E90Post
 


 
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Wash, Wax, Detailing and Cosmetic protection/repairs > Ask a Professional Detailer...



Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      03-16-2011, 01:27 PM   #1343
WDBi
Captain
WDBi's Avatar
United_States
112
Rep
739
Posts

Drives: a car
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: over there

iTrader: (2)

is it safe to clay my car without waxing it after
Appreciate 0
      03-16-2011, 06:50 PM   #1344
sorryiwasnapping
Private First Class
1
Rep
137
Posts

Drives: '12 VW GTI
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: New Jersey

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by WDBi View Post
is it safe to clay my car without waxing it after
HIGHLY recommended that you finish a clay job with either a sealant or a wax.
Appreciate 0
      03-16-2011, 09:14 PM   #1345
Detailed Image
Detailed Image's Avatar
United_States
360
Rep
5,052
Posts

Drives: Detailed by Detailed Image
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Albany, NY

iTrader: (5)

Quote:
Originally Posted by TXSailor View Post
I am in the process of a detail- so far-

wash
clay
wash
I am using pc 7424 with orange LC pad and menzerma IP-- it is not getting all of my swirls / minor scratches out. What should I do? press hard/ more passes?? My next steps are
klasse aio- white or black pad (which pad?)
the Klasse SG.

Help please!

car is sapphire black
The Menzerna IP is an older formula so you may want to consider upgrading to the newer Menzerna Super Intensive Polish PO83 or the Meguiar's Ultra-Cut Compound M105. With any of these polishes it's critical that the pad is clean, I usually polish with 2+ pads so the pad stays fresh. Go nice and slow and apply medium pressure so the pad slows down just a little bit but certainly does not come close to stopping. Put one black mark on the backing plate so you can readily see how fast the backing plate/pad is moving. Do overlapping passes and move slow and steady. Try this process and let me know how the results turn out.

It's also important to note this combination will not remove all imperfections, it should remove about 60% - 70% of the surface imperfections.
Appreciate 0
      03-16-2011, 09:20 PM   #1346
Detailed Image
Detailed Image's Avatar
United_States
360
Rep
5,052
Posts

Drives: Detailed by Detailed Image
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Albany, NY

iTrader: (5)

Quote:
Originally Posted by koifish420 View Post
Recently purchased used wheels and need help on what products to buy to clean, maintain, protect them. They are 3 piece forged, face is powder coated matte black, with chrome lips. Chrome has water marks and grime build up. Also the inner barrels/rivets have a lot of build up as well. Faces are in very good condition. I'm trying to get them back to as close as new as possible. Thanks!

I would give them a cleaning with a pH neutral formula like the SONAX Wheel Cleaner Full Effect. It helps remove just about anything your wheels can face and it leaves them very clean. If there are stains, oxidation, etc. then I would use a metal polish on those areas. The Optimum Metal Polish is a great choice and on sale if interested. Just take a few small drops on a soft cloth and buff it on with light to medium pressure. Then buff off the residue with a clean cloth for a like new shine! This product provides a tiny bit of protection as well. If you want some stronger protection that will help repel road grime and brake dust check out the Poorboy's World Wheel Sealant. It's safe on all finishes and it makes future cleanings much easier while preserving your wheels. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.
Appreciate 0
      03-16-2011, 09:22 PM   #1347
Detailed Image
Detailed Image's Avatar
United_States
360
Rep
5,052
Posts

Drives: Detailed by Detailed Image
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Albany, NY

iTrader: (5)

Quote:
Originally Posted by WDBi View Post
is it safe to clay my car without waxing it after
You never have to wax after using a clay bar. However the point of a clay bar is to deep clean the paint. Therefore after such a thorough cleaning it makes a lot of sense to protect the paint right after with a sealant or wax. If you have any questions or if you'd like a recommendation don't hesitate to ask.

Greg @ DI
Appreciate 0
      03-17-2011, 10:45 AM   #1348
DCTepper
Private First Class
35
Rep
166
Posts

Drives: 2020 Tesla Model 3 Performance
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Hudsonville, MI

iTrader: (0)

If I'm polishing with a 3-step process (i.e. Sonus SFX-1, SFX-2, SFX-3), will I benefit from using Klasse All-in-One before Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze?
Appreciate 0
      03-17-2011, 07:29 PM   #1349
MaximusJ
Colonel
MaximusJ's Avatar
Canada
300
Rep
2,485
Posts

Drives: 340Xi MG 2017
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Quebec, Canada

iTrader: (21)

Garage List
Noob question here:

Can you polish bumpers? Do you have to go with a softer polish or is it pretty much the same process as the body polish? Using same products or?

