wireeater
06-23-2014, 09:18 AM
*Warning, I tend to be an over detailed person when talking... it's going to be long*
I just figured I'd start a formal introduction before I start plastering my questions and opinions over the forum.
First off, this site is by far one of the most informative sites when it comes to detailing cars. It's also very easy to find what you need and there seems to be some very valuable members here (regulars) who always pop up in threads offering advice.
My name is Rich and I have always enjoyed cleaning my cars. To me it's a stress reliever. Other people don't understand and see why I like it. I am a car guy so this is one on one bonding time with a vehicle. The other reason I enjoy detailing cars would be because it provides almost instant gratification, as an impatient person sometimes that is a great thing to have. I love to work on things that truly show off the results of your hard work.
Of course people outside of the realm of caring for cars might view me as being maybe a little obsessed, over doer, insane when it comes to my cars. I'm sure many as myself always get some sort of snarky comment from family, friends and neighbors about how much time we spend keeping our cars clean. "You're going to wash the paint off that thing!"... we've all heard that one right...
I will say, prior past with my cars a was more into cleaning them where as now I am matured into someone better than that and I detail my cars. I used to be one bucket, one rag, wash, dry & happy. Now it's much more than that. Now I find myself squatting to catch just the right amount of light to reflect from the clear of the car to see if any marks, swirls or scratches exist in the clear. I pay extra attention to what I am putting in my buckets and on my car.
I recently had a 2012 Subaru Impreza WRX that I purchased used last year with 15k miles. While it was a clean car, it had it's flaws from the previous washes it received. There is always something about owning a car that you didn't know absolutely everything about it. So after 51k miles (yes I drive a lot which requires me to care for the exterior of my car) I traded it in at the beginning of the month for a brand new 2015 Subaru WRX in the limited trim (leather, moon roof, among other little features). The color is what is now called Crystal White Pearl.
Upon purchasing the car (dealer ordered, on the lot with 88 miles after I put 15 on it during the test) I asked for them not to wash it. I was still learning from my previous car and figured I'd try my best to give this car exactly what it needed. Off the lot I ran it through a touch-less car wash just to get it a little wet and cleaned. Once I got it home I was able to give it some TLC with a two bucket wash and a fresh wools lamb mitt. Overall the car looked pretty good, had some marks from adhesive on the roof and some sticker glue on the handles. The paint looked good but did have some swirls and marring.
My original plans were to get XPEL installed onto the front but I just can't justify the price honestly. I know if you want to protect your paint you have to invest money into it but it just seemed too much out of pocket. So my plans moved to Opti Coat which I was reading about on here. Watched some videos on Youtube on application and benefits and was sold.
So I made a few calls to certified installers in the area and was blown away by the cost. 800-900$ installed which put me right in the same spot. Reading around, most people commented why it costs as much as it does, which comes to the labor and prep. Challenge accepted.
I purchased a HF DA Polisher (which I think is AWESOME for the price) a few months ago along with some polishes so I knew I was half way there with supplies. Watched more videos and asked a few people who I had known used the product before and what was needed. Ordered the rest of the supplies I knew I would need along with the Opti Coat 2.0 from Amazon.
Waited a week for a day I knew I'd have time because I was prepared for a long day. I was able to start the process this past Thursday. I started at 12:30PM and finished up around 8PM. Worked pretty much nonstop throughout that time. The worst was being in my garage with the door closed (didn't want to have any contaminants blow inside).
I started with a rinse then 2 bucket w/guards wash. After washing the car I gave it a quick wipe with a California water blade & microfiber towel. I then pulled it inside of my garage and started claying the car. After a full clay I pulled it back outside and gave it another wash with some mothers car wash and conditioner and another dry. Pull the car back in and went to work on the paint correction. The worst spot seemed to be the hood. While it wasn't bad, there were some scratches on it (light). Taped off the trim and I started with Ultimate Compound using a 6" green CG hex pad. I did a full pass on the whole car, inspected and hit a few spots over until I was satisfied with the results.
Then I went with a white hex pad and M205. I made a few passes on the hood and felt that maybe the white was too aggressive for final polish so I stepped it down to a black hex pad. I did a full pass on the car, inspected and touched as needed. I inspected with the LED on phone as well as some halogen work lights. Everything seemed to look perfect. That feeling of seeing a car absolutely perfect...
I then did a IPA wipe down using a recipe I found on here for 70% IPA. After the wipe down I used new CG microfiber towels to blot and dry, while making sure I was not marring up the clear.
