Easy 6 Hour Hand Detail
by Rodney TatumI decided to put my polisher and hose away, just to demonstrate that you have options when it comes to detailing your car. My car was due for something more than a car wash, which is a perfect demonstration that you do not always need fancy tools, you can tackle things by hand as well!
I used the Kwazar Venus Pro+ Super Foamer for a presoak, followed by a two bucket rinseless and third bucket, specifically for wheels (all with Grit Guards). I will either saturate the vehicle with a rinseless wash mixed in a waterless dilution or a car soap that foams really well. In this case, my choice was Wolfgang Uber Rinseless Wash in three wash buckets, and Chemical Guys Citrus Wash in the Kwazar. I have used one bucket for everything but wheels and tires many times but; based upon the condition, my technique, and doing a second wash for residue removal, I am demonstrating my multiple bucket wash process.
First, I will begin washing the car with two buckets, positioned on opposite sides of the car. When I am done with a couple of passes (maybe more or less), I will go grab a mitt sitting in the other bucket. I do that to make sure any extra grit has sunk below the grit guard. I wash with my mitts being very wet; minimal wringing, and I will often use between 2 to 3 mitts for the wash depending on the condition of the vehicle. I have even gone up to 4 or as little as one before, so it all depends on how filthy the car is, or is not.
When I am washing, drying, or any activity that has a microfiber touching my paint I like to inspect my microfibers often to make sure I remove girt, switch out towels, etc. Once they are dirty you do not want to rub that dirt back into the paint, causing unwanted imperfections during the wash process.
A few light sprays of Gyeon WaterSpot on the horizontal panels. Prompt removal of any water spot remover is important, make sure instructions are followed.
CarPro Iron X was my next step.
After 5 minutes of dwell time, I did a quick re-wash of the entire car.
I followed with CarPro Tar X Tar Remover on the lower portion of the side panels and again, a quick re-wash of those areas.
Then I used a clay bar with Gyeon Clay Lube. There was still contamination pulled off the paint by the clay bar, but very slight. That was exactly what I wanted, knowing that I was not going to machine polish my paint. By minimizing the contamination in the clay bar, it further reduced the chance of significant marring on the paint.
Afterwards, I used the CarPro Eraser to remove any oils on the surface and followed up with your favorite wax or sealant to protect the car. I do recommend using a paint cleaner if you have any imperfections you are looking to remove, but if not, jumping right to the protection step will yield great results.
Nice work. Once a car has been properly detailed, it is relatively easy to maintain!
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, and my pleasure!
Great writeup Rodney! This shows that not every detail has to involve heavy artillery (compound, buffer/DA polisher, wet sanding etc…) to come out nice.
Thank you! That was one of my mahor goals with this writeup, to reveal options for people who are not in a position or don’t have enough comfort to use machines and compounds.