Let’s Talk Paint Maintenance & Repair - Detailing Tips

[coolhandluke]

This thread is a work in progress, contributions and feedback welcome!

Learning Links - YouTube Channels:
-AmmoNYC *Overall edu but product recs are now limited to what they sell
-Chicago Auto Pros
-Obsessed Garage **Speaks in matter of fact tone, ie doesn't explain why, just bluntly says "this is the best" for many recs.

Product Recs:
-Microfibers: Rag Co (Amazon) or Obsessive Garage (singles per use or kit), shoot for $1-2 per
-Microfiber detergent: Micro-Restore Detergent (Obsessive Garage)
-Microfiber Storage:
-Wash Mitt: Microfiber Madness Incredimitt
-Wash/Shampoo:
-Spray detailer: P&S Bead Maker Paint Protectant
-Clay Bar: Adam's Claybar
-Synthetic Clay Bar: C4: NanoSkin AutoScrub Sponge & C5: NanoSkin AutoScrub 6" Pad
-Glass Cleaner: Invisible Glass


Interior Tips
-Refresh Armrest Badge
-viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1018]Refinish Rear Trunk Brace
-

Exterior Tips: - Seeking Help for technique + products
-Washing
-Claybar
-Polishing
-Orbital Buffing
-Trim cleaning & refreshing
-Glass cleaning & protecting
-Ceramic Coating

Engine Bay Tips:
-viewtopic.php?f=8&t=804]Refresh White Plastics
-viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1012]Refinish OEM Front Strut Bar

Engine Bay Product Recs:
-Griots Engine Cleaner (degreaser)
-Griots Engine Bay Dressing
-

Revision History:
4.19.21: Added synthetic
2.24.2021: Added Ammo NYC, Chicago Auto Pros, and Obsessed Garage YT channels to OP
8.7.2020: v1.1 - Added Interior, Exterior, and Engine Bay section & links

[coolhandluke]

Removing tire slag/worm marks after a track day:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OeLJ9gVb__c

[coolhandluke]

OP updated with new index & added content for how-to articles.

[hootrscootr]

Anybody have any good tips for bringing the valve cover back to life? Mine has a chalky look to it and was hoping someone may have come across a product that will make it look like new(ish). Thanks in advance

[coolhandluke]

Anybody have any good tips for bringing the valve cover back to life? Mine has a chalky look to it and was hoping someone may have come across a product that will make it look like new(ish). Thanks in advance

I would start with:
-Warm engine
-Hose off
-Generously apply Griots Engine Cleaner (degreaser)
-Gently agitate with a brush
-Hose off
-Reapply as necessary
-Griots Engine Bay Dressing

[00-1065]

Anybody have any good tips for bringing the valve cover back to life? Mine has a chalky look to it and was hoping someone may have come across a product that will make it look like new(ish). Thanks in advance

VHT Wrinkle red is what we used back in the day and can still use it. But it is not oil resistant and can get dirty if you touch it with dirty hands. Nowadays there are numerous places that can powder coat it in wrinkle paint too which lasts longer and some are oil resistant.

[Klasse]

Also a brand new cover isn't too horribly expensive given you can resell your old one

[coolhandluke]

Anybody have any good tips for bringing the valve cover back to life? Mine has a chalky look to it and was hoping someone may have come across a product that will make it look like new(ish). Thanks in advance

VHT Wrinkle red is what we used back in the day and can still use it. But it is not oil resistant and can get dirty if you touch it with dirty hands. Nowadays there are numerous places that can powder coat it in wrinkle paint too which lasts longer and some are oil resistant.

King Motorsports can offer re-finished with near OEM wrinkle red. I have a valve cover at King now for them to add vents and repaint wrinkle red.

[aw614]

Random question, are PW and CW single stage paints?

I know Taffeta white is based on what my friend found out when he detailed my Integra, but not sure about CW.

[coolhandluke]

Random question, are PW and CW single stage paints?

I know Taffeta white is based on what my friend found out when he detailed my Integra, but not sure about CW.

Yes, CW & PY are both single stage paints. *BP are both multi-stage.