Thanks; appreciated as always.
__________________
Mineral Grey '17 F30 340XI
[Garage] // [Build Journal]

Jet Black '06 E90 325I
[Garage]
Appreciate 0
      03-20-2011, 07:12 PM   #1350
UltraRacer13
Wannabe Track Rat
UltraRacer13's Avatar
British Virgin Islands
68
Rep
930
Posts

Drives: 17 OG M2
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Texas

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Detailed Image View Post
The Menzerna IP is an older formula so you may want to consider upgrading to the newer Menzerna Super Intensive Polish PO83 or the Meguiar's Ultra-Cut Compound M105. With any of these polishes it's critical that the pad is clean, I usually polish with 2+ pads so the pad stays fresh. Go nice and slow and apply medium pressure so the pad slows down just a little bit but certainly does not come close to stopping. Put one black mark on the backing plate so you can readily see how fast the backing plate/pad is moving. Do overlapping passes and move slow and steady. Try this process and let me know how the results turn out.

It's also important to note this combination will not remove all imperfections, it should remove about 60% - 70% of the surface imperfections.
i have plenty of orange pads. What speed should I set the 7424 to?

Thanks for your help! I order all my stuff from FYI.
Appreciate 0
      03-20-2011, 10:53 PM   #1351
versionk
New Member
versionk's Avatar
2
Rep
7
Posts

Drives: 2008 BMW 328XI
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Eastern PA

iTrader: (0)

I just purchased a CPO 2008 BMW 328XI with Black Sapphire Metallic Paint, leather interior. The paint overall is fine, but I do have some surface scratches, a few deeper scratches that catch your fingernail, a few that look like pain blobs and a few corroded looking spots on my hood, maybe some sap or bird crap got on it and ate thru. I'm new to detailing but I'm willing to put the time/work in to have it right.

I've put together a preliminary list of what I think I need based from your blog/site but I would really appreciate your professional opinion before I place my order. I'm unsure of the best products to fix my paint blemishes, get my paint looking the best and also protect it for months with the full initial detail and follow up minor washes.

Here is what I've come up with so far.

Wash/Clean
-- (1) Pro Kits Pre-Polish Basic Kit (For initial deep clean)
-- (1) Chemical Guys Maxi Suds II (Maintenance washes)
-- (1) Gilmour Foamaster II Foam Gun
-- (2) DI Accessories Sheepskin Wash Mitts

Polish/Protection (I'm note sure whats the best combo for my paint needs and beginner skill level here.)
-- (1) DI Packages PC 7424XP with M105, M205 and 5.5" pads

Glaze
-- Chemical Guys Extreme EZ-Creme Glaze with Acrylic Shine II - 16 oz

Sealant
-- (1) Blackfire Wet Diamond with Polycharger

Wax, (Do I need a wax if I use the wet diamond sealant?)
-- (1) Blackfire Midnight Sun Carnauba Paste Wax

Quick Detailer
-- (1) Optimum Instant Detailer & Gloss Enhancer

Interior
-- (1) 303 Aerospace Protectant

Tires/Wheels
-- (1) Optimum Power Clean

Accessories
-- (2) Grit Guard inserts
-- (1) DI Accessories E-Z Detail Brush
-- (3) Lake Country Snappy Clean Pad Cleaner
-- (1) Lake Country Black Finishing Pad - 5.5 inch
-- (1) Lake Country Blue Fine Finishing Pad - 5.5 inch


The white marks are from using turtle wax scratch remover. My amateur first attempt. But after reading a bit online, it looks like I have to wet sand these bad spots in the pictures and apply touch-up paint and use something like Langka blob remover to smooth them out. They will never go away but can look a lot better than they are now.







Last edited by versionk; 03-21-2011 at 08:17 PM.. Reason: typos
Appreciate 0
      03-23-2011, 04:54 PM   #1352
Detailed Image
Detailed Image's Avatar
United_States
360
Rep
5,052
Posts

Drives: Detailed by Detailed Image
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Albany, NY

iTrader: (5)

Quote:
Originally Posted by DCTepper View Post
If I'm polishing with a 3-step process (i.e. Sonus SFX-1, SFX-2, SFX-3), will I benefit from using Klasse All-in-One before Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze?
There is a benefit because of the added protection it adds, but the cleaning power is somewhat negated because you've already polished before hand. Therefore you could skip the AIO or keep it in there if desired.

