Optimum No Rinse (rinseless wash formula)

[DKS]

If mine hit the cement or gravel, they are done, period. Trash time. Grass, I will pick out what I can see and wash them, but I'm not taking the chance on gravel or cement.

 

[HellsBells]

If mine hit the cement or gravel, they are done, period. Trash time. Grass, I will pick out what I can see and wash them, but I'm not taking the chance on gravel or cement.

Fair enough. I just rinse them and dunk them in water a lot and then hopefully it's clean? haha. I'm not definitely no perfectionist but I can't believe how visible the swirling is on a black car. Had a known this, I would've looked for a different color!

Now I know this is going to be a terrible question because it varies and there's tons of tools.

But say you wanted to get rid of as much of the swirling as possible, what would be the cheapest and most bang-for-your-buck set up, as far as DA + pads + polishes and other abrasives? Nothing super serious, doesnt have to be crystal clear perfect, but I have a lot of swirling all over the car (bought it 2nd hand). I was hoping to not spend too much on it, maybe $200? I hear the porter cable is the way to go, I forget the exact model number but it seems to be the most recommended one by my research.

Based on what i've read, it might be trial and error on the different compounds as far as your swirling and the thickness/hardness of the clearcoat. But I thought I'd ask since you (DKS) and NastyStang both have black cars like me so I assume our paints would respond similarly.

 

[NastyStang113]

Here you go..

http://www.autogeek.net/porter-cable-7424xp.html

http://www.autogeek.net/da-microfiber-starter-kit-5in.html

This will give you amazing results, amazing.

 

[Seer]

the uber drying towel from detailers domain... yep all I am going to say

 

[NastyStang113]

the uber drying towel from detailers domain... yep all I am going to say

The big gray one? I've got one of those too. It took a couple of washes before it would stop linting.

 

[Seer]

The big gray one? I've got one of those too. It took a couple of washes before it would stop linting.

yep, all of my MF's take a bath before use.

 

[DKS]

Here are some of my favorite microfibers..

Great workhorse towel.

http://www.pakshak.com/ultra-plush-micro-fiber-towel-16x24-1.html

These are great for sealants, LSPs, and QDing.

http://www.autowerkesexclusive.com/products/Microfibre/Eurow-Shag-Towels/index.html

Awesome waffle weave drying towel. I use two at a time. Go around the car with one and than follow up with the second. Only if I'm not using the blower of course.

http://www.pakshak.com/ultra-soft-waffle-weave-micro-fiber-towel-25x36-1.html

I also buy the "cheap" MFs sold in huge bulk packs for dirty stuff that doesn't quite need an amazing towel.

To clean them I use a product like Microfiber Restore, DP's Microfiber Detergent or even DP Pad Rejuvenator. The most important part of cleaning your microfibers is the rinsing and drying. I use at least two rinses with a couple ounces, depending on the size of the load, of distilled white vinegar. I usually let them air dry over night and than toss them in the dryer on air dry just to fluff the fibers.



Exactly. If you have a foam cannon than you're in luck. When my car is just dusty which happens a lot. I use the foam cannon and a pre-rinse. I just have to dry it off and it's back looking good. At worst I have to hit it with QD.

Are you throwing the vinegar in during the rinse?

 

[NastyStang113]

Yes. If you have a front loading do this. Let it finish the wash with the first rinse. Throw the vinegar in the 'drum' and than start a second rinse.

 

[DKS]

I'll have to try that

 

[BlackSunshine]

I use these, they are expensive as hell, but if you get lucky you will catch Eshine doing them 2 for 1.

http://www.eshine.ca/the_cookie_monster_buffing_towel_v20-453.php

 

[DKS]

Those look NICE!!!!!!

 

[NastyStang113]

I use these, they are expensive as hell, but if you get lucky you will catch Eshine doing them 2 for 1.

http://www.eshine.ca/the_cookie_monster_buffing_towel_v20-453.php

Those look NICE!!!!!!

I wonder what the specs are on them.

 

[orangensaft]

I love reading these posts, because you guys do really know how to do it right. Makes the way I do it look sorta shitty.
Spending that much time on grabber orange just isn't as statisfying as black though.

 

[DKS]

^^ You'd be surprised what you can do with any color. I've made silver look like liquid sex before. White is probably the least rewarding IMO

 

[Seer]

I remembering Chemical Guys has a clearance sale on their Yellow with black edged MF towells. Pack of $25 for $18. They were normally $4/towel.

 

[Pumpkinfish]

^^ You'd be surprised what you can do with any color. I've made silver look like liquid sex before. White is probably the least rewarding IMO

Please share the silver secrets! I have not been happy with mine!

 

[DKS]

It's the same secret with any color. Clay bar, polish until it's free of defects, finishing polish, Seal, Re-seal, Good Wax

 

[Seer]

Please share the silver secrets! I have not been happy with mine!

color means nothing, as you're not buffing paint, you're buffing and correcting clear coat.

Lighter color cars though can typically be finished easier than darker ones though.

 

[DKS]

color means nothing, as you're not buffing paint, you're buffing and correcting clear coat.

Lighter color cars though can typically be finished easier than darker ones though.

A lot of people do not get the Wow factor they want with lighter colored cars because they don't see all the stuff they need to get rid of in their paint like you do on a dark car.

Thus, you think you're "finished" when you're not, and your result is not as good as it could be with a more refined smooth base finish prior to LSP

 

[orangensaft]

It's the same secret with any color. Clay bar, polish until it's free of defects, finishing polish, Seal, Re-seal, Good Wax

I just did the clay bar and full detail about two months ago, and it made a lot of the previous owners poor washing habits disappear. I had swirls everywhere and some fairly heavy water etching on the roof. It made an incredible difference, and looked really good, so it was worth it.
It just didn't really look much different than when I'd just wash it, unless you looked for the problems, except for the roof, that looked pretty bad before.
I'd almost put this color in the same category as white, as far as cleaning it goes.