http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ Car Detailing Forum for the enthusiats. Learn how to wax, polish, compound, clay and detail your vehicle. en Thu, 09 Sep 2010 06:32:06 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/images/autogeek/misc/rss.jpg http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/28607-finish-kare-1000p-questions.html Thu, 09 Sep 2010 05:08:48 GMT I am thinking about using 1000p as the winter wax for our glacier blue CR-V. I haven't decided yet. I've been using Ultima Paint Guard Plus since we purchased the vehicle a year and a half ago, and I love it. It's so easy to apply and I can use one product to seal paint, trim, and cladding. And it seemed to get us through the winter months well enough.

But I have this tin of 1000p, and durability is one of its strong points. My questions are these:

1) How long does one typically allow it to dry before buffing off? Is it best to allow it to dry to a haze, or is it best to remove it wet? Anything special I need to know about applying it?

2) Can it be safely applied to my cladding and trim? Will it stain the trim?

Thanks, folks.

Al ]]> Auto Detailing 101 akimel http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/28607-finish-kare-1000p-questions.html http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/28606-meguiars-apc-questions.html Thu, 09 Sep 2010 03:32:12 GMT Do you guys have a good rule of thumb on what dilution ratio to use APC+ for on different items?

How safe is it to use on paint? I'd like to use it on door jambs and on everything under the hood.

Is it safe on painted wheels?

I believe some people were saying ARO can't be stored in a diluted state. Is the same true for APC+? I hope not because I specifically bought 2 of the 32oz APC+ bottles to store the stuff at different ratios so I don't have to mix it every time I want to use it.

If it's safe on pretty much everything, how would you break down the dilution ratios? The back of the container doesn't really specify for each use, nor would I expect it to. I appreciate any feedback you all can provide.

Thank you!
Mark ]]> Auto Detailing 101 Y2KSVT http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/28606-meguiars-apc-questions.html http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/customer-comments/28605-what-no-meguiar-s-detailer-leather-conditioner-cleaner.html Thu, 09 Sep 2010 03:31:24 GMT I placed my first Geek order over the Labor Day weekend and was surprised to find out you guys do not carry Meguair's Detailer Leather Cleaner and Conditioner.

This has to be an error, right? Sad to say two different customer reps confirmed you don't.

I've been using it for years on all the leather in my cars and house including furniture and shoes. You carry the rest of the Detailer line, how tough could adding one more SKU be?

A gazillion products is no problem! A a gazzillion and one - oh hell no!

I want this:



Is it in stock yet?

Is it in stock yet?

Is it in stock yet?

Is it in stock yet?

Is it in stock yet?

Come on, I only have so much patience!Im the MAN ]]> Customer Comments XB70 http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/customer-comments/28605-what-no-meguiar-s-detailer-leather-conditioner-cleaner.html http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/28604-sonax-wheel-cleaner-refill.html Thu, 09 Sep 2010 03:19:17 GMT By any chance does anyone know when or have an idea when autogeek will have sonax's 5L refill in stock? mucho thank you amigo's! :xyxthumbs: ]]> Auto Detailing 101 svs http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/28604-sonax-wheel-cleaner-refill.html http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/28603-trading-feedback.html Thu, 09 Sep 2010 02:11:46 GMT Well, since from what I have sen, there have been a couple of people having problems trading some products, it seems like a good idea to have a place where people can check for some feedback, there for I'm creating this tread trying to help the forum a bit (Since up until now I have just been taking knowledge, I figure I could try to give something back...)

After a transaction, just add some info here, for example:

Your nick:_____
Items Sent:______
Traded with:The other person's nick
Items Received:_____

Descrive the transaction: Was the other person easy to deal with? Were the items as described? Would you deal with this person again?