After being satisfied I started the application of OC. I used the non-latex glove trick where you wrap the applicator inside of the glove and put a shop towel around it to apply the OC. When I first started I did not understand how that 20CC would do a car until I actually applied it. It went on really smooth and although my lighting was not the best, I was able to see the high spots and remove them. I did a 2nd light pass just to make sure I hit everything then followed with a MF towel around 8 minutes later to remove excess. Hit the rims and I was done.
I was worn out but extremely happy with the results and the fact that I was able to do this myself. I ended up with about 12CC left of the OC so I may offer to do someone else’s car and maybe at least make my money back on all the supplies I've purchased in the past few months for detailing.
Here is a video (was getting dark) of a walk around on the front of the car with the phone LED. Look at the paint pop!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6VZWetoLLI
It rained Saturday so I wanted to go out and see it in action, awesome beading!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/wireeater/20140621_193257_zpsju3wmez1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wireeater/media/20140621_193257_zpsju3wmez1.jpg.html)
I let the car cure for a few days and finally got to wash it yesterday and get some decent pictures.
First off, the fruit of my hard labor, that reflection...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/wireeater/IMG_9632_zpsb9774334.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wireeater/media/IMG_9632_zpsb9774334.jpg.html)
A nice shot of the pearl showing up,
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/wireeater/IMG_9635_zps0240059e.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wireeater/media/IMG_9635_zps0240059e.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/wireeater/IMG_9617_zps834a7697.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wireeater/media/IMG_9617_zps834a7697.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/wireeater/IMG_9611_zps3c9e84e5.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wireeater/media/IMG_9611_zps3c9e84e5.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/wireeater/IMG_9610_zps5dc1dc2b.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wireeater/media/IMG_9610_zps5dc1dc2b.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/wireeater/IMG_9609_zps416bf4bd.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wireeater/media/IMG_9609_zps416bf4bd.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/wireeater/IMG_9605_zps5d03d8b4.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wireeater/media/IMG_9605_zps5d03d8b4.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/wireeater/IMG_9602_zps9745a69e.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wireeater/media/IMG_9602_zps9745a69e.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/wireeater/IMG_9593_zps363e0a09.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wireeater/media/IMG_9593_zps363e0a09.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/wireeater/IMG_9584_zps65764b89.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wireeater/media/IMG_9584_zps65764b89.jpg.html)
I just figured I'd start a formal introduction before I start plastering my questions and opinions over the forum.
First off, this site is by far one of the most informative sites when it comes to detailing cars. It's also very easy to find what you need and there seems to be some very valuable members here (regulars) who always pop up in threads offering advice.
My name is Rich and I have always enjoyed cleaning my cars. To me it's a stress reliever. Other people don't understand and see why I like it. I am a car guy so this is one on one bonding time with a vehicle. The other reason I enjoy detailing cars would be because it provides almost instant gratification, as an impatient person sometimes that is a great thing to have. I love to work on things that truly show off the results of your hard work.
Of course people outside of the realm of caring for cars might view me as being maybe a little obsessed, over doer, insane when it comes to my cars. I'm sure many as myself always get some sort of snarky comment from family, friends and neighbors about how much time we spend keeping our cars clean. "You're going to wash the paint off that thing!"... we've all heard that one right...
I will say, prior past with my cars a was more into cleaning them where as now I am matured into someone better than that and I detail my cars. I used to be one bucket, one rag, wash, dry & happy. Now it's much more than that. Now I find myself squatting to catch just the right amount of light to reflect from the clear of the car to see if any marks, swirls or scratches exist in the clear. I pay extra attention to what I am putting in my buckets and on my car.
I recently had a 2012 Subaru Impreza WRX that I purchased used last year with 15k miles. While it was a clean car, it had it's flaws from the previous washes it received. There is always something about owning a car that you didn't know absolutely everything about it. So after 51k miles (yes I drive a lot which requires me to care for the exterior of my car) I traded it in at the beginning of the month for a brand new 2015 Subaru WRX in the limited trim (leather, moon roof, among other little features). The color is what is now called Crystal White Pearl.
Upon purchasing the car (dealer ordered, on the lot with 88 miles after I put 15 on it during the test) I asked for them not to wash it. I was still learning from my previous car and figured I'd try my best to give this car exactly what it needed. Off the lot I ran it through a touch-less car wash just to get it a little wet and cleaned. Once I got it home I was able to give it some TLC with a two bucket wash and a fresh wools lamb mitt. Overall the car looked pretty good, had some marks from adhesive on the roof and some sticker glue on the handles. The paint looked good but did have some swirls and marring.
