Full detail ...not a Raptor

[crash457]

Thanks for trying out these products and sharing your feedback!

To make it easier to apply the VRT to the sidewall lugs, you can make a sprayable mixture by diluting the product with about 30% distilled water. This sprayable mixture also works great for dressing Line-X or similar bedliner material.

When applying the H2O Guard & Gloss to your truck, were you using the same application towel as you used on the car, or was it a fresh towel? The reason I ask, is that you can get streaking when too much product gets built-up in the application towel. I have also seen this happen on trucks, since there is more surface to apply to, so the product gets loaded up in the towel. Next time, try rinsing out the towel really well about halfway through the application, to remove any excess product. Another good tip is to reduce the amount of product that you spray on the surface as you make your way through the application, since you will need less product on the surface once the towel has product in it. After applying to the first couple of panels, try reducing the amount sprayed by about half.

Also, since the HGG is a water-activated sealant, it is a good idea to hand wash the towels right after the application, even if you are going to machine wash them later. Allowing the product to cure in the towel can lead to build-up in the fibers over time, make them less absorbent. To hand wash and also for machine washing them, use a dedicated microfiber cleaner, like Adam's Microfiber Revitalizer & Brightener, since regular laundry detergent is not strong enough to break down the sealant.

-Dan

I will definitely be using VRT on my plastic trim. It worked great on the fender flares on my truck. I may have to try thinning it down some if I want to use it in truck tires. It did okay on the low profile tires on the wife's car.

I used different microfiber towels on my truck than I did on the wife's car. The were clean and dry. I think the temperature played a big part in the streaking. It was very cool (about 50°) and the humidity was high enough that the water wasn't evaporating at all own its own. its seemed like the towels were just pushing the water around. I will definitely give it another chance when the weather is a little warmer. G&G will remain a part of my summer regimen. I'm very impressed overall with the products, but like everything, I just need to find the best methods. I will need to get some car shampoo soon, and I think I will definitely try Adam's and see how stacks up to my CG Honeydew. I will also be checking out the Tire Shine and glass sealant.

 

[ronniegilbert]

Assuming I ever see my Raptor, will it need to be waxed when I get it or does the paint need to settle for a period of time? My other question is the decals it will have. Do they require any special care when detailing so they won't fade or peel off? Thanks.


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[crash457]

Assuming I ever see my Raptor, will it need to be waxed when I get it or does the paint need to settle for a period of time? My other question is the decals it will have. Do they require any special care when detailing so they won't fade or peel off? Thanks.


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All new cars need to be decontaminated then waxed/sealed. You do not need to wait to do this. Cars painted/repaired at a body shop may need additional cure time but the factory paint is ready to be cleaned and waxed immediately.

I would recommend the following:
1. thorough wash
2. clay bar to remove contaminants
3. machine polish (optional)
4. Sealant
5. Wax (Optional)

 

[AdamsPolishes]

Assuming I ever see my Raptor, will it need to be waxed when I get it or does the paint need to settle for a period of time? My other question is the decals it will have. Do they require any special care when detailing so they won't fade or peel off? Thanks.


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Some great advice from @crash457!

I will add that our H2O Guard & Gloss is a great product to protect the graphics. Since the graphics are matte vinyl, you cannot use any wax or standard sealants on them, as these will leave residue behind.

Check out this post for info on matte vinyl:

http://www.fordraptorforum.com/f36/first-detail-adamized-raptor-33281/index61.html#post1000551


You can also browse this thread while you are waiting to get your Raptor:

http://www.fordraptorforum.com/f209/adams-polishes-detailing-guide-45736/

 

[ronniegilbert]

Thanks. Just watched the video and will be ordering.


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