Detailing black.... looking to take it to the next level.

[ScreamingTaco]

I'm the proud owner of a new black Toyota Tacoma and I'm looking to take it's finish to another level.

I'm currently using the Deep Crystal car wash and steps 1 and 2 of the Deep Crystal system along with the Gold Class Liquid Wax and Endurance tire stuff. So far I'm really happy with the results and quite frankly I'm surprised by how often this truck gets checked out. That said, I think I could step things up another notch.

I guess what I'm looking for is;

1) What is the best way (methods and products) to detail black paint (right from car wash choice to final waxing)?

2) What are the best trim products for a 'black' look rather than a 'shiny/bling' look?


Keep in mind that I'm an amature.... although I've spent my whole life using power tools I'm a little hesitant about using professional methods/products if it runs the risk of damaging the finish.

[gb387]

Re: Detailing black.... looking to take it to the next level.

I'm the proud owner of a new black Toyota Tacoma and I'm looking to take it's finish to another level.

I'm currently using steps 1 and 2 of the Deep Crystal system along with the Gold Class Liquid Wax and Endurance tire stuff. So far I'm really happy with the results and quite frankly I'm surprised by how often this truck gets checked out. That said, I think I could step things up another notch.

I guess what I'm looking for is;

1) What is the best way (methods and products) to detail black paint?

2) What are the best trim products for a 'black' look rather than a 'shiny/bling' look?


Keep in mind that I'm an amature.... although I've spent my whole life using power tools I'm a little hesitant about using professional methods/products if it runs the risk of damaging the finish.

1. I assume you are going to be working by hand, right?

2. Are there any swirls or scratches you are trying to remove?

The Deep Crystal Products are an excellent choice by hand, they do work very well and will give a great look. Although I have never use Gold Class Wax I understand it does look very good on black, another wax I might suggest is NXT Generation Tech Wax, looks great on black easy to use and easy to find. Maybe someone will chime in on Gold Class VS NXT giving you an idea what direction you may prefer.

As for the black trim there are a couple products that come to mind, Gold Class Trim Detailer (in the consumer line) or All Season Dressing (in the detailer line) both are on the top of my list of trim dressings. They do provide some shine but its not over the top.

and on to a little reading.....

Here is a great link with tons of info: List 'O Links

With the proper tools and products you can take the look of your vehicle to the next level. If you are willing to make the investment in a PC and the proper products/pads you can safely use a PC from day one and take the look of your vehicle to the next level. Read over the links on a PC in the List o Links post.

For fun, here is a link of what my black truck looks like: Detailed the new Avalanche..., keep in mind this is with a PC.

Oh.... to MOL!

[ScreamingTaco]

Re: Detailing black.... looking to take it to the next level.

1. I assume you are going to be working by hand, right?

2. Are there any swirls or scratches you are trying to remove?

1) Only until I get around to getting a tool. After polishing the truck by hand a few times I'm about ready to move on.

2) No.... so far I've had nothing that I haven't been able to get out by hand.


Despite what I said above I'm quite willing to use hand tools and what-no, but I'd rather leave the more aggressive stuff to the professionals.

[PorscheGuy997]

Re: Detailing black.... looking to take it to the next level.

Please, if you get tired of working by hand, get a PC!!! I early on wasted $40 on an orbital only to discover that it really isn't more effective than working by hand. I bought a PC about three months ago and I really like it a lot. You can really remove quite a few blemishes. Save up and by a PC, unless you don't want to spend the money.

An orbital will apply it a little faster and save you some arm strength, but that's about all the advantages. PC's can apply product (and use a LOT less) faster, use more agressive products, and reveal some fantastic results.

However, if you are just removing minor defects, you might want something a little cheaper. Although, with a PC, you can remove more defects that could arise.

Just a thought...

[ScreamingTaco]

Re: Detailing black.... looking to take it to the next level.

The PC is the G100A, right?

It's in the works. After doing some reading I'm also considering a rotary tool.

[PorscheGuy997]

Re: Detailing black.... looking to take it to the next level.

Yes, a G100A is the same as the 7424, 7336, etc. The G100A has the lifetime warranty, but I've never heard of a PC actually failing. Joe still has the original one he bought fifteen years ago and it still works.

I've been contemplating getting a rotary this summer, but we'll see how business is going. Rotaries are more powerful and I just don't know if I will be able to find the time to practice. As of now, my PC is doing just fine, but there will always be those details where a rotary would be very handy.

[gb387]

Re: Detailing black.... looking to take it to the next level.

I kind of mentioned it in my above post, your hand application process sounds good, about the only thing you may change is using a different pure polish in place of Deep Crystal #2, something like: #7 - Show Car Glaze -or- #81- Hand Polish

The PC is the G100A, right?