Greg @ DI
Appreciate 0
      03-23-2011, 04:56 PM   #1353
Detailed Image
Detailed Image's Avatar
United_States
360
Rep
5,052
Posts

Drives: Detailed by Detailed Image
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Albany, NY

iTrader: (5)

Quote:
Originally Posted by MaximusJ View Post
Noob question here:

Can you polish bumpers? Do you have to go with a softer polish or is it pretty much the same process as the body polish? Using same products or?

Thanks; appreciated as always.
If it's the same as the rest of the vehicle then polish it just the same. They tend to be more contaminated so spend more time here with your washing, degreasing and claying process so it's thoroughly cleaned before polishing.
Appreciate 0
      03-23-2011, 05:00 PM   #1354
Detailed Image
Detailed Image's Avatar
United_States
360
Rep
5,052
Posts

Drives: Detailed by Detailed Image
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Albany, NY

iTrader: (5)

Quote:
Originally Posted by versionk View Post
I just purchased a CPO 2008 BMW 328XI with Black Sapphire Metallic Paint, leather interior. The paint overall is fine, but I do have some surface scratches, a few deeper scratches that catch your fingernail, a few that look like pain blobs and a few corroded looking spots on my hood, maybe some sap or bird crap got on it and ate thru. I'm new to detailing but I'm willing to put the time/work in to have it right.

The white marks are from using turtle wax scratch remover. My amateur first attempt. But after reading a bit online, it looks like I have to wet sand these bad spots in the pictures and apply touch-up paint and use something like Langka blob remover to smooth them out. They will never go away but can look a lot better than they are now.
I know I spoke to you via e-mail so I won't go over the products with you again. So in case anyone else is reading or experiencing a similar problem here is my response: Thank you for the order, we truly appreciate it. The kit you selected (PC Kit with Megs polishes) is very safe and easy to use. It's commonly used on brand new paints and older vehicles to restore the paint so it's a versatile combination of products. It will help remove oxidation, most swirls and ultra fine scratches. For some of the deeper scratches it will not remove them generally speaking but it may make them slightly less noticeable. As for that spot that looks corroded I have no idea what happened there but I'm pretty confident it was not a birds droppings. That certainly looks more serious and I would not polish this area with your buffer. It may need some professional work with wet sanding and a re-application of paint/clear coat. You may be able to tackle it yourself with the right tools but I honestly have not tackled anything similar. Otherwise you are fine to use the polish and buffer on the exterior paint. If you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask.

Greg @ DI
Appreciate 0
      03-23-2011, 10:25 PM   #1355
StLMO
Private First Class
United_States
25
Rep
124
Posts

Drives: 2003 M5, 2015 Z4 35is
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: St. Louis, MO

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
2017 BMW 540i  [0.00]
2003 BMW M5  [0.00]
2015 BMW Z4 35is  [5.00]
hi Greg, put an order in for my car wash, detail items and can't wait. but noticed yesterday someone hit/scraped my rear quarter. It looks like they rubbed the clear but didn't break through the paint. Would you recommend wet sanding or will a polish be able to smooth it out? i'm a bit concerned since the spot needing work is where the quarter meets the bumper so it's not a flat surface it's on a hard edge.

thanks
Appreciate 0
      03-27-2011, 10:36 AM   #1356
Detailed Image
Detailed Image's Avatar
United_States
360
Rep
5,052
Posts

Drives: Detailed by Detailed Image
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Albany, NY

iTrader: (5)

Start off by just washing and claying the area to see it more clearly and possibly remove any paint that has rubbed on to your paint. Then start off with a polish and see what that does. If that doesn't work you can try more aggressive polishes or move up to a light wet sanding (i.e. Meguiar's 2000 Grade - Unigrit Finishing Sand Paper). After wet sanding don't forget to polish afterward.

Greg @ DI
Appreciate 0
      04-02-2011, 03:38 PM   #1357
Rampage9
Second Lieutenant
Rampage9's Avatar
Canada
11
Rep
286
Posts

Drives: 2017 340i xDrive
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Woodbridge Ont.

iTrader: (3)

[URL=http://img864.imageshack.us/i/photo2x.jpg/]

[URL=http://img858.imageshack.us/i/photo1dg.jpg/]

Question: What is causing the red/brown rust spots on the clear coat? Is it brake dust? It is all over the sides and rear end of the car!

