Do you Festool your car??

[Dan Clark]

Drew,

Thanks for the feedback!  I'm always looking for better ways to do things. 

For clay wash, I've been using Zaino wash, but it's pricey.  I'll try the ONR.  Where do you get it?

Regarding the sponges and washing motion, I'm not disagreeing at all, but I'm curious about the thinking behind those...

Why the circular motion?  The only thing I can think of is that a circular motion would drag the grit from an uncleaned portion over to the newly-scrubbed portion.  Is that the reason?  Something else? 

What are the advantages of the sponges?  Do you use different types of sponges on different body sections - like using the grout sponges on the lower body panels and under the bumpers?

I'd like to gather a little more info and then add your comments to the tutorial - giving you credit for the information.  Alternatively you can join talkFestool if you'd prefer.  Like FOG, it's free and members wander back and forth, and cross post at will.  In any case, your background and skills are very valuable.  I'd like to add that to the Festool body of knowledge in whatever way feels most comfortable to you.  Even if we have two or more sets of opinions, that's even better because it offers people multiple options to choose from.

Thanks and regards,

Dan.

Dan,

Excellent write up!!! Very thorough and accurate!!! When it comes to products, everyone differs. Only points I would touch on are that washing should be done in an up and down or side to side action - never circular (You may have touched on that and I missed it??). Also, I use either natural sea sponge or grout sponges found at Lowes for $2.00!!!IME, sealants actually give about 60-90 days protection based on weekly washings. A good option for clay lube is ONR/wwater mix (Optimum No Rinse). Again, these are all my personal preferences. Your write up is, again, very thorough and good procees for keep your car's finish top notch!!!

Drew

Got Wax,

I have a fair amount of experience detailing my cars.  But I'm humbled by your talent!  Using painters tape to block off parts you don't want to polish - nice!   VERY nice work!!!

I'm a fan of LC pads for my PC and Rotex. I like Menzerna polishes and Zaino for LSP.  And a big fan of the two-bucket method with grit catchers combined with a foam gun.   

I posted a two-part tutorial here: http://www.talkfestool.com/vb/other-projects/1873-polishing-your-car-rotex-part-1-a.html.   It's an updated version of the FOG thread that I posted about two years ago.   I think it's decent, but I'd appreciate any criticisms and comments.   (I'll modify the tutorial.)

Thanks and regards,

Dan.

 

[Got Wax]

Weekend Festool fun!!

These were a tad worked - the Italians really have problems (electrical) if they see too much water. So, they get a lot of ONR around my garage. And, problem is the paint is pretty soft - scratches!!

Few of the MV B4:

Quick once over

Ducati B4

Done

 

[Dan Clark]

Drew,

Lovely work! 

Regards,

Dan.

 

[Got Wax]

Thanks Dan!! And, I will reply to your last reply later today. Kinda presed for time!!!

Drew

 

[Dan Clark]

...Kinda presed for time!!!

Drew

Drew,

No worries.  (I can relate.)

Dan.

 

[Got Wax]

Dan,

Gotta a breath, finally. I JUST took delivery of my first order of my new clay of choice: Sonus. I'll let you know how that goes. Again, personal preference. The ONR is easily found at a variety of places online!! The sea sponge allows for water and, of course, soap to be passed easily through the sponge and as a result easily allows contaminants to pass through - rinse and pass across Grit Guard often. Side-to-side and up-and-down...yes, it has always been my understanding that circular will overlap a pass over contaminated panel to clean portion of panel.

Drew,

Thanks for the feedback!   I'm always looking for better ways to do things.   

For clay wash, I've been using Zaino wash, but it's pricey.  I'll try the ONR.  Where do you get it?

Regarding the sponges and washing motion, I'm not disagreeing at all, but I'm curious about the thinking behind those...

Why the circular motion?   The only thing I can think of is that a circular motion would drag the grit from an uncleaned portion over to the newly-scrubbed portion.  Is that the reason?  Something else? 

What are the advantages of the sponges?   Do you use different types of sponges on different body sections - like using the grout sponges on the lower body panels and under the bumpers?

I'd like to gather a little more info and then add your comments to the tutorial - giving you credit for the information.   Alternatively you can join talkFestool if you'd prefer.  Like FOG, it's free and members wander back and forth, and cross post at will.   In any case, your background and skills are very valuable.   I'd like to add that to the Festool body of knowledge in whatever way feels most comfortable to you.  Even if we have two or more sets of opinions, that's even better because it offers people multiple options to choose from.

Thanks and regards,

Dan.