Now, before you trade with someone, just come here and search for that person's nick using the "Search this tread" option





Hope this helps, maybe those that already had traded can add their feedback to get this going... ]]> Auto Detailing 101 ROMEO http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/28603-trading-feedback.html http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/new-car-care-products/28602-winners.html Thu, 09 Sep 2010 02:10:41 GMT What happened to the winners that was to be announced on Tuesday?Feed back please What happened to the winners that was to be announced on Tuesday?Feed back please ]]> New Car Care Products Rsurfer http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/new-car-care-products/28602-winners.html http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-garage-accessories/28601-need-part-max.html Thu, 09 Sep 2010 01:59:29 GMT I am having a very hard time finding a lighted rear license plate bracket. My Porsche doesnt have any bulbs on the car itself so I am stuck with the lighted bracket. My current one did not survive a recent impact with my shin. Now I cant drive at night. So, since I have been shopping with Max at the Driver's Seat since 1985 at the Cross County Mall in West Palm, I figured he or anyone else here could suggest a source. Google had failed me. There are plenty for Harley's. ]]> Auto and Garage Accessories Porsche Pilot http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-garage-accessories/28601-need-part-max.html http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/introduce-yourself/28600-first-post-first-detail-w-pics-hello-all.html Thu, 09 Sep 2010 01:30:47 GMT Just wanted to say hello to the Auto Geek community, and I'm so very glad to be a part of it. Special thanks to Mike Phillips for his instructional videos, they helped me tremendously with my first detail ever. Please, tell me what you guys think!


The whole car looked like this, you can see my test spot to the left and the untouched paint to the right.




















lol don't mind my face!































Couple things.......... I still have some polish residue here and there, I don't have a brush to clean off small cracks and whatnot, so there's still some compound dust lying around here and there in between cracks/small areas.

This car is an 03 with 73k miles on it. My front bumper is absolutely thrashed and I was not able to get much shine off it. So I settled with just removing swirls, and it made me happy. Too much road damage to really shine :(

There are a bunch of white spots all over the car, especially on my hood and my roof. These white spots would not come off no matter what I did. I haven't a clue what they are. They're not rock chips either. I have several of those on my hood, and I plan to fill them in with touch up paint soon.

The car was in incredibly bad condition before I did this....... I'm so pleased. This took me two full days. Polishing a black car is extremely difficult. I did not remove every imperfection. The car is swirl free, but there are still some nicks here and there that did not buff out completely (and these scratches were not down to the metal. They're removable, but I did not have an aggressive enough polish).

About halfway through doing this I got the hang of it. I found my own technique to remove swirls, by just using an orange pad as opposed to the more aggressive yellow. This made me really happy because my yellow pad started deteriorating on me.


I was delayed about a week because when I began, the orange pad I was using had completely snapped to my shock and surprise. I noticed as it was rotating there was a bulge on the edge of the pad and it confused me. People, be careful. I, being the n00b at all this, had the Porter Cable at the 6 speed setting and turned on the machine to inspect the pads rotation WITHOUT having it in contact with the car. It spun, way too fast, expanded, and snapped, sending a chunk of foam flying. It hit me slightly, and it actually hurt. So be careful, for those of you who want to detail. I bought a new orange pad, and yellow one along with it. And the yellow pad is now shot...... there's what I call a "crater" in the middle of the pad. It curves inwards, and is now too soft to be considered a cutting pad. I don't know why it happened, maybe I was applying too much pressure with it during the time I was using it.


It took forever, but the results are PHENOMENAL (to me, especially it being a Super Black 350Z and it's my first time polishing a car). Be patient, guys. So very patient.


I welcome any tips for future detailing. I still consider myself a big learner, I know I could have probably done better or had a better combination of products! I used mainly an orange pad + Menzerna Power Gloss for cutting, a green pad + Menzerna Power Finish for correcting the minor imperfections left behind after the aggressive polish, and Menzerna Super Finish + blue pad for final polish. Sealed it up with Menzerna Polymer Power Lock Sealant + black pad. :buffing: Waxed with Poorboy's Natty Blue Paste Wax, by hand application.



