GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: nigeldodd on 21 February 2018, 15:07
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My policy has been to shower the old car with dilute shampoo, wait a bit, sponge then jet off with clean water.
I'm getting a new one next week but not paying for the garage to Gardx it.
Now people don't wash their cards any more, they do something else but the name escapes me.
What is the sensible mid path, pragmatic but best investment of time and money.
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Two buckets, grit guards, a good quality wash mitt, drying towel.
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Cue Rebecca................
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This discussion thread from the Detailing section is worth a read. Focus on reply #4 if you’re primarily interested in the best way to wash your car that minimises damage to your car’s paintwork;
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=274098.msg2506633#msg2506633
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Detailing is the word that escapes you, lol. There’s a section on here called Detailing, and a whole host of reading in there.
As above really.
Get some basic kit set up, don’t go mad, there’s lots of stuff out there and lots of it unnecessary, or stuff that can be added later. The most important thing after basic kit, is a good wash and dry technique, and then perfecting it. Key to keeping swirls etc to a minimum, is pre wash, that’s the touchless stages of washing, such as snow foaming and/or citrus pre washing, and it can remove a lot of dirt without any contact with the paint, meaning much less to do at the bucket wash stage where there is contact with the car. A good drying technique is important as many swirls are inflicted st this stage, and key to that is final rinsing with the open running water hose which leave less standing water to be dried off. After that it’s a case of protection with a decent wax or sealant and again, a careful application technique to maintain the swirl free paint.
So look at basic kit, wash and dry techniques, protection, etc. watch some videos to assist.
As well as the thread link in the previous post, have a look here, there’s guidance on kit etc and some links to technique guides at the end of the first thread.
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=277318.0
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Yes keep it simple to start with, you'll soon get sucked. There are experts at pro level on here. Me I fall in-between and have established a doable routine, snow foam, rinse, 2 bucket shampoo and dry off. As Reb said the quality drying off cloths (use 2 or 3 ) and lambswool mitten the most important part. I tend to do the wheels at the end. 60 to 90 mins should cover it. This time of year is crap and pointless in being too precious.
Polish!!!!! now that's when you start to get into a minefield!
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My policy has been to shower the old car with dilute shampoo, wait a bit, sponge then jet off with clean water.
There is a massive difference between a quick and simple wash and car detailing.
It all depends in what you are trying to achieve. That swirl free 'wet look' takes some effort.
I'm risking the wrath of our forum detailing goddess :lipsrsealed: :smiley:
The minimum I would do - soak car using your preferred method, pressure wash car, hand wash car using a mitt (not a sponge) and check/clean mitt regularly with hose attachment (separate mitt for alloys). A quick way of drying the cars is with a silicone blade, but that is frowned upon. :embarrassed: Another simple way is a microfiber towel and something like Aqua Wax.
Perhaps you should ask - what is the minimum you do to wash your car and keep it shiny?
We have 2 cars which I wash every weekend and detail twice a year. So I am always looking for short cuts.
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Agreed, Aqua Wax is a great way to keep a car looking good quickly without much effort.
For me, getting the right base is key. Get the car looking good from the start, with the right sealant/wax and then the weekly or fortnightly wash becomes very easy.
Check out Carbon Collective - they have a great range of top up products like Hybrid and their Ceramic Detailer Spray which can be used with complete ease.
http://carboncollective.com/product-category/detailing-products/detailing-sprays-hybrid-sealants/
Jim
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I take mine to the snow foam touchless people once every 2 or 3 months.£6.50.Wash wax and wheels.
Yes i am a heretic.Burn the witch!. :embarrassed: