Detailing; who’s using what?

[Jersey mike]

Saturday I needed to dump some oil at the Auto Zone after changing the oil on the bike and I needed a new can of Meguires paste wax, it’s been my go to forever.

I’ve read about ceramic finishes and also what they now have called a hybrid ceramic spray and everything I read talks about the hybrid is a little longer lasting and brings out a deeper finish on paint but not too much info on how the hybrid spray is on chrome.

From what I’ve read the ceramic hybrid can what they call stack itself to paint, so every time it’s used creates an even deeper finish on the paint but again nothing about chrome or even for cars with black bumpers or other trim pieces.

So just kind of wondering who is using what out there and if you are using a ceramic or a hybrid are you using it on the chrome too or using something else for that?

[Jess from VA]

I don't ride in rain and mud, so I rarely ever do a full wash anymore.  No night riding either; my eyes aren't that great, but also the bug magnet dual headlights always means a big cleanup job. 

I just do a wipe and shine after every ride.  Mostly the shield, fairing and front from buggies.

I keep a nice water (only) wet microfiber cloth in a sandwich tupperware in the bike, and wipe it down gently.  Then I go back with a detail spray and dry microfiber cloth.

I picked up one of those ceramic detail sprays a while back, and I must say it's doing the best job ever, especially on the old paint.  But it's good on everything. 

https://mothers.com/products/california-gold%C2%AE-ceramic-spray-wax

I used to keep my bikes minty perfect, but 25 years of riding (125K, 77K) have taken a toll.  So I don't go crazy anymore.

Also, I've decided battleship grey wheels are fine.  No spray detailer will work on those.  It takes power tools and buff wheels and polishing compounds, and crawling around on your hands and knees.  No thanks.

[Valker]

I still use my tried and true cleaning stuff.   

[Oss]

dirty and proud of it

But never as dirty as Dan's bikes.

Whatever happened to our member with the red and black bike with around 3 sets of bags over the back?

Last I heard he had some serious health issues and was living in the SW of the USA

[fudgie]

I took a clay towel to the wing and used Bead It Up spray, by 3D products. Beads water up and runs it off. Mirror finish also. Rode from central PA to Niagara Falls in the rain and bike was spotless when we stopped. Also use ceramic soap for washes. Does good on the valk too. I only buy 3d products now.

[GiG]

I took a clay towel to the wing and used Bead It Up spray, by 3D products. Beads water up and runs it off. Mirror finish also. Rode from central PA to Niagara Falls in the rain and bike was spotless when we stopped. Also use ceramic soap for washes. Does good on the valk too.

 
Okay! So that explains the underwear on your tank 

[Robert]

Ceramics are the way to go.

Can be easier than wax to apply, absolutely hydrophobic and can be applied to most all surfaces. Water sprayed on a Ceramic coated bike or car is enough to wash dirt off. Ceramics is what you always hoped wax would be, but never seemed to measure up. The film that is left can be wiped off with a detail spray and micro fiber towel. If you have ever used Rain X its like that for all finishes. I do not use my windshield wipers much since I did the ceramic coating over the whole car. All my vehicles are ceramic coated. The finish is deeper, it lasts much longer than wax and does not allow bird droppings or chemicals that would normally hurt the paint to touch it. The problem comes in the surface prep BEFORE you apply it. The finish should be really good, smooth and for the best shine has to have all the surface scratches taken out.

The SUV I bought took me 3 days of prep before I applied the coating to achieve a lasting deeper shine that could ever be achieved with wax alone. But the thing looks brand new.

In saying that though my Valk was already pretty good, so prep was only a wash and check the surface then apply. I have tried 4 Ceramic coatings and all of them gave a good shine, but one left a haze or shadow in the surface that had to be removed fairly easily. The one I prefer is the cheapest, lasts ok gives a deep shine but very easy to work with and can coat the whole car in about 45 minutes. It shines like brand new. 

To professionally ceramic coat a car can cost two thousand dollars and its all about the prep.

I have recently applied ceramic to my seats and I like the results there also. Black on bumpers and other places can come out really deep black or have a haze. But most of the time the black trim looks much better. Chrome holds up longer, aluminum shine holds up longer because water and dirt dont get through the ceramic coating.

I recently found a great car wash that strengthens the coating and restores its water repellency and also smells good. The wash is kind of expensive like 45$ but you use one or two capfulls in a wash bucket and it cuts dirt and bugs easily.

Ceramics also do protect against bugs on the car also, so cleaning is much easier. Trim around windows that might turn a bit stays new looking with ceramic coatings also.

