TamiyaGuy

Dawn is typically the recommended soap for this type of job. Zaino's recommends Dawn as well.

FLY996

2) Clay bar the vehicle while still wet. Be sure to use plent of water for lubrication.

I think it's normal to wash, dry then use the clay bar with the clay bar lubricant. I then re-wash to remove clay bar residue, dry, paint clean, polish, seal then wax & buff.

JDSStudios

.Definitely do not use dish detergent- bad for your paint
.Definitely use lubricant with clay bar- damage to your clear coat layer.

It will take you about 15 minutes of reading, but you
can learn it here www.autopia.org

Most pro detailers hang out in that site's forum.

John

wross996tt

I disagree with this ( as does Sal from Zaino). The purpose of using a dish detergent is to remove old waxes. It will not hurt the paint what so ever. Of course once the wax is removed the car will need to be protected with appropriate carnuba or polymers and the rubber/plastic protected as well (with something like Aero 303)

Autopia is an excellent site BTW.

blk on blk

I would strongly advise to never EVER EVER EVER EVER again wash your car with Dawn. It is highly basic in composition and will cause seals around doors, lights, etc (anywhere there is rubber used as a seal) to dry rot and you will get water where you do not want it. Get the paint cleaning solution from P21S. Does the same thing ie wax removal, but won't destroy your rubber seals.

911TTCAB

That is simply amazing! I have not seen that before.
Super nice!

rotokim

I have to believe that paint can withstand some Dawn. It can take salty roads and insane heat - why would Dawn be harmful? I don't use Dawn, but I haven't stripped the wax from the car yet. Based on the results I've seen on this thread, I'm probably going to do exactly that.

Mr. RotorHead

Wow. With all the opinions on Dawn, perhaps I should start a polling thread on it's use! Seriously though, where's the emperical evidence that Dawn is "bad" for rubber and/or plastic products?

wross996tt

I think I would believe Sal (of Zaino) with years of experience, than the posters on this thread. He recommends dawn prior to application of his products.

but for more fun with the dawn debate:

dawn debate

ikonomore

Don't use a leaf blower to dry your car. It sucks up dirt in the intake and shoots it at your car.

If you want to use a blower, try the Metro blowers. They filter the air that they blow out. I have the motorcycle one and it works great on my cars.

J

Mr. RotorHead

I thought about installing a small filter on the intake...shouldn't be too difficult to fabricate.

DJ23

I love the results. Can you share what color pads or types you used. Again great job.

Jay

wross996tt

Uh...read post #7...

blk on blk

it is not that Dawn is bad for your paint. It is bad for rubber and seals around the doors, windows, lights, etc. It dries them and leads to dry rot. You can use it on paint if you wish, but do not be surprised if you use it on your car that you get water in places you do not want water and you end up replacing a bunch of seals.

wross996tt

Actually dirt and silicates are worse....been using it for years...no leaks what so ever. You must condition the rubber/plastic after wash of course. I use Aero 303 for this purpose.