G70 Winter Washing

[SirFrederick]

Okay, just finished. Washed as I detailed above, then finished applying the ceramic. It was a lot of work, similar to applying wax, but a bit more tedious, yet also relatively forgiving. I'm not as detail oriented as @SirFrederick, but it turned out well enough I think! I'm sure if the OP did it, it would easily be even better.

I think if I had a darker color it would be easier to apply the ceramic coating, as you could actually see the application as you spread it out. You could see it on mine, but just barely. Anyway, it is a tiny bit shinier, but not a huge difference, as it was really shiny to begin with since it's so new!

Anyway, thank you @SirFrederick for your washing tips!!

Looking good. Try to keep your car dry for the next 24-48 hours so the coating can cure fully and don't wash it for a week. Ceramic coatings are extremely susceptible to water spots during the curing stage. That's why with most coatings you will always apply a topper product that protects it against water spots during that first week and you also don't wash your car for a week after application. I don't think the Mckee's product you used is quite as heavily concentrated as a full ceramic coating, so it probably doesn't need as long a cure time.

You're right about lighter colours. Darker colours will make it easier to see high spots when applying ceramic coatings.

Yeah, I was thinking about claying it, but evidently I was too lazy. After the wash and dry I did a thorough wipedown with a microfiber cloth on each panel prior to application to get the surface extra smooth. This was certainly a half-ass replacement of the clay bar step on my part. Still, turned out pretty.

Edit: Next time I'll follow all the steps! Thank you for the advice.

Yes ideally you would want to do a full prep in order for the product to bond properly and also get the most longevity out of it.

1. wash and dry
2. iron remover
3. tar remover
4. clay
5. polish
6. Paint prep
7. LSP

It sounds like a lot but really isn't that bad, but most won't have these products and probably don't want to spend them time either. Polishing/componding is the big one. It requires some time, financial investment initially, and a little know how. You can also find a detailing shop or mobile detailer and ask them to just to the prep for you, and then you can do your final LSP if you like to do that. Or you could do everything but the polishing.

Iron remover is really really easy. Just spray the car, let it sit for a few minutes and rinse. I would definitely recommend adding that in next time around as it does a lot and is really easy. Paint prep is also really easy. It's just spraying a paint prep and wiping down the car with it. Claying is also much easier and safer with today's products.

I generally don't like silver but it looks sharp on the G70.

 

[Toddasaurus]

Looking good. Try to keep your car dry for the next 24-48 hours so the coating can cure fully and don't wash it for a week. Ceramic coatings are extremely susceptible to water spots during the curing stage. That's why with most coatings you will always apply a topper product that protects it against water spots during that first week and you also don't wash your car for a week after application. I don't think the Mckee's product you used is quite as heavily concentrated as a full ceramic coating, so it probably doesn't need as long a cure time.

You're right about lighter colours. Darker colours will make it easier to see high spots when applying ceramic coatings.


Yes ideally you would want to do a full prep in order for the product to bond properly and also get the most longevity out of it.

1. wash and dry
2. iron remover
3. tar remover
4. clay
5. polish
6. Paint prep
7. LSP

It sounds like a lot but really isn't that bad, but most won't have these products and probably don't want to spend them time either. Polishing/componding is the big one. It requires some time, financial investment initially, and a little know how. You can also find a detailing shop or mobile detailer and ask them to just to the prep for you, and then you can do your final LSP if you like to do that. Or you could do everything but the polishing.

Iron remover is really really easy. Just spray the car, let it sit for a few minutes and rinse. I would definitely recommend adding that in next time around as it does a lot and is really easy. Paint prep is also really easy. It's just spraying a paint prep and wiping down the car with it. Claying is also much easier and safer with today's products.

I generally don't like silver but it looks sharp on the G70.

Thank you for posting all this valuable information! It's good to have people such as yourself on this forum to teach noobs like me about proper exterior care. I do pretty good with mechanical modifications and repairs, but I think proper detailing takes more patience and finesse. Thanks again.

 

[Beefer]

You guys are insane!!! My steps...

Wet car
Wash car with sponge and dish soap
Rinse
Go for a fast drive to dry
Once home...wipe any wet spots with soft rag
ArmorAll the tires
Drink beer

 

[Toddasaurus]

You guys are insane!!! My steps...

Wet car
Wash car with sponge and dish soap
Rinse
Go for a fast drive to dry
Once home...wipe any wet spots with soft rag
ArmorAll the tires
Drink beer

Hey man, that's how I always did it! Haha. That said, even doing the half-ass job that I just did was a big step up for me.

 

[danygenesis]

Just a little bit of Mothers CMX

 

[Edmguy]

Jealous of the green grass and clean cars guys!

My winter washes are typically just a quick rinse at a wand wash or touchless at the gas station close to my house. I can't wait until I can start washing on the driveway again. Maybe I should just move somewhere warmer...

 

[SirFrederick]

Thank you for posting all this valuable information! It's good to have people such as yourself on this forum to teach noobs like me about proper exterior care. I do pretty good with mechanical modifications and repairs, but I think proper detailing takes more patience and finesse. Thanks again.

No problem. I know jack squat about mechanics and repairs, so I look to others when it comes to that stuff. Detailing is one of those things that I just find relaxing to do. I zone out and just focus on what I'm doing. It tames the bit of OCD I have in me as well.

 

[SirFrederick]

I go to certain lengths when it comes to techniques and products I use to detail my car. I mentioned that a unmarked clear coat will give you better gloss, shine, reflection, etc. than any ceramic coating, wax or sealant can. Here is some proof in the pudding.

Check out this video. This is a totally trashed hood from a salvage car. He does half the hood. He cleans, preps and corrects the paint. When he divides the right side of the hood into 3 sections and does just the first section you will see how much of an improvement it makes on the paint. That is only about a 60% paint correction meaning 40% short of looking perfect. Most people are happy at that point when they see the difference. He goes on to do a full correction to get to basically perfect.

Other than I enjoy doing it this is why I detail the way I do. The difference it makes on how good your paint looks is quite significant. You think you car looks good when you clean it until you park right next to a car with clear coat that’s in awesome shape. You will notice the difference immediately. Each scratch and swirl mark kills gloss and reflection. The paint can’t reflect light when there are scratches in it.

I was adamant with my GXM that I didn’t want my car washed when it arrived. The reason being is when they take off all the coverings there is gunk and adhesive all over the paint. Without the right products you have to scrub like a mad man to get it off and that’s exactly what happens with most new cars. The majority of new cars come with swirl marks in them already. Genesis is a little different because their cars are not on lots being washed regularly. At least in Canada anyways.

This guy makes great video’s and this one is a great way to see the differences in bad, good and excellent paint. He explains the process really well. It’s a great watch even if you’re not into this stuff.