Most products are around a hundred bucks for a small bottle and after the first time you apply it is enough to do a car roughly twice.  But the first time may require a bottle and a half.

Most of this is professional grade but its easier to use than wax and gives better results once you learn it. Water to clean a car once ceramic is applied is all you need with a micro fiber towel.

One benefit is longevity of the vehical since the wash penetrates into the places where you cannot get to but rain water does and sometimes lays. Once washed with this it repels the water and helps to fight corrosion in cracks and crevasses.

GYEON is a heavier coating even to protecting the paint a bit from rocks and works well and what I use now occasionally

Gyeon Leather Shield EVO 50 ml - Ceramic Coating for Leather | All Types of Natural Leather, Tesla Vegan | No Change in Finish of Upholstery |Repels Dirt and Liquid | Car Interior UV Protector
$55.99 with 16 percent savings -16%
$55.99
GYEON Pure EVO Ceramic Coating Ultra Gloss sio2 Hard Deep Shine Paint Protection Water Beading Chemical Resistance Easy Application One‑Layer Car Coating Extreme Durability
Liquid
4.54.5 out of 5 stars (109)
100+ bought in past month
$89.99

TEC582 CERAMIC DETAIL SPRAY (1 Gallon) I use this all the time great on counters and appliances also. Or as a general interior exterior clean up.

Technicians Choice Ceramic Coating
$24.00 $12.00 per fluid ounce($12.00 / fluid ounce) This is the easiest and quickest to use and my go to for a quick recoat.

Once you use true ceramic and not the usual commercially available sprays, waxes you will not go back to wax.

Kochchemie Nms
Nano Magic Shampoo
https://kcxusa.com/collections/chemical-products/products/nano-magic-shampoo-1l

My vehicles bead better than this, also I have not seen these kind of results with this product.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/4qRiWeHSkyQ?feature=share

[h13man]

Spray car wash in the spring, micro fiber wipe down and then Lucas Slick Mist for 18 yrs. Got plenty of it thats for sure thus spit bathes and touch up thru the season. Really gotta be filthy to do a car wash again but since 20' not much mileage to do 2 wash a season.

Update: I originally bought this for the windshield per a good buddy (HD rider) recommendation for 12 yrs.

[Robert]

One part of the reason switching from the 1500 to the 1800 was the care of the bike. The 1500 takes so

much more to keep clean and detail than the 1800.

[HayHauler]

Thanks for the info Robert.  I am going to try the ceramic on my dually.  It has a good coat of carnauba wax on it right now, so I will strip it with Dawn and apply that Gyeon product.  I have been looking for something like this for a while now.  I should probably clay bar the truck first, right?

Hay 
Jimmyt

[fudgie]

  I should probably clay bar the truck first, right?

Hay 
Jimmyt

I would. They make a clay towel that works nice.

[Robert]

Thanks for the info Robert.  I am going to try the ceramic on my dually.  It has a good coat of carnauba wax on it right now, so I will strip it with Dawn and apply that Gyeon product.  I have been looking for something like this for a while now.  I should probably clay bar the truck first, right?

Hay  
Jimmyt

Yes, if you run your hand over the surface and its not smooth, like baby bottom smooth clay bar it. If you have any fading, chalking, or discolored spots you will need to buff it. Or if it has water spots on the surface you will need to buff them out.  Dried paint, surface dirt, scratches sometimes, and a  finish that you can feel a bit of surface snag, clay it. I have done a clay bar after applying the ceramic and then reapplied it and it came out fine. This is a yellow detail spray, I use this to lubricate the clay bar and make sure it slides smoothly and effortlessly over the surface and not add scratches from the dirt it picks up. I used this when I clayed the fresh ceramic and it did fine.

 TEC582 Ceramic Detail Spray makes protecting your car's exterior easier than ever.
TEC582 delivers exceptional gloss and slickness, along with unparalleled protective capabilities
Use TEC582 Ceramic Detail Spray on any exterior surface, including glass, plastic trim, chrome, and wheels, to ensure that your entire exterior is hydrophobic and beautiful
Use one microfiber towel to lightly wipe the product into the finish

