Winter detailing

[BeeEmm]

What tar remover does everyone recommend

Autosmart Tardis.

 

[Angelus666]

Do you use this with a spray bottle or apply directly with microfibre cloth? Also, does this strip coatings and wax...?

 

[Nictrix]

...that did actually brighten my day considerably. You think this is bad, you should try a post on detailingworld.co.uk! Being fairly pragmatic about it, in years gone by I used to just do the basic stuff much like yourself but the sponge thing was the one hard lesson I learned after literally wrecking the clear coat on my black Z3M after one winter. I didn't actually realise that sponges were so bad for swirls. Just changing that one thing made a world of difference.

Not all sponges....

https://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/dodo-juice-supernatural-wash-sponge

I use this (as well as a mitt) as it foams up the soap so well.

The problem I have with everybody saying that sponges are bad for your paint is that a lot of waxes and polish can be applied with a sponge applicator.
I use a sponge to wash the cars, I powerwash the cars first, the wheels get cleaned next with their own bucket, sponge, brushes etc. Then I use a different bucket with a different sponge for the rest of the car, starting at the top and working my way down. Then rinse and dry.
I replace the sponge fairly regularly and that becomes the new sponge for the wheels.
I have tried a few different wash mitts and just cant get on with them.
I have previously machine polished both cars and wouldn't say that they are covered in marks left by using a sponge.
Stand back and prepare for the insults

 

[ph001]

The problem I have with everybody saying that sponges are bad for your paint is that a lot of waxes and polish can be applied with a sponge applicator.

The critical difference is that the car is usually very clean at the point of applying waxes and lsp.

Powerwashing the car first makes a huge difference. The vast majority of the damage is a result of rubbing fine grit and road grime against the top coat as it really just doesn't really have anywhere else to go with a sponge (and I'm not talking about the specialised sponges highlighted above, I'm talking about the 99p Wilko ones). That's where something like a lambswool mitt has a big advantage.

The colour of the car is important too. I could wash my silver grey M3 with some 400 grit wet and dry and you would hardly notice a thing - you just can't see swirl marks on that colour. I can't even run a finger across my Monaco Blue Z4 without it showing up in the clear coat in reflected sunlight.

Sounds like you are doing a pretty good job with your current routine to be honest and taking a lot more care than your average Joe, but I really would look at alternatives to a basic sponge if you want a cheap and easy improvement to cleaning.

 

[patriot66]

...that did actually brighten my day considerably. You think this is bad, you should try a post on detailingworld.co.uk! Being fairly pragmatic about it, in years gone by I used to just do the basic stuff much like yourself but the sponge thing was the one hard lesson I learned after literally wrecking the clear coat on my black Z3M after one winter. I didn't actually realise that sponges were so bad for swirls. Just changing that one thing made a world of difference.

Not all sponges....

https://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/dodo-juice-supernatural-wash-sponge

I use this (as well as a mitt) as it foams up the soap so well.

The problem I have with everybody saying that sponges are bad for your paint is that a lot of waxes and polish can be applied with a sponge applicator.
I use a sponge to wash the cars, I powerwash the cars first, the wheels get cleaned next with their own bucket, sponge, brushes etc. Then I use a different bucket with a different sponge for the rest of the car, starting at the top and working my way down. Then rinse and dry.
I replace the sponge fairly regularly and that becomes the new sponge for the wheels.
I have tried a few different wash mitts and just cant get on with them.
I have previously machine polished both cars and wouldn't say that they are covered in marks left by using a sponge.
Stand back and prepare for the insults

I don't like wash mitts either Have you tried a wash pad ? I bought an Adams Wash Pad a couple of years back and would highly recommend one. Soft, plush, durable, holds a lot of suds and is much easier to manipulate/work with than a mitt
https://www.prestigecarcareshop.com/products/adams-professional-car-wash-pad

 

[Gwest44]

Sorry to answer your question with a question but did you have the 224s finished yourself or were they on the car when you got it - thinking about that finish on mine rather than standard silver?

