Perfectly Cleaned’s Detailing Guide
General
Our product portfolio promotes many different types of products from various Manufacturers; some complete the same roles but may vary in price, performance and ease of use.
Why do Products differ?
The choice of actual product tends to be based on personal preference and affordability, but to clarify we don’t stock anything that doesn’t do a good job!
The 5 Basic Stages
Here we summarise the 5 basic steps to achieving the ultimate paintwork finish;
1.0 Wash
Washing is extremely important to in order to remove the grime, dirt and dust currently on your paintwork. The use of a Pressure Washer is recommended, a sponge is not! At all times we want to protect the paintwork not scratch it!
Pre Wash product can be used, such and Snow Foams, All Purpose Cleaners and Traffic Film Removers (TFR’s). These products all serve to lift the dirt, grime and dust from the paintwork without ‘rubbing’ them off; further protecting the paintwork.
Ideally use the ‘two bucket’ wash method. As its name suggests this uses 2 buckets when washing, one for clean shampoo wash and the other for rinse water. Apply shampoo wash to the paintwork from the clean bucket using a microfibre or lambs wool wash mitt and rinse the mitt in the other bucket, then back to the shampoo wash bucket. The use of a bucket grit guard is recommended to ensure that any grit particles are retained at the bottom of the wash bucket, again protecting the paintwork.
Always dry with a microfibre following the panel lines not in a circular motion. A microfibre traps any particles within its structure keeping the paint protected, following the panel lines ensures there is nothing ‘swirling’ the paintwork.
There is a pattern of looking after the paintwork emerging here!
2.0 Clean
It is always recommended to thoroughly clean and ‘clay’ the paintwork before undertaking any polishing, sealant and wax application.
Cleaning the paintwork involves removing anything that shouldn’t be there; tar, glue, tree sap and general atmospheric fallout. Use a specialised Tar and Glue remover where necessary ensuring manufacturer’s instructions are followed at all times.
‘Claying’ involves using a product which will remove the bonded contaminant from the paintwork leaving the surface as smooth as glass. All clays require a lubricant to assist over the paintwork; some require a specialised lubricant where others work with water. The best way to assess if claying is necessary is to run your fingers over the paintwork – if it feels ‘rough’ it needs claying.
Once these stages have been completed we have a good place to start in perfecting the paintwork.
Remember that the best possible finish is achieved by good preparation!
3.0 Perfect
The paintwork is now washed and cleaned and its overall condition can be assessed. The paintwork may be perfect but that is unlikely unless you followed this guide last week! Even factory new cars often have a degree of ‘orange peel’ that can be removed to provide a better finish.
The paintwork is likely to have scratches and swirls, caused by general use and washing, that can be removed or greatly improved. However, as a guide, if you can feel a scratch with your fingernail it cannot be removed by polishing alone.
There are two ways to polish; by hand or by machine. Hand polishing is very labour intensive whilst machine polishing speeds this process – but at an obvious cost.
Machine polishing again falls into 2 methods; Dual Action Polishing or Rotary Polishing. Dual Action (DA) polishers operate by rotating the polishing head in random orbits about its centre point, this ensures that the pad is not in a single position point of contact for longer than necessary whilst still acting upon the surface; this method of polishing is very safe but may take longer than rotary polishing to achieved the desired results.
Rotary Polishers operate on a single orbit meaning the pad stays in contact with the same point on the paintwork until you move it. This provides quicker results than dual Action polishing but you may risk paint ‘burn through’ unless you move constantly and evenly over the paintwork.
When machine polishing work an area of about 60x60cm at a time; starting with the least abrasive compound first on a test area - you may possibly achieve the desired results first time. If the least abrasive compound does not work then grade up to the next compound until desired results are achieved – then use that grade on the entire car. Always best to remove less than more!
Polish always contains a degree of abrasive and ‘cuts’ away paintwork and clear coat to remove swirls/scratches. Polishing and Waxing are different processes, although some products offer an all ‘all in one ability’; this is generally for speed of application rather than results.