But on a dually you are going to need 2 bottles of the ceramic maybe 3. When you first get it, there can be a learning curve and the stuff is like fresh paint seems to soak in a bit. I gave a couple of bottles to the kid across the street with an f150 raised with big wheels and it came out great. He loves the stuff since he said that dirt slides off of it with just rain. He worked on the farm so he was really happy it kept the truck clean. Do the wheels also.
  I think the Dawn may do the trick nicely but if you can use the Nano Magic Shampoo and Gyon makes a prep surface spray. The Nano magic will be like a very light coat of ceramic and then when applying the ceramic it may make it go a bit easier and look better.
   As for application put it on in shade and wipe it off after applying to one section at a time till you learn drying times. The two I picked do not require drying times on application but, do not get the vehicle in rain for about 8 hours. I did it before that and it held up but for comparison I did it and let it dry overnight and it did harden quite a bit.
  Let me know how it comes out, haven't heard anyone who was not happy with it. The prep spray is below and it smells a lot like alcohol.
If you have a Costco around you they have the micro fiber towels for like 15.00 for about 50 of them and they are good quality. Tear the tags off them since they can hold dirt and scratch and your good to go.  


https://gyeonusa.com/collections/best-sellers/products/q2m-prep
Q2M Prep is a highly effective pre coating degreaser to ensure the absolute best in terms of application and performance out of your ceramic coating. The final wipe down before you apply your ceramic coating is extremely important. You’ll need a streak free finish that is clean and ready to accept the coating for the best possible performance and durability. Q2M Prep is the perfect ceramic coating prep spray for all surfaces.

In this image below is a reflection of a telephone pole just below the interior air intake and its clear as day even with a blurry pic and you can still see the overcast sky in the front part.

[HayHauler]

Ordered.  We will see if the weather turns out good for this weekend.

Are there any temperature limitations on applying the ceramic coating?  I know about getting it wet and the drying time, but can't find any info on temp variations.

The range for Sat/Sun is 58-78F.

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Robert]

Ordered.  We will see if the weather turns out good for this weekend.

Are there any temperature limitations on applying the ceramic coating?  I know about getting it wet and the drying time, but can't find any info on temp variations.

The range for Sat/Sun is 58-78F.

Hay 
Jimmyt

Its humid and hot here and I don't see anything either about temp and in use the only thing I have seen is some recommend to let the product bead or sweat before wiping it off, I don't recommend that.

Once you apply the product I would wait a minute before wiping it back off. I have learned to apply it to a fairly large section like wax and then wipe it off almost immediately. The only time I got not so good results was the time I let the coating dry and bead as they recommended. Then there was like a shadow in the finish. No damage and was able to reapply and lessened the effect, otherwise would have had to polish it off and start over.

Look carefully at the coating when applied it develops a haze when drying, it only takes a minute then wipe it off. Wear gloves also and do it in a well ventilated area and use the application pads you can buy not the provided pad. I found they are thin enough that they fill up with product easy and apply it evenly and quickly.


Microfiber Wax Applicator Pads
https://www.amazon.com/FONAROLL-Microfiber-Applicator-Polishing-Cleaning/dp/B0B5VN9LN4/ref=sr_1_5?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.T7epWR2pYoDNamVhu3Tlb8BzmyjxZjDG4PGsirN-IFu7_ydHVnsOPAhniYyvvIPyZAGdstxdyKLz6k3CR7aPN2kMdrrGFnG5bE-D9EsBNzfgEmTHJEXca3pWvj8mqPPGVRuZzpv0FmT-4wMwAYRYAScby12cda4j--rCWGc21_gC_EHBJMwp6iqu4Pae14MKhGE99BDudp8OS_4NA_1XfEPu0bVkvTxaiCrobRyVJsOF7r1FIGvb5mr9bwp4hKTDa5EZBBuV4lOkzXibei0YqCqrBoUEQVsy2GPoYPNrhsY.8gdlzVc5llBIiHPNcr3_2JtbZ0tyEOYcR8UflILgCGo&dib_tag=se&keywords=wax%2Bapplicator&qid=1762259357&sr=8-5&th=1

[HayHauler]

After reading the documentation that came with the product, it says that the ideal temp range is between 50-77F.  My dually is in the shade, so I don't think the temp will be an issue.
Last night I washed it with Dawn, then ran the clay bar over the paint using the detail spray you recommended.
The truck looks great, even with just the detail spray/clay.

Tonight, another Dawn wash, then the prep solution and possibly Wednesday afternoon the first product placement.

Thanks for all of the help Robert.  I think it will turn out great.

It is a 2020 Ram 3500 in Pearl White, but sort of looks like a bone color with sparkles in the paint.  It is blacked out from the factory.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/L9613hDgSKPynBxu7

Hay  
Jimmyt

[Robert]

After reading the documentation that came with the product, it says that the ideal temp range is between 50-77F.  My dually is in the shade, so I don't think the temp will be an issue.
Last night I washed it with Dawn, then ran the clay bar over the paint using the detail spray you recommended.
The truck looks great, even with just the detail spray/clay.

Tonight, another Dawn wash, then the prep solution and possibly Wednesday afternoon the first product placement.

Thanks for all of the help Robert.  I think it will turn out great.

It is a 2020 Ram 3500 in Pearl White, but sort of looks like a bone color with sparkles in the paint.  It is blacked out from the factory.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/L9613hDgSKPynBxu7

Hay  
Jimmyt

Nice truck, looks good already and once you put the ceramic on it it will sparkle. The finish will look very deep   

 I will also get all the performance mods from the guy next door that has basically the same truck and did a

lot of mods on it. Sounds like a different truck and increased HP and gas mileage by quite a bit.

[Alien]

Lemon Pledge.  Seriously.  I use it on everything.  Paint, chrome, rubber, windshield, etc. Here's a video I made.

https://youtu.be/wY2ujM3-r98?si=A6inAkrFT7QCa7yo

[Rams]

I gotta quit speed reading, thought this thread was about Distilling................. 

Rams   

[Robert]

Lemon Pledge.  Seriously.  I use it on everything.  Paint, chrome, rubber, windshield, etc. Here's a video I made.

https://youtu.be/wY2ujM3-r98?si=A6inAkrFT7QCa7yo

Long time ago used it a bit. Many downsides, no protection, but does clean well. WD40 will do just about as much. Long term use under rainy or snow will cause the paint to deteriorate.

The application of ceramic makes the vehicle look deeper and reflect light a bit more, but will also preserve the vehicle through the durability, and utter hydrophobic quality of the composition of it. All that translates unto less time and better outcome with ceramics. That is what got me hooked and trying it myself, less maintenance time and easier to care for with consistent high quality finish. Where I used to have many products  and devoted a good chunk of time to clean and bring back the shine on my car or bike after dirty, now its just a wash and dry and the brake dust, door jambs, and such clean without any effort or time and still maintain the look as the first time I coated it.

That is what the ceramics do for you less maintenance time better look consistently. My Valk that sits more than it should as of late a quick wash, the lawn blower dries the water and I'm good to go as if I had just done it.

Black or dark vehicles that scratch so easily just trying to clean light dirt off, suddenly become easier to clean and leaves no scratches or surface
fine lines on the finish. I have never used a brush no matter how soft to wash or clean on the painted surface and now the black SUV I can use a very soft brush on the surface with plenty of water and a ceramic car wash soap to make it look like the first day I did it and not add any surface defects to the paint.

The last thing is protection for the paint while driving. Its not a miracle and you will still get chips in the paint, just less. Things that would start to make a vehicle look weathered is lessened by quite a bit.

The ability to make a better than show room condition with less maintenance, consistently, is always something I'm interested in. That is what ceramics will do for you once you find the right combination of products that work for you. 

So stay old school or come into the modern and try ceramics.

[Alien]

I hear you.  The bike still gets regular cleaning and waxes but the Pledge is a great quick detailer in between.  I also own a black Mustang which is impossible to keep clean since it sits outside.  It's getting the ceramic treatment.

[Robert]

I hear you.  The bike still gets regular cleaning and waxes but the Pledge is a great quick detailer in between.  I also own a black Mustang which is impossible to keep clean since it sits outside.  It's getting the ceramic treatment.

I don't like black to take care of, but when I bought a black SUV that was is OK shape, I knew this would be the test. After days of paint correction, then application, it has stayed looking good. This is like a family vehicle and no special care is taken on the finish or cleanliness of it and it has stayed looking good. Even with the washing and dirt on it and the travel with the occasional wash it remained very shiny. My wife took it to Tallahassee and the bugs were plentiful but they washed off without to much effort and left no marks. Washing would not have been possible in the heat of Florida without the ceramic since I could essentially light wash constant rinse and blow dry about 90% and microfiber the rest off and the water did not evaporate or leave spots.

I stress to get a good ceramic bolstering wash, it helps to keep the water running off like new. It also coats parts and areas like the engine on your bike that you could not normally reach.

Ceramic is not a once applied and done forever in reality, but in the reapplication it takes a much shorter time is very easy and equivalent to applying a detail spray, It has kept the water beading. Time between applications vary. When the water doesn't blow off the car I reapply, but it still is on the car.

