Ask a Professional Detailer

[Dave@TLC]

Hi guys. We (TLC Auto Detail) were recently pointed to this forum by one of our customers who has a 2013 Tangerine Scream ST Focus. We noticed that the detailing section has some great info, but could always use more. We will be adding some technical write ups soon, but for now we wanted to introduce ourselves.

Anyway, we wanted to make this thread (with the approval of the Admins) to answer any questions about detailing that you guys may have. We have been doing this professionally for over 10 years, and are located in Northern, VA. Please feel free to ask any detailing questions here, and we will answer them every afternoon. Thanks, and we look forward to getting to know everyone!

-Dave

[Sponsor]

[1slofofo]

Nice, welcome guys. It's always great to know more about how to clean bizarre stains and making it look shiny.

[Dave@TLC]

Originally Posted by adamdv5

Nice, welcome guys. It's always great to know more about how to clean bizarre stains and making it look shiny.

Thanks for the welcome! We aren't allowed to post links here, but here are some pics of the cars we've done recently.

[dodgeguy]

looks like a nice clientel base. Welcome

[calebstubstad]

I asked this in the st thread you had, but here may be a better place.. what is the best way to remove swirls/scuffs all over my car? they are terrible, and I would love for them to atleast be half of what they are now. I'm looking to tackle this project this summer, whenever I get a 2 day stretch to basically sit outside and do alot of work to make her shine pretty again. it's a 2000 and i'm almost positive it's never been waxed properly, ever

[Dave@TLC]

Originally Posted by calebstubstad

I asked this in the st thread you had, but here may be a better place.. what is the best way to remove swirls/scuffs all over my car? they are terrible, and I would love for them to atleast be half of what they are now. I'm looking to tackle this project this summer, whenever I get a 2 day stretch to basically sit outside and do alot of work to make her shine pretty again. it's a 2000 and i'm almost positive it's never been waxed properly, ever

No problem. If you plan to do it by hand I would pick up Meguiars Ultimate Compound and Meguiars Ultimate Polish from your local auto parts store. Also grab a few hand applicators and quality microfiber towels to remove the polish. It will take a good bit of time to do by hand, but you can make major improvements on a car with a little bit of elbow grease.

[calebstubstad]

and i assume do compound and wipe off then polish then wipe off?

[Dave@TLC]

Originally Posted by calebstubstad

and i assume do compound and wipe off then polish then wipe off?

Sorry, yes, you would work the compound, wipe off the residue, work the polish with a new applicator, then wipe off the residue from it. Then you would want to apply a good wax or sealant to the paint to protect it from the elements. You're not going to get perfect results when working by hand, but you can make a dramatic improvement! Good luck!

[swansong]

So I was at a dealership last Saturday, and I couldn't help but notice the surprising amount of orange peel on the paint of several brand new cars, including a Dodge Dart (example included below) and a Focus ST. Is it normal for new cars to have so-so paint jobs? I would have expected a near-mirror finish from the factory, but perhaps I'm optimistic.

I'm curious, what can be done to improve the paint on a brand new car, especially in terms of orange peel?

[calebstubstad]

that happened when I painted my wheels with rattle can gloss black. i'd also like answers!