toniotran

I wanted to ask you s2ki members here, which type of products do you use when you detail your car. I was planning to detail my car when I get a chance to when the rain stops hopefully, my car has swirl marks and scratches and the paint seems to feel a bit rough. A little input on how to maintain my berlina, such as list of favorite products used and processes would be greatly appreciated, thx

Vanishing Point

toniotran, here's a good place to start with your need for information.

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=221878

toniotran

Thanks, I'm actually checking it out as we speak.

The only thing that I haven't really found was how to remove water spots on paint and carbon fiber

Vanishing Point

^ A clay bar and detailing spray will remove all but the worst water spots.

wanabe

good questions... some basic info:
clay is great at removing "embedded" contaminents (when you paint feels rough to the touch- like the back of your fingers), and polish is for removing swirls and light blemishes that you can see.

water spot removal really depends on how quickly you get to the spots and just how hard the water is that is spotting. if you can get them immediately, then a detailers spray usually will do the trick. if they sit a little while, a vinegar bath can get them off. if they sit too long, or the water spots "etch" the paint (you can catch an edge with a fingernail), a polish is your only solution. as vanishing point mentions, clay can also be helpful for water spots. water spots can require more than one solution sometimes...

toniotran

^^ Thanks guys so much for your helpful suggestions. I will definitely try to use multiple methods to try remove the water spots.

-about the vinegar technique is it safe to use straight vinegar or does it have to be diluted with water to reduce acid concentration?

MuttGrunt

^most def look through the stickies and check out some of the recent posts to see what's being used the most. keep in mind there r a lot of great products out there, and with certain sites, some tend to be more popular than others. g/l and u have a community of washNwax nuts to help if ur stuck!

wanabe

you can dilute it, but i use it straight...
just try to keep it in the area that you are working (dont get it on badges or rubber if possible- rinsing with plain water and then washing with car shampoo will usually take care of any overspill).

hey, ran across this from our member autopia :

http://www.mydailydriver.com/driveway/swirl-marks