| chrisemtff |
Hey all,
Just curious what you all you use whe detailing your Pilot....
Brand and type of:
Wax?
Leather cleaner/conditioner/protectant?
Dash protectant?
and so forth.....
Slainte,
Chris |
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| rlapid |
| meguiars makes good stuff... i use their leather wipes for my pilot. the only thing is it leaves the leather shiny, so i have to wipe it down with a towel afterward. for the dash, i use armor all cleaning wipes. |
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| chrisemtff |
I reviewed the CR test on waxes. They rate the Black Magic Wet Shine liquid #1 and turtle wax liquid #2 overall. Anybody ever use the Black Magic?
The Eagle One spray/dry wax was ranked like #10 overall and #1 out of the sprays. We use the Eagle One in between paste waxing on our ambulances here in Florida and get pretty good results.
Never owned a car with leather until this one. So, I'm not to keen on leather protection. A buddy of mine has some $30 a bottle stuff he swears by. I will try to get the name of it tomorrow when I go to work.
Other than that, keep it coming. I would like to hear a lot of opinions on what has worked great for you and not so great.
Slainte
Chris |
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| MDPILOT03 |
| Twice a year I use a one-step polish/paint sealant along with some best of show wax from Griot's garage. Applied with a randon orbital, of course. I usually wash the pilot every other week, weather permitting. I also have the luxury of using the local fire houses engine bay to wash and wax if I need too. I only use products from griot's garage. ( best products out there, IMO) |
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| jarizzo |
quote:
Originally posted by chrisemtff
I reviewed the CR test on waxes. They rate the Black Magic Wet Shine liquid #1 and turtle wax liquid #2 overall. Anybody ever use the Black Magic?
I just put a coat of the Black Magic on my silver Pilot. It goes on nicely, doesn't leave white streaks or marks on plastic, wipes off easily with clean microfiber towels, and leaves a nice shine and smooth surface.
Before I applied Black Magic, I washed it well with a microfiber wash mitt and Meguiar's Gold something car wash then dried it with 3 or 4 clean terry cloth towels. Then I used Meguiar's clay bar kit that includes the quick detailer and clay bars. You spray a small area with the detailer and rub the clay bars over it to remove bugs, tar, tree sap, whatever is bonded to the paint. Before it dries, wipe it off with a microfiber towel. After the clay I put the Black Magic on. The Pilot looks like a million bucks and all the bugs are gone and the parts that get the most road crap are clean and smooth.
I don't know how long this stuff will last or how it compares to other finish protectants, but I sure like the way it goes on and wipes off and I think the Pilot looks great. I don't know if it's a sealer or a wax. The bottle says wax, but it seems to act more like a sealer. The lack of residue is my only evidence of that, though. Hopefully it holds up. I'll post in a few months with the results.
My Pilot is outdoors in the sun 4 or 5 days a week all day and garaged the rest of the time. I only put about 7-8k miles a year on it.
Hope that's useful to someone, somehow, someday...
John
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| chrisemtff |
Thanks for the replies....
How did you like the clay bar from Meguiars??
I just pick one up the other day and haven't had a chance to you use it. With in the next few weeks, I'm going to spend a day claying, paint cleaning, polishing, and then wax. Never have undertook a day of detailing like this. I will post some before and after pictures to see how big of a difference all of this prep work before waxing makes......
Slainte,
Chris |
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| jarizzo |
quote:
Originally posted by chrisemtff
Thanks for the replies....
How did you like the clay bar from Meguiars??
I just pick one up the other day and haven't had a chance to you use it. With in the next few weeks, I'm going to spend a day claying, paint cleaning, polishing, and then wax. Never have undertook a day of detailing like this. I will post some before and after pictures to see how big of a difference all of this prep work before waxing makes......
Slainte,
Chris
I think you will be happy with the Meguiar's clay bar kit. When I bought it, AZ was out of the Mother's clay bar kit and the counter guy said that was a better one. I used the Meguiar's to remove mostly super-crusty bugs and some tar and tree sap. It was pretty easy to use and it removed everything without leaving any discernable residue or scratches. It takes some elbow grease to really clean 'er up if it's very dirty, but it's not like you have to clay the whole car. Just get the parts that feel slightly rough after a wash or visible stuff. It's really great for bugs and tree sap to prep the surface prior to waxing.