Yeah, got these done a couple of years back now at Premier Body Shop in Ware with a custom paint mix to try and contrast the Ruby Black paint. TBH they were great for the first year, but haven't held up as well as the wheels on my TTRS, which I had powder coated, and I would go that way when doing them again.

Interesting thanks for that - thinking of having my wheels done and coincidentally my Z4MC s Ruby Black as well.

Interested to hear how you approach the detailing process but to be honest I have to admit to being a complete novice so was hoping you could answer the following:

Strip wash - what’s that initial jet wash stage?
Clay - would you do this after the above or after snow foam stage?
Wax - again when would you do this after the clay process?
APC - what’s this?
Snow foam - do you just apply this, leave for a bit then rinse off?
Korrosol - what’s this do?
Sonax BSD - how do you apply this and remove it?

Sorry for so many questions feel - just tell me to do one if you prefer

 

[idej_z4]

Sorry to answer your question with a question but did you have the 224s finished yourself or were they on the car when you got it - thinking about that finish on mine rather than standard silver?

Yeah, got these done a couple of years back now at Premier Body Shop in Ware with a custom paint mix to try and contrast the Ruby Black paint. TBH they were great for the first year, but haven't held up as well as the wheels on my TTRS, which I had powder coated, and I would go that way when doing them again.

Interesting thanks for that - thinking of having my wheels done and coincidentally my Z4MC s Ruby Black as well.

Interested to hear how you approach the detailing process but to be honest I have to admit to being a complete novice so was hoping you could answer the following:

Strip wash - what’s that initial jet wash stage?
Clay - would you do this after the above or after snow foam stage?
Wax - again when would you do this after the clay process?
APC - what’s this?
Snow foam - do you just apply this, leave for a bit then rinse off?
Korrosol - what’s this do?
Sonax BSD - how do you apply this and remove it?

Sorry for so many questions feel - just tell me to do one if you prefer

Strip wash for me is a rinse for about 10-15 Mins. I clay bar after all decontamination is complete. The steps I follow are not too dissimilar to those use by White Details.

If you're interested, here is the full treatment I give mine twice a year. https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=107219

 

[Nictrix]

Not all sponges....

https://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/dodo-juice-supernatural-wash-sponge

I use this (as well as a mitt) as it foams up the soap so well.

The problem I have with everybody saying that sponges are bad for your paint is that a lot of waxes and polish can be applied with a sponge applicator.
I use a sponge to wash the cars, I powerwash the cars first, the wheels get cleaned next with their own bucket, sponge, brushes etc. Then I use a different bucket with a different sponge for the rest of the car, starting at the top and working my way down. Then rinse and dry.
I replace the sponge fairly regularly and that becomes the new sponge for the wheels.
I have tried a few different wash mitts and just cant get on with them.
I have previously machine polished both cars and wouldn't say that they are covered in marks left by using a sponge.
Stand back and prepare for the insults

I don't like wash mitts either Have you tried a wash pad ? I bought an Adams Wash Pad a couple of years back and would highly recommend one. Soft, plush, durable, holds a lot of suds and is much easier to manipulate/work with than a mitt
https://www.prestigecarcareshop.com/products/adams-professional-car-wash-pad

Might be an idea

 

[Nictrix]

The problem I have with everybody saying that sponges are bad for your paint is that a lot of waxes and polish can be applied with a sponge applicator.

The critical difference is that the car is usually very clean at the point of applying waxes and lsp.

Powerwashing the car first makes a huge difference. The vast majority of the damage is a result of rubbing fine grit and road grime against the top coat as it really just doesn't really have anywhere else to go with a sponge (and I'm not talking about the specialised sponges highlighted above, I'm talking about the 99p Wilko ones). That's where something like a lambswool mitt has a big advantage.

The colour of the car is important too. I could wash my silver grey M3 with some 400 grit wet and dry and you would hardly notice a thing - you just can't see swirl marks on that colour. I can't even run a finger across my Monaco Blue Z4 without it showing up in the clear coat in reflected sunlight.

