Reflections pics v direct sunlight

[aitkenaj]

I washed my Mum's car a couple of weeks ago and took some afters photo's.

The following photo's are reflection shots -





Look pretty good doesn't it!

The last photo is showing the paintwork in direct sunlight -



Now you can see just how much correction is needed on this car to turn it around.

An LED torch would also help you see any remaining swirls if you're correcting your paintwork in a fully shaded area.

[lizzard-t]

I found that out on a YouTube channel I watch
Whitedetails
What you cannot see with the naked eye this man picks up with a torch
Even down to hidden overspray
So in truth
What we think and looks clean and shiny is way off the mark .
There's a lot of science involved.
Never realised what hydrophobic was till you uploaded that video the other day.

[Drew]

Top tips,

Here's mine,

Never look at your car in direct sunlight, don't look at your car with your glasses on and always step back to check the paintwork.......about 30 yards should do!

[lizzard-t]

Here's my tip
Don't go into the public toilets with someone called Shaking Stevens!

[Drew]

I never get mine looking as good as some of you detailing experts but I always polish because I have seen the protection it gives. My Vec C was scraped once on the lower rear door panel by a careless parker, the mark was the full length of the door and about 4 inches wide. I was that concerned I went straight to a bodyshop, the took a rag and just wiped it away in seconds because the polish had proteded it. I was gobsmacked!

[lizzard-t]

It's knowing what you are doing and why that's the key .
As I said before there is a lot of science as far as I can see .
And it's one thing that fascinates me a lot .
And I must thank aitkenaj for un mystifying it or putting it into words I can understand.
I went hunting for hydrophobic spray
And mis spelt it and came up with this -

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Autopot-Irrigation-Watering-System-Parts-Spare-Accessories-Connectors-Hydro-IWS/121502209218?hash=item1c4a1894c2:m:mZBDCP7KpntvMwI2NHYUi_Q

Ho the joys and confusion of being dyslexic ( which I am )

[MattG]

I never get mine looking as good as some of you detailing experts but I always polish because I have seen the protection it gives. My Vec C was scraped once on the lower rear door panel by a careless parker, the mark was the full length of the door and about 4 inches wide. I was that concerned I went straight to a bodyshop, the took a rag and just wiped it away in seconds because the polish had proteded it. I was gobsmacked!

Trust me perfections on all cars unless you spend a lot of time and money correcting them all, then park the car up and don't drive it [emoji23].

I have small scratches everywhere, but have now got my ocd in check, and happy with it looking as it does even thou far from how I would like it to look. Have to draw the line somewhere.

[marko301]

What some forget is every time to correct the paintwork through polishing you're taking a layer off the clear coat. The best advise is to look after it in the first place. If you've bought a car like it, yeah do some paint correction but then leave it and put your energy into protecting it. I'm noticing more and more members getting the DA out every time there's some nice weather.

[MattG]

What some forget is every time to correct the paintwork through polishing you're taking a layer off the clear coat. The best advise is to look after it in the first place. If you've bought a car like it, yeah do some paint correction but then leave it and put your energy into protecting it. I'm noticing more and more members getting the DA out every time there's some nice weather.

That's it for mine now. Been done twice in 2 years. And to be fair it's only been done lightly with mild products, hence some scratches still there, and I'm scared to go to far [emoji23].

[Drew]

That's it for mine now. Been done twice in 2 years. And to be fair it's only been done lightly with mild products, hence some scratches still there, and I'm scared to go to far [emoji23].

I've said before, it scares me but I'm like Father Ted, start with a minor scratch and before I know it.... write off! Hats off to those that know what they are doing. Also, I must say well done Vauxhall, there are many early cars on here that still look mint. Credit to their owners too of course.

[aitkenaj]

What some forget is every time to correct the paintwork through polishing you're taking a layer off the clear coat. The best advise is to look after it in the first place. If you've bought a car like it, yeah do some paint correction but then leave it and put your energy into protecting it. I'm noticing more and more members getting the DA out every time there's some nice weather.

Without question, the best advice about polishing you'll read.

You really do have to go some to burn through the clear coat using a Dual Action Polisher. The Pro detailers who work on Supercars invest in a paint depth gauge, but they measure the depth down to the metal, not just the clearcoat.

Scrap panels are great for seeing where the limits are.

[lizzard-t]

I have not used a DA polisher in about 38!years , the last time I used one was when I did a stint at a Volvo dealer
There was one car a used 745 GL was supposed to be red but came in looking Pink .
With the help and guidance of Franko Valet the mad Italian Valeter
I turned that barge back to its former colour.
After all thease years and of course the influx of new / improved products and of course this thread it really opened my eyes to a completely different way of cleaning cars .
It's not just a wash ,dry and wax anymore,

[aitkenaj]

It's not just a wash ,dry and wax anymore,

I sometimes wish no one ever mentioned Detailing to me. My wallet does too.

[lizzard-t]

I sometimes wish no one ever mentioned Detailing to me. My wallet does too.

I know when I saw your thread on the stuff you used
I went straight on there website and nearly spent £50.00 p
But then I thaught it will be just like wearing a string vest under an Armani suit

[marko301]

I know when I saw your thread on the stuff you used
I went straight on there website and nearly spent £50.00 p
But then I thaught it will be just like wearing a string vest under an Armani suit

There was a bloke joined the forum 2 or 3 years back who used detailing products that cost ridiculous amounts. £500 for wax! Car looked lovely but no better than most on here who keep their cars clean and shiny. How far do you go with a daily runner? I can understand it for a show car kept in a garage until the next show but not for something in constant use.