stalebreadjr

I still have a few more products to get before i start my coating.  I took a well placed gamble on a mystery trunk organizer.  I'll post the haul in that forum soon.  In the mean time, here is a glamour shot just using 4 Adams products. 

1. Wheel cleaner

2. Tie shine

3. Wash&wax

4. H20 guard and gloss

I love my truck! 

Hey! Im not the only one with 2 black cars to keep shiny lol! Welcome! We can trade tips! 

Congrats Chris!  You have been a huge help to me in the little time I've been around! Well deserved! 

Update: 

First order is in. Pic attached.  I know what ur saying.... "but Matt.... where are ur suede towels?"  Lol.  They were not in the box, however, I immediately contacted customer support and they have them on the way! Excellent service Adams! Thanks.  Order number 2 coming soon!! Then it will be time to put in the work. 

3 hours ago, Olivia Ivy said:

Not one, yet TWO dark autos. 🤯 You're a genuine pig for discipline! 😂

I know!  we will see if I am still cheerful after this process is complete

Ok.  Just got back in from a week in the mountains.  Placed my 1st of 2 orders (because I'm poor lolol).  Here is what I have so far.  I ended up getting a kit that gives me what I need from my list and maybe a lil more.  

Adams Daily Driver Kit:

Includes:

• 10" Car Wash Pads
• Borderless Gray Towels
• 16oz H2O Guard & Gloss
• 16oz Detail Spray
• Visco Clay Bar Kit
• 16oz Car Shampoo
• 5 Gallon Car Wash Bucket with Grit Guard
• Short Wheel Brush
• 16oz All Purpose Cleaner
• 20" Fender Brush

Adams Ceramic Spray Coating Kit W/ Prep

Includes:

• 4oz Ceramic Surface Prep
• 12oz Ceramic Spray Coating
• 2 Single Soft Towels
• 2 Suede Applicators

Adams Gray Microfiber Pad - 6 Pack (as suggested by you folks)

Suede Microfiber Towel - 2 Pack

Gloves

2 Watermelon Air Fresheners (cuz....why not?)

I'll be putting in my second and final order in the next 2 weeks.  I have a cruise coming up that I gotta sock some cash back for....so slow rolling it.  After I get them then I'll be updating you guys on my progress as I go.  Starting with the RAM first and if all goes well, then will move on to the COMPASS.

14 hours ago, Miboy said:

Welcome to the site Matt, sharp looking Ram 🐏!

Thanks! I'm quite happy with it! Shinier pics to come soon! 

Alright, I think you folks have given me a lot to think about and narrow down.  I really really do appreciate your kindness and detailed responses.  I've got 2 weeks of away time (vacation and work) and then I'll be placing my final orders.  I'll keep this thread updated w/ pics when I get my order in and start on my vehicles.  Thanks especially to Juan for the detailed write up but I'm not leaving out any thanks for all the helpful responses from others like Ray.  BTW Ray, I watched the video in your linked thread and was blown away when they used RHP to remove spray paint from that hood!!!  Also, the Malibu looks great!

On ‎7‎/‎9‎/‎2019 at 7:17 PM, Yo-Yo Ma's Cousin said:

 

You're welcome. I enjoyed it!

 

If you have the time and money, I say you should go for it. I don't think you'll be disappointed with your results. Adams has many detailed videos about polishing, so take a look at some of those like @tlbullet mentioned. and get to know the purpose of each of the pads and polishes. From there you can probably decide if you're ready for polishing.

 

If you don't have many defects in your paint, It's likely that you could stick to the Orange Correcting Polish with an Orange Pad and/or the White Finishing Polish with a white pad.

 

 

I have been trying to get a good clear picture to post, close up of my paint, so you can see from experience if I am stating this correctly.  But I don't see the scratch marks or swirl marks referenced in most of the polishing videos on either of my vehicles.  Maybe they will be visible after the strip wash though, that I don't know.  If I can get a legible picture I'll post it so you guys can see if I'm correct or just an untrained eye. 

So, assuming that I don't have them, from what I am seeing in the vids (thank you for recommending that Juan) the White Finishing Polish is the very least that I should do right? 

Also, I had another question.  If I do my wheels completely ahead of time, say a day or so like suggested, when I go back and foam and strip was the vehicle, wouldn't that undo some of my work?  Again, I am learning here so forgive me if I am asking the obvious.  The good thing is that I do have 2 vehicles and drive a company vehicle to work, so I can work on this for a couple days in and out of the garage as needed without undoing my work driving around.

Wow Juan!  I can't thank you enough for taking time out of the day to give me a write up like that.  That is well over and above what I was expecting and fantastic info!  I hope Adams Admin is watching!  

I think I am 100% with you and understand each point that went over.  The only part that I as a novice am nervous about is the polishing.  That is something I have zero experience with and from some of the instructional videos I've seen can be overdone easily.  Both of my vehicles are fairly new and garage kept with very little to no blemishes.  Having said that you make me want to try at least to polish while taking the time to do this.  In your opinion, what is the safest option here?  I have never attempted to power polish nor do I have a polisher.  Is it risky for me at this stage or am I just being skiddish?     

Again, I can't thank you enough for this as you have more than answered my questions and have even given me some additional products that I am adding to my cart that I was not thinking about.

46 minutes ago, RayS said:

Hi Matt,

welcome to the forum.  You are a glutton for punishment, but I also recognize that a Black will look almost as good as a Red one when polished out.

 

If you are planning a trip to Myrtle Beach or central SC, you will be going near my house, I just off I-20 outside of Columbia.  Given that Georgia has the same weather pattern as SC, you will need to adjust for the heat and humidity.  Of course, the flip side is that we can wash outside all 12 months of the year.  I have found that after I wash, I put the vehicle in the garage immediately to get out of the sun to start the drying process.

 

On each side of the garage bay, I have a fan that blows from the back toward the open door.  The fans don’t blow on the vehicle, just along side to keep the air moving and me cool.   I have the Stanley fans so I can change the volume, angle and they have power outlets, it was a really good investment.   https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-655704-Velocity-Blower-Yellow/dp/B006O6FA22/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=Stanley+fan&qid=1562459214&s=gateway&sr=8-2

 

I use a variety of Adams products according to what the vehicle is and the results that I’m looking for.  For the top tier vehicles, Mustang, Colorado and Terrain, they all get Ceramic Paste Wax and the Terrain, which we just got a couple weeks ago, will be getting a professional ceramic coating.  Everything else gets anything from LPS to HGG and various combinations in between.  

 

When it gets much above 90 and the humidity is hovering at 60 or so,  Ceramic Boost and HGG can both be challenging, at 90+ and humidity at 75 or more even Brilliant Glaze takes a bit to cure as does American, Patriots and Ceramic Paste Wax.   Just don’t try to do too many panels at once, even if the cure time time gets to be a bit long, all it takes is a sudden drop in Humidity and then you are trouble.  I have used the products enough in the heat and humidity that I can judge it pretty good now,  it I never do more than two panels at a time.

 

The humidity does not seem to affect Waterless Wash at all or the regular Spray Wax, so I tend to do vehicles that need a touch up on the rainy weekends.

Thanks Ray.  And thanks for the humidity tips!  Especially not having used any of the products referenced that gives me some food for thought.  Summer in GA is usually close to 100 mid day and humidity is almost always high.  I'll take it any day over freezin' though! 😁  I have thought of using HGG in place of the drying method I currently use and may still add that as an extra step.

25 minutes ago, falcaineer said:

 

They will, but I highly suggest you get and use the grey microfiber applicator pads instead, https://adamspolishes.com/adam-s-microfiber-applicator-pads-2-pack.html Spray the coating spray directly onto the pad, 4-5 sprays or so, and apply. It's a tip I learned from the guys at the Shine Stop at Adam's HQ and its a lifesaver! I also suggest you use the suede towels to remove the residue once it rainbows, https://adamspolishes.com/suede-microfiber-towel.html Using a single or double soft will work, but it removes more of the remaining coating than the suede and could therefore shorten its longevity.

 

Also, for any hard plastic trim, just wipe it on, or even spray directly on the trim, and it will self level. No need to wipe away that residue. Time saving tip.

Thanks Chris.  At 6 bucks those applicator pads are a no brainer to use something that actually works better!

12 minutes ago, Yo-Yo Ma's Cousin said:

I will do that. I’ll do that as soon as I get to my computer.

 

and I agree with Chris about the microfiber applicator. It’s just a bigger applicator, therefore shortening the time required to apply

Cool!  Thanks Juan!  I appreciate that very much. 👍

5 minutes ago, Yo-Yo Ma's Cousin said:

I would absolutely use the strip wash also. It will help to get your paint as naked as possible.

 

i can give you a full write up about the products I used and my Process. Are you in a hurry to place an order?

No I'm not.  That is actually why I posted here.  I didn't expect the quick responses and don't plan to order until I'm sure what I'm getting.   I know for sure that im getting the strip wash and visco clay kit.  I have the basics from my previous 2 orders to keep me going for the moment.   I would absolutely be interested in what you used specifically and your methodology. That is way above my expectations.  

24 minutes ago, Rich said:

Welcome to the forum Matt!  I just went back to black, and already regret it.   Just sort of kidding.  It's a job.  

 

Thanks for the welcome and I know Rich.... it's a constant WIP! 😑 but when she's clean.... man she looks good! Lol! Im glad you are bearing the burden with me. You can always say "at least i don't have 2 like stalebreadjr! " 😁

Awesome. Thanks for the advice.  I think the kit also has 2 grey suede rectangle applicators for the ceramic coating.  Would those suffice for application? I also actually scored the ceramic boost already in my mystery bucket, so, visco clay kit and ceramic kit seems to be all im missing.   Oh and I'm definitely taking Chris's advice of using the strip wash first as well. 

I can't tell you how much this helps! With so many products to choose from, narrowing it down and having a plan is tough! 

8 minutes ago, Yo-Yo Ma's Cousin said:

Hi Matt! Welcome to the Forums!

 

I ceramic coated my vehicle and have not regretted it one but. It was worth all the time and effort!

 

people on the forums will be happy to help and share their experiences! Feel free to ask any more questions!

Thanks Juan.  If you don't mind me asking... which products did you use?  I am looking at the spray coating kit that has the prep, the spray coating, the applicators and double soft towels.   Also, do you use the ceramic boost at all? If so, when and how often? 

Ha! The struggle is real! That's why finding these products was a light bulb for sure! 

Thanks Chris! This is the kind of info I'm looking for exactly.  And yes.... I'm sure this is now considered my new addiction 🤣! BTW, here is the compass newly washed and my 2016 dodge RAM attached. 

Hey all!

I am definitely a newbie when it comes to car detailing and have stumbled on these products via instagram and so far I am definitely hooked on them.  I have a full size truck and a small jeep and they are garage kept vehicles.  So far I've played the roulette of mystery buckets so that I could try out a few things.  Now that I have 2 buckets and grit guard and essential wash pads and such, I have the basics from what I can tell watching the adams videos for the 2 bucket wash and I've followed that process.  It works great!  I dried my vehicles with the great white towel method.  

My big question here is what process should I follow to protect my vehicles.  I'm a little confused by the waxing versus sealing versus coating difference.  I really would like to try the ceramic spray on my vehicles but I don't know what is the proper process to get my vehicle to the point to apply.  I can tell that the video instruct thorough washing and claying (visco clay is in my cart preparing to be purchased) but I'm unsure of what to do next. 

Is it proper to just prep and ceramic spray?   

Should I wax the car first and then follow? 

Should I ceramic spray and then use ceramic boost periodically?

I'm pretty lost when it comes to anything more than the basic wash and care of a vehicle but I'm open to all suggestion! 

Thanks in advance!

- stalebreadjr