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Garage Queen Advice

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  • #1

    Garage Queen Advice

    I've been given the opportunity to work on a garage queen and am unsure how to finish up. The owner does not have any expectations and will be happy with the finish of my choosing. I understand the dealer prepped it before final purchase so I expect a couple of long days of correction before considering waxing.

    The car is a black Mercedes SL500 (unsure of the year) and rarely, if ever, ventures outdoors.

    I know personal preferences play a big part in the final wax, but I'm wavering between Ultimate Wax, twice or Ultimate Wax followed by M26. I don't feel I need to worry about longevity of finish with this garage queen.

    I would like to hear some differing opinions so I can make an educated decision. (Knowing I wish to stick with Meguiars)


    Forgive me for making this a two topic discussion, but I watched a video the other day and I heard it mentioned IPA wipe downs will soften the clear coat and make it susceptible to marring. Is this a function of time or concentration or both?


    Thanks in advance.

    "fishing for swirls in a sea of black"
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    David
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Re: Garage Queen Advice

    Many people use IPA mix for a final wipe down to make sure that there are no defects left behind. Mostly when you work with polishes and glazes which could serve as temporary fillers and just hide below surface problems.

    Even during some detailing classes IPA has been used without any negative impacts.

    Ultimate Wax is a really good choice because of its long lasting protection. You may discover that on certain paint types you don't even need a coat of M26 after UW. If you want to play a little do some test spots with different waxes.

    Mike Stoops used Ultimate Paste Wax with DA couple weeks ago and he said that final results were fantastic. Those 4" spot buffing pads fit really nicely into Ultimate Wax jar.

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    • #3
      Re: Garage Queen Advice

      You would have to really soak the paint in IPA to soften it up....
      2017 Subaru WRX Premium - WR Blue

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      • #4
        Re: Garage Queen Advice

        I have a garage queen that sees maybe a 100 miles a year. It never sees rain nor extended outdoors sun.

        I find it easy to maintain as it seldom needs cleaning. Initially, I did a thorough prep then followed with #21. I chose a polymer over a carnauba for one reason. It offered the crisp reflective look I wanted. Since durability is a non issue and the car is both garaged and under a car cover most of the time, the choice of a wax or sealant was solely based on which look I wanted, the highly reflective look of the polymer sealant or the deep warm glow of a carnauba.

        Maintenance is simply an occasional UQD dust/fingerprint removal and periodic UQW to make me feel good. It does get an occasional wash before and after any events but those are getting fewer and fewer.
        Jim
        My Gallery

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        • #5
          Re: Garage Queen Advice

          Thanks gentlemen for your comments regarding IPA. I plan on clean, IPA, clean, IPA, until get all defects are gone before using UltPolish. Guessing Mercedes paint may require UltCompound for cleaning. Will test spot.

          Jim, I've been using M21 for a few pre-winter details. Love it. Transitioning to UltWax for special projects.

          Examined and photographed car today. Will wash body and concentrate on wheels for day one of project tomorrow.

          Thanks again,

          "fishing for swirls in a sea of black"
          ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
          David

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          • #6
            Re: Garage Queen Advice

            Generally it is 50:50 IPA and Water I believe.
            2017 Subaru WRX Premium - WR Blue

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            • #7
              Re: Garage Queen Advice

              Originally posted by Murr1525 View Post
              Generally it is 50:50 IPA and Water I believe.
              Thanks, I finished up with clay-barring today, taping off and will start corrective work on a test section tomorrow.

              "fishing for swirls in a sea of black"
              ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
              David

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              • #8
                Re: Garage Queen Advice

                The owner stopped in and pretty much answered the original question. He arrived as I was polishing with Ult. Polish and he said he wanted to keep that glass-like look. Sounds like two coats of Ult. Wax.

                Additionally, I used plenty of 50/50 alcohol with no apparent ill after effects.

                Thanks all for the discussion.

                "fishing for swirls in a sea of black"
                ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
                David

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                • #9
                  Re: Garage Queen Advice

                  Is this the car your working on David?



                  Nick
                  Tucker's Detailing Services
                  815-954-0773
                  2012 Ford Transit Connect

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                  • #10
                    Re: Garage Queen Advice

                    Originally posted by Tuck91 View Post
                    Is this the car your working on David?

                    Today, yes it's getting close. Four days ago it was covered with swirls.

                    Why do you have to set the bar so high?

                    B-(

                    First coat of Ult. Wax went on awhile ago. Eating lunch now, then the big reveal after bit. I'll see if I came close to yours.

                    "fishing for swirls in a sea of black"
                    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
                    David

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                    • #11
                      Re: Garage Queen Advice

                      Looking forward to the results.

                      Cannot take all the credit for the car above as it was in pretty good shape and has less than a 1,000 miles.
                      Nick
                      Tucker's Detailing Services
                      815-954-0773
                      2012 Ford Transit Connect

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