The guy at the counter told me to make sure to keep the surface wet with the Quick Detailer (part of the kit) or the clay bar will leave white residue that's hard to remove. I didn't have any problems with that at all. I just used a clean microfiber towel to wipe it off when I was done with the clay in one area, and I stuck to working on an area about 8" square or less at a time. You have to keep kneading the clay to keep the surface clean and tacky. The Quick Detailer tends to make the surface really slick so it doesn't really pick up the contaminants without a lot of passes. If you keep kneading it as you go, it keeps the surface clean and you can feel a little more resistance and it cleans better. Hopefully that makes some sense. I had a couple accidental contacts with the clay and a plastic part, but there was no residue to marks at all.
I just washed my Pilot, clayed the dirty areas, then waxed it with the Black Magic and the thing looks like brand new or better.
Hope that helps!
John
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| sblvro |
| zymol wax and zymol leather cleaner and protectant. smells good too. |
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| KarenCaren |
Meguiars have good products For polish you may use Adam's Polish, I already tried it and it work magic.
______________
Must See: Autopartswarehouse |
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| Bowzer |
Just washed our new 08 for the second time yesterday. It being black, it quickly lets me know of anything and everything wrong on the finish.
I used Meguiars Car Wash with a new microfiber wash mitt...all looks great and no apparent addition of swirl marks...meaning the sudsing action and the deep microfiber fingers did their job. I will be applying a coat of Wet Paint Glaze today and/or tomorrow. Google it for the site...fantastic product, although this will be my first time using it. Don't yet need to clay bar or other heavier work on finish.
Used Matte Finish on tires...low shine (my preference) and still makes the tires look very black and clean.
Used Meguiars Quick Detailer Spray on interior...worked very well, no greasy residue at all, good ceaning, great smell. 1st time I have used this and so far it works well. I have heard fantastic things about 303 Protectant also...just haven't had a chance to pick any of it up.
Invisible Glass used on windows...again, great job, very fast to remove streaks, etc. |
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| JimB823 |
| What is a good product to use to get rid of scuff marks in the paint (made by fingernails I suppose) around the door handles on the outside of the car? The Pilot is black if that makes a difference. Rubbing compound maybe? |
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| pilotinnebraska |
I use a product called "Back to Black" from Mother's Polish.
It works great on the plastic areas like under the doors, the plastic beneath the wiper assembly and tread on upper part of the rear bumper.
If you have ever got any conventional wax on these areas, you know how hard it is to get these areas to get clean. I have also used it on the roof rack and mud flaps.
Thanks for the other good ideas.
Mark |
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| charly |
| I recently ordereda Vinyl &Leather Conditioner and Car Wash concentrate liquid. From Metro Tech. And i like the results specialy the Vinyl and leather conditioner. It leaves the interior not to shine and it smells lik brand new interior. You guys should get this....@ MetroTechChemicals.com |
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| JimB823 |
| I guess my question was too stupid to answer? :2: |
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| Bowzer |
quote:
Originally posted by JimB823
I guess my question was too stupid to answer? :2:
I think more of lack of a definitive answer. I have black also. FOr serious stubborn scratches, look at a rotary polisher to work on these and use very mild compunds...very mild. Look at Megiuiar's products and Poorboys brand I have heard good things about. They both provide graduated polish compunds.
You can also use fillers but these wear away leaving the problem. And there are some "polishes" that are made to remove swirls and light scratches that are similar that may provide a good starting point.
Lastly, once you do remove these, get some polish and/or wax on there. If this is prone to come back, put extra in these spots to help defend against it.
That's a lot of gray advice but may help to start. |
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| Big_D |
| For leather I use Lexol products. For the paint I use Zaino. |
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| SternEdwards |
The new Turtle Wax ICE synthetic wax, ICE LIQUID CLAY, and ICE Interior Cleaner caught my eye at the auto store. There's so many freakin' choices that my head was spinning. I must have taken a full hour deciding what to buy.