Dan,

Excellent write up!!! Very thorough and accurate!!! When it comes to products, everyone differs. Only points I would touch on are that washing should be done in an up and down or side to side action - never circular (You may have touched on that and I missed it??). Also, I use either natural sea sponge or grout sponges found at Lowes for $2.00!!!IME, sealants actually give about 60-90 days protection based on weekly washings. A good option for clay lube is ONR/wwater mix (Optimum No Rinse). Again, these are all my personal preferences. Your write up is, again, very thorough and good procees for keep your car's finish top notch!!!

Drew

Got Wax,

I have a fair amount of experience detailing my cars.  But I'm humbled by your talent!  Using painters tape to block off parts you don't want to polish - nice!   VERY nice work!!!

I'm a fan of LC pads for my PC and Rotex. I like Menzerna polishes and Zaino for LSP.  And a big fan of the two-bucket method with grit catchers combined with a foam gun.   

I posted a two-part tutorial here: http://www.talkfestool.com/vb/other-projects/1873-polishing-your-car-rotex-part-1-a.html.   It's an updated version of the FOG thread that I posted about two years ago.   I think it's decent, but I'd appreciate any criticisms and comments.   (I'll modify the tutorial.)

Thanks and regards,

Dan.

 

[Got Wax]

Cars are starting to pile up in the shop and I spent the entire day on one big black monster - likely the next few days on this same car!!?? Used the Shinex today and going to break out the Rotex tomorrow!!

A little tease...

Drew

 

[Bob Marino]

A little tease...
Drew

Drew,

You call that Lamborghini a litttle tease? ;D .
As a half way auto polishing/waxing enthusiast/nut I really enjoy your postings.
BTW, have you ever found a tire dressing that can actually last more than 1 week?

Bob

 

[Dan Clark]

Drew,

Many thanks.   I'll update my tutorial with your comments and a link to this thread.

Best regards,

Dan.

 

[Got Wax]

Bob,

Thanks much for the comment!!!! I use a few different tire dressings. While my goto is usually Swissvax Pneu, Meguairs makes a good oil based tire dressing that, if applied with a foam sponge wiill not sling and leaves a pretty nice satin finish!

Drew

A little tease...
Drew

Drew,

You call that Lamborghini a litttle tease? ;D .
As a half way auto polishing/waxing enthusiast/nut I really enjoy your postings.
BTW, have you ever found a tire dressing that can actually last more than 1 week?

Bob

 

[Got Wax]

Thanks Dan!!!! I appreciate the opportunity to participate in your tutorial - again, very thorough and informative!!!

Drew

Drew,

Many thanks.   I'll update my tutorial with you comments and a link to this thread.

Best regards,

Dan.

 

[Got Wax]

Well, I had a nice leisurely schedule going this month. Had planned on taking it easy thru the first of Nov but, this clients wants his cars done. So, I have been working on this car for the past couple days. Took a few befores and pulled it out for some shots in the sun but, todays weather was kinda funky in Colorado. And, I frankly wasn't too thrilled being pressured into working on a Sat.!! So, kinda in a hurry!! I'll be back several times thru Jan so, I'll get this one outside.  The Shinex and Rotex performed flawlessly!! Being this car is pretty falt and angular, they did weel except the Rotex had some trouble getting in the tight spots. So, 3" pad on the Shinex and all good!!!This is the client's track *****.  10 more in the car barn along with two Veyrons - like I said...I'll be busy thru Jan!!!!

So, this car got a quick once over. The quick and dirty..

Paint:
Caly Sonus Green w/ONR/water mix
105 on Uber Orange pad
Menz 105FA on Uber Green
85RD on SM Arnold White pad
Two layers of Blackfire Wet Diamond

Wheels:
Dwell and agitate P21S (SW and Ez Detail brushes)
3M MAP
Seal w/ JS 109
SV Pneu

Little chem etching

Quick pass with 105, all gone

Looks kinda bad

Tried for an outside shot, best i could do!!

 

[Bob Marino]

Well, I had a nice leisurely schedule going this month. Had planned on taking it easy thru the first of Nov but, this clients wants his cars done. So, I have been working on this car for the past couple days. Took a few befores and pulled it out for some shots in the sun but, todays weather was kinda funky in Colorado. And, I frankly wasn't too thrilled being pressured into working on a Sat.!! So, kinda in a hurry!! I'll be back several times thru Jan so, I'll get this one outside.  The Shinex and Rotex performed flawlessly!! Being this car is pretty falt and angular, they did weel except the Rotex had some trouble getting in the tight spots. So, 3" pad on the Shinex and all good!!!This is the client's track *****.  10 more in the car barn along with two Veyrons - like I said...I'll be busy thru Jan!!!!

So, this car got a quick once over. The quick and dirty..

