So I Detailed Car?

[gotoschoolhere]

For those who don't know I spent $200.00 or on Adam's Polishes a few weeks ago and was waiting for some down time to detail my car. Well this week was my Spring Break so I detailed my car on Monday.

Here is my dilemma... The paint just isn't as smooth or as shiny as I expected it to be. I used to use Zymol on my e46ci. When I used Zymol my paint would be so smooth that i wouldn't be able to place a dry microfiber cloth on the hood.

Please tell me where I went wrong. I only used Adam's Polishes products.

STEPS:
1. Wash
2. When car was still wet I sprayed Detail Spray to neutralize the water (as per the instructions)
3. Clay (using the Detail Spray) - left the residue on the car and did not wipe off
4. Swirl & Haze Remover (ONE PART) MIXED WITH Revive Polish (TWO PARTS)
5. After the above concoction was applied to the whole car, I then removed it by using a new microfiber towel.
6. Applied Buttery Wax
7. After Buttery Wax was applied all over the car I wiped it off using a microfiber towel.

I will say that I only applied a thin layer of wax. With the Zymol I used to use a lot more wax.

The car is not as smooth as I thought it would be...

[bostonguitar]

its not u bro. the paint on these cars sucks!!! every new bmw in the showrooms have really bad orange peel. im really surprised by it!! its my biggest and only one of 2 complaints i have about mine :(

[dboy11]

When you say smooth what do you mean by that?

Its not slick? the finish is not as shiny?

Adams didn't make it as smooth as Zymol, in what way?

Sounds like you are doing this all by hand is that correct?

Is some cases in order to get a real good finish (smooth) it requires heat and that is created by a orbital or rotary buffer.

[gotoschoolhere]

When you say smooth what do you mean by that?

When I run the back of my hand across any part of the paint, it doesn't "glide" as it did with Zymol.

Its not slick? the finish is not as shiny?

Yes, it is NOT slick and not as Shiny as I expected it to be.

Adams didn't make it as smooth as Zymol, in what way?

With Zymol the paint felt smooth to the touch and VERY shiny in the sun. Not the case with Adam's. It is not as smooth or shiny.

Sounds like you are doing this all by hand is that correct?

Yes... Only used the orbital to take of the polish mixture. I rapped the orbital with a microfiber towel.

Is some cases in order to get a real good finish (smooth) it requires heat and that is created by a orbital or rotary buffer.

I did this in the garage to stay out of the sun. Adam's has a special wax and polish to be used with orbitals... I purchased the one that is to be used by hand application.

[peakpro]

did you wash the car again after claying?

[gotoschoolhere]

did you wash the car again after claying?

No... The video said I could leave the residue on the car. :dunno:

[peakpro]

i disagree...

ithink you need to wash after claying

[Bill-SD]

You don't really need to rewash after claying, but it wouldn't hurt. If the clay is streaking, you either have bad clay, or not enough (or proper) lube. Was the paint smooth after claying? That's the real key. Did you do the baggie test to check for smoothness? I've never used Adam's, but people here seem to like it. You also might want to use your machine to apply the polish.

[gotoschoolhere]

You don't really need to rewash after claying, but it wouldn't hurt. If the clay is streaking, you either have bad clay, or not enough (or proper) lube. Was the paint smooth after claying? That's the real key. Did you do the baggie test to check for smoothness? I've never used Adam's, but people here seem to like it. You also might want to use your machine to apply the polish.

Yes, the paint was very smooth. I nearly went through a whole bottle of the Detail Spray (for lubrication) when claying the car. By the time I was done claying the whole car... the residue had dried on the car.

In retrospect I should have washed. It just made no sense leaving the "dirt" on the car before applying the swirl remover and polish mixture. The video said... "if anything, it wouldn't hurt it." :dunno:

[DBville]

Do a small section again - pick a fender and do part of it. Wash thew whole car, clay the fender, and wash the panel again. It should feel like glass. Clean glass. Your fingers should drag over the paint there, compared to where you waxed it. If it feels at all rough - do it again. Make sure your clay is clean, and don't rub hard, just drag it. Then try polishing it, and wash that off and see what it feels like. I am guessing that some of the clay residue was not removed some how, probably after drying on the car, and ended up rebonding to the car. Doing the small section shouldn't take long.

