Forward

From DetailingWiki

Foreword

Chances are you own a fine automobile, maybe even an expensive one and you want to give it the best care. Our harsh environment isn’t concerned with how fine an automobile you own, but these tips are mythologies are written for those who do. A well maintained and cared for automobile not only looks good but also worth much more when the time comes to sell it. Regardless of how neglected or soiled the vehicle has become you will find the methodology and products in this book to restore that ‘as-new’ look again.

Every week-end you’ll find people washing and cleaning their vehicles, some doing the bare minimum and some who find it therapeutic; washing away the stress of daily life (some have even called it their ‘golf’)

By using the right tools, methods and products, a simple car wash can be achieved in very little time; using very little water Optimum No Rinse (ONR) and a just detailed look with Quick Detailing (QD) For the person who wants a more thorough cleaning or the perfectionist you’ll find a range of products and methodologies to produce an ‘optically perfect shine’.

Car cleaning done the wrong way can be at best disappointing, and can do more long-term damage to the various vehicle surfaces. The purpose of this book is to show you various ways, utilizing various skill and experience levels, how to retrieve the original looking finish to your bodywork and interior and how to maintain it. Although it is divided into separate elements for vehicle detailing, the approach taken is the assumption that you are giving your vehicle a complete detail, even if you take it one element at a time. The order in which the various sections are arranged to enable you to do the various detailing steps, in the most time efficient manner and is the adopted procedure for trained professional detailers.

There are also sections explaining various components, detailing tools and products, and chemicals as well as an A-Z of detailing terms and methods to enable an understanding of the “why” as well as the “how” of detailing (also includes cleaning tips and professional tricks) This section has been expanded to help you deal safely and effectively with virtually very car care detailing situation you might come across, and you can do so with the knowledge and peace of mind that the products recommended and the application methods have gone through an amazing amount of real-world testing on many different marques and their paint film systems. The proper way to find out what works and what doesn't is to read the label or relevant MSDS and find out what it contains; a combination of knowledge and experience will guide you the rest of the way.

As a chemical Engineer I would like to help detailers reach an intelligent and logical understanding of the many chemicals used in detailing. Improperly used chemicals can cause damage to the person using them and to surface they are applied to (sometimes irreparably) because the detailer was not educated regarding the chemical make-up of the products they used.

Conversely I also want to show you that it's a waste of time to dedicate too much time and attention to them. All that is required is that you learn some basic chemistry i.e. what pH values mean, what chemicals will safely remove stains and what detailing chemicals too avoid or the precaution to take if you do choose to use them.

If a product is not working for you, experiment until you find one that’s suitable for your needs. After reading these articles, you should have a basic understanding of the chemicals used in car care products along with some simple generic definitions of the chemicals used. Enthusiast grade products are the cream of the crop and are only available through limited distributors both locally and online.

Professionals typically don't use these products because of time restraints and / or its price point. Whether you have a daily commuter, a concourse show vehicle or you just want to protect what has now become an expensive automotive investment. Most of the answers to maintaining an ‘as new’ condition can be found here. Unbiased advice without any exaggerated claims or marketing hype.

The products recommended are easy to use, following the stated methods, gentle towards the many different material automotive materials and finishes, safe for both you to use and the environment. This is not a short cut guide, but a list of recommended methods / products to provide maximum protection for your vehicle, so you will enjoy maintaining the vehicle in an as-new (or better) condition for as long as possible.

It has always been a relaxing past time for me and while at college I had a part-time business detailing classic vintage cars. From there to Concours d’élégance entrant then judge, and then on to writing car care articles /instructions, then writing this book on my favorite subject. I have tried virtually every top product on the market ever since using the arm-breaking Simonize as well as T-Cut polish and Chelsea leather cleaners.

I didn’t invent detailing, nor did I invent many of the techniques used in these following articles. I do however; use these processes and techniques, all of which have proven them to work effectively, providing consistent show-winning results. As a long-term regular contributor to the online detailing community I openly recommend products that I use (I test many products and only endorse those that work) and try my best not to use ‘hype’ terms. It's only my recommendation no matter what products you use the methodology will apply.

I don't know it all, but detailing and making cars beautiful is my passion. I've probably made almost every mistake and have seen just about every problem, when it comes to detailing mistakes teach you what not to do. I have spent enjoyable times as Concours d’élégance judge and at various car shows (as both a ‘Best of Show’ judge and entrant, winning and/or placing in many) making cars beautiful is my passion.

I have always tried to learn from other people, and keep an open mind on new ideas, new products and new techniques. It really does all come down to Process over Product; 85% preparation, 5% application methodology, 2% knowledge of paint finish and 5% product suitability, the balance is in the ‘guy’ of the beholder.

A manufacturer is free to place any claim of excellence he wants on his product to make it sell, I only endorse a product that I have personal experience of by using it, rather than personal preference, brand loyalty or emotions. After four decades of detailing vehicles what is left is experience, and experience unshared is knowledge wasted. I hope that you too enjoy the learning process as much as I do and with the help of the techniques and methods in this book your vehicle will become something to have pride in, or perhaps even become a “Best of Show” Concours d’élégance winner

Of course the more I learn, the more I realize what I don’t know. Then at some point, I hope to have learned enough to realize, that I know nothing at all. I have always tried to find out not just “How it works, but also “Why” it works. With that in mind I probably respond with more detail than some think is necessary. But try to write in a way that helps the reader to understand not only "How" to do something, but "Why" they are doing it.

Information resource

• “Automotive Detailing Inside & Out, A Knowledge Base for the Perfectionist"– by Jon Miller