Sounds like you are doing a pretty good job with your current routine to be honest and taking a lot more care than your average Joe, but I really would look at alternatives to a basic sponge if you want a cheap and easy improvement to cleaning.

Both cars are black, one sapphire black and one azurite black. I know what you mean about marks showing up.
We have had the Z for 5 1/2 years and the X6 for 2 1/2 years and apart from stone chips on the fronts the paintwork is better on both of them than when we got them, both in daily use also.

 

[BeeEmm]

Do you use this with a spray bottle or apply directly with microfibre cloth? Also, does this strip coatings and wax...?

If you mean Tardis, yes it should be applied from a spray bottle and left for about 8 minutes. You can rub gently with a microfibre as long as the car is grit free. Make sure you hose of every last drop. It can be applied to specific areas by dabbing with a microfibre. I use it on every part of the exterior, including wheels. It is ideal for stripping old wax.

 

[Angelus666]

Sorry to answer your question with a question but did you have the 224s finished yourself or were they on the car when you got it - thinking about that finish on mine rather than standard silver?

Yeah, got these done a couple of years back now at Premier Body Shop in Ware with a custom paint mix to try and contrast the Ruby Black paint. TBH they were great for the first year, but haven't held up as well as the wheels on my TTRS, which I had powder coated, and I would go that way when doing them again.

Interesting thanks for that - thinking of having my wheels done and coincidentally my Z4MC s Ruby Black as well.

Interested to hear how you approach the detailing process but to be honest I have to admit to being a complete novice so was hoping you could answer the following:

Strip wash - what’s that initial jet wash stage?
Clay - would you do this after the above or after snow foam stage?
Wax - again when would you do this after the clay process?
APC - what’s this?
Snow foam - do you just apply this, leave for a bit then rinse off?
Korrosol - what’s this do?
Sonax BSD - how do you apply this and remove it?

Sorry for so many questions feel - just tell me to do one if you prefer

Yeah, I'd watch a few videos if you really want to get into it. But, with these things, start simple and build from there. As a novice, I'd just start with the below.....tbh everything else (decontaminating, claying, etc...) isn't really needed until you get into it a bit more. I'd look to spend about £30 in total...2 buckets, 2 wash mitts, wheel brush, shampoo, 10 microfibre towels, Sonax BSD, glass cleaner.

Start to finish this should take 45mins at a medium pace....

Wheels - get your most crappy buckets and fill with car shampoo and get a wheel brush and old wash mitt. Start with the rears and finish on the fronts.
- Jetwash the wheels and arches for 30 seconds
- Spray some all-purpose cleaner all over the wheels, tyres and arches...allow to dwell for a minute
- Use the brush to agitate off the dirt off the alloy, scrub the tyres, arches then use the wash mitt to rub down the alloy and tyres

Bodywork - get two decent buckets, two decent wash mitts, fill one with warm water and shampoo (wash), the other with cold water only (rinse)
- spray the bodywork down with the pressure washer as best you can, paying attention to the lower half more
- spray diluted all-purpose cleaner all over the paintwork, paying attention to the lower half more, leave to dwell for 2 mins then rinse off
- then wash the car from the top down, very light pressure, smooth straight passes, remembering to rinse the wash mitt every other pass. Leave the side skirts and rear bumper until last (they're always the dirtiest parts)
- jet wash the suds off the car as best you can....should be looking half decent now
- now use your detail spray (Sonax BSD is my favourite at the moment) and lightly spray all over the wet car
- use a decent clean drying towel such as a big microfibre towel to dry the car, gently rubbing the detail spray onto the panel
- when the car is dry, take the detail spray again and mist over a panel at a time, using a microfibre to buff off

Glass - get a decent glass cleaner and two microfibre towels
- spray the glass cleaner on the glass liberally, use one towel to work it in all over
- use the other clean towel to buff up to a high shine

Empty and rinse out all your mitts and buckets so they are clean for next time.

Then stand back and admire your work until, of course, it rains 10 mins later and you come out the next morning to find a curry eating bird has exploded all over your nice clean paintwork. You'll finally wake up 3 years later to find out you've spent about £4k on car cleaning stuff without even noticing it....