Glaze - some Glazes contain filler that can ‘hide’ swirls or blemishes, however it only conceals and does not permanently remove them. Poorboys Black Hole is a prime example of a Glaze for darker coloured cars.
4.0 Protect
With the paintwork now in its best condition its needs protecting. This can be completed as a single process or a two step process. As a single process you can protect with wax alone, or as a two step process use Sealant and then Wax.
Sealant
Sealant is a synthetic product that creates an additional level of protection to the paintwork. This stage will assist in providing the ultimate finish. Sealants are available as sprays or liquids, pure or with added Carnauba.
Wax
Waxing is the process of applying a final protection layer to the paintwork. Waxes are developed from natural materials and many contain Carnauba Waxes. Waxes are available in soft, hard or liquid forms and can be coloured to specifically enhance dark, warm or light coloured cars. There are also waxes with very few additives just for the purists! Waxing adds protection to the paint and is generally the last stage of protection; often products in this category are referred to as LSP’s (Last Stage Protection).
Apply by hand (literally), foam applicator or by machine. Buff off by machine or microfibre. Wax can be applied in multiple layers but remember to leave the layers to cure before buffing.
Building up ‘layers’ can often provide a greater depth of shine to the paintwork creating what is known as a ‘wet’ look. This is often the look people strive to have! – this is all achieved by good preparation.
At this point you can also use a Wheel Sealant to protect the alloys and dress the tyres for a final finish.
You should now have paintwork to be proud of!
5.0 Maintain
In order to maintain the finish of your paintwork it is advisable to regularly use a Quick Detailer such as Meguiars Last Touch or Poorboys QD+.
Quick Detailing Sprays are a maintenance product for the removal of surface dust, finger marks and also as a drying aid; most common use is for a quick final preparation typically when a conventional wash is not required. QD sprays are also commonly used as a lubricant when using detailing clay. Some QD sprays also contain a degree of wax to further enhance and protect the paintwork.
Always apply as a spray and wipe off with a microfibre cloth.
Remove Bird droppings quickly as they tend to be very acidic.
The next time you wash and clean your vehicle you will notice how much easier it has become, the dirt now has a hard job of holding onto the paintwork!
The 5 basics steps above can now be broken down into a detailed work plan as shown below. You can tackle these tasks in manageable stages or as a single job and all are achieveable without professional assistance.
Full Enhancement Work Plan
Weekly Maintenance Plan
We trust this guide helps and look forward to welcoming you as a customer soon!
©2012 Danesfield Ltd t/a Perfectly Cleaned
General
Our product portfolio promotes many different types of products from various Manufacturers; some complete the same roles but may vary in price, performance and ease of use.
Why do Products differ?
- Dilution Ratio – different products have the ability to dilute to varying degrees whilst maintaining their working effectiveness. You may pay more for a product but it may also last significantly longer!
- Detergent content – all cleaning agents are based around detergents, some of a higher concentration than others. Some products a pH friendly mixture whilst others are high in detergent content and may remove previously applied wax.
- Sheeting agent, this enhances the products ability to ‘remove’ water from its surface.
- Wax content. The addition of a wax to a product allows a greater level of ‘one step’ finish to the process.
- Abrasive qualities. Polishes and scratch/swirl removers differ in their ability to ‘cut’ the paintwork.
- Smell.
- Application properties. Certain products can be applied in direct sunlight whereas others cannot.
The choice of actual product tends to be based on personal preference and affordability, but to clarify we don’t stock anything that doesn’t do a good job!
The 5 Basic Stages
Here we summarise the 5 basic steps to achieving the ultimate paintwork finish;
1.0 Wash
Washing is extremely important to in order to remove the grime, dirt and dust currently on your paintwork. The use of a Pressure Washer is recommended, a sponge is not! At all times we want to protect the paintwork not scratch it!
Pre Wash product can be used, such and Snow Foams, All Purpose Cleaners and Traffic Film Removers (TFR’s). These products all serve to lift the dirt, grime and dust from the paintwork without ‘rubbing’ them off; further protecting the paintwork.
