert featuring Mike Phillips Ibaneye http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/50125-can-i-polish-wax-clear-coated-plastic.html <![CDATA['Got New DA, YaY, speed settings etc...?']]> http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/50114-got-new-da-yay-speed-settings-etc.html Sun, 13 May 2012 05:56:15 GMT Well today my Griots DA arrived and was about to just tackle on my truck but it was scorching outside then later I reallized that I do not have the correct speeds for the Polisher and would just like to know what speeds should I use, I have Ultimate Compound a agressive polish, Ultimate Polish a Finishing Polish, And as a Sealant I have Ultimate Wax. What speeds should I use for each step? Im sure it has been covered in another topic and if so just paste the link I just cant find the topic no more. Also if somone knows can I use the sealant Ultimate Wax as a trim restorer or enhanser or to make the trim look blacker like how it was new? How about using No Touch Tire cleaner? Thanks. So far this detailing hobby of mine has turned out exasperating or however you spell it. Well today my Griots DA arrived and was about to just tackle on my truck but it was scorching outside then later I reallized that I do not have the correct speeds for the Polisher and would just like to know what speeds should I use, I have Ultimate Compound a agressive polish, Ultimate Polish a Finishing Polish, And as a Sealant I have Ultimate Wax. What speeds should I use for each step? Im sure it has been covered in another topic and if so just paste the link I just cant find the topic no more. Also if somone knows can I use the sealant Ultimate Wax as a trim restorer or enhanser or to make the trim look blacker like how it was new? How about using No Touch Tire cleaner? Thanks. So far this detailing hobby of mine has turned out exasperating or however you spell it. ]]> Ask the Expert featuring Mike Phillips Alex22 http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/50114-got-new-da-yay-speed-settings-etc.html <![CDATA[10" buffer/polisher useage question]]> http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/50111-10-buffer-polisher-useage-question.html Sun, 13 May 2012 03:12:53 GMT I have this style buffer/polisher and it is a 10" model. I got it at Christmas several years ago in one of those exchange games. I've never used it, but am really wanting to give it a go. I bought a foam bonnet to use for the paint cleaner, and microfiber bonnets for the paint polish and the wax. I will be using microfiber towels to remove the products. I read somewhere at one time to put on the paint cleaner and the polisher on the bonnet at the same time, but that doesn't make sense to me why you would do that. Obviously with the size it will limit the usable area to large flat panels, but can anyone give me any advice on using this type of machine. I want to get something better eventually, but right now this is what I have to work with besides using my two hands. I am a beginner at this so any advice/help is much appreciated. The products I am using are the megs step system that has Step 1: Paint cleaner Step 2: Paint Polisher and for the wax I am using Megs NXT. I will be claying the paint after washing using Megs claybar and spray detailer. ]]> Ask the Expert featuring Mike Phillips mreed2483 http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/50111-10-buffer-polisher-useage-question.html Clear coat http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/50099-clear-coat.html Sat, 12 May 2012 22:00:19 GMT Hey everyone I'm soto a newbie to detailing been doing for about 8 months up in jax , fl
Had a buddy bring a 2000 Honda mini van to fix up for the wifey so I was getting to exterior ready for polish well when I started washing the van I noticed that the clear coat was gone on the whole van except for the bumpers is there a way to still polish the paint and make it gloss and if so what polish do u recommend
Thanks guys
Soto ]]> Ask the Expert featuring Mike Phillips soto http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/50099-clear-coat.html Would menzerna 85rd remove scratches from plastic? http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/50082-would-menzerna-85rd-remove-scratches-plastic.html Sat, 12 May 2012 14:47:37 GMT I was asked if I could remove a scratch from cluster and dont have any plastic polish with me. The scratches are really hard to see... The less abrasive polishes i have are 85rd,m205 and and PO106 thanks! I was asked if I could remove a scratch from cluster and dont have any plastic polish with me. The scratches are really hard to see...

The less abrasive polishes i have are 85rd,m205 and and PO106

thanks! ]]> Ask the Expert featuring Mike Phillips NiSyam http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/50082-would-menzerna-85rd-remove-scratches-plastic.html scratches on my corvette wont go http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/50079-scratches-my-corvette-wont-go.html Sat, 12 May 2012 11:47:21 GMT hello yesterday i was machine polishing my dads GMC used light cutting pad and swirl x - scratch X and the car turned awesome removed all swirls and scratches but the same products with the same technique used on my corvette 1998 with the same deepness of the scratches but i didnt removed any thing from the corvette then i used yellow ccs cutting pad and ultimate compound and still nothing happened i dont know why is it the clear coat on my corvette very very hard? what should i do? hello
yesterday i was machine polishing my dads GMC used light cutting pad and swirl x - scratch X and the car turned awesome removed all swirls and scratches
but the same products with the same technique used on my corvette 1998 with the same deepness of the scratches but i didnt removed any thing from the corvette
then i used yellow ccs cutting pad and ultimate compound and still nothing happened
i dont know why
is it the clear coat on my corvette very very hard?
what should i do? ]]> Ask the Expert featuring Mike Phillips c5errr http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/50079-scratches-my-corvette-wont-go.html