Correct way to apply QD

[davey g-force]

I wax my car very reqularly, and in between waxes I use Meg's QD (or another manufacturer's equivalent product when I run out - sshhh )

I am quite pedantic and it still takes me 5 hours or so to QD my whole car. My missus is complaining that i spend too much time on my car (she's got a point I spose). Ive been thinking about how to reduce this time and I think it may be in the way I apply the product.

Currently I apply QD using a not-very-absobent cloth and I use the same part of the cloth to apply thoroughly to the whole panel. Then I'll buff it off 3-4 times using 2 different terry towelling cloths until Im satisfied that all streaks etc are gone. You could say I apply it the same way as a polish or a wax.

I was thinking - should I just spray the product on and then use a terry cloth to sort of apply & buff off at the same time? Maybe then just wipe over once more with another towel?

Will this method be effective? Any comments would be appreciated...

[Monk]

Well this is serendipitous. Bought this product today, just registered today (after reading a lot of posts first), and have QD related questions. I hope it is not a "hijack" to ask them here. If so I really apologize that my first post is a hijack.

1. How "dirty" can your car be, and have QD be an option. For example, if I wash it on Sunday eveneing, garage it, drive it 15 minutes to work on a sunny day, and park it outside in a non-industrial area, there will be a light dusting of, well, dust! Can I QD this off in the evening?

2. Its a long story (that I am asking about in another thread--that you can hijack if you want), but my 2006 black car has just been repainted. Should I avoid using QD for some period of time? i.e. are there solvents that need to be released from the paint that would be held in by QD?

[sneek]

Originally posted by Monk
Well this is serendipitous. Bought this product today, just registered today (after reading a lot of posts first), and have QD related questions. I hope it is not a "hijack" to ask them here. If so I really apologize that my first post is a hijack.

1. How "dirty" can your car be, and have QD be an option. For example, if I wash it on Sunday eveneing, garage it, drive it 15 minutes to work on a sunny day, and park it outside in a non-industrial area, there will be a light dusting of, well, dust! Can I QD this off in the evening?

2. Its a long story (that I am asking about in another thread--that you can hijack if you want), but my 2006 black car has just been repainted. Should I avoid using QD for some period of time? i.e. are there solvents that need to be released from the paint that would be held in by QD?

to MOL
1. ya your situation would be fine, lighjt dust is no problem
2. I am pretty sure it is safe to use QD on the car

i can't seem to find the thread where mike said it was okay so mabe u could wait till he chimes in

[davey g-force]

I don't mind you "hijacking" my thread, if only someone else would answer my question!!

[gb387]

This is my process, well I have 2 of them only slightly different.

1. Lightly mist the QD on the surface of the vehicle
2. Wipe with a Supreme Shine Microfiber(apply)
3. Turn the SS Microfiber to a dry side and do a final wipe

--- or ---

1. Lightly mist the QD on the surface of the vehicle
2. Wipe with a Microfiber Quik Detail Pad(apply)
3. Wipe with a Supreme Shine Microfiber for the final wipe

Either way it only takes me 15-20 min to do a "quick detail", then maybe another 5-10 min on the interior. I don't spend alot of time as I want to keep it quick.

Using a quality towel or detail pad will really help in your end results giving you that streak free shine quick.

[sneek]

i think most people do the first one
but i don't QD at all because my car gets very very dirty fast (melting snow)

[davey g-force]

Thanx, I'll try that and see what results I get....

[the3dwizard]

I would recommend using a duster first before QD the whole car. This would remove some of the dust and thus lessen the chance of particles causing swirls.

BTW Nice car there davey!

Cheers!

[Michael Stoops]

I'm wtih gb387, at least process #1. 5 hours to QD a car??? I'm worried that this "not-very-absobent cloth" you're using and the amount of time you spend wiping/buffing is going to do more harm than good in the long run. Get yourself some good microfiber towels and use those. I usually end up using three on a car, after going over the car with a California Duster to remove the heaviest dust. The whole process, even when I'm being REALLY picky, doesn't take more than 30 minutes, if that.

[WaspHunter]

I used to be like that, taking ages to detail, until I saw my car under a halogen light and realised I'd marred the paint.

I now do what gb387 does, and I just recently got a Meg's duster mitt. And I don't apply any pressure at all with my MF, if it doesn't remove something after a few passes the clay comes out.

Most of the time, with Sydney dust, if you drive for a bit most of it goes away. Try that first, gives you an excuse to drive round

[jrobbo]

Just to reinforce what some of the previous posters have said, I find QD much easier to remove without streaking with a microfibre cloth rather than a trerry cloth. When I use a terry cloth, I always leave streaks behind, but the with MF, they wipe right off!

Regards

John

[Mark2]

to MOL
5h to "Quick" detail your car, I almost understand your GFs frustration But I understand your passion about your cars paint even more

[Hannibal]

I love QD. I first use a large california duster (provided paint is not too dirty and in need of a washing). Then I use This applicator:CLICK HERE



I use one side for applying and then one side to wipe off. It takes me 30 minutes or less to QD a full size truck top to bottom. YOu can see my results here CLICK HERE


The bone shape applicator fits my hand good and is most absorbent.
Good Luck!!

[davey g-force]

Originally posted by the3dwizard

BTW Nice car there davey!

Cheers!

Thanks 3dwizard! Yours is not too shabby as well!!

Im probably a bit biased, but I think they look nicer here in Australia as a Holden Monaro GTO...

Thanx for your advice guys, Im gonna try your suggestions and see if I can cut my detailing time. I think Im too much of a fussy ba@#$%d. ... After all, QD is sposed to be a QUICK detailer!

Mike - I QD straight after washing her, so there's no dust on the car. I dont think Ive done any harm so far, but yeah, point taken.

[davey g-force]

I guess my question is: If you spray the QD on the car, then wipe with a microfibre or terry cloth, how does the product bond to the paint? Aren't you just soaking it straight up into the cloth??