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General => Detailing => Topic started by: Gnasher on 28 April 2017, 13:15

Title: Pure white paintwork going cream
Post by: Gnasher on 28 April 2017, 13:15
Hi all,

Had my pure white GTI since 2014 and have (admittedly irregularly) applied Autoglym super gloss protection and over it's life, applied Sonax carnuba wax a couple of times.

Currently when I look at the car - and even more so parked next to other white cars (although I need to find another clean pure white car to compare it against) it looks a nice shade of cream.

I realise that the wax/sealant I've been using may be the cause of this, so can anyone advise on the best way to get the bodywork back down to bare paint topcoat (well, lacquer topcoat really).

I was looking at getting something like Poorboys White Diamond but is there anything on a similar price point that would be better?

Ta in advance.
Title: Re: Pure white paintwork going cream
Post by: Booth11 on 28 April 2017, 15:41
Hi all,

Had my pure white GTI since 2014 and have (admittedly irregularly) applied Autoglym super gloss protection and over it's life, applied Sonax carnuba wax a couple of times.

Currently when I look at the car - and even more so parked next to other white cars (although I need to find another clean pure white car to compare it against) it looks a nice shade of cream.

I realise that the wax/sealant I've been using may be the cause of this, so can anyone advise on the best way to get the bodywork back down to bare paint topcoat (well, lacquer topcoat really).

I was looking at getting something like Poorboys White Diamond but is there anything on a similar price point that would be better?

Ta in advance.

I think as you suggest, you need to get the car stripped of all protection, fully decontaminated (iron remover, tar remover, claying) and a polish (if able), so the paintwork is clear, cleaned and refined and then ready to be protected perhaps with an alternative choice of protection.  As it's a white car, you might want to think about using a nano or polymer sealant or coating instead of wax. Unlike wax, they are clear and once you have your paintwork clean, should retain the clarity of the finish.  They are also good options for presenting a sharp, crisp, glassy Finish which is exactly what you want on a white car.  Look at Gtechniq, Sonax and Gyeon coatings and sealants.
Title: Re: Pure white paintwork going cream
Post by: mwad gti on 29 April 2017, 21:53
Hi all,

Had my pure white GTI since 2014 and have (admittedly irregularly) applied Autoglym super gloss protection and over it's life, applied Sonax carnuba wax a couple of times.

Currently when I look at the car - and even more so parked next to other white cars (although I need to find another clean pure white car to compare it against) it looks a nice shade of cream.

I realise that the wax/sealant I've been using may be the cause of this, so can anyone advise on the best way to get the bodywork back down to bare paint topcoat (well, lacquer topcoat really).

I was looking at getting something like Poorboys White Diamond but is there anything on a similar price point that would be better?

Ta in advance.

I think as you suggest, you need to get the car stripped of all protection, fully decontaminated (iron remover, tar remover, claying) and a polish (if able), so the paintwork is clear, cleaned and refined and then ready to be protected perhaps with an alternative choice of protection.  As it's a white car, you might want to think about using a nano or polymer sealant or coating instead of wax. Unlike wax, they are clear and once you have your paintwork clean, should retain the clarity of the finish.  They are also good options for presenting a sharp, crisp, glassy Finish which is exactly what you want on a white car.  Look at Gtechniq, Sonax and Gyeon coatings and sealants.
That's good advice from Booth
Title: Re: Pure white paintwork going cream
Post by: Gnasher on 30 April 2017, 14:03
Ta very much - my only other question is the best way to strip what's on there safely (unless I missed that bit lol).
Title: Re: Pure white paintwork going cream
Post by: Booth11 on 30 April 2017, 23:29
Ta very much - my only other question is the best way to strip what's on there safely (unless I missed that bit lol).

The process of decontaminating the car will strip off any existing sealants/waxes, so no need to worry about that.  Tar remover and iron remover both strip protection, as does claying.  If you weren't to decontaminate (recommended though) and just wanted to remove your existing protection, then you could use IPA/Panel Wipe to strip back, or a strong concentrated shampoo solution, or washing up liquid solution would do it too.
Title: Re: Pure white paintwork going cream
Post by: Gnasher on 01 May 2017, 07:52
Gotcha - thanks very much!
Title: Re: Pure white paintwork going cream
Post by: Gnasher on 11 June 2017, 09:29
Well yesterday was the day, washed, dried, wiped over with AG intensive tar remover (and took out any visible marks/scratches with G3 cutting compound), clayed and finally applied some Auto Finesse Tough Coat. The wheels weren't bad so I just gave them a go over with my wheel 'noodle cloth' and wiped them dry with an old drying towel (had a little tear in my eye when I wiped over the marks where I kerbed one - it's on the list to fix lol) and applied Meguiars endurance tyre gel (sparingly)

Things I noticed...

1. For the first time ever, I saw a noticeable difference in before and after the snowfoam/jetwash stage. Can't remember doing anything different from last time but it is a different container of snowfoam.
2. Even after the tar remover, you could really feel/hear the clay bar doing its thing. Suffice to say as soon as I could tell there was something on the face of it, I folded it in on itself and cracked on.
3. It wasn't bright sunshine yesterday but I think it appears whiter - how much of this is placebo effect and my ageing eyes (which were probably the reason it looked creamy in the first place lol)

Quick question regarding claying - what do people use as lube? I used AG Rapid Detailer and probably got through half a full sized bottle (don't know the capacity off the top of my head) but I did end up wiping loads off with a microfiber cloth. I just couldn't seem to be able to get away with any less and I'd rather wipe it off than marr the paintwork by having too little. Any tips?