 

[Gwest44]

Yeah, got these done a couple of years back now at Premier Body Shop in Ware with a custom paint mix to try and contrast the Ruby Black paint. TBH they were great for the first year, but haven't held up as well as the wheels on my TTRS, which I had powder coated, and I would go that way when doing them again.

Interesting thanks for that - thinking of having my wheels done and coincidentally my Z4MC s Ruby Black as well.

Interested to hear how you approach the detailing process but to be honest I have to admit to being a complete novice so was hoping you could answer the following:

Strip wash - what’s that initial jet wash stage?
Clay - would you do this after the above or after snow foam stage?
Wax - again when would you do this after the clay process?
APC - what’s this?
Snow foam - do you just apply this, leave for a bit then rinse off?
Korrosol - what’s this do?
Sonax BSD - how do you apply this and remove it?

Sorry for so many questions feel - just tell me to do one if you prefer

Yeah, I'd watch a few videos if you really want to get into it. But, with these things, start simple and build from there. As a novice, I'd just start with the below.....tbh everything else (decontaminating, claying, etc...) isn't really needed until you get into it a bit more. I'd look to spend about £30 in total...2 buckets, 2 wash mitts, wheel brush, shampoo, 10 microfibre towels, Sonax BSD, glass cleaner.

Start to finish this should take 45mins at a medium pace....

Wheels - get your most crappy buckets and fill with car shampoo and get a wheel brush and old wash mitt. Start with the rears and finish on the fronts.
- Jetwash the wheels and arches for 30 seconds
- Spray some all-purpose cleaner all over the wheels, tyres and arches...allow to dwell for a minute
- Use the brush to agitate off the dirt off the alloy, scrub the tyres, arches then use the wash mitt to rub down the alloy and tyres

Bodywork - get two decent buckets, two decent wash mitts, fill one with warm water and shampoo (wash), the other with cold water only (rinse)
- spray the bodywork down with the pressure washer as best you can, paying attention to the lower half more
- spray diluted all-purpose cleaner all over the paintwork, paying attention to the lower half more, leave to dwell for 2 mins then rinse off
- then wash the car from the top down, very light pressure, smooth straight passes, remembering to rinse the wash mitt every other pass. Leave the side skirts and rear bumper until last (they're always the dirtiest parts)
- jet wash the suds off the car as best you can....should be looking half decent now
- now use your detail spray (Sonax BSD is my favourite at the moment) and lightly spray all over the wet car
- use a decent clean drying towel such as a big microfibre towel to dry the car, gently rubbing the detail spray onto the panel
- when the car is dry, take the detail spray again and mist over a panel at a time, using a microfibre to buff off

Glass - get a decent glass cleaner and two microfibre towels
- spray the glass cleaner on the glass liberally, use one towel to work it in all over
- use the other clean towel to buff up to a high shine

Empty and rinse out all your mitts and buckets so they are clean for next time.

Then stand back and admire your work until, of course, it rains 10 mins later and you come out the next morning to find a curry eating bird has exploded all over your nice clean paintwork. You'll finally wake up 3 years later to find out you've spent about £4k on car cleaning stuff without even noticing it....

Tell you what mate you’ve nailed it there - pitched at the ideal level for me and as you say gives me a real clear process to follow initially and build on as required.

Really appreciate that - thanks

 

[Angelus666]

No problem! I weirdly find it quite therapeutic cleaning cars, my neighbours think I’m mad, always saying youre so good at that you should do that for a living!

 

[Vijay]

Quick question - do you polish the car with polishers and compounds etc before applying the Sonax? Or, can one just apply after a full de-contamination?
Would love to come and watch one day!...

 

[Angelus666]

They do different jobs really. You’d polish the car maybe once a year to remove any swirls you have...and then apply a final stage filler, wax, sealant, etc. The sonix bsd is a detail spray you’d use after every wash, it’s probably better than most waxes at 5 times the cost when comparing the performance.

Always happy to show anyone my weekend warrior knowledge. Send me a PM if you want to set something up.