SpoolMe's question thread

[SpoolMe]

Here it goes... thanks in advance!


Is it okay to get polisher or wax on headlights/plastic or rubber? Its such a paid to stop and wipe those real quick so im wondering if i can just wipe them off after im done.



What is the difference between meguiars polishing compound & the ultimate polishing compound? (hope i got those names right :P ) I bought the red lookig bottle & i just noticed the black one.


Is it okay to use a chamois to dry the car, if not what is the best method? Using small MF towels seems highly inefficient.


Best way to clean floor-mats? I have just been vacuuming, what do you like to do?

[SpoolMe]

Re: SpoolMe's question thread

Also, i use nxt 2.0 wax, if that helps.

EDIT:

Is it okay to use a chamois to dry the car, if not what is the best method? Using small MF towels seems highly inefficient until a lot of the water has been dryed off, i usually finish drying with MF towels.

[ChevyNick]

I'll answer the best I can...

Here it goes... thanks in advance!


Is it okay to get polisher or wax on headlights/plastic or rubber? Its such a paid to stop and wipe those real quick so im wondering if i can just wipe them off after im done.

Headlights are ok to wax and I recommend that you do. Plastic... Not such a good idea, NXT will turn some plastics white. On the other hand, I've waxed my internet router and it turned out really nice. I think smooth plastics are ok to get wax on while any plastic that has even the finest roughness to it is not a good idea to wax. Probably shouldn't try to wax plastics in the first place. Yes you can just wipe them off though, and hoppfully either the polish or wax doesn't stain the plastic white.


What is the difference between meguiars polishing compound & the ultimate polishing compound? (hope i got those names right :P ) I bought the red lookig bottle & i just noticed the black one.

I'm not sure, I actually believe Ultimate Polish uses SMAT technology while polishing compound uses a more "old school technology" for lack of correct term. I would use Ultimate Polish if I were you as it is the latest and greatest.


Is it okay to use a chamois to dry the car, if not what is the best method? Using small MF towels seems highly inefficient.

I don't hear about a lot of people using those anymore. I myself use old bath towels that my mom usually only uses for a year or something and then buys a new set to "change up colors"


Best way to clean floor-mats? I have just been vacuuming, what do you like to do?

Well if all it needs is a vacuuming then that's all you need to do. Got a stain or to? Treat it with something like Meguairs All Purpose Cleaner Plus. Squirt the stain, let it soak for a moment, do some scrubbing, and wipe up the remains with a terry cloth towel.

[Murr1525]

Re: SpoolMe's question thread

Just to add some things:

Is it okay to get polisher or wax on headlights/plastic or rubber? Its such a paid to stop and wipe those real quick so im wondering if i can just wipe them off after im done.

The Ult. Quick Wax can be used across plastic/rubber, etc... so that makes it handy after washing, as you can just overspray and wipe everything. I believe the Gold Class Spray Wax is the same.

The proper liquid/paste waxes are best to avoid the plastic/rubber.

By plastic we mean that gray/black textured kind of plastic. As noted, smooth/glossy plastic is fine to wax.

What is the difference between meguiars polishing compound & the ultimate polishing compound? (hope i got those names right :P ) I bought the red lookig bottle & i just noticed the black one.

Yes.. Ult. Compound and Ult. Polish (black bottles) are SMAT.

Rubbing Compound and Polishing Compound (red bottles) are DAT.

The DAT is cheaper... but the Ultimate ones are generally the way to go if the extra couple bucks are ok for you.

However, on the polishing side, they are probably closer than the Rubbing Compound/Ult. Compound. I would want the Ult. for the stronger cleaner.

Is it okay to use a chamois to dry the car, if not what is the best method? Using small MF towels seems highly inefficient.

Generally, you want to flow/flood most of the water off the car before drying. I like to use a couple of the waffle weave microfiber towels for drying. That would be like the Meguiars Water Magnets, but other companies make similar items.

I usually will go around once quickly to get the bulk of the water, and then go around a second time while using a spray wax to get the rest of the water drops, etc.

The waffle weave type tend to be more for drying. The plush/fuzzy type tend to be more for removing products, like the Meguiars Supreme Shine type.

Best way to clean floor-mats? I have just been vacuuming, what do you like to do?

I have rubber/carpet ones on top of the ones that came with the car. I take the rubber/carpet ones out, throw them in the sink, and scrub with APC two or three times a year. The cloth ones that came with the car just need it after winter usually.

[SpoolMe]

Re: SpoolMe's question thread

Thanks for the quick replies.

I guess i should clarify on some areas... i dont mean to wax the headlights/plastic areas, im just wondering how long wax & polish can sit there without doing harm. I would like to wax the whole car before going back to wipe off the infected areas, but if i need to wipe it off right away then i will.

[Murr1525]

Re: SpoolMe's question thread

You certainly can/should wax the headlights...

But yeah, best to have a towel on your shoulder, or at least use a finger, to get anything that goes on the rubber/textured plastic.

If you want to pay the least attention possible, the Ult. Liq. Wax would be best to use. I wouldnt want to cake it onto rubber on purpose, but it is much safer.

[BillE]

Re: SpoolMe's question thread

One of the beauties of Ultimate Wax-LIQUID, is that it doesn't 'stain' the plastic.