Mike Phillips, thank you. Your videos allowed me to do this. I hope to learn more from you. Thanks again, Auto Geek community :) ]]> Introduce Yourself MikeBit http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/introduce-yourself/28600-first-post-first-detail-w-pics-hello-all.html http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/28599-liquid-glass-question.html Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:34:21 GMT i have heard that it would enhance swirls, and i am not going to get around to polishing my own car anytime soon, i was just curious if i applied a glaze or something with fillers before i used the liquid glass if it would affect the adhesion or durability? and if all is well then could anyone recommend a good glaze or something with fillers i could use? i have heard that it would enhance swirls, and i am not going to get around to polishing my own car anytime soon, i was just curious if i applied a glaze or something with fillers before i used the liquid glass if it would affect the adhesion or durability? and if all is well then could anyone recommend a good glaze or something with fillers i could use? ]]> Auto Detailing 101 Bullitt AK http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/28599-liquid-glass-question.html http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/introduce-yourself/28598-hello-all.html Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:29:42 GMT I'm just another car nut who enjoys maintaining and my vehicles , I'm very impressed with the wealth of information here and hope to learn a little somrthing ]]> Introduce Yourself jm2c http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/introduce-yourself/28598-hello-all.html http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/28597-where-buy-2-oz-plastic-sample-bottles.html Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:24:32 GMT Are they available OTC, or will they have to be ordered online? Are they available OTC, or will they have to be ordered online? ]]> Auto Detailing 101 07 z-oh-6 http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/28597-where-buy-2-oz-plastic-sample-bottles.html http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/28596-applying-wax-sun-shade.html Wed, 08 Sep 2010 23:42:34 GMT Hey all is it not a good idea to apply a coat of wax on a hot day in the direct sunlight?

I've heard its not but then on other threads I see people talking about waiting cause its not sunny out?

Or does it not matter either way?

Thanks in advance. ]]> Auto Detailing 101 Kyanite393 http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/28596-applying-wax-sun-shade.html http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/introduce-yourself/28595-hello-poland.html Wed, 08 Sep 2010 22:23:02 GMT Hi guys
New here, I've been following the forums for quite a while, collecting cash for my first big order here (it's not that easy, international shipping, terrible currency exchange rate blabla).
But Now I've got it, and that's how it'll look like:

The Forum Favorite Kit
Pinnacle Ultra Poly Clay Special
Mega Applicator Combo Kit
Microfiber Towel Combo
Cobra Blue Micro-Chenille Wash Mitt
Professional Grit Guard
Cobra Indigo Microfiber Polishing Cloth 3 pack
Cobra Guzzler HD Waffle Weave Drying Towel, 16 x 24 inches
Meguiars Swirl X Swirl Remover
Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine 128 oz. New Formula!

I already have some stuff I bought in Polish stores (veery limited choice, almost double the price, so I've decided to buy here as much as possible and to order big, to compensate for shipping).

What I already have:
Sonax Wheel Cleaner
Meguiar's Gold Class Shampoo $ Conditioner
Some Sonax microfiber towels
Meguiar's hot shine tire spray

I've got a new VW Golf TDI 2010 in (most challenging) Deep Black Pearl. I've had it polished and detailed right after I bought it, so the paint is in perfect condition, sealed and protected (for now) but I decided I care for it too much to let somebody else detail my car, so now I'll be doing it myself. I've read all about washing, drying etc. on autogeek, so I think I'm ready. Once I order, receive and use all these products (am I missing anything?) I'll post pics. I'm waiting for the shipping costs evaluation right now, if it's too high I'll drop the ONR (the heaviest in my order) and try to buy buy a smaller bottle from some UK online store (it's not available in Poland, like most of those products...)

So, hi again ;) and you'll be hearing from me shortly, I hope. ]]> Introduce Yourself wicius http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/introduce-yourself/28595-hello-poland.html http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/discounts-specials/28594-griots-rollback-prices.html Wed, 08 Sep 2010 21:35:20 GMT

Till Sunday you can stock up on Griots Car Care at great prices!


Griot's Garage Car Care ]]> Discounts and Specials Meghan http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/discounts-specials/28594-griots-rollback-prices.html http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/28593-products-need-dry-car-wax-mentality.html Wed, 08 Sep 2010 21:15:03 GMT Which products need to dry – The Car Wax Mentality


When someone is new to detailing, there’s so much to know that it can easily become overwhelming, there’s different machines, different pads, different types of microfiber towels, a plethora of different waxes and paint sealants, different compounds and different polishes just to name a few of the various items a person is introduced to.


Over the years, teaching detailing classes and answering questions on detailing discussion forums, I made an observation that a lot of people new to detailing have what I call…

The Car Wax Mentality


Vague directions and limited real-estate
Here’s what I mean and this isn’t meant to be taken in any negative way, it’s simply an observation on my part about the confusion in the market place over paint care products. Keep in mind that for the largest portion of human history, we didn’t have the Internet and Discussion Forums to disseminate information to the masses.

