Best way to get EVERY missed spot on wax/sealant

A

anson89

New member
This is embarrassing. But one of my biggest complaints among my clients and from workshops are random spots I missed from wiping off the sealant or wax. For some reason, I can never get it perfect. Even wiping with 2 towels and SLOW wipes making sure I get every single inch. It's been happening consistently with one of the high end tuner/dealership workshops they use me for detailing. I still made the effort to drive back at least 20 miles just to fix 3 missed spots, but I need to stop this from happening so much.



Any tips?
 
When you finish wiping off the final coat of wax, go back over the car again with a QD spray -- not only does this gloss up the surface even more but it forces you to go over every inch of the paint one more time. You should be able to pick up any missed spots as you go.



I also like to take my Brinkmann and walk every panel on the car when I think I'm done. This way if there are any smudges, streaks, smears, etc. left behind I'll see them and can fix them before I release the vehicle. Of course you can also just do an inspection under direct sunlight if your situation allows for it.



Only time I still can run into trouble is with a WOWA sealant if it hazes or streaks as it dries. Just the other day I had one I'd inspected thoroughly, then after 5 minutes in the sun some streaks appeared where the sealant flash dried too quickly.
 
Shiny Lil Detlr said:
When you finish wiping off the final coat of wax, go back over the car again with a QD spray -- not only does this gloss up the surface even more but it forces you to go over every inch of the paint one more time. You should be able to pick up any missed spots as you go.



I also like to take my Brinkmann and walk every panel on the car when I think I'm done. This way if there are any smudges, streaks, smears, etc. left behind I'll see them and can fix them before I release the vehicle. Of course you can also just do an inspection under direct sunlight if your situation allows for it.



Only time I still can run into trouble is with a WOWA sealant if it hazes or streaks as it dries. Just the other day I had one I'd inspected thoroughly, then after 5 minutes in the sun some streaks appeared where the sealant flash dried too quickly.
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I have this happen from time to time with AG HD wax :Sad panda:



It might help to tell us what product you are using as a LSP.
 
smoknfastlegend said:
I have this happen from time to time with AG HD wax :Sad panda:



It might help to tell us what product you are using as a LSP.
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If you were referring to me, I've had it happen with both Opti-Seal and ReLoad, but only when I've been in a hurry to get the car delivered and put it in the sun before it's had a chance to cure fully.
 
I've got a friend who has this problem with NXT. He waxes his black Boxster, then finds streaks and such later in the day. I think it's a combination of too much product and less than thorough wipe downs (at least with him).



Going over the car with a QD as the final step makes a lot of sense and I tend to do that myself, but I'd never thought consciously about this benefit before now.
 
I'm willing to bet you are using WAY too much LSP or using one that is known to re-flash. I apply super thin, less than 1/2oz for a large car and don't have any issues.
 
Thin coats, two towel wipe downs. Look down the sides at a front to back (or back to front) and you can see what you may have missed on the sides. Look across (get down to the level of the panel) horizontal surfaces to see what you may have missed there.
 
Scottwax said:
Thin coats, two towel wipe downs. Look down the sides at a front to back (or back to front) and you can see what you may have missed on the sides. Look across (get down to the level of the panel) horizontal surfaces to see what you may have missed there.
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Agreed! :thumb:
 
I found that one of those little stools with wheels allows me to roll around and catch what I usually miss on the sides -front -back of cars, it's that eye level thing.
 
JuneBug said:
I found that one of those little stools with wheels allows me to roll around and catch what I usually miss on the sides -front -back of cars, it's that eye level thing.
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Perhaps in some cases. I honestly believe its a matter of too much product for many people. What happens is you THINK its dry, however many people apply wax so thick that it is not. When you wipe it off, you are in fact re-applying the partially dried wax. Then it re-hazes later.



Now if in fact you are using less than 1/2 an ounce, for a whole car, this doesn't apply.
 
Another thing is to just pay attention. You should know if your app pad has touched the trim. If it has, address it immediately :hairpull



When your removing, don't push your towel towards the trim either, or you'll be spreading spent wax that way :scared:
 
Scottwax said:
Thin coats, two towel wipe downs. Look down the sides at a front to back (or back to front) and you can see what you may have missed on the sides. Look across (get down to the level of the panel) horizontal surfaces to see what you may have missed there.
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This this this.



Very well put. I do this and wind up with very little, most time no, residue.



This method does fail me for KAIO, when used as LSP. Seems to reflash as stated above. Very bizzare.
 
Some products, or perhaps I should say "some product combos" are just worse in this regard than others.



Using M205c an cause issues if the oils react with subsequently applied products, and getting *all* of those oils off/out of certain paints is an incredible challenge.



Some waxes "sweat" or "bloom", and I've even heard of KSG doing that (never did it for me though); I won't touch Vintage with a ten foot pole for this exact reason.



I always (and I do mean *ALWAYS*) fog the surface with my breath for the final wipe, the condensation not only adds a bit of moisture (never a problem often a benefit), but it also helps me see what's going on there, at least in the moment before it starts to evaporate.
 
anson89 said:
......It's been happening consistently with one of the high end tuner/dealership workshops they use me for detailing. I still made the effort to drive back at least 20 miles just to fix 3 missed spots, but I need to stop this from happening so much.



Any tips?
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I believe it's not only your technique/approach in buffing off the LSP. That's simple, and can be quickly learned/rectified.





When you have the luxury of ample time, it's a pleasure to buff-off and enjoy the great looks.

But when you hv to rush, it's a pressure, and you might miss certain areas.





Time Management/Time pressure

When you're dealing with another company, you're normally at their mercy when it comes to time. Perhaps they'll be calling you endlessly to "chase" you? Don't let them push you. If you're experiencing time pressure, perhaps you can look into how to reduce any rushing (timing, process, manpower mgmt etc). I always allocate minimum 15mins to park out in the open, and check each area before even calling them to tell them its ready.





Bring a kit with you.

Always bring along some dry MFs, damp cloths, detailing spray and brushes (in a small bag) for on-site touchups if necessary. I have always have 2 kits ready for my staff to use. When you reach that place, and before your contact person comes out, quickly go around the car again and re-check. You could hv missed out some areas, or there could be some splatter near the bottom of the car. 20miles is not a short distance and u won't know what u'll run into while you're on-route (puddles, etc)





Drive slow + Plan your route

Drive as slow as you can without inconveniencing anyone, and look far ahead to minimise hard braking. It's horrible when you reach your destination, and you hv to re-clean loads of brake dust from the rims.





Depending on which country/region/city you live, the weather also determines when you can drive the car to your destination.
 
Anson use distilled water, dedicated finish microfiber towels and a LED light to inspect the panels, also there in Houston it is humid city........so extra care is needed.
 
gigondaz said:
When you have the luxury of ample time, it's a pleasure to buff-off and enjoy the great looks..
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Heh heh, you have an insanely Autopian view of "pleasure"! :chuckle:



Sorry, couldn't resist :o
 
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