This is my first winter with the car, and I never saw this over the summer. Is it because my washing frequency decreased, and the brake dust had time to sit on the surface? I washed the car regularly in the summer, at least once a week, sometimes more frequent depending on how dirty it got. However, in the winter I was much less diligent and I went up to 4wks without a wash once (I know )

I fully detailed and prepped the car for winter, and I'm just about ready to do my spring detail. I'm guessing the clay bar should remove the spots, but what can I do to avoid this next winter? Just wash more frequently?

Thanks!
__________________
Past: 2009 328i 6MT Alpine white + Oyster
Present: 2017 340i 6MT Estoril blue + Oyster

Appreciate 0
      04-02-2011, 05:23 PM   #1358
Detailed Image
Detailed Image's Avatar
United_States
360
Rep
5,052
Posts

Drives: Detailed by Detailed Image
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Albany, NY

iTrader: (5)

Those marks are interesting and I'm not honestly sure what they are but I have two guesses. It could be rail dust from trains/train tracks which is normally very tiny orange specs. Another guess is some sort of bug smear but this seems even less likely. I would try removing it while washing and maybe use a little degreaser (i.e. P21S Total Auto Wash or Chemical Guys Bug Bugger & Tar Remover). If that doesn't do I would suggest a clay bar like you stated. Next move up to a polish which should definitely fix it and remove any remaining residue. Good luck and keep us posted!

Greg @ DI
Appreciate 0
      04-07-2011, 08:20 PM   #1359
chesterdorsey01
New Member
United_States
3
Rep
23
Posts

Drives: 2008 E92 335i
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Kirkland, WA

iTrader: (1)

I'm getting ready to a spring detail and I'm looking for some advice. Last year I used the E90Post detailing section to determine what products to use and what process to follow. Initially I was happy with the results, but then I saw the car in direct sunlight. This is when I noticed that the paint had a distorted or wavy look to it. I feel like a may be missing a step in between the Menzerna Intensive Polish and the Klasse All-in-One (since the AiO in non-abrassive). Any help would be much appreciated.

Here the steps I took:

1. Quality hand wash
2. Clay with Mothers Instant Detailer
3. Menzerna Intensive Polish
4. Klasse All-in-One
5. Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze (2 coats with 24 hours between applications)

Name:  IMG_0091.jpg
Views: 284
Size:  209.7 KB
Appreciate 0
      04-10-2011, 01:05 PM   #1360
Detailed Image
Detailed Image's Avatar
United_States
360
Rep
5,052
Posts

Drives: Detailed by Detailed Image
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Albany, NY

iTrader: (5)

You are correct in between the Menzerna IP and the Klasse AIO you want to use a good light cutting polish like the Menzerna Super Finish (PO106FA Nano Polish) and a clean white pad. That will help remove the haze and holograms in the paint. Also make sure you don't use the pad, prime it by applying a tiny bit all over or spraying a little quick detailer on it (Chemical Guys Polishing Pad Conditioner). If you have any other questions please let me know.
Appreciate 0
      04-11-2011, 07:50 PM   #1361
chesterdorsey01
New Member
United_States
3
Rep
23
Posts

Drives: 2008 E92 335i
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Kirkland, WA

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the response. Just as a quick follow-up. Is this the type of pad you're recommending to use with the Menzerna Super Finish (PO106FA Nano Polish)?
Appreciate 0
      04-12-2011, 12:17 PM   #1362
Detailed Image
Detailed Image's Avatar
United_States
360
Rep
5,052
Posts

Drives: Detailed by Detailed Image
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Albany, NY

iTrader: (5)

Yes that is the one!
Appreciate 0
      04-23-2011, 03:24 PM   #1363
jasonlu
Captain
United_States
34
Rep
636
Posts

Drives: BMW335i
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: SAN DIEGO

iTrader: (4)

hi, i have a queston. what kind of wax do i need to put on my AW 2009 e92 335i? can anyone give me some choices? where can i get it? thank you!!!!
Appreciate 0
      04-24-2011, 08:23 AM   #1364
Hessian577
HESSIAN
Hessian577's Avatar
Germany
0
Rep
8
Posts

Drives: 2011 BMW E90 328i
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ramstein AB, Germany

iTrader: (0)

headlamp lenses

Hello...I drive a 2011 328i E90. Only had it for almost 6 months and the headlights already look buffed/scratched with light scratches. Instead of the light flowing through the lens, the light now forms a blotch of light on the actual lens itself revealing all the scratches. Is there a way to get it back to brand new crystal clear? I know a majority of the time there's isn't much you can do but I would expect this from an older car...mine is still brand new. Thanks
Appreciate 0
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:34 AM.




e90post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST