Interior Exterior
Q:
Hi Dana,
Not sure exactly which products you are using, as Meguiars makes a myriad of slightly different products aimed at different groups of enthuisiasts. However, it sounds like you are using the consumer line of products?
Meguiars products won't hurt the finish if used properly and in the manner intended. If you walk into a detailing store and are totally lost, then most of the time a Meguiars product will not let you down.
The reason I ask which polish you have is to determine how aggressive it is in terms of abrasiveness. Typically you do not want to be polishing your paint every week because that eventually thins the clear coat. However, using a polish is not bad for the clear coat if used when needed (probably occasionally, but not frequently). Unless you know what you are doing, I probably wouldn't use a polish on the starshield if you have that. Waxing it is okay. Again, it depends which kind of polish it is in the Meguiars line. You might find out the exact name in order to get a more accurate diagnosis.
Most Meguiars carnauba waxes are not cleaner-waxes, so they should be just fine for regular use. I don't think you've done anything wrong to your car and can continue to wax it with regular frequency (every month perhaps).
Some of you might find it funny that I have yet to wash my car, much less wax it.
A:
As Vantage says, definitely do NOT apply polish or other abrasive product on your Starshield (presumably this would include any wax that says "cleaner/wax", I'd say.)
As they say at Griot's, have fun in your garage !
A:
Nick has indicated some success in polishing clear film, perhaps with plastic polish or a very fine abrasive. Unless there is a well-defined process or you are confident enough to experiment, I'd hold off for now.
A:
I've polished my starshield to remove some stubborn tar marks and other blemishes and it was fine. I used my Porter Cable, white pad and the 1Z metallic polish. The most abrasive combo I used was the 1Z paint polish with the white pad. Speed setting was around 4. I haven't tried the orange pad. Probably too abrasive.
A:
Careful with that Meguiar's "Gold Class" wax.. it puts really stubborn white stains on black plastic. And we know how much black plastic is on the Elise.
Apply with care, and wipe any excess immediately.
A:
I was just looking at the bundle, and noticed that there's an option to choose between Four Star Ultimate Paint Protection, Klasse AIO, and P21S. I have seen the Klasse and P21S discussed extensively, but couldn't find anything about the Four Star product. The description sounds very promising, but they always do... How does it compare to the Klasse? I'm not much of a detailing freak (or at least haven't been so far), so I like the idea of a long lasting wax.
A:
I would get the Klasse myself. Top it with P21s, but buy it at your local Harley Davidson shop. I got the P21s there for around $15 /w tax. The Klasse twins were around $30 for a kit that came with 2 microfiber applicators. I have been using the same Klasse bottle for a couple of years now, detailing 2 cars.
A:
You really can't go wrong with either. The Klasse has some non-abrasive cleaners and the Four Star is pure synthetic. The Klasse is more reflective while the Four Star is the only product I have used that brought out the pearl coat in our blue Volvo.
Durability between the two is about the same. I think the Four Star leaves the finish slightly slicker. The Klasse is literally wipe on/wipe off. The Four Star needs to bond to the paint, so you apply over the entire vehicle and wait 30-45 minutes for it to fully dry.
A:
It took me quite a while, but I finally placed my order! A starter bundle, plus a bunch of other products. I didn't think that I'd ever spend this much on car care products. I'll probably try everything on my Subaru first, it needs to be nice and shiny so I can list if for sale.
You're doing an excellent job here, Nick, your advice is much appreciated. I'm always happy to give my business to people who provide great service. Your web site is very good, too.
So how much do we have to order to get a free baseball cap?
A:
LOL, thanks for the order. I'll see if I can't sneak one in for you.
A:
Super bundle plus the clay kit - thanks for making it easy!
Used the sponsor link to get to the site, so hopefully Randy gets a credit from this...
Question: will the microfiber hold up to this... ...?
A:
You bet, but you might have trouble with Mr. Banana.
A:
What do you suggest for the interior, not the seats, but the dash and other plastic surfaces? Thanks
A:
What do you suggest for the interior, not the seats, but the dash and other plastic surfaces? Thanks
I've been very pleased with the stuff that came in the bundle, the Einszett Tiefenpfleger. Not just because it does a very nice job, but it smells nice too.
A:
Either the Tief or 303 Aerospace Protectant.
A:
Thank you
A:
Nick,
I ordered the bundle. One minor detail, I didn't receive the 2 packs. I only got one each of the purple waffle and platinum dual pile.
I did use what came last week and was very impressed with the wash mit and the purple drying towel. Very nice. Definitely need two towels to dry though. Have not had enough time to use the AIO yet. Driving is more important at the moment.
soulman
A:
DP, I'm stocked on MF towels and stuff so I'm going to pass on one of the bundles for now. I do have a couple questions though which in advance thank you, this is a great thread and you are always quick to answer.
The top: what do we use? I know the owners manual says just water, but I'm assuming it will need something more than that over time and we can't use car wash soap. So what do you have to clean it and protect it from UV, and what do you have to restore waterproofness once that starts to fade? I plan to Lexol the leather as I've always been very happy with that, good? no? Anything special to avoid build up in the perf? So 303 for the dash- is that non greasy or is it like the old armor all? Good UV protection? And also, do you carry or ever plan to carry Zaino? All's I ever hear on every message board is zaino zaino zaino, but I've never yet tried it (or Klasse, aio, or P21S for that matter) and was hoping to pick some up for the Lotus but would rather support someone that helps out. (as a side note posting where products are available cheaper, and pimping the guy that is helping us is not super cool. Advice and service is worth money) No problem if you don't carry it, perhaps I'll look into one of the others that you do. I certainly don't want to throw rocks on your game in your own thread.
A:
Nick sells a cleaner and protectant authorized by the manufacturer of the soft top material from a company called Raggtop. My top was starting to lose water resistence, so I just renewed the protection. Easy to use, and cheap.
Zaino is fairly particular who sells their product. Nick sells more than adequate subsitutes.
I recently stripped my Zaino and went with a combo similar to something Nick sells: Klasse SG topped with Platinum UPP. Looks great, if not better IMO. Just remember to prep first.
- J
A:
Nick,
I looked a little closer and discovered that I am only missing the second purple waffle drying towel. I called the customer service line and they said they would package it in with the order I placed last night.
The customer service was great! I really like the bundle you put together too.
thanks
soulman