I have a boat load of textured plastic (black) on my truck, last fall I purposely waxed these surfaces to to see if and what the outcome would be...Absolutly no ugly 'white stuff' ever has shown up. The area(s) came out with a nice even sheen and not too shiny.

Bill

[SpoolMe]

Re: SpoolMe's question thread

More questions!


Best lube to use while claying? (assuming i buy the clay from meguiars)

Where can i buy bulk meguiars clay?


When is i best to wash tires? I do it before i wash car because the tire shine gets all over my pain in the process.

Best way to dry car? Im thinking about buying meguiars waffle towels (i think thats what they're called) Drying with MF towels is a nightmare.

Best way to restore AND protect headlights? I have a meguiars kit now but i need to buy a drill to use it

[Marc08EX]

Re: SpoolMe's question thread

More questions!

Best lube to use while claying? (assuming i buy the clay from meguiars)

I really like using Last Touch diluted 1:1 as my clay lube. It's very effective and economical.

Where can i buy bulk meguiars clay?

I don't think any manufacturer sells bulk clay. The biggest clay you can buy are 200g and the Meguiar's professional clay offers that. They have both a mild (blue) and an aggressive (red) variant.

When is i best to wash tires? I do it before i wash car because the tire shine gets all over my pain in the process.

I've always used APC when washing my tires. But if you need something stronger, try using Super Degreaser. Of course you need to agitate the solution with a stiff bristle tire brush.

Best way to dry car? Im thinking about buying meguiars waffle towels (i think thats what they're called) Drying with MF towels is a nightmare.

The best way to dry a car is to sheet the water after your final rinse. You do this by removing the nozzle of your house and lower the water pressure a tad. You let the natural flow of water take most off the water from the paint. However, this will only work if your car has a coat of wax. If you don't wax your car often and your car doesn't bead then this wouldn't work. Dry with the Water Magnet (waffle weave) after.

Here's a good video that shows you what I'm talking about:

Best way to restore AND protect headlights? I have a meguiars kit now but i need to buy a drill to use it

The best way to restore headlights is to use a sand paper to remove the oxidation (Meguiar's Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit has it). If you don't have a drill to buff the sanding marks out then you can use your DA with Ultimate Compound or M105 to take those sanding marks out. That process worked for me.

[Murr1525]

Re: SpoolMe's question thread

Best lube to use while claying? (assuming i buy the clay from meguiars)

Most around here will use Quick Detailer, Last Touch, or Final Inspection. I think it is Last Touch that is diluted 50:50 with water for claying.

Brands usually dont matter, one companies lube will be ok with another clay.

Some people will just use car soap, esp if claying alot, or claying while washing. Once in a while the soap will break down the clay if it is stored for a while. So if you use alot of clay quickly, no big deal. If you will use a little and store it for 6 months, maybe dont risk it.

Where can i buy bulk meguiars clay?

Well, the SS Clay is sold in 3 packs.

The Professional Mild and Agressive clay are sold in bigger tubs, and is probably the cheapest way to go.

That is probably as close to bulk as you will get, without some sort of random sale on a website.

When is i best to wash tires? I do it before i wash car because the tire shine gets all over my pain in the process.

I use APC and a brush.

Best way to dry car? Im thinking about buying meguiars waffle towels (i think thats what they're called) Drying with MF towels is a nightmare.

The different weaves of MF are designed to do different things. A plush MF like the Supreme Shines just doesnt absorb water well, and wont be fun for you.

The waffle weave style like the Water Magnets are designed for drying. I'd say have 3 on hand for a regular sized, unwaxed car, and they might still come in a 3-pack.

Best way to restore AND protect headlights? I have a meguiars kit now but i need to buy a drill to use it

Well, depends how bad the damage is... I usually clean and wax them with the rest of the paint to maintain.

If it is just mild damage, a UC can do the trick, or PlastX. If it is worse, may need some mild sanding.

[SpoolMe]

Re: SpoolMe's question thread

Right now im just making a seperate bucket of deep crystal car wash to wash my tires with. Opinions?

So im kinda of nervous to use products on my windows/headlights. I can use ultimate compound on them, and then nXt gen 2.0 wax?

[Murr1525]

Re: SpoolMe's question thread

You can use UC on them, if that is what they need. Dont know what they are like right now.

[SpoolMe]

Re: SpoolMe's question thread

Im using terry cloth pads for the compound, polish & wax. Is that the best for this type of work?

[jhhodges]

Re: SpoolMe's question thread

The best way to dry a car is to sheet the water after your final rinse. You do this by removing the nozzle of your house and lower the water pressure a tad. You let the natural flow of water take most off the water from the paint. However, this will only work if your car has a coat of wax. If you don't wax your car often and your car doesn't bead then this wouldn't work. Dry with the Water Magnet (waffle weave) after.

I use this method to sheet the water off, then I use a small leaf blower I got from Home Depot for about $30 over Christmas, then I use MF towels for whatever water is left. There is such little water left at this point that one or two MF towels is more than enough.

Hope this helps.

[Murr1525]

Re: SpoolMe's question thread

Terry cloth is usually not a good thing these days. The smooth foam applicators are generally best by hand, or the various foam buffer pads.