[noego]

could you provide a link to the video? and, did you have second thoughts about leaving the sections of your car to dry after using clay, and at least not wiping those sections clean with a towel? i mean, did it not appear to you that those sections you had worked on were hazing over and did not look clean and ready for the next step? what do you mean by "I rapped (sic) the orbital with a microfiber towel"?

it seems you wasted your time and money, but probably did not damage your car's paint. a mobile detailer would no doubt allow you to watch while your car is properly cleaned and waxed so you can get an idea as to how to proceed correctly the next time you decide to work on your car's paint. good luck!

[Bill-SD]

could you provide a link to the video? and, did you have second thoughts about leaving the sections of your car to dry after using clay, and at least not wiping those sections clean with a towel? i mean, did it not appear to you that those sections you had worked on were hazing over and did not look clean and ready for the next step? what do you mean by "I rapped (sic) the orbital with a microfiber towel"?

it seems you wasted your time and money, but probably did not damage your car's paint. a mobile detailer would no doubt allow you to watch while your car is properly cleaned and waxed so you can get an idea as to how to proceed correctly the next time you decide to work on your car's paint. good luck!

The guy is learning, cut him a little slack ;)

I didn't catch your comment "left the residue on the car and did not wipe off". You should always wipe it off as you go. I also still say that if the clay is sticking, something is wrong. You may want to try a different brand of clay. I agree with noego too about wrapping a microfiber towel on the orbital. I'd remove everything by hand. Like DBville suggested, pick a small section to test on and get a feel for each product.

[JBss]

OK, the only thing that would effect the ability of one's hand to 'glide' across the paint is the LSP.

Try using a different LSP (I like natty's), either wax or a sealant.

you might have some streaking from leaving clay residue on the paint, but nothing that wou'd effect 'slickness'.

[gotoschoolhere]

could you provide a link to the video?

The guy is learning, cut him a little slack ;)

I didn't catch your comment "left the residue on the car and did not wipe off". You should always wipe it off as you go. I also still say that if the clay is sticking, something is wrong.

http://www.adamspolishes.com/t-Videos_DVD5_18.aspx

Watch the first 35 seconds.

[Bill-SD]

http://www.adamspolishes.com/t-Videos_DVD5_18.aspx

Watch the first 35 seconds.

I'm not buying that "don't wipe off the lube after claying". As for not being as smooth or shiny as your used to, maybe it's the products. I can't comment on Adam's as I've never used them. I can give you other recomendations, but after spending $200, I'm sure that's not what you want to hear.

[gotoschoolhere]

Today I re-washed my Roadster and applied wax using an orbital (I didn't even know I had one). I used the orbital to create heat with friction (as per your recommendations)... Alas, after wiping it off, it still is not AS SMOOTH AS when I used to use Zymol.

None-the-less, I washed, clayed (rewashed), polished, then waxed the e90 using the orbital. It looks and feels OKAY. Genuinely not very happy with Adam's Polishes.

1. Car Wash - I guess as good as anything else I've used. It suds less than dishwasher soap (which I've used religiously in the past). But it does sud more than a regular car wash soap. I used a water/soap spray this time and I recommend it.
2. All Purpose Cleaner - Excellent, not too abrasive but still cuts the grease.
3. VRT (Vinyl, Rubber, Tire) - Great, Does not leave a sticky residue on tires but still makes tires black.
4. Revive Polish - I have never used any other polishes so I can't not say anything.
5. Swirl & Haze Remover - Again I have never used a swirl and haze remover so I can't compare it to anything else.
6. Buttery Wax - Do Not Recommend. Just doesn't shine enough or makes the finish look or feel smooth.
7. Clay - I haven't used anything else so it is good enough
7. Detail Spray - I've used Mother's Detail Spray which is a little better in terms of final feel and look. But the Adam's Detail spray applies easily/ smells great/ seems to work on any surface. I like it very much. I even bought the gallon refill for it.
8. Grit Guard - A must have for any "do-it-yourself" detailer.
9. Synthetic Wash Pad - I like this wash pad a lot. Soft but abrasive to remove grim and dirt.
10. Jumbo Waffle-Weave Microfiber Drying Towel - I am a believer.
11. Super Plush Microfiber Polishing Towels - Very good quality.

I think I'll switch back to Zymol when Adam's Buttery Wax is over. Unless you guys can recommend something else. I'm all ears.

[Desiboy]

I hear Poorboys makes a great wax. Try their Natty wax? About 17 bucks a jar.