To be completely honest, I wasnt' thrilled with the ICE clear liquid wax. It sure went on easy - but it didn't dry the way it should. I don't care for the synthetic applicator they enclosed with it, either. The wax didn't dry to a haze like it was supposed to - even after more than a half hour of waiting. Talk about watching paint dry...
Anyway, it takes forever to get that stuff off the car. I kept buffing and buffing but it was hard to tell if it was off. Then, after it rains the residue drips down the windows and door handles. UGH! I had to keep wiping the car for days after I applied that product.
On the other hand, the liquid clay was awesome. It worked exactly as stated in the instructions (unlike the wax). I had scratch marks in the door handle area embeded into the paint and it disappeared completely after one application. It also got rid of water mark stains and other small scratches. It was easy to apply, too. The bottle is clear and the clay and liquid are separated - one much shake the bottle to mix it. Again, I wasn't thrilled with the synthetic applicator included in the package but it did the job. I will definately use the liquid clay again.
The interior liquid (I forget what Turtle Wax calls it) came with a nice rag to apply the product onto the seats and dash. It cleaned out embedded dirt I didn't even know I had! The product works even better than directed - and it doesn't smell bad, either.
I just wish the liquid polish worked better and would wipe off easier and not drip and then it would be a perfect system.
Next time I am going to try Mother's Clay Bar.
I read that newer cars have acrylic paints that are synthetic. Natural waxes are no longer appropriate. Look for synthetic waxes and polishes.
It's important to not ruin clear coats.
What about NuFinish? Is that any good for new cars?
I remember using that stuff years ago and it lasted for an entire season - or longer. It got off the oxydation, too. But car finishes are different nowadays and I don't want to use something intended for old-style paint jobs. What do you think?
Later,
Charles |
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| beat taco |
quote:
Originally posted by JimB823
What is a good product to use to get rid of scuff marks in the paint (made by fingernails I suppose) around the door handles on the outside of the car? The Pilot is black if that makes a difference. Rubbing compound maybe?
Black is difficult to maintain, period. dont attempt to hit it with rubbing compound, it will make you wish you had light fingernail scratches.
I have a big makita top of the line buffer, with wool and foam pads I can remove serious damage, however, it will never touch my black cars.
For my black cars I purchased a random orbit buffer. http://www.autogeek.net/dual-action...CFQkiagod4VGujA
I got this to undo the swirl marks a pro detailer with great reputation left all over my black suburban before I bought it. It is a very lightweight easy to use buffer that seems to polish as good as my rotary at lower rpm's. This just translates to less mess due to slinging and seems easier to use. Also very forgiving for a novice.
Ive used griots, zaino, maguires, mothers, etc. cant say if any is better or worse, the numbering system on maguires is easy yto use, the swirl remover is a #3 cut, on up to their dual action cleaner at #10. #3 will work for most fine scratches and great for the entire car, fallowed with a pure polish and wax...
just remember if you have a lot of grit on the paint you must clay it first. For removing the wax always work north to south or east to west not in a circle on black cars, and clean microfiber!! I could go on..
btw lexol and back to black are great products! |
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| Bowzer |
quote:
Originally posted by beat taco
Black is difficult to maintain, period. dont attempt to hit it with rubbing compound, it will make you wish you had light fingernail scratches.
I have a big makita top of the line buffer, with wool and foam pads I can remove serious damage, however, it will never touch my black cars.
For my black cars I purchased a random orbit buffer. http://www.autogeek.net/dual-action...CFQkiagod4VGujA
I got this to undo the swirl marks a pro detailer with great reputation left all over my black suburban before I bought it. It is a very lightweight easy to use buffer that seems to polish as good as my rotary at lower rpm's. This just translates to less mess due to slinging and seems easier to use. Also very forgiving for a novice.
