Auto Detailing - Time Limitations & Guidelines

[Halogen]

I'd like to know what the recommanded time intervals between any cleaning steps are ? How long certain jobs should usually take, assuming it is done correctly.

For example:


How much time is allowable between a polish and wax ? If I wash, clay and polish the car on day 1, will it be safe to apply wax on day 2 ? what if I was out driving before I wax ? What if 3 or more days have passed ?
How many times a year should you do a full detailing of the car, and what months of the year are best ?
How much time does it take polish/wax to set before buffing it, on average and in what conditions ?
How much time will a good clearcoat last, and in what conditions ?
When is it recommanded to replace cloths and equipment?
What is the shelf life of cleaning/polishing/waxing products, and in what conditions ?


I'd also like to know some important guidelines when approaching a detailing job, so as to ensure it is done correctly while avoiding some serious pitfalls during the process.

For example:


How much pressure should be used when polishing by hand, with a cloth ?
Is it a mistake to polish a surface without claying first ? What if you polish with noticeable contaminants still on the surface ?
Should contact with rubber and plastic trim be avoided when polishing or waxing ?
How much should a newbie expect to pay for all the equipment needed for a full detailing job ?
When should someone consider a new paint job / clearcoat ? How much should this cost ?


I just listed things which I do not know myself and would like too, but if anyone else has more to add, that would be helpful for everybody. Thanks.

[Cardinal Fang]

I'll give this a shot.





How much time is allowable between a polish and wax ? If I wash, clay and polish the car on day 1, will it be safe to apply wax on day 2 ? what if I was out driving before I wax ? What if 3 or more days have passed ?

You should wash, clay, polish and wax on the same day if you plan to drive the car the next day. The reason is because with the steps being done at the same time you ensure the cleanest possible surface for each step. If you decide to wax the car the next day that's ok too as long as you don't the car before hand. Ideally you don't want to accumulate surface debris before applying the wax.





How many times a year should you do a full detailing of the car, and what months of the year are best ?

A min. of two times a year. Spring and Fall. Right after winter you want to get the paint finish clean of all the crap you've accumulated and just before you go back into winter.





How much time does it take polish/wax to set before buffing it, on average and in what conditions ?

That depends on the polish and wax. But if you read the directions on each product they usually say something to the effect of apply until it becomes cloudy then buff. I found that with the more commercially available products the longer you leave it on the harder it is to remove.






When is it recommanded to replace cloths and equipment?

I replace my drying mircrofibre towels every two years. I use seperate towels to dry the car after claying, buffing after the scratch remover, buffing after polish and buffing after wax. I wash them in a seperate washing machine load after every car wash. My "wooly shamy" that I use to soak in the car in soap I replace every year.





What is the shelf life of cleaning/polishing/waxing products, and in what conditions ?

Got me there. I use the products up so much on my two cars that I'm having to replace them every 3 years.





How much pressure should be used when polishing by hand, with a cloth ?

I used to do this myself and then decided on a orbital buffer. Tough question. I used to put a fair amount of pressure on to remove the residue. I remember my arm would hurt after I was all done. I would have to say you need to apply firm pressure over the same area consistantly and frequently until you see the finish shine.





Is it a mistake to polish a surface without claying first ? What if you polish with noticeable contaminants still on the surface ?

Claying is such an important step. For those of us that have done this there is no comparison. The finish is cleaner. More importantly it feels cleaner. It's like a sheet of glass to the touch. Any application of polish or wax without claying first just traps the contaminants on the surface and makes it harder to remove down the line. NOW KEEP IN MIND you shouldn't be claying your car everytime you wash. Just do that at least twice a year and it will last you.





Should contact with rubber and plastic trim be avoided when polishing or waxing ?

Preferably yes. But keep a clean towel handy to wipe it off if the wax overlaps and you'll be fine.





How much should a newbie expect to pay for all the equipment needed for a full detailing job ?

That depends on what you want out of it and how serious a detailer you're going to be about it. With me I want my car clean and I'm willing to put about 5 hours into each car when doing a proper wash, claying, polishing and waxing two times a year. Then standard wash and clean with a quick detailer spray at least every month. I'll spend money on the products but not on the machines as the cost is too much to justify it for myself. So I would estimate..

Products: Clay bar kit, scratch/swirl remover, polish, wax = $100.00
Orbital buffer with bonets: $40.00
Interior Spray and Cleaners: $40.00
Wheel Cleaner: $20.00

[Halogen]

Here are some things I learned yesterday doing some polishing/waxing work on my Grandpa's van.

1. Spread wax/polish evenly as possible before buffing. So, decide on a section of your car, coat it good with compound, wait until haze is apparent (doesn't take long) then buff it off. If you work section by section, the job seems far less demanding.

2. Spoon on polish/wax amount needed for surface area then fold cloth over (with blob of compound inside) and rub it together to spread the paste evenly over your applicator cloth.

3. Don't be lazy by avoiding the fine edges of panels. Warning, use less paste wax/polish because it can build up inside grooves and harden.

4. Do not dampen buffing cloths (Use 100% smooth cotton.) Dampen (lightly) applicator cloths.

5. Fold and refold cloths regularly. Brush them off during buffing (shake off dry compound dust, not near the car tho!)

6. If it is hot outside and surfaces are hot (even while being out of direct sunlight) work on smaller sections at a time. Apply wax/polish, then buff. Repeat section by section until area is coated.

Correct me if any of this advise is wrong, thanks.

[SonicBoy]

Spend some time at Autogeek.net. A lot FAQs and info. There are also serveral forums that cover detailing.

E-Shine also has good section as well and the are a sponsor on here. A lot of members here have purchased from them.