My original plans were to get XPEL installed onto the front but I just can't justify the price honestly. I know if you want to protect your paint you have to invest money into it but it just seemed too much out of pocket. So my plans moved to Opti Coat which I was reading about on here. Watched some videos on Youtube on application and benefits and was sold.
So I made a few calls to certified installers in the area and was blown away by the cost. 800-900$ installed which put me right in the same spot. Reading around, most people commented why it costs as much as it does, which comes to the labor and prep. Challenge accepted.
I purchased a HF DA Polisher (which I think is AWESOME for the price) a few months ago along with some polishes so I knew I was half way there with supplies. Watched more videos and asked a few people who I had known used the product before and what was needed. Ordered the rest of the supplies I knew I would need along with the Opti Coat 2.0 from Amazon.
Waited a week for a day I knew I'd have time because I was prepared for a long day. I was able to start the process this past Thursday. I started at 12:30PM and finished up around 8PM. Worked pretty much nonstop throughout that time. The worst was being in my garage with the door closed (didn't want to have any contaminants blow inside).
I started with a rinse then 2 bucket w/guards wash. After washing the car I gave it a quick wipe with a California water blade & microfiber towel. I then pulled it inside of my garage and started claying the car. After a full clay I pulled it back outside and gave it another wash with some mothers car wash and conditioner and another dry. Pull the car back in and went to work on the paint correction. The worst spot seemed to be the hood. While it wasn't bad, there were some scratches on it (light). Taped off the trim and I started with Ultimate Compound using a 6" green CG hex pad. I did a full pass on the whole car, inspected and hit a few spots over until I was satisfied with the results.
Then I went with a white hex pad and M205. I made a few passes on the hood and felt that maybe the white was too aggressive for final polish so I stepped it down to a black hex pad. I did a full pass on the car, inspected and touched as needed. I inspected with the LED on phone as well as some halogen work lights. Everything seemed to look perfect. That feeling of seeing a car absolutely perfect...
I then did a IPA wipe down using a recipe I found on here for 70% IPA. After the wipe down I used new CG microfiber towels to blot and dry, while making sure I was not marring up the clear.
After being satisfied I started the application of OC. I used the non-latex glove trick where you wrap the applicator inside of the glove and put a shop towel around it to apply the OC. When I first started I did not understand how that 20CC would do a car until I actually applied it. It went on really smooth and although my lighting was not the best, I was able to see the high spots and remove them. I did a 2nd light pass just to make sure I hit everything then followed with a MF towel around 8 minutes later to remove excess. Hit the rims and I was done.
I was worn out but extremely happy with the results and the fact that I was able to do this myself. I ended up with about 12CC left of the OC so I may offer to do someone else’s car and maybe at least make my money back on all the supplies I've purchased in the past few months for detailing.
Here is a video (was getting dark) of a walk around on the front of the car with the phone LED. Look at the paint pop!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6VZWetoLLI
It rained Saturday so I wanted to go out and see it in action, awesome beading!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/wireeater/20140621_193257_zpsju3wmez1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wireeater/media/20140621_193257_zpsju3wmez1.jpg.html)
I let the car cure for a few days and finally got to wash it yesterday and get some decent pictures.
First off, the fruit of my hard labor, that reflection...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/wireeater/IMG_9632_zpsb9774334.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wireeater/media/IMG_9632_zpsb9774334.jpg.html)
A nice shot of the pearl showing up,
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/wireeater/IMG_9635_zps0240059e.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wireeater/media/IMG_9635_zps0240059e.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/wireeater/IMG_9617_zps834a7697.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wireeater/media/IMG_9617_zps834a7697.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/wireeater/IMG_9611_zps3c9e84e5.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wireeater/media/IMG_9611_zps3c9e84e5.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/wireeater/IMG_9610_zps5dc1dc2b.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wireeater/media/IMG_9610_zps5dc1dc2b.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/wireeater/IMG_9609_zps416bf4bd.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wireeater/media/IMG_9609_zps416bf4bd.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/wireeater/IMG_9605_zps5d03d8b4.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wireeater/media/IMG_9605_zps5d03d8b4.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/wireeater/IMG_9602_zps9745a69e.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wireeater/media/IMG_9602_zps9745a69e.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/wireeater/IMG_9593_zps363e0a09.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wireeater/media/IMG_9593_zps363e0a09.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/wireeater/IMG_9584_zps65764b89.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wireeater/media/IMG_9584_zps65764b89.jpg.html)