Paint:
Caly Sonus Green w/ONR/water mix
105 on Uber Orange pad
Menz 105FA on Uber Green
85RD on SM Arnold White pad
Two layers of Blackfire Wet Diamond

Wheels:
Dwell and agitate P21S (SW and Ez Detail brushes)
3M MAP
Seal w/ JS 109
SV Pneu

Drew,

Incredible job! BTW, I have been using that Back Diamond on my car and do like it quite a bit. However, just to put another "wax" on top I use a product called FUSION - leaves a very deep finish. But can elaborate on your tire dressing?

Bob

 

[Got Wax]

Bob,

I'm familiar with the Wolfgang Fusion - have a pot in my fridge right now!! Tire dressing, as with most all detailers/detailing products is pretty much pers. preference!!! As with this car, the tire dressing I used is Swissvax Pneu. Not so great for a driver and a tad expensive. GO with the Meguairs brand tire dressing - oil base and will last longer than the water based, which usually goes away after being driven and exposed to the elements.

Drew

Well, I had a nice leisurely schedule going this month. Had planned on taking it easy thru the first of Nov but, this clients wants his cars done. So, I have been working on this car for the past couple days. Took a few befores and pulled it out for some shots in the sun but, todays weather was kinda funky in Colorado. And, I frankly wasn't too thrilled being pressured into working on a Sat.!! So, kinda in a hurry!! I'll be back several times thru Jan so, I'll get this one outside.  The Shinex and Rotex performed flawlessly!! Being this car is pretty falt and angular, they did weel except the Rotex had some trouble getting in the tight spots. So, 3" pad on the Shinex and all good!!!This is the client's track *****.  10 more in the car barn along with two Veyrons - like I said...I'll be busy thru Jan!!!!

So, this car got a quick once over. The quick and dirty..

Paint:
Caly Sonus Green w/ONR/water mix
105 on Uber Orange pad
Menz 105FA on Uber Green
85RD on SM Arnold White pad
Two layers of Blackfire Wet Diamond

Wheels:
Dwell and agitate P21S (SW and Ez Detail brushes)
3M MAP
Seal w/ JS 109
SV Pneu

Drew,

Incredible job! BTW, I have been using that Back Diamond on my car and do like it quite a bit. However, just to put another "wax" on top I use a product called FUSION - leaves a very deep finish. But can elaborate on your tire dressing?

Bob

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Those bikes look like 180 mph standing still, beautiful bikes, beautiful detail!!

I have a question and you may or may not know but, someone probably does.

You keep speaking of a rotary, I own the RAS 115, which, if I am not mistaking, is a rotary tool.

Here is the real question, are there after market pads I can find that would fit it, or would the Shinex pads fit the RAS?

You work wonders with automotive finishes.

How do you go about older, vintage paint jobs that are not base/clear?

 

[Got Wax]

I'm not familiar with the machine you mention. However, single stage or clear coat, I work them all!!!

Those bikes look like 180 mph standing still, beautiful bikes, beautiful detail!!

I have a question and you may or may not know but, someone probably does.

You keep speaking of a rotary, I own the RAS 115, which, if I am not mistaking, is a rotary tool.

Here is the real question, are there after market pads I can find that would fit it, or would the Shinex pads fit the RAS?

You work wonders with automotive finishes.

How do you go about older, vintage paint jobs that are not base/clear?

 

[Got Wax]

In Aspen. Here are my current projects

 

[Got Wax]

So, I got a call from a local dealership asking if I had interest in detailing a car. Sorry, I don't do dealer work. Although they had been referred by an existing client, I just don't do dealer work. But, the lady explained that this is the owner of the dealership's personal car. So, if I can charge my normal rate, sure, I'll do it.

So, I head over for a quick detail. The paint on this car is fine. So, this car received a standard 16 hour clean up.

Things kinda shaped up like this...

Wheels-

Tarminator to loosen up the serious schmeg
P21S and some agitation with Ex Detail and SW wheel brush
Sealed up with JS 109

Tires-
Apc and scrub with DIY Cleaning scrub brush
SW Pneu

Wheel wells,arches-
APC/TAW and agiatation w/Fender well brush
Adams undercarriage Spray

Paint-

Presoak w/ P21S Total Auto Wash
Foam w/ TAW and Bodywork Cond Shampoo
Two Bucket Wash w/ P21S Bodywork Cond Shampoo via sea sponge
Dry w/ Uber WW MF Blanket
Spin 600 rpm with 100 ppi Sm Arnold par on Festool (I "Burnish" the paint. Sorry, don't subscribe to the Pepsi Gen "Jewelling" term"
Two layers SW Crystal Rock

So, here we go...

Booty shot

Little dirty

Tarminating

Agitating the P21S

All cleaned up

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Before

Clean up

After

After

Before

After

 

[Got Wax]

Getting the door jambs

Before

Working

Done

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I am still not sure what kind of car that is but, it's pretty wicked!!