Secret_Squirrell

Yeah, I felt like I was sanding the car with the clay. That speedy prep towel would have come in pretty handy on this one.

So a buddy of mine asked me to detail his Nissan Exterra this weekend. I will preface this by saying that the paint had some spots that a polisher just won't help. I didn't get the paint perfect, but considering where it was, I'll consider this a save. The pic of the clay was literally from a 1 foot by 1 foot area. It was disgusting. The job took me 28 hours total, for 3 stage polish, sealant, wax, interior, etc...Here are a few pics...

A lot of great ideas, so I'll just +1 on the ones I really like... Better wash pads that don't lose their softness so fast. I have one that I can only use on the plastic part of the bottom of my Explorer now, and I clean it throroughly every single time I use it. They hold suds great, but don't stay soft very long. I use a Merino Wool mitt on the paint, but would like a soft pad as a back up. Spray Wax. Not sure why there isn't one of these already. I currently use detail spray as a drying agent, and then use Megs Quik Spray Wax every time I wash my cars. Would switch to Adam's in a second if you offered one. Iron X type decon product. Plastic polish that can be used by hand (maybe there's already a solution to this). Currently use Megs PlasX. Attachment to the detail cart for brushes and accessories. +1 for the gatorade bottle-like carrier for polish bottles/svrt/brilliant glaze/etc... Definitely a stronger Wheel Cleaner. Gave up on the Green Wheel Cleaner and had to switch to Sonax Full Effect.

I'd buy this in a second.

what is the difference between the quick and super machine, other than method of application?

I've never tried the quick sealant. Only the Machine Super Sealant and Americana. I may have to put a few good coats on right before I start my trip. I heard spraying a little WD-40 on the bumper is pretty good for getting bugs to slide right off, so I may have to test that theory on this trip. I don't like the idea of putting it on my paint, but I'd rather that than bug guts embedded in the paint.

Man I hope not. I'm anticipating stopping the first night of my drive in Texas for a full bug removal and detail before I hit the dry states. I'm from California, and I'm not feeling this southern thing when it comes to trying to keep my car clean. Last summer we had that wonderful period of thunderstorms every afternoon for like 47 days or something. Not the best thing for a guy with detailer's OCD.

I feel your pain brother. Actually just did a Camaro cruise through Blackwater Forest last weekend. Machine polished the car on Friday late into the night, went to the cruise, covered in pollen by the end of the day. I'm moving back to San Diego this summer, and it can't come fast enough. Goodbye pollen (and bugs) forever.

I usually just curse it. I washed my car the other day, and literally in the time it took me to walk from my driveway to my laundry room where I keep my detailing products, and back, my car was covered in pollen again. I have tried several things, and nothing I have tried seems to work. I don't know how abrasive the stuff is, so I'm really hesitant to do a wipe down, even with detail spray or waterless wash. If anybody else knows a safe way to prevent or get rid of it, I'd be really interested to know as well. I currently have the exact same protection on my car that you have on yours. I use detail spray when I dry it off, and then I typically do another round with a McGuires Ultimate Quik Wax to keep another layer of protection...Sorry Adam's...if you had a quick spray wax, I'd use it. Can't figure out why you haven't added one to your line up yet.

Yes, most likely will need a clay, but like someone else said, baggy test it first. I bought my wife a 2013 Explorer, and the paint felt like sand paper. Going over a 2x2 foot area, my clay went from brand new to completely brown. That has typically been the case with every new vehicle I've ever bought. We bought a black Explorer, and didn't realize it had metallic flakes in the paint until after I clayed it. Yes, that's how bad it was.

Thought some of you might appreciate it...

I typically charge by vehicle size, and what exactly they want done. For a clay, and seal, or clay and wax, plus obvious trim and stuff, and interior, I'll usually start at 150 for a midsize car, 175-200 on a small-mid size suv, and 250 for a full size suv. If it's really bad, I may charge a little more. If I have to remove major stains in the carpet or upholstery, the price will go up. Same for if they want the engine compartment cleaned up. For any machine polishing work, I'll usually start at about 350, and go up from there depending on the size and severity. I don't claim to be a professional, but I typically do a much better job than any detail shop in town, and I try to keep my prices competitive for the sake of keeping a steady flow of business. Hope that's helpful.