It's in the works. After doing some reading I'm also considering a rotary tool.

Yes, a G100A is a PC. PC, is short for the manufacture of the G100 (Porter Cable)

But as mentioned PorscheGuy the PC is a great 'next step'.

Keep in mind a rotary takes practice on a test panel, not on a vehicle you care about. Without practice a rotary can cause damage to the paint. Where a PC is very safe and can be used with little to no experience right out of the box.

[ScreamingTaco]

Re: Detailing black.... looking to take it to the next level.

I kind of mentioned it in my above post, your hand application process sounds good, about the only thing you may change is using a different pure polish in place of Deep Crystal #2, something like: #7 - Show Car Glaze -or- #81- Hand Polish

So...

Wash: Gold Class
Prep: DC #1
Polish: #7
Wax: Gold Class liquid

Now, if I buy a PC will I still be able to use these products, or will I need something that I can apply/remove by machine?

Also, from what I've read it seems it's best to apply cleaners & polish by machine, then remove them by hand and it's best to apply wax by hand and remove by machine. Is this correct?

Keep in mind a rotary takes practice on a test panel, not on a vehicle you care about. Without practice a rotary can cause damage to the paint. Where a PC is very safe and can be used with little to no experience right out of the box.

I have an old 4x4 that's bounced off alot of trees. I think I'll learn on that.

[PorscheGuy997]

Re: Detailing black.... looking to take it to the next level.

Here is the ideal process:
Wash - GC (my favorite)
Clay - Smooth Surface or Quik Clay
Clean - #83 followed by #80 if necessary. #80 might be enough.
Polish - #7 (optional)
Protect - Gold Class, NXT, or #26 (#26 looks great on black)

You can use DC1 with a PC, but there really isn't a reason to; there are hardly any abrassives that need to be broken down in it. #80 will really make your paint look great.

Yes, your product removal method is correct.

If your 4x4 has bounced off a lot of trees, it would be very beneficial to clay the vehicle to remove the contaminants. If this is with a PC, there is no risk of damaging the paint. If it is with a rotary, I hope you don't care about burning the paint. Black shows EVERYTHING!!!

[ScreamingTaco]

Re: Detailing black.... looking to take it to the next level.

Here is the ideal process:
Wash - GC (my favorite)
Clay - Smooth Surface or Quik Clay
Clean - #83 followed by #80 if necessary. #80 might be enough.
Polish - #7 (optional)
Protect - Gold Class, NXT, or #26 (#26 looks great on black)

What pads & methods would I want to use for each?

If your 4x4 has bounced off a lot of trees, it would be very beneficial to clay the vehicle to remove the contaminants. If this is with a PC, there is no risk of damaging the paint. If it is with a rotary, I hope you don't care about burning the paint. Black shows EVERYTHING!!!

The 4x4 in question is my old truck (1979 Toyota 4x4). I don't really care about the paint on it... the truck is dented, scratched, has sheet metal cut/ripped off and there's a few points were the Bondo is cracking and showing through (not my handy work). It's not like a little burnt paint can make it look any worse.

[PorscheGuy997]

Re: Detailing black.... looking to take it to the next level.

Here is what I use for pads:

ONLY use 6.5in pads with the PC
#83 - Polishing pad only
#80 - Polishing pad or finishing pad for the perfectionist
Polishes and waxes - Finishing pad
Cleaner wax - Polishing pad (more agressive) or finishing pad
Wax removal - Cutting pad and bonnet

I would get atleast three polishing pads and two finishing pads. ADS has a mix and match pad deal.

Since your vehicle is older, it probably would be almost a requirement to clay the vehicle before you use a paint cleaner.

Just a reminder, a PC will not damage your paint. The vehicle would be a perfect candidate for learning how to use a rotary, though.

[gb387]

Re: Detailing black.... looking to take it to the next level.

Here is a couple more helpful thread on the PC:
Recommended Products - G100a Dual Action Polisher
Product, Pad and Speed settings for the Porter Cable Dual Action Polisher

[Princeslik]

Re: Detailing black.... looking to take it to the next level.

I agree with PorscheGuy, you should get a rotary. I think you would like it so much better.

[ScreamingTaco]

Re: Detailing black.... looking to take it to the next level.

Just to clarify, I have two trucks. A 79 Toyota 4x4 that's beat to sh*t and an 07 Tacoma that's near mint.

The 07 is getting the detailing...

I'll be practicing on the 79....

[gb387]

Re: Detailing black.... looking to take it to the next level.

Just to clarify, I have two trucks. A 79 Toyota 4x4 that's beat to sh*t and an 07 Tacoma that's near mint.

The 07 is getting the detailing...

I'll be practicing on the 79....

Thats a good plan.... let us know if you decided to pick one or the other up. My vote it for the PC, but thats just me very universal machine.