clay it, if still cannot then polish, if still cannot then compound, if still cannot then sand

yeah, i read elsewhere and they say clay may do the trick but i think i'm just going to eff it la.... sending my car for coating this weekend so i guess it will be removed during the polishing work.

anyone tried liquid form of carnauba wax to remove tree sap? For those sap that are still fresh (not over for weeks) it works.

Carnauba wax have natural cleaning abilities + solvent that keeps it liquid (petro distillate) actually have cleaning abilities too..

Among the cheaper car shampoo, only formalhero advertises salt free, soda free and ph-neutral. Salt/soda softens water and increases foam, but is bad because it promotes rust and increases the ph-level. It doesn't foam alot when I used it.

best FWD car i've owned. kinda miss my megane now


good blog you got there buddy. i actually purchased the turtlewax spray wax after reading your blog


i'm currently using Osren Bubble Wax Shampoo. i buy the 20 litres tong. lasts a good full year for the whole family. suds is good, and its not harsh till it removes wax.

How about Tupps polymer wash that printed these?
- pH Neutral
- Polymer Protectants
- Anti-rust Agent
- No SLS
- No Phosphate

No idea on SLS and phosphate, are those related to salt and soda (in chemical term)?

Agree, agree. Actually sanding is not the end of the world you know... Done carefully, you can actually get results.

Then you understand the joy, I'm doing some work on the car, even a few days I miss it already. Oops we are way out of topic

I think
sls = foaming agent / soda
phosphate = builder / salt

The wash+wax version has polymer protectants, the normal version does not have it. SLS is sodium lauryl sulfate, a common but harsh detergent. Phosphates are water softeners like washing soda but causes green bloom.

How much does it cost for the 20l?

Lately get my hand on Makita 9237C. Some of car that I whack...

Nice..

Hye guys..i just bought a car. My first car; VW Jetta (white). So i was thinking how to take care of the car. Then i remembered about this thread..i read and read..got lost with all the technicalities and brands of products.

Then i went to youtube on how to take care of a car; to summarise their recommendations are;

1. Use waterless wash products to clean all the dirt.
2. Use clay to remove tough stain
3. Use second skin (???) as a layer of coating..i think its a kind of coating. Not sure myself.
4. Use wax to finish it of..as a final layer (?)

Just want to ask otais here if the above is the correct method or is there any additional steps?

And please suggest products that are not too costly.

Thanks!

First off, congratulations on your new ride. Next, understand that you have a white car, this means:
1) watermarks/scale will be your main problem
2) scratches will be apparent but won't be as bad as black
3) protection is important to guard against discoloration. But this can be fixed with a good polish
4) and if you keep it clean it can be very rewarding... I know because I have an immaculate white 5 yo Civic.

However, lets get the basics right. Your primary way of washing your car should still be a neutral wash (with water). Great as waterless wash products are, the chances of scratching your paint is still higher. Find a good neutral cleaner and follow the general rules, wash from top to bottom, use a soft and plush wash mitt, etc. You may also want a scale cleaner or cleaner wax to get stubborn water stains off. Waterless wash can be used for times when your car is just slightly dusty or, if you keep it in your trunk, for that occasional bird poop (it'll come).

For a new car, claying is probably not required. Just run your fingers on your paintwork and see if you can feel any roughness, you shouldn't. After many months of use however, you might need it.

Now for coating and protection: it is definitely required, coatings/sealants/waxes take your pick. I'm a big proponent of spray coatings because they apply so easily and is pretty durable. That helps me apply it regularly rather than to skip it because I feel lazy or feel too tired. Basically I'm through with regular wax on and buff off type of waxes/sealants - frankly, they are just too much work (and too much promise). The rule of thumb is your car must always be at least slightly hydrophobic, which can be easily achieved by spending 10 mins after washing to coat the car fortnightly or so. Also find a product that you can afford! For me its Sensha Japan's range of products.

All the best and have fun with your new ride!

Hi all, I just got my new car few weeks ago, plan to put a layer of protection on my City Modern Steel. Any recommendation besides coating which is more cost effective? Coating which go up to few k really out of my budget. Thanks.

yeah
before i learnt about a thing or two about detailing,
i thought polish = wax lol

Depends what kind of coating you'd like. Hard coating? Or spray coating? Or traditional wax or sealant? DIY or you prefer to send to a shop?

Has anyone purchased car detailing products from Amazon? Would I get further taxed by Malaysian customs?

Not sure if they would ship liquids. But I've never tried la

just make sure your total bill do not exceed RM500 and you'll be fine