[Robert]

The SUV, yes its dirty First shot is the hood and taken to show the amount of dirt but the underlying shine.
The second shot is the side of the SUV same dirt just not seen and to slick to stick dirt

 

[HayHauler]

Tuesday after work I applied the cleaner and after drying, I applied the ceramic.  I think I put it on too thin, because I only used almost one bottle of the product.  So, last night, I wiped down the truck with a MF towel and applied a second ceramic coat that was slightly thicker than the first.
I also applied it to the RanchHand rear bumper that is powder coated black.  It turned out really nice.

I will see how it looks when I get home from work this afternoon.  I've been riding the Valkyrie all week because we are in our 2 weeks of Fall weather before winter kicks in.

I will have pictures tomorrow probably.  I have a meeting this evening at 7.

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Robert]

Obviously we don't have snow down here so it will be interesting to see if the snow sticks. As for too thin apply another coat if you have more. But I think you may have used just the correct amount. I seem to use to much but there is nothing wrong with a recoat a day later and in fact may be better, or even a week later. It will be much easier and quicker to apply and you did apply it to the glass? Windshield side windows and rear window also. The grills and the bumper and any rubber is usually ok to apply it to. The rubber I would test a small spot.  

[HayHauler]

I bought 2 bottles and used most of them on the 2 coats, a day apart.  I will clean the windows tomorrow after work and coat them as well.  There are water spots on them right now, sitting in the driveway.

Thanks for all of the help,

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Robert]

I bought 2 bottles and used most of them on the 2 coats, a day apart.  I will clean the windows tomorrow after work and coat them as well.  There are water spots on them right now, sitting in the driveway.

Thanks for all of the help,

Hay 
Jimmyt

Glad to do it, nice to see someone else enjoy a clean machine.

OH come on, hows it look? I showed you mine 

The same hood in the earlier pictures cleaned.

[Jess from VA]

I'm not detailing this monster.  Too much work on the old arms and shoulders.



Other than a good washing with soap that has wax in it (using an 8 foot step ladder), I've never waxed it either (except the little hood which gets abused by rock nicks).

It has the best paint I've ever had on a car.  I have used the ceramic detailer where I can reach.

I have no garage, and it wouldn't fit in it if I did.   

[Robert]

The next best thing to a ceramic coating. It gives alot of the same properties that the ceramic coating does and cleans well. Two capfulls in a 5 gallon bucket does the job and gives the hydrophobic properties that the ceramic does but does not have the actual full coating but still has some of the qualities.

 It will also make the grey bumper look new.


Kochchemie Nms
Nano Magic Shampoo
https://kcxusa.com/collections/chemical-products/products/nano-magic-shampoo-1l

[HayHauler]

Well, my phone died and I have been dealing with that BS since Thursday last week.  The windows still have the spots on them.
I will wash it in the next few days and get some pics to share.  It is SUPER slick when running the back of your hand over the paint.

BTW, this truck gets WAY too many rock chips in the paint!  I am going to replace the painted front bumper with a Ranch Hand to match the rear one.  That powder coating will be much tougher to chip than that pearl white paint and minimal clear coat.
P.S.  Phone will not make or take phone calls, but texting and WIFI work perfectly.

Hay  
Jimmyt

[Robert]

Well, my phone died and I have been dealing with that BS since Thursday last week.  The windows still have the spots on them.
I will wash it in the next few days and get some pics to share.  It is SUPER slick when running the back of your hand over the paint.
   
BTW, this truck gets WAY too many rock chips in the paint!  I am going to replace the painted front bumper with a Ranch Hand to match the rear one.  That powder coating will be much tougher to chip than that pearl white paint and minimal clear coat.
P.S.  Phone will not make or take phone calls, but texting and WIFI work perfectly.

Hay  
Jimmyt

The ceramic coating will help but you could put a clear paint protection film on it and it will stay looking good no matter how many rocks hit it. It can also be used on the paint like on the front hood to stop rock chips also. I will  put a couple of videos to show you what I am talking about. They wrap entire cars to change the color or keep the finish in good condition. They make a clear that wont change the color but there are colors available.

Just maybe you wont have to change the bumper.  

You really never have to paint your car just wrap it. A good wrap job is hard to tell since its smooth and the corners are well done no wrinkles and you can just take it off and put on new film.

https://accentdistributing.com/collections/3m-paint-protection-film


3M™ Protection Wrap Film | Customer Testimonials & Hands-On Install Review
https://youtu.be/jSTMZeQv-IE?si=xGUPScKUdaBKeGHw

This site has pictures of cars wrapped, I picked the Cyber truck gallery since you can tell its been wrapped.
https://metrorestyling.com/pages/cybertruck-vinyl-wrap-gallery

Looks good on bikes also.
https://metrorestyling.com/pages/motorcycle-vinyl-wrap