Ideally use the ‘two bucket’ wash method. As its name suggests this uses 2 buckets when washing, one for clean shampoo wash and the other for rinse water. Apply shampoo wash to the paintwork from the clean bucket using a microfibre or lambs wool wash mitt and rinse the mitt in the other bucket, then back to the shampoo wash bucket. The use of a bucket grit guard is recommended to ensure that any grit particles are retained at the bottom of the wash bucket, again protecting the paintwork.
Always dry with a microfibre following the panel lines not in a circular motion. A microfibre traps any particles within its structure keeping the paint protected, following the panel lines ensures there is nothing ‘swirling’ the paintwork.
There is a pattern of looking after the paintwork emerging here!
2.0 Clean
It is always recommended to thoroughly clean and ‘clay’ the paintwork before undertaking any polishing, sealant and wax application.
Cleaning the paintwork involves removing anything that shouldn’t be there; tar, glue, tree sap and general atmospheric fallout. Use a specialised Tar and Glue remover where necessary ensuring manufacturer’s instructions are followed at all times.
‘Claying’ involves using a product which will remove the bonded contaminant from the paintwork leaving the surface as smooth as glass. All clays require a lubricant to assist over the paintwork; some require a specialised lubricant where others work with water. The best way to assess if claying is necessary is to run your fingers over the paintwork – if it feels ‘rough’ it needs claying.
Once these stages have been completed we have a good place to start in perfecting the paintwork.
Remember that the best possible finish is achieved by good preparation!
3.0 Perfect
The paintwork is now washed and cleaned and its overall condition can be assessed. The paintwork may be perfect but that is unlikely unless you followed this guide last week! Even factory new cars often have a degree of ‘orange peel’ that can be removed to provide a better finish.
The paintwork is likely to have scratches and swirls, caused by general use and washing, that can be removed or greatly improved. However, as a guide, if you can feel a scratch with your fingernail it cannot be removed by polishing alone.
There are two ways to polish; by hand or by machine. Hand polishing is very labour intensive whilst machine polishing speeds this process – but at an obvious cost.
Machine polishing again falls into 2 methods; Dual Action Polishing or Rotary Polishing. Dual Action (DA) polishers operate by rotating the polishing head in random orbits about its centre point, this ensures that the pad is not in a single position point of contact for longer than necessary whilst still acting upon the surface; this method of polishing is very safe but may take longer than rotary polishing to achieved the desired results.
Rotary Polishers operate on a single orbit meaning the pad stays in contact with the same point on the paintwork until you move it. This provides quicker results than dual Action polishing but you may risk paint ‘burn through’ unless you move constantly and evenly over the paintwork.
When machine polishing work an area of about 60x60cm at a time; starting with the least abrasive compound first on a test area - you may possibly achieve the desired results first time. If the least abrasive compound does not work then grade up to the next compound until desired results are achieved – then use that grade on the entire car. Always best to remove less than more!
Polish always contains a degree of abrasive and ‘cuts’ away paintwork and clear coat to remove swirls/scratches. Polishing and Waxing are different processes, although some products offer an all ‘all in one ability’; this is generally for speed of application rather than results.
Glaze - some Glazes contain filler that can ‘hide’ swirls or blemishes, however it only conceals and does not permanently remove them. Poorboys Black Hole is a prime example of a Glaze for darker coloured cars.
4.0 Protect
With the paintwork now in its best condition its needs protecting. This can be completed as a single process or a two step process. As a single process you can protect with wax alone, or as a two step process use Sealant and then Wax.
Sealant
Sealant is a synthetic product that creates an additional level of protection to the paintwork. This stage will assist in providing the ultimate finish. Sealants are available as sprays or liquids, pure or with added Carnauba.
Wax
Waxing is the process of applying a final protection layer to the paintwork. Waxes are developed from natural materials and many contain Carnauba Waxes. Waxes are available in soft, hard or liquid forms and can be coloured to specifically enhance dark, warm or light coloured cars. There are also waxes with very few additives just for the purists! Waxing adds protection to the paint and is generally the last stage of protection; often products in this category are referred to as LSP’s (Last Stage Protection).