Therefore until the Internet evolved there was no way to share with a wide range of people around the world, an article that explains which products need to dry and which products don’t need to dry. Thanks to the Internet… now we do have a way to share information instantly around the world.

Because there are so many players in the car wax industry, and thus hundreds of paint care products, most with only vague directions on how to use each product in part because of the limited amount of real-estate on product labels, people have what I call The Car Wax Mentality.


How The Car Wax Mentality works
Most people of car driving age, know the basics and the basics are,

• Wash and dry car
• Wax car, after wax has dried, wipe wax off

That’s about as basic as you can get. Without more specific information or clear directions, a lot of people assume the way you use a car wax is the same way you use all paint care products. That is, after using a compound, you let it dry and then wipe it off. After using a polish, you let it to dry and then wipe it off. This isn’t accurate as it applies to most pre-wax products.


The benefit is created when you work the product
The benefit to a compound, swirl mark remover, abrasive polish, abrasive cleaner/polish or abrasive paint cleaner is created when the product is physically worked against the surface of paint. When you apply these types of products with some type of buffing pad or applicator pad and apply pressure, you force the abrasives to engage the top coat of the paint and abrade it, or in simpler words… take little bites out of it, usually to remove defects, which are below the surface.


Apply, work and remove
Once you are finished removing the defects you can and should remove the product. The benefit from using these types of correction and polishing products is created when these products are worked against the finish. Once you're finished with removing defects on a panel, you're finished with the product... wipe it off...


No benefit just increased risk
Allowing compounds and polishes, paint cleaners, etc., to dry adds no further benefit and in most cases will make the product more difficult to remove. In some cases, some products will be so hard to remove that you will inflict toweling marks into the paint trying to fight the residue off.


Innocent mistakes and usually harmless
People treat non-wax products like wax innocently because they just don’t know any better so their approach comes from the car wax mentality. In most cases you won’t hurt anything by allowing a compound or swirl mark remover dry, you’ll just waste time and make wipe-off more difficult.


Like dissolves like…
If by chance you ever find you’re self in a position where you or someone you know has let a non-drying product dry and the residue is now like trying to remove dried concrete of your car’s paint, you can usually remove the dried residue using an old technique, based upon the idea that like dissolves like, that is if you have let a compound dry on the paint and now you find it difficult to remove, re-apply the compound using it heavy or wet and the wetness of the product, because it’s compatible with the dried residue will often times re-wet it enough to make wipe-off easier.


A good rule of thumb
Generally speaking the above is correct, that is compounds, polishes, cleaner/polishes, swirl mark removers, paint cleaners, and pre-wax cleaners don’t normally need to dry.


Exceptions to the rule
The directions for products formulated for the retail or consumer/enthusiast market can be all over the board, so always read the directions first to see how the product is supposed to be removed. You will either remove the residue after applying and working it over the paint while it's still wet or you will allow it to dry to haze and then wipe it off dry. So be sure to always read the manufactures directions before using any product and if in doubt… contact the manufacture.


Waxes that don’t need to dry
In recent years, modern waxes have been introduced that don’t have to dry before removing, these are called WOWO products because you simply Wipe On, then Wipe Off the residue, there’s no need to let the product dry.


Drying Waxes
Historically, most car wax directions direct you to let the wax dry before removing because it’s through the drying process that the protection ingredients bond or adhere to the paint. Then, after they have dried, you wipe off the excess residue.


Do not disturb
Regardless of which type of wax or paint sealant you use, after removing the excess product and giving the paint a final wipe, a good “Best Practice” is to STOP wiping the paint and thus stop disturbing the protection ingredients and give the protection ingredients time to fully set-up.

Think about it... microfiber towels are famous for their performance when it comes to wiping-off waxes and paint sealants... if you wipe too much before the protection ingredients have fully set-up, you're disrupting these substances and with a microfiber towel.. you're wiping them off the surface you just applied them to.

So STOP after the final wipe and back away from the car.


Here's a few examples but by no means exhaustive of the product inventory offered by Autogeek.net


These products do not have to dry...


These products are supposed to dry...


These products do not have to dry...




:) ]]> Hot topics and Frequently asked questions Mike.Phillips@Autogeek http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/28593-products-need-dry-car-wax-mentality.html