Detailing Guides: Swirl Removal,Basic Car Washing Guide, ETC ETC

Big Pimp

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like im late
I have a power washer and want to buy a foam lance - the connection looks like a Karcher fitting but my machine is some random make. Will a karcher fitting work or do I need a new machine?

Thanks
if it looks like a normal archer fitting it should.

Screenshot 2020-07-14 at 11.35.06.png
 

Ciaran

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It does alright, I was actually on your website and wanted to order one but need to check the fitting first.
 

Ciaran

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Yeah, just noticed that. Might just buy a new pressure washer - not sure what to do.
 

Eddies

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Really well
Haven't watched his videos in a long time, seems a very paid promotion video? Bottle wouldn't last two cars with the amount used, I'd be interested in the longevity without recleaning.
 

Boydie

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Also, how clean do you want your tyres anyway :joy:

I tend to use Cleanse, scrub the tyres, wash then completely dry. If any residue is left over after the initial wash, wipe round it with tar/tardis then apply dressing. Lasts a lot longer
 

mark19

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Also, how clean do you want your tyres anyway :joy:

I tend to use Cleanse, scrub the tyres, wash then completely dry. If any residue is left over after the initial wash, wipe round it with tar/tardis then apply dressing. Lasts a lot longer
What was that glass polish you recommended that you used on your doorbell lol want it for the velux windows 🤣
 

Boydie

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DJMCA

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Ok guys, got some Autoglym Polar Seal to try as it was for a v good price (for handiness over winter)

Question is, can i just wash the car normally between monthly applications i.e. articulate, snowfoam etc? Does it degrade the water repelling properties?
 

bora-gav

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I would use coatit from autoglym for sheer handiness and it works pretty well (actually great on the front windscreen as a rain repellent) it's the pro version of polar seal but I'd imagine there's not much difference or any in them.

I'm not sure how aggressive articulate would be on it but the likes of a tfr would degrade it pretty quickly. It only lasts a few weeks but usually a snow foam over the top does good enough as a pre wash for regular maintenance then a quick top up say every 3rd week over the winter
 

Big Pimp

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Articulate is a lsp safe pre wash.

Polar seal is only intended for a few weeks between coats really, but as its so easy to top off through a foam cannon I'd just continue wiht your usual wash technique
 

DJMCA

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Thanks guys.

Another stupid question as I'm new to this! What's the difference between a cheap combined wash/wax and a dedicated shampoo. I assume the overall quality of the product would be better especially for a car that is detailed however is there any real difference/benefit for a daily motor that's not ceramic coated/waxed etc?

Not being funny, it's a genuine question.
 

Big Pimp

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Thanks guys.

Another stupid question as I'm new to this! What's the difference between a cheap combined wash/wax and a dedicated shampoo. I assume the overall quality of the product would be better especially for a car that is detailed however is there any real difference/benefit for a daily motor that's not ceramic coated/waxed etc?

Not being funny, it's a genuine question.
It’s exactly as you’ve described

a cheap wash / wax will be full of fillers, carnuba wax and any manner of things which are fine on regular cars or for people who don’t add waxes; sealants etc.

a pure shampoo won’t fill the pores and make it clog in the same manner

TL : DR

just use a high quality pure shampoo if you‘re adding waxes / sealants
 

DJMCA

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1,302
@Big Pimp have you any plastic products that dont whiten when washed?

Currently when i wash the motor using articulate, ultrafoam etc my plastics are bleached white. I retreat them (autoglym bumper and trim gel) but would like something more durable
 

bora-gav

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Autoglym trim and bumper gel washes off everytime you wash the car too. It doesn't last, I use it the odd time and find it stains with water marks quite abit also. Just not a great lasting product
 

Gareth

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@Big Pimp have you any plastic products that dont whiten when washed?

Currently when i wash the motor using articulate, ultrafoam etc my plastics are bleached white. I retreat them (autoglym bumper and trim gel) but would like something more durable

Ross does have a trim restorer that works very well. I've also used the recently launched 'Plasticoat' from Infinity Wax that you can get from @Davey@Procar and it also works very well.

I use Plasticoat on my Ducati as it keeps the engine covers looking like new and it's also got hydrophobic properties too. My Mk5 Golf rear bumper got Ross' restorer and I just top it up with Plasticoat now.

Like everything, preparing the the surface is more important that coating it. There are also longer lasting restorers available like GTechniq C4 or the likes.
 

DJMCA

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Ordered the plastic coat as recommended @Gareth , thanks or that. Seems to be more durable and doesnt mark/run the way the autoglym stuff does.

Only issue is that on smooth plastic it gives a nice shine but on the textured stuff its dull and not as black. I did wash all my plastics with Articulate first before applying. Tried 2 or 3 coats as well

Might try the C4 and then plastic coat over it?
 

Simon998

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IMG_8539.jpeg

IMG_8538.jpeg


The wing on the XJR has loads of scratches in random directions, no idea what could have caused it. I’ve never ‘buffed’ a car before, I’ve g3 cutting compound and a load of polishes in the garage. Do they look like something a DA polisher would take out?
 

Boydie

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Does a finger nail catch the edge? If so, then no but you could vastly improve it
 

Simon998

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Nah they arent that deep, theres ones above it that look almost like scratches/dents when the paint was still soft - or its just a bad paintjob on that wing.
 
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