Polishing question due to temporary lack of garage.

[Wighty]

Craig , I really would be careful with the squeegee thingy ..and only use it for cleaning the shower screen indoors , if you get one tiny bit of grit anywhere near it they will cause some shocking scratches , I know from experience from using one on my black mondeo a few years ago , bin it and stick to microfibre drying .

 

[beautifulbenz]

She is eaqually beautiful after the rain

 

[Craiglxviii]

Craig , I really would be careful with the squeegee thingy ..and only use it for cleaning the shower screen indoors , if you get one tiny bit of grit anywhere near it they will cause some shocking scratches , I know from experience from using one on my black mondeo a few years ago , bin it and stick to microfibre drying .

I was planning on wiping it off carefully after every stroke. Ooer.

This isn't a window cleaner type squeegee but a semi-rigid blade type.

 

[Wighty]

That's the blade I'm talking about . None of the detailing pros use them anymore they were a passing fad . Mine is in my shower for using on the glass

 

[Craiglxviii]

That's the blade I'm talking about . None of the detailing pros use them anymore they were a passing fad . Mine is in my shower for using on the glass

But I've bought it now! dammit!

 

[drmw]

I've had one for years - just make sure it's never used on anything other than a newly washed & rinsed wet car, store it away from any contaminants & for good measure, hose the blade edges before using & you shouldn't have any problem (I never have).

I have to smile at the purists sometimes - sure, I can understand where they are coming from, but after polishing their cars half to death, they think nothing of driving in the rain, muck & salt that hits the car at whatever speed they are driving

 

[Wighty]

But I've bought it now! dammit!

It's still good for shower screens . Or give it to a neighbour as a Christmas present .

 

[Submariner1]

Without wishing to be unkind to the OP, the routine employed is very much a traditional one of the Old School of Polishers.

Technology and products have moved on and IMHO better products which require less effort to apply and last much longer are available from many brands. When you're getting on a bit investment in some new gear will pay dividends in terms of the elbow grease required and not having to deal with side effects like white residues on black trim, a famous downside of the AG products.

Its worth taking up some of the above suggestions or dropping me a PM so I can advise.

You have me thinking, when I moved to AG in 1989 it was a ground reaking upgrade. But if you say there is something easier and lasts longer I am all for an upgrade.
I do have 3 cans of AG Super resin snd 2 of the Ultra glossy stuff. And 5 litres of Body shampoo but will defo give some new technology a go.

Bluntly Being old now, anything to make life easier works for me.
Like drying off with a blower, just sling the strap over your shoulder and walk around the car, no bending etc lol

 

[JBell]

You have me thinking, when I moved to AG in 1989 it was a ground reaking upgrade. But if you say there is something easier and lasts longer I am all for an upgrade.
I do have 3 cans of AG Super resin snd 2 of the Ultra glossy stuff. And 5 litres of Body shampoo but will defo give some new technology a go.

Nothing wrong with SRP or the Shampoo at all. UGP is a pain in the ass to use though

 

[Rotorhead500]

That's the blade I'm talking about . None of the detailing pros use them anymore they were a passing fad . Mine is in my shower for using on the glass

Same place as my Turtle Wax one!

It only comes out for the glass areas - that's it!

 

[Submariner1]

That's the blade I'm talking about . None of the detailing pros use them anymore they were a passing fad . Mine is in my shower for using on the glass

If yours is like mine, a sort of clear quite thick silicone blade. I bought it for body and glass.
My neighbour bought one, and it definitely put fine haze like scratches on his Black M5 BMW. Look at an angle in sunlight ... mine was relegated to the rear window and windows ... ideal for the rear screen, just wipe wipe and its done.

 

[Morethanpolish]

My routine plus product suggestions

For what it’s worth, here’s my standard routine.

I had 5 cars to keep on top of but have stashed two away, the other lives in the garage for occasional fine weather use so it’s just our CLK and Range Rover every weekend.

Rinse the arches and wheels, fill up bucket with ph neutral shampoo (Race Glaze AquaBathe). Wash as much as possible with old sheepskin mitt, then go round nuts and the edge of the rim with soft boars bristle brush and inside rims with Race Glaze XL brush (saves knuckles and getting covered with dots of brake dust). I don’t need to use wheel cleaner as they have been sealed with Race Glaze Nano Wheel Sealant.

Rinse car down and get to work with proper sheepskin mitt and new buckets with shampoo and clean water in. Shampoo as above with new mitt – they last about 2 years, though I have 2 on the go. Replace the clean water bucket at least once, usually twice on the Range. Fall off steps usually once too.

Rinse off shampoo and hook up Race Glaze Water Filter – hose off quickly, walk away to pack up.

Wipe down door shuts, boot with microfibre drying towel. (http://www.vertar.com/car-care-exterior/wash/microfibre-deep-pile-fluffy-drying-polishing-towel/)

It’s the work that’s gone into the cars that makes this so straightforward – the Range was clayed then machine polished and sealed with the Race Glaze system. http://www.raceglaze.co.uk/car-care-exterior/wax-polish/Nano technology products/
I had a mate do it as I didn’t have the space inside nor time. Washing is now a doddle and I don’t dry cars anymore.

The CLK is much faster, smaller for a start but sleeker and cabrio roof is about to be waterproofed with Renovo. It needs a good waxing so probably Race Glaze 55. Doubt I’ll get time to get the DAS6 out for a while. When we start to get bugs I’ll use Kenotek Anti-Insect and a quick spritz with Kenotek Showroom Shine.

Our drying blade is now in the shower, not that they are unsafe if used with care or just on glass/fabric, but I simply don’t need to dry any water off, as it will evaporate. 1.5 hours for the pair in total, taking it easy.

It’s fairly obvious I have bought into the Race Glaze brand in a big way but if you fancy something that a very good, modern product a bit less expensive then look at the Kenotek – link below. Their Wheel Cleaner Ultra is awesome, Showroom Shine/wash/glass cleaner/interior cleaner all very good - I have them all.

Product links:
http://www.raceglaze.co.uk/race-glaze/400-litre-0ppm-car-washing-filter/
http://www.raceglaze.co.uk/car-care-exterior/wash/race-glaze-aqua-bathe-car-shampoo/
http://www.raceglaze.co.uk/car-care...ace-glaze-XL-extra-long-wheel-cleaning-brush/
http://www.raceglaze.co.uk/car-care-exterior/wax-polish/race-glaze-55wax/
http://www.vertar.com/kenotek-products/kenotek-car-bug-insect-remover-litre/
http://www.vertar.com/renovo/renovo-hood-ultraproofer/