Photos to follow, promise!

Edit - I did do the tailpipes and vacuumed the interior too, just didn't seem worthy of a mention lol
Title: Re: Pure white paintwork going cream
Post by: hog_hedge on 11 June 2017, 11:16
For clay lube just use water with a drop of car shampoo in, there's no point in spending extra money on a dedicated clay lube. As long as the solution is slick and lubricates well then it will be fine.
Title: Re: Pure white paintwork going cream
Post by: Booth11 on 11 June 2017, 15:15
Well yesterday was the day, washed, dried, wiped over with AG intensive tar remover (and took out any visible marks/scratches with G3 cutting compound), clayed and finally applied some Auto Finesse Tough Coat. The wheels weren't bad so I just gave them a go over with my wheel 'noodle cloth' and wiped them dry with an old drying towel (had a little tear in my eye when I wiped over the marks where I kerbed one - it's on the list to fix lol) and applied Meguiars endurance tyre gel (sparingly)

Things I noticed...

1. For the first time ever, I saw a noticeable difference in before and after the snowfoam/jetwash stage. Can't remember doing anything different from last time but it is a different container of snowfoam.
2. Even after the tar remover, you could really feel/hear the clay bar doing its thing. Suffice to say as soon as I could tell there was something on the face of it, I folded it in on itself and cracked on.
3. It wasn't bright sunshine yesterday but I think it appears whiter - how much of this is placebo effect and my ageing eyes (which were probably the reason it looked creamy in the first place lol)

Quick question regarding claying - what do people use as lube? I used AG Rapid Detailer and probably got through half a full sized bottle (don't know the capacity off the top of my head) but I did end up wiping loads off with a microfiber cloth. I just couldn't seem to be able to get away with any less and I'd rather wipe it off than marr the paintwork by having too little. Any tips?

Photos to follow, promise!

Edit - I did do the tailpipes and vacuumed the interior too, just didn't seem worthy of a mention lol

Sounds a great job done Gnasher.

For clay lube I do use a dedicated lube - DoDo Juice Born Slippy. http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/detailing-clay/detailing-clay-lubricants/dodo-juice-born-slippy-500ml/prod_560.html

You can just use a shampoo solution and with certain clays can just use plain water.  I used all and still prefer clay lube as it is the most lubricious and greatly aids the clay gliding over the paintwork with minimum friction necessary.  Personal choice really. 

Looking forward to the pics.   :smiley:
Title: Re: Pure white paintwork going cream
Post by: Watts on 11 June 2017, 15:18
Great job Gnasher, look forward to the pictures :smiley: I'm sure with the effort there will be an improvement in whiteness but tbh, even if it is a placebo, so long as you're happy with it that's all that matters.

Been meaning to clay mine but I just don't get time. It'll end up being before winter at this rate... :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Pure white paintwork going cream
Post by: Gnasher on 11 June 2017, 19:58
Photos as promised...

(http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h164/graham_nash1/20170611_145355_zpsbqyfpdvx.jpg)

(http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h164/graham_nash1/20170611_145338_zps6ynjc5lb.jpg)

(http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h164/graham_nash1/Mobile%20Uploads/2017-06/20170611_145405_zpszviryats.jpg)

Not the best photos but you get the idea lol.

Another plus point is I'd lost one of my audi wheel nut covers (standard one's don't fit the wheel) and the place I took it to for a wheel refurb (who do all the local audi dealers cars) and it's come back with all of them lol.
Title: Re: Pure white paintwork going cream
Post by: Booth11 on 11 June 2017, 20:03
Photos as promised...

(http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h164/graham_nash1/20170611_145355_zpsbqyfpdvx.jpg)

(http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h164/graham_nash1/20170611_145338_zps6ynjc5lb.jpg)

(http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h164/graham_nash1/Mobile%20Uploads/2017-06/20170611_145405_zpszviryats.jpg)

Not the best photos but you get the idea lol.

Another plus point is I'd lost one of my audi wheel nut covers (standard one's don't fit the wheel) and the place I took it to for a wheel refurb (who do all the local audi dealers cars) and it's come back with all of them lol.

Superb!  And not a hint of cream colour.  Pure White looks so pristine when ultra clean.  Great reflections!  Fab work. :cool:
Title: Re: Pure white paintwork going cream
Post by: Watts on 11 June 2017, 20:04
Well you must be pleased with that Gnasher, surely?! Looks mega!
Title: Re: Pure white paintwork going cream
Post by: Gnasher on 11 June 2017, 21:43
Why thank you both very much.

I genuinely think it's the best it has looked since new.

It has made me think a lot more about getting a PER guy in for the "rock dents" in both rear quarters. They'll still have touch up paint in them but to get them done in a body shop would result in about 3/4 of the car being sprayed and I'd rather not do it. Apart from that and an alloy needing refurb (my fault) I'm over the moon with it. It does make it easier finally having a garage to put it in though.
Title: Re: Pure white paintwork going cream
Post by: brettblade on 12 June 2017, 08:58
Good work!  I use Auto Finesse's Glide when claying.