Valeting Tips – Part 3

Now your car is clean and the surface smooth with the clay bar you've used, you need to remove dead paint and swirls (created by the previous owner who used a sponge, which of course you will never use yourself).

You'll need to cut the paint, either by hand or with a mechanised mop, depending on your personal skill and comfort levels. It's hard work, but proper preparation now reaps dividends later. Take your time, do a small area at a time, and buff off the product you're using, such as "Menzerna Final Finish", before it dries. You can moisten it later if you get caught out. You will see an immediate improvement in shine and depth of colour as tiny scratches and old paint has gone. But the paint is now naked, unprotected.

Protecting naked paint with wax or a silicon/resin chemical sealant

Natural Carnauba-based products are generally the choice of professional detailers. Carnauba will also seal the paint, so no need for an additional glaze. Use of a good product like "Raceglaze Signature Series 55" here lengthens the time between waxing; no more weekly polishing, no white marks on black trim, powders or residues on the car. Carnauba builds layers too, the more the merrier, deepening the shine every time, so monthly waxing will pay dividends if you want to spend a lot of time with your car.

You get what you pay for

Application of wax by foam-backed soft cotton applicators is one method, but you'll have lots more options on final buffing. You can use lint-free cotton, disposable wadding, sheepskin and the highly fashionable (and effective) Microfibre. There are two broad types – tufted and peachskin, neither should clog and are both washable. Beware though cheap, small cloths with harsh nylon edge stitching – here you very much get what you pay for.

Be prepared for arrival at the show

Having stood back to admire your pride and joy, you'll naturally want to drive it. This inevitably means flies will die and dirt will accrue on the pointy bits, but these can be swiftly removed with a Detailing Spray such as "Meguires Last Touch". These contain mild surface cleaners which will not harm the wax you have applied and will top them up in some cases. They're ideal when you arrive at a show for example. Clay Bar will also remove the baked on flies, after that summer run back from a show.

Please call 0845 0 944 942 for a FREE no-obligation consultion or click here to email Karlsson Collins Mobile Car Valeting.