So, throughout the course of the YEARS, I came across products that work, some that don’t, and some I thought I could get by without…once you start trying out new things, you will start to understand the reason other people are using them. Case in point, water sheeting method to remove water beads from the paint before drying, and my new chemical guys mini leaf blower!
I used to just wash a car like normal without doing the water sheeting method. I would wet the car, wash it, rinse it and at this point, it would have a ton of water still on the car. I would then take 2-3 drying towels and continue to dry the car. Sure this method works, but why take 2-3 passes over the whole car when you can do it in one? For those who dont know what the water sheeting method is, I’ll explain it a little:
First, pre-rinse the car as usual to remove all the loose dirt and debris from the paint. Next, wash the car with your favorite car soap. Put the mitt down, pick up the hose, and rinse off the soap from the car. Once you have the car rinsed and free of soap, take the nozzle off the hose end and turn the water on HALF WAY. You don’ want a strong stream of water, but rather just enough pressure to push or pull the water off the surfaces. Use slow passes ensuring the water will form a SHEET on the surface so that it will carry a majority of the water off the car. Start at the top and do all the horizontals first, then do the sides. At this point, you should be left with about 20% or less of the water on the car. Take your drying towel and get the rest of the water off the car. Use a bit of quick detailer to aid in the drying process to prevent swirling.
The other thing that has really helped me out is the mini leaf blower from chemical guys. It works like a vacuum blower attachment, or an air compressor, but its better all around for me! It fits in a small box, doesnt need to fill up, and is lightweight. it has enough power to dry the entire car, but I only use it for the cracks, crevices, around headlights, grills, emblems, door seals, jambs, side mirrors, etc. Some cars are notorious for holding on to water until you drive them away leaving you with drip marks all over. This mini leaf blower eliminates that! No more polishing the car and having to stop to wipe away the water that dripped out form the cracks!
Those are just two of the more recent tips I would highly recommend adding to your detailing process/tools!