DA, by hand or a combonation of both?

[h_bomm]

Just wondering when doing an exterior detail on a car/truck, do most people use only a DA or are there areas on a vehicle where you need to apply product by hand? The reason i ask is that i have a 2004 f-150 and on the hood there are vertical ridges that are maybe 1.5"-2" in height and a 7" pad would be too big. Obviously i want to use the DA as much as possible, i plan on washing, claying, UC, UP, NXT 2.0 wax for my first detail then keeping up on waxing and claying through out the year and do a full detail a couple times a year. Am I on the right track? Also the black window trim on my truck needs some love, any tips on cleaning it well to get all the black crud off would be great, i have the trim & tire gel (d163) to dress it up and make it look good when i get it clean. Thanks for any and all input!

[Murr1525]

Re: DA, by hand or a combonation of both?

You can always look at the smaller 3" pads. But for just a polish and wax, doing a spot by hand can be just as easy.

What sort of crud is on your trim? Something like APC and a terry towel might be a start...

[Joe Dragon]

Re: DA, by hand or a combonation of both?

Under and around door handles, side view mirrors & grill are some areas where I work by hand; faster than switching out the backing plate & pad.

[STRIFE]

Re: DA, by hand or a combonation of both?

I have both the Griot's Garage 6 & 3. Having both DAs is great & nice to have to deal with anything my 3 vehicles can throw at me. I might work by hand if i was going to do spot work.
I think in time you will find a routine that works well for you.

[h_bomm]

Re: DA, by hand or a combonation of both?

What sort of crud is on your trim? Something like APC and a terry towel might be a start...[/QUOTE]


just black trim that looks kinda gray and weathered

[Murr1525]

Re: DA, by hand or a combonation of both?

Can give it a wipe off, then apply something like Ult. Protectant, ASD, etc to it.