Holy Black Paint!

[Drashnar]

So this past Saturday morning was the day to do my mother's black Dodge Charger. I got there early, and started up around the same time I'd start my White Chevy Classic around 8:30 in the morning. I get started with a rinse and do the wheels. To my extreme horror I had just started on the hood when I notice steam coming from the roof! I zoom through the rest of the car recruiting my 11 year old to do the hosing off.

I know, you're supposed to do this in the shade, to keep the car's body temp down, but I don't have ANY shade available. None of the soap suds stayed on long enough to cause any issues, but water spots ended up happening.

My question in regards to this is: 1)"Is black paint always this much of a pain to work with?" 2) "How on earth am I going to be able to get the full process done (wash, clay, compound, polish, wax) when I can't even wash the car without it steaming?"

Shade is pretty much not an option, there is none, and I cannot afford a canopy of any kind right now. I'm mostly ranting, I know there isn't much I can do without investing some money in some way to get me some shade to work with.

But what's most surprising to me is the shear difference in temperature between when I do my car, and my mothers car at the same time. Now I'm just a beginner, so it's a a learning experience and I'm gratful for that, but is this normal?

P.S. I just got my first batch of Last Touch with spray bottle. I LOVE this stuff!

[flight567]

In the summer , or when its 80+ I've been knowmn to use the coin op car wash bays for a wash (use the water but notmthe brush) and clay. Then you just have to live wity the compound life span... to anseer the first question: no. Its not always thatnhard. I've had black paint that correct nicely at the mention of the word compound 0. Though some paints are going to be harder...

[PureArt]

Re: Holy Black Paint!

What I have found other members do. Is they meet up with another member, sort of a meet and greet and they get the car detailed that way. So that could also be an option depending on where you live and if someone is close by to you that has a place to work out of.

[wifpd4]

Re: Holy Black Paint!

Yes, dark colored cars can be difficult in the sun. Not sure if you have to deal with water restrictions also, but working in sections and keeping the car wet will help to a certain extent. It can be virtually impossible to start compounding and polishing in the sun. Got to move into a garage or under a tent and get some shade some how. I know you can't afford a canopy, but watch for sales of tailgating tents at sporting good stores. You can find a 9 X 9 or 10 X 10 tent for 60 bucks or so. A 10 x 10 won't cover an entire car, so working section by section is a requirement as you move the tent or the car around.

Taking your own bucket to a car wash bay works for everything up to the point you need electricity. Working by hand is possible if there is no one waiting to get into a bay. I've rinsed of a car using their equipment and then fill a bucket with their water and my soap to hand wash and then rinse with their equipment. Off hours and an understanding car wash operator is important.

Washing in a city park is out, but all the other activities are possible without electricity in the shade of trees. Another suggestion is closed out of business gas stations. If the canopy is still there, that will provide some shade.

The other problem working outdoors and in the open can be the wind. It blows stuff onto your car while you work and dries out your products too fast. Now I'm starting to rant.....

Good luck.

[Detailing by M]

Re: Holy Black Paint!

This is what waterless wash was made for. Do one section at a time. with or without water.
Detailing a black car in the sun has difficulty written all over it. You'll have to learn how to do it or find some shade.
I'm an experienced detailer and it's hard for me to do it, but it is possible.