Ive used griots, zaino, maguires, mothers, etc. cant say if any is better or worse, the numbering system on maguires is easy yto use, the swirl remover is a #3 cut, on up to their dual action cleaner at #10. #3 will work for most fine scratches and great for the entire car, fallowed with a pure polish and wax...
just remember if you have a lot of grit on the paint you must clay it first. For removing the wax always work north to south or east to west not in a circle on black cars, and clean microfiber!! I could go on..
btw lexol and back to black are great products!
Good input there beat taco. I have 2 black: 99 Accord and a new 08 Pilot.
Would be interested to hear from you on:
- 99 just got clay barred ad I haven't had a chance to polish. Heavy, I mean heavy, swirl marks showing. WIthout a polisher...any ideas? I was going to put on Wet Paint polish to at least hold the finish from further downgrade.
- 08 Pilot: Was going to put on Wet Paint as a protectant. ANy other ideas for a new black finish? |
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| JamieR |
I bought a black 2004 Pilot that was never taken care of by it's previous owner. Lots of stonechips, scratches and swirls.
I have been using meguiar's products on it (left over from my last vehicle), pricey but I like what it does.
JimB823: Try ScratchX under the doors. It's designed to take out these marks, but takes a few applications and has to be done fairly aggressively, Be careful what you apply it with, towels will cause more scratching, stick with good microfibre or applicator sponge. They also have a new product called M105 that takes care of swirls and fine scratches beautifully and takes less work to get good results. Highly recommended, and no, I don't work for Meguiar's, just fed up with poor results of many products over the years.....
I really don't recommend rubbing compound as that will cause a lot of damage, I know as I have done it....
Jamie |
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| beat taco |
quote:
Originally posted by Bowzer
Good input there beat taco. I have 2 black: 99 Accord and a new 08 Pilot.
Would be interested to hear from you on:
- 99 just got clay barred ad I haven't had a chance to polish. Heavy, I mean heavy, swirl marks showing. WIthout a polisher...any ideas? I was going to put on Wet Paint polish to at least hold the finish from further downgrade.
- 08 Pilot: Was going to put on Wet Paint as a protectant. ANy other ideas for a new black finish?
I worked two doors the suburban by hand. swirl remover then pure polish, the results were night and day. It was a very noticeable difference.
Then I got the random orbit, between other projects the 'burb got back burnered and finally this summer I went over it with swirl remover via machine. The difference once again was night and day. No swirl, shiny, Black!! A lot more depth then by hand. I since have done nothing, there is still a few scratches that im sure a #5 fine cut cleaner will remove, then I will swirl remove it, polish it , and finally wax it. I use liquid wax and put a bonnet on the buffer to apply it. The first pass on the burb took about an hour. Plus my arms weren't burning the next day!
I have used the machine on many of my friends black cars with great results. one was an 07 dodge magnum srt8. really there is nothing better then working on new or newer paint, its always quick with uncompromising results. If they have been hand washed usually polish is fine. If they were run thru car washes I usually spot swirl remove the damage. And then of coarse liquid wax using the machine to apply, microfiber to remove, constantly rotating the towel as I go so no buildup from the towel gets smeared back over my perfect finish. You need quite a few clean towel to work on black.
Think of what a detail costs and buy a random orbit buffer. Most detailers strictly use a rotary which by nature swirl black cars. The random orbit is easy to use, you cant damage your paint. I cant say the same for my big makita, I call it the "grinder" as I can take paint down to bare metal if I want.
I would practice on the '99 with swirl remover and as confidence increases use heavier cuts, up to #5, then to #8 or #10 if needed. It really depends on how faryou want to go with it, obviously once you go up you have to work your way back down.
The buffer pads are re-usable, just put them in a bucket of water with liquid dishwasher detergent, and hand wash. I also put dishwasher detergent in the washing machine with my cloths/towels. They come out clean and don't leave wax residue all over the washing machine when they're done.
and i could keep going... |
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| Michal |
LEATHER:
I use for many years Bentley's Saddle and Leather Conditioner Cleaner. It works really great on cars, leather furniture etc.. It is based on glycerine.
After treatment the leather looks soft and has natural look. Highly recommended.
I buy it in Equine Supply stores.
M:4: |
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