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The 5 Step Paint Care Cycle
Step 1 – Washing: The removal of loose contaminants from any surface.
Step 2 – Surface Prep: The removal of bonded contaminants and/or stubborn defects that washing cannot remove.
Step 3 – Polishing: The creation of brilliant high gloss.
Step 4 – Protecting: The preservation of brilliant high gloss.
Step 5 – Maintaining: The frequent removal of fresh contaminants before they have a chance to bond or etch into the surface.
#1 Tip – Always read and follow the directions on the back of every bottle!
Washes
- For best results, NEVER wash your car using a household detergent, as they will strip away wax protection and promote pre-mature oxidation.
- To minimize the chance of water spotting, always wash your vehicle in the shade, and make sure the surface is cool to the touch.
- Before washing your vehicle. Rinse the entire vehicle first with a strong stream of water. This helps cool the vehicle and rinse away loose debris which may lead to scratching.
- To help keep your wash mitt clean and minimize the risk of scratching while washing, always wash your vehicle from top down, and use two buckets, 1 for the wash solution, and 1 for rinsing your mitt.
- To reduce the time in which it takes to dry your vehicle, use a stream of water, not a spray on your final rinse. This will sheet the water off your vehicle, leaving much less water to dry off the vehicle.
Evaluation
- Always wash and dry car before evaluating the surface.
- Use your eyes to see “defects.”
- Use your hands to feel “contaminants.”
- Use two kinds of light when possible.
Clays
- Knead your clay into a flat wafer in order to use it.
- Use a product like Quik Detailer as a lubricant.
- If you drop your piece of clay on the floor, replace it with a new one.
Paint Cleaners
- Always use the least aggressive method possible (No rubbing compounds)
- Use correct method of application per product (hand, orbital, dual-action, or rotary)
- Work one section at a time evenly and thoroughly.
- If one application doesn’t remove defects, a second application is sometimes needed.
- Use 100% cotton terry cloth towels or a Meguiar’s Ultimate Wipe for wipe off.
- A defect, such as a deep scratch, that goes through the clear coat, cannont be corrected without repainting.
Polishes & Waxes
- For best results, always apply polishes and waxes in shade and on a cool surface.
- For easy removal of waxes and polishes, always apply a uniform, thin coat.
- For maximum protection, apply 2 coats to lowar rocker panels in winter.
- For maximum protection, apply 2 coats to top surfaces in summer.
- To help extend your wax protection, always wash your vehicle using a safe, high quality car wash.
- For best results when removing polishes and waxes, use a high-quality 100% cotton terry cloth towel or a premium microfiber cloth.
- Using an orbital or Dual Action Polisher can make applying waxes and polishes very easy and quick.
Paint Detailers
- When applying paint detailers, always work on a cool surface and in the shade.
- For fast removal or paint detailers, always use a high-quality 100% cotton terry cloth towel or premium microfiber.
- Keep a bottle of a mist and wipe paint detailer in your truck at all times, this will help in those quick clean up situations.
- When paint detailers become slow to wipe off, this is an indication it is time to re-wax using a premium wax for maximum protection.
Tire Care
- For best results, always pre-clean your tires using a safe tire cleaner and brush before applying any type of tire protectant. This will allow the tire protectant to look better and last longer.
- After cleaning your tires, allow them to dry before applying any tire protectant.
- Always remove excess tire protectant from tires and wheels before driving your vehicle.
- It is a good time to check air pressure while working on tires and wheels.
Wheel Care
- Determine what type of wheel you have before choosing the right wheel cleaner, some cleaners can cause damage if not used on the right type of wheel.
- It is safer to use a less aggressive cleaner and a wheel brush to clean brake dust.
- Wheel must be cooled before any cleaning is possible to prevent staining.
- Spot test wheel cleaner to safeguard against possible staining.
- When using a wheel cleaner, be cautious of the plastic center caps. A cleaner might effect them differently than the wheel.
- Always spray wheel cleaners from the bottom up to help prevent staining.
- Be careful when working around aftermarket brake components.
Interior Tips
- Always match the correct product to the surface being treated. (Leather, vinyl, plastic, cloth.
- Products like Quik Interior Detailer can be very helpful for keeping your interior looking new.
- Detailing brushes come in handy for removing dust in tight areas like heater and air conditioning vents.
- Test new products in inconspicuous areas before applying to the entire surface.
Thanks a lot!
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