detailing tips

ok guys...

the dealer had to replace the driver sideview mirror assembly and had to paint it (OEM part was black, my lude is san marino red)

anyways, they applied some gunk to the entire car that washed off with water. i noticed that the water didn't bead up anymore, so its time to wax the car.

last time i waxed my lude, i used good old turtle wax. i had just bought an orbital waxer, and boy was that a pain. my question: which is the best liquid wax out there?? or...which do you guys prefer?

oh...and whats the best paint sealer and how the heck do you apply that?

next question: i've read that Armor All might actually damage vinyl and leather, so which have you guys used thats tried and true?

next question: i have the base model, not SH. the OEM sideskirt is black. it is semi-white cuz i got wax on it last time :( how can i best clean that and detail it so its shiny black again?

oh...and how good is Rain-X and wat does it do?

yea...i've been punishing my baby with my rough driving, and the accidental hitting a tree two weeks ago (damage minimal), and now i wanna reward it with something more than a soapy plain wash.

personally, i hate liquid wax...i refuse to use anything but Mothers Carnuba Hard Wax. works really really well and leaves your car smelling damn good (sounds funny but its true).

i use good ole elbow grease to get the wax off of my side skirts...give it a try and if that doesnt work try armorall on that...

1. For liquids, Meguiars or Mothers works fine.

2. Paint sealer is applied just like wax, just do no let dry completely. Work 1 body panel at a time. Sealant is much better than paste/liquid wax. Typical waxes only last a short time where sealants can last for 6months+. Sealant prep: Wash/dry-Clay bar-Polish-Glaze*-Sealant for the best results using an orbital. This is the sealant of my choice(detailing as part of our business) http://www.topoftheline.com/tolae/16ozmaxpains.html
Direction for application : http://www.hitempinc.com/HT-062.html
This stuff also works well on car will fair to good paint quality, it is a polish & sealant in 1 product : http://www.topoftheline.com/tolae/32ozpainswir.html
Directions for application: http://www.hitempinc.com/HT-069.html

3. Armor All or any solvent based dressing can harm interior pieces if not applied often. Only use leather specific products on leather, never vinyl dressing. Leather products can be applied to vinyl, but not vinyl products on leather. Lexol 2 part cleaner/conditioner works well, along with damp chamois wipe down every week.

4. Use your fingers digging in the crack with a rag or use a soft brush, tooth pick, or Q-tip. Get yourself some microfiber towels for wax,polish,glaze,sealant removal & only use them for that purpose, they also work well on windows(especially final wipe down-removes streaks without cleaner left behind from cleaning)

5. I think RainX is a wonderful product. It's like a wax for your windows & applied the same way(repells water). Do not sniff it :lol2: it can be used for lighter fluid. I've heard that RainX can make glass brittle(more prone to cracking/chipping) I never ran in to that issue yet. I have Rain applied to every piece of ext. glass(including headlights&mirrors)