Final inspection vs last touch vs ultimate wash & wax anywhere

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Final inspection vs last touch vs ultimate wash & wax anywhere

Hi Michael,

Great explanation.

I currently use QD after I finish cleaning and wiping down my car.

By "cleaning and wiping down" do you mean a full wash? If so, there is nothing at all to gain by then using QD as it really won't add anything to the paint. We know this seems to be a fairly common practice wherein people use a quick detail spray immediately following a full wash and dry, but unless you're doing so just to remove those little spots caused by water finally trickling out from behind some piece of trim, there really isn't anything to gain by doing this. QD sprays are designed for the removal of light dust and fingerprints, which shouldn't be present immediately following a wash. A spray wax, like UQW, makes sense at this point, but a QD really doesn't.

One question is, would Last Touch or Final inspection be good to replace QD? What I'm wondering is would I be able to use Last Touch or Final inspection instead of using QD as it is expensive here in NZ and was thinking of buying Last Touch or Final inspection by bulk instead. From what I've read you've recommended Last Touch as a clay lube, would applying Last Touch after cleaning and wiping down my car be the same as QD?

Either of these are excellent substitutes for QD, especially if you're using a lot of product and cost/availability is a concern. Final Inspection (M34) isn't going to add much of anything to the paint either as it's our only body shop safe mist and wipe product. Last Touch, on the other hand, does have some nice gloss enhancing characteristics, but it's not terribly long lasting, of course, since it's just a light mist and wipe product designed for light dust removal. You can dilute it 1:1 with water for use as a clay lube, or use it straight to remove light dust and add a bit more gloss to the finish. It is a definite step up from Quik Detailer in the burgundy bottle.

I also see that M135 Synthetic Spray Detailer is a direct replacement for UQD, would this be better? Price for this is also more expensive. Last Touch seems to be the best option if it can replace QD.

Cheers.

If you're looking for a bit of darkening of the paint and a very high level of water beading, then M135/UQD would be the way to go, without a doubt. But again, since it's a quick detailer and not a wax, it's enhancements to the paint will be fleeting. If you're only using this type of product immediately following a full wash and dry with the idea that you want to boost the gloss and maybe even the protection level at the same time, then what you really should be using is D156 Synthetic Xpress Spray Wax.

[yuriko]

Re: Final inspection vs last touch vs ultimate wash & wax anywhere

Thanks Murr and Michael.

By "cleaning and wiping down" do you mean a full wash? If so, there is nothing at all to gain by then using QD as it really won't add anything to the paint. We know this seems to be a fairly common practice wherein people use a quick detail spray immediately following a full wash and dry, but unless you're doing so just to remove those little spots caused by water finally trickling out from behind some piece of trim, there really isn't anything to gain by doing this. QD sprays are designed for the removal of light dust and fingerprints, which shouldn't be present immediately following a wash. A spray wax, like UQW, makes sense at this point, but a QD really doesn't.

Alright. Basically QD/Last Touch used to just spot check those areas where water has leaked out and basically touch up on the wash.

Either of these are excellent substitutes for QD, especially if you're using a lot of product and cost/availability is a concern. Final Inspection (M34) isn't going to add much of anything to the paint either as it's our only body shop safe mist and wipe product. Last Touch, on the other hand, does have some nice gloss enhancing characteristics, but it's not terribly long lasting, of course, since it's just a light mist and wipe product designed for light dust removal. You can dilute it 1:1 with water for use as a clay lube, or use it straight to remove light dust and add a bit more gloss to the finish. It is a definite step up from Quik Detailer in the burgundy bottle.

Basically Last Touch can gloss the paint however not as strong something like UQW which sort of replenishes the wax gloss. Last touch dilutes at 1:1 for claying and if I want slight gloss just use it straight.

If you're looking for a bit of darkening of the paint and a very high level of water beading, then M135/UQD would be the way to go, without a doubt. But again, since it's a quick detailer and not a wax, it's enhancements to the paint will be fleeting. If you're only using this type of product immediately following a full wash and dry with the idea that you want to boost the gloss and maybe even the protection level at the same time, then what you really should be using is D156 Synthetic Xpress Spray Wax.

The D156 Synthetic Xpress Spray Wax sounds like UQW in bulk and looks like what I really want. Do I use this with full strenght?

[Murr1525]

Re: Final inspection vs last touch vs ultimate wash & wax anywhere

Yes, the spray waxes would be full strength.

I wouldnt say the spray wax 'glosses' the paint more, but will replenish some of the protection.

[ffboy]

Re: Final inspection vs last touch vs ultimate wash & wax anywhere

Just got myself a the D155 last touch instant detailer. Not quite as good as UQD, but not far off. Definitely better in my opinion than Showtime. It does feel slick, but it doesn't have the feel of UQD, but in terms of price and overall finish, it's definitely very close. Was really looking for the gallon size M135, but the store has no stock and I also need something for claying, so i guess i made the right choice getting last touch, and in the future i plan to get more of it.