Ask DetailedImage.com...

[slipkord]

I'm looking to remove the following:

1. Some light scratches around the door handle (Any guys with g/f's with long fingernails know what I'm talking about)

2. A few parking lot buggy accidents. Nothing through the paint but left some light marks


Any ideas on what will buff these out. I'm hoping something will work.


Thanks

[AV6NHBP6SPD]

I'm looking to remove the following:

1. Some light scratches around the door handle (Any guys with g/f's with long fingernails know what I'm talking about)

2. A few parking lot buggy accidents. Nothing through the paint but left some light marks


Any ideas on what will buff these out. I'm hoping something will work.


Thanks

rubbing compound would work but might not get all out. some of those scraches can be through clear or almost and would not be safe to completely remove them. i had good luck with mothers 1st step cleaner or any kinda cleaner paste for around the handle jobs. it cleans them so its less noticable

[ikethegreat]

Anyone ever try Dodo Juice Purple Haze Wax?  My paint is Graphite Pearl and this was recommended for darker colored vehicles.  Thinking about giving it a try but wanted to hear some reviews...

[ikethegreat]

Or would Dodo Juice Blue Velvet Wax be a better option?  PH is a soft wax and BV is a hard wax.

[Mike]

I've never used these products specifically but, I have used Dodo Juice products designed for lighter cars. From what I've seen the Soft waxes look a little better (deeper if you will), and the Hard waxes last longer. If I were you I would go with the hard wax you will still get a very nice shine, and it will need to be applied less.

[AV6NHBP6SPD]

i have blue velvet samples but havent tried it yet. too many waxes to try

[ikethegreat]

Placed my order Greg.  Bummer about the nozzle but oh well.

[DetailedImage.com]

They are not clear-coated.

One more question, which of these two is better for applying waxes and sealants?

http://www.detailedimage.com/DI-Accesso ... r-Pad-P94/

or

http://www.detailedimage.com/DI-Microfi ... -Pad-P107/

It's really a matter of personal preference, there are no huge advantages of either option over the other one.  Both are paint safe and work well.

Greg @ DI

[DetailedImage.com]

Below is a picture of my rims.  They have been painted matte black.  Is there anything I can use to clean them other then soap and water?

Yes you can use the P21S Gel Wheel Cleaner and the Chemical Guys Diablo Wheel Cleaner on them safely.

Greg @ DI

[DetailedImage.com]

Two more questions!

1. If you look at the picture of my rim above, the chrome "blocks" that go around the rim are fairly dirty, can I use anything to polish them up without hurting the paint?

2. Whats the longest lasting tire shine product you have? I was looking at the Opti-Bond Tire Gel but want to see if it's the best.

Thanks!

Okay one last question I promise!

Lets say I just finished washing the car and only have time to do one thing, which would you pick?  

Both will be done by hand:
Use Poorboy's World EX Sealant w/ Carnauba
or
Use California Gold Carnauba Cleaner Wax

If they are chrome you can use any metal polish on them, the only problem is it may be tough to not get it all over the other areas.  If you are willing to take your time and be careful then I'd say you can go ahead.  

The Opti-Bond Tire Gel is outstanding and the Blackfire Long Lasting Tire Gel are both great options that are durable.  

I would pick the EX you are going to get more protection and arguably a better shine with this sealant and carnauba wax.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Greg @ DI

[DetailedImage.com]

I'm looking to remove the following:

1. Some light scratches around the door handle (Any guys with g/f's with long fingernails know what I'm talking about)

2. A few parking lot buggy accidents. Nothing through the paint but left some light marks


Any ideas on what will buff these out. I'm hoping something will work.


Thanks

You can try to buff them out with a quality polish.  Knowing how aggressive you need to go depends on the depth of the scratches.  Start off with a nice light polish and use more aggressive ones as needed.  It's possible you will need a little wet sanding as well.

Greg @ DI

[DetailedImage.com]

Or would Dodo Juice Blue Velvet Wax be a better option?  PH is a soft wax and BV is a hard wax.

Both options are awesome and very popular on darker colors.  There is not a huge difference between them but if desired check out our selecting a Dodo Juice wax page.  

Greg @ DI

[Mike]

Mike,

You asked a great set of questions.  There is no one right answer and you can always find different ways to get great results!  I'll help you put together a list of exactly the products I would use for your car.  My only big question to you would be, what buffer do you have or are you interested in getting, or did you plan a hand application?  The buffer you have definitely impacts the pad size recommendation.    

Here is what I would suggest.  1 - 2 times per year do a full detail with all these steps listed.  Then in between you can wash and seal/wax the paint as much as you'd like.  I suggest doing it at least every three months.  

1.) Wash / Dry - critical step where you remove loose contaminants and you are most prone to adding swirls if you use poor technique and low quality products.  If you need to upgrade your products check out our kits like our DI Packages Washing and Drying Basic Kit or the Starter Kit.  If you already have some of these products in these kits just get the ones you are missing.  Be sure to use one of the waffle weave towels for drying it's paint safe and highly absorbent.  

2.) Clay Bar / Lube - May seem complicated or hard but it's really pretty easy.  Pick up the DI Packages DI Clay Bar and Clay Lube Combo.  Check out our Detailing Guide for this step and all others for best results!

3.) Polishing - Arguably the most important step to restoring the shine.  This will help remove ultra light scratches, fine swirls, oxidation, etc. so the clear coat is more optically clear and shinny.  I would do a step process with the Meguiar's Ultra-Cut Compound M105 first (with a cyan pad if you have a buffer) and follow that up with the Meguiar's Ultra Finishing Polish M205 (with a tangerine pad if you have a buffer).  This will really help bring back the deep shine and the paint will look and feel much smoother.

4.) Sealant - Sealants are like waxes but last much longer and can be applied with a buffer (blue pad) if desired.  I highly recommend the Blackfire Wet Diamond with Polycharger for the optimal shine, protection, durability and ease of use.  It's truly awesome!

5.) Wax (optional) - You can stop with the sealant or apply a wax for even more gloss and depth.  The P21S Concours Carnauba Wax looks outstanding on silver paint.   If you want something even better try the Dodo Juice Diamond White Hard Wax which is specifically designed for lighter colors.  These waxes should be hand applied.

6.) Step back and admire the shine!!!!

I hand remove all of these products with clean DI Microfiber All Purpose Towel.  About 10 - 12 of these towels should really help you get the paint totally clean safely and effectively.  

Wow that was a lot so let me know what questions you have and I will be happy to help!

Greg @ DI

Followed this advice to a T today. It took a long time but the results were amazing. Only I few things that didn't come out but, that was expected going in! Thanks for the awesome advice my car looks amazing!

[DetailedImage.com]

Followed this advice to a T today. It took a long time but the results were amazing. Only I few things that didn't come out but, that was expected going in! Thanks for the awesome advice my car looks amazing!

I'm thrilled to hear the car came out so good!  If you have any pics I'd love to see them.  Keep up the great work!

Greg @ DI

[Mike]

There are some shots on page 104 of this thread http://elitecm.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=270&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=2575