Detailing Questions-Answered

[GrnBullitt08]

Pad conditioner with the 105 will help with dusting.

 

[28ONE]

How often do u change pads, after each 2x2 or every other? I noticed my pads getting dirty pretty quick but then again probably all the crap I had on there before.

 

[00blkvert]

I clean mine with apc after each panel spin it dry and let it sit until I get back to that 1 again

 

[28ONE]

I know this go around, I used 5 cyan & 6 tangerine pads for the whole car. I have a bucket with snappy pad cleaner and as they get dirty I throw them in, let it sit for a minute, rinse then spin dry. Would love one of them pad cleaner buckets, hard to justify the cost though of $120. About to go put on this PBL Sealant, trying to get done before football starts...

 

[00blkvert]

Ya I hate pad cleaning. but I don't think a bucket is worth it especially for a 120 dollars. you can probably rig something up with an extra bucket and grit guard honestly for 20. The only difference would be it wouldn't have a spring.

Something like a 5 gallon bucket screw the grit guard with some silicon to seal it and trim the lid. hmmm I might try this

 

[GrnBullitt08]

How often do u change pads, after each 2x2 or every other? I noticed my pads getting dirty pretty quick but then again probably all the crap I had on there before.

It really depends on the condition of the paint. I've had to swap pads every panel when it is in really poor condition, but on my car I don't swap very often due to how clean the paint is. I was swapping every 3-4 panels this last time around unless the pad became saturated.

I most just had to re-finish and remove some swirls with SF4500 (with White Pad) this time around with the occasional use of FG400 (with Orange Pad) in a few areas, followed by a final Jeweling with SF4500 ( with Red Pad), glaze, then a couple coats of Blacklight.... I've yet to seal or wax since I have my car apart working on HIDs and suspension stuff.

 

[GrnBullitt08]

Ya I hate pad cleaning. but I don't think a bucket is worth it especially for a 120 dollars. you can probably rig something up with an extra bucket and grit guard honestly for 20. The only difference would be it wouldn't have a spring.

Something like a 5 gallon bucket screw the grit guard with some silicon to seal it and trim the lid. hmmm I might try this

I use CG: Pad Cleaner, it works great when it comes to removing the grime on the pad, makes cleaning them simple.

 

[00blkvert]

I use CG: Pad Cleaner, it works great when it comes to removing the grime on the pad, makes cleaning them simple.

I think I'm pretty lucky for my pads. I use Meg's ACP spray it and rub it in. I have one of those hair stylist sinks in my garage with one of those sprayers I just rub it against the pad and works wonders. But mobile wise I think a cleaner bucket would come in handy.

I think I may make my own bucket and test it out worst case I'll have an extra grit guard and I'll plug the screw holes and have an extra bucket.

 

[GrnBullitt08]

I think I'm pretty lucky for my pads. I use Meg's ACP spray it and rub it in. I have one of those hair stylist sinks in my garage with one of those sprayers I just rub it against the pad and works wonders. But mobile wise I think a cleaner bucket would come in handy.

I think I may make my own bucket and test it out worst case I'll have an extra grit guard and I'll plug the screw holes and have an extra bucket.

I have had good luck as well with pad life. Occasionally I'll catch one on an emblem or corner and damaged it, but other than that I can get decent use from them for the $$$.

I'm reconditioning the gel coat on our offshore racing catamaran now, the gel coat burns the pads up fairly fast and is a little tougher to correct.

 

[00blkvert]

Ya I think the pads last depending on how well you maintain them.

I've heard boats are a lot harder I honestly don't think I would be even interested in doing a boat just based on how hard the gel coat is.

 

[GrnBullitt08]

Ya I think the pads last depending on how well you maintain them.

I've heard boats are a lot harder I honestly don't think I would be even interested in doing a boat just based on how hard the gel coat is.

Yeah you think a car takes awhile... Try a 33' boat lol

 

[00blkvert]

I bet. I kind of have a boat but once I get it to my house then I might give it ago but it's probably only 15-20ft. I also have to out a new floor in it.

 

[superslow86]

Love this help thank you!! This is why I come to forums...

OK... superslow86... What do you mean fix the paint first? I am a total noob to this "Keeping a car shiny". All my grease monkey days in my past have been go fast stuff and all off the streets (Asphalt/dirt/sand). I have zero knowledge of how to keep a sports-car clean and pretty.

....................................
Thank you all in advance!!!

Sorry for the delayed response, been busy with the holdiay. These guys seem to have pretty much taken care of you. Good luck, this stuff becomes an obsession, lol. Just remember to do lots of research and learn the proper techniques. This will cause less headaches and prevent you from having to repeat any steps.

 

[mikeysgt]

I have no idea about pressure washers for my new foam cannon. I want to buy one within 200 bucks or less from lowes or HD later tonight. Any recommendations for one from lowes or Home Depot??

 

[00blkvert]

I have a clean force from home depot it's ok but it was only 99. I have heard alot of good things about the green works from lowes though if that helps.

 

[superslow86]

I have a Homelite 2700 PSI and it works great with the foam cannon but it was $300. PSI is going to be your main concern when it comes to a foam cannon. There was a nice detailed article on Detailersdomain or autopia that was helpful, i will try to find it again. Also, read the reviews! I went with a Honda motor just because they seem more reliable then some of the other options, plus parts seem cheaper/easier to get but thats just my personal opinion.

 

[mikeysgt]

Lowes has a greenwork one on sale for 59 bucks but most of the reviews mentioned the lack of power. As much as I think this will be good enough for car washing, I'd like something bigger so I can use around the house also.

 

[HitandRunDriver]

I have a Homelite 2700 PSI and it works great with the foam cannon but it was $300. PSI is going to be your main concern when it comes to a foam cannon. There was a nice detailed article on Detailersdomain or autopia that was helpful, i will try to find it again. Also, read the reviews! I went with a Honda motor just because they seem more reliable then some of the other options, plus parts seem cheaper/easier to get but thats just my personal opinion.

Yeah I've got an old Karcher pushing MAYBE 1200 psi now that its got like 10 years on it. With my foam cannon it shoots more suds than anything and less of a stable foam that clings to the car.

 

[5.0 Probie]

So you all find a power washer to be good for our cars? I have a middle of the road one (Honda 190 engine) and always worried I would hurt the car with it... I like washing my cars with warm water...

 

[06Rousher]

So you all find a power washer to be good for our cars? I have a middle of the road one (Honda 190 engine) and always worried I would hurt the car with it... I like washing my cars with warm water...

I do it all the time, helps to blast dirt, grime and whatever else is on your car that I regular hose couldnt