I have a serious question about when you can use detail spray (choose your brand) and when you can't. I know that many of you are experts at this, so I am counting on your guru-like wisdom. Here's my question--Can I clean my car's exterior with detail spray only when it has minor dirt, or can I also use it for more significant cleaning? I ask because it seems like many people use it all the time and avoid a regular water wash as much as possible. But if I used the detail spray with a fair amount of dirt on the car, wouldn't I risk scratching and swirling? Thanks for your input.

 

I use detailing spray for light dust or pollen but never for encrusted dirt. You have to evaluate the abrasive possibility of the dirt or dust you want to remove. If your in doubt, wash it. My Crossfire is only driven on dry days and is always garaged so I use Meguires Ultimate spray quite often, and don't wash it very often.

 

I think Chuck65 is right on the money. I use Ultimate Detailer too and only to bring the pop back to the wax-never to remove anything more than light dust and pollen.

 

Maybe I'm just a bit **** but I ONLY use it AFTER a wash to give it that extra shine. I found it works much better on red than black. I tried it on the black once and it seamed to leave a greasy residue. Maybe it was the microfiber towel I was using.

 

It works great on black for my car. I use Adam's detail spray.

 

I only use it after I wash or on a very light dust . I like Mothers California Gold.

 

ANY mist & wipe product should only be used to add lubricity to the surface so that you can safely remove light dust, fingerprints and smudges. If the car is actually dirty, has been driven in the rain, or heavy dew has settled on an otherwise very dusty surface, then you're better off washing.

I posted a thread over at meguiarsonline.com about maintaining a swirl free finish. Basically I had detailed my 2004 Graphite Metallic PT Cruiser Turbo to total perfection prior to a car show in March 2007. In the 16 months since that full on machine polishing I've washed the car probably 30 times, and have used Meguiar's Ultimate Quik Detailer on average 3 times a week. That works out to just over 200 applications of UQD!!! I've also waxed the car 3 times since then. When I wash I only use clean, high quality tools - a natural sheepskin wash mit, Meguiar's Gold Class car wash soap, two bucket method with grit guards or a foam gun and a single rinse bucket, drying is always with two or more waffle weave microfiber drying towels. Removal of UQD is always with a clean microfiber towel and I usually go through at least two when doing this wipe down process. Always a generous amount of UQD used as well. Bottom line - after all this time and all that "touching" of the paint, there is still barely a mark on the paint anywhere. Honestly, the paint on this car is far, far better than most cars I see at at even high end car shows that we sponsor. One of the perks of working at Meguiar's I suppose!

 

Same here I love Adam's products.

 

Another detailer related question....does the manufacturer of the detailer matter? Reason I am asking is, I typically by detailer by price, ie., cheaper or the one on sale I buy and I mainly use it after I wash the car or to "dust" it etc...is there any chance say Meguiar's detailer would remove or have any negative affect on say Mother's wax and vice versa (Mother's detailer negatively affect Meguiar's wax)?

Thanks in advance.

 

No, you can use any QD spray over any other wax or sealant. They almost all do, and are designed to do, the exact same thing: add lubricity to the surface so you can safely wipe away light dust and fingerprints. Meguiar's Ultimate Quik Detailer does contain hydrophobic polymer technology that actually sheds water like a duck and offers a bit of polymer protection. There are some videos on YouTube of the product in action just before it was released early last year. Check out these videos on YouTube for a demonstration of how effectively this stuff sheds water:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=24smNW1ihQ4
http://youtube.com/watch?v=7rNXCMDsgbk
http://youtube.com/watch?v=sV_EtHZlQ3k

 

I use it once a week to remove light dust from the car sitting in the garage.

 

I use the California Duster for that.

 

I've used Mothers, Ice and Meguiars and prefer:

Meguiars Ultimate Quick Detailer. It is superior in all respects.

 

I've used a lot of the QDs:
Turtle Wax Ice
Eagle One QD
Meguiar's QD
Meguiar's Ultimate QD
Etc.

On mine (black car), the Ice seems to work the best. The Meguiar's Ultimate QD seems to leave a 'foggy' film. Not sure why.

I also use a California Duster when it gets dusty. After it is dusted, I use a QD.

 

Has anyone used "Wizard" quick detailer? I've used it on a candy apple 32 Ford street rod and it worked beautifully!

Jim

 

Never heard of it...BUT, if it works for you, and leaves no film or residue..go for it!

Clean, fresh MF towels....

 

Never heard of it.

 

Look up "Wizard" car care products on the web. Honest, it's good stuff. Leaves no film and buffs up beautiful with a soft cloth. I found it in a hot rod shop and have used it ever since.

Jim

 

I quit using a detailing spray over 12 years ago ,i use FW1 cleaning wax and only after a wash or a good hose down.(never wipe dirt with anything except soap and water).
this FW1 high performance cleaning is the best i have found, jim