Apply by hand (literally), foam applicator or by machine. Buff off by machine or microfibre. Wax can be applied in multiple layers but remember to leave the layers to cure before buffing.
Building up ‘layers’ can often provide a greater depth of shine to the paintwork creating what is known as a ‘wet’ look. This is often the look people strive to have! – this is all achieved by good preparation.
At this point you can also use a Wheel Sealant to protect the alloys and dress the tyres for a final finish.
You should now have paintwork to be proud of!
5.0 Maintain
In order to maintain the finish of your paintwork it is advisable to regularly use a Quick Detailer such as Meguiars Last Touch or Poorboys QD+.
Quick Detailing Sprays are a maintenance product for the removal of surface dust, finger marks and also as a drying aid; most common use is for a quick final preparation typically when a conventional wash is not required. QD sprays are also commonly used as a lubricant when using detailing clay. Some QD sprays also contain a degree of wax to further enhance and protect the paintwork.
Always apply as a spray and wipe off with a microfibre cloth.
Remove Bird droppings quickly as they tend to be very acidic.
The next time you wash and clean your vehicle you will notice how much easier it has become, the dirt now has a hard job of holding onto the paintwork!
The 5 basics steps above can now be broken down into a detailed work plan as shown below. You can tackle these tasks in manageable stages or as a single job and all are achieveable without professional assistance.
Full Enhancement Work Plan
- Inspection of exterior paint work to understand extent of work required.
- Pre-clean using HD Pressure traffic film remover and/or snow foam.
- Clean Wheel arches, Door and Boot shuts using All Purpose Cleaner.
- Clean Wheels with safe products to remove brake dust and grime.
- Rinse off with a pressure washer.
- Hand wash bodywork using a shampoo and the two bucket wash method.
- Rinse off with a pressure washer.
- Remove any bug, tar and grease deposits from bodywork using specialist cleaner.
- Remove exterior paint contaminates using specialised clay bar.
- Quick hand wash and rinse off with a pressure washer.
- Dry off bodywork by hand using microfibre drying towel and water displacer.
- Machine Polishing / Paint Correction (or achieveable by hand)
- Paint Cleanse and Pre Wax preparation.
- Polish / Swirl removal where necessary.
- Application of Filler / Glaze.
- Hand Application of Sealant.
- Seal and protect wheels.
- Hand Application of Wax.
- Clean and dress all exterior plastics.
- Dress arches, tyres and mudflaps.
- Remove and discard all interior rubbish, empty ashtrays where applicable.
- Remove all interior mats.
- Clean all interior surfaces including door panels, dashboard and pedals.
- Clean headlining and Sunvisors.
- Vacuum and shampoo all carpets including luggage area and removable mats.
- Fabric seats will be shampooed; Leather seats will be cleaned and conditioned.
- Treat all carpets, fabric seats etc will be treated with a fabric protector.
- Treat dashboard and door trims with matt finish vinyl dressing.
- Treat leather seats.
- Clean and Polish Windows (Inside and out).
- Deodorise interior if necessary.
Weekly Maintenance Plan
- Pre-clean using HD Pressure traffic film remover and/or snow foam.
- Clean Wheel arches, Door and Boot shuts using All Purpose Cleaner.
- Clean Wheels with safe products to remove brake dust and grime.
- Rinse off with a pressure washer.
- Hand wash bodywork using the two bucket wash method.
- Rinse off with a pressure washer.
- Dry off bodywork by hand using microfibre drying towel and water displacer.
- Clean and dress all exterior plastics.
- Dress arches, tyres and mud flaps.
- Remove and discard all interior rubbish, empty ashtrays where applicable.
- Clean all interior surfaces including door panels, dashboard and pedals.
- Vacuum all carpets including luggage area and removable mats.
- Clean and Polish Windows (Inside and out).
We trust this guide helps and look forward to welcoming you as a customer soon!
©2012 Danesfield Ltd t/a Perfectly Cleaned