getting ready to detail...

twist

New member
hello all, been lurking for awhile. So now it's time to post some questions before i start my detailing project. I just ordered a 07 White Yukon Denali, it should hopefully be here within 6-8 weeks or so i was told. Ok now to my questions, i picked up some detailing products from autopia's store. I have as follows...Klasse AIO, Collinite 476s wax, and the Sonus claybar kit. I also have some MF towels to buff and dry the truck.



This is my plan, i already told the dealer i didn't want them to wash or do anything with the truck, he told me he would keep all the plastic on the truck inside and out, im praying he will keep his word. I plan to wash the truck very carefully upon delivery, then i want to claybar the whole truck, but when it comes to the Klasse and the collinite im alittle unsure on how much to use and how to go about applying it. I bought some MF applying pads for the Klasse and i also bought some foam pads for the Collinite. Im doing all by hand, so im looking forward to a long, tiresome detail, but i love doing it so...How would you guys go about applying the Klasse and Collinite?



For the Klasse should i put 1 layer or 2,3 layers? should it be very thin layers or more of a heavier layer? This is a pretty big SUV so i hope i should have enough for the whole vehicle. I have the 10 oz bottle. Can i use Klasse on the windows also?



For the Collinite should i use more layers or just stick with one layer? also should i use thin layers?



So my plan is to wash, claybar, Klasse then Collinite...sound good?





The truck is white, and i also live in Michigan were salt and snow are everywere from december to april. So id like to protect this truck the best i can. I plan to try to wash it, hopefully once a week or once every 2 weeks, to keep the salt at a minimum. It's also not garaged so it will be outside 24/7.



Sorry for all the questions, but i need alittle guidance...



Thanks for listening



Brian
 
hey congrats on the new car!



For applying any product, you'll always want to go with the thinnest layer possible. Then, if you want to apply additional layers, apply it after that. So, multiple thin layers are always better than one thick layer (and thick layers make wiping the product off a real challenge!).



You can also use the Klasse on the windows. There are people here who use it in lieu of other treaments like Rain-X or Aquapel. I still have yet to find time to AIO my car, so I haven't tried it yet.



For the Collinite, yes it'd be best to use multiple layers... this will increase durability and ensure full coverage.



sounds good man... good luck!
 
Maybe try the Werkstatt twins instead, easier to work with. Apply very thin layers. If you go the Klasse route get the Sealant Glaze as well, AIO will not last that long. I have some Collinite 485, but have not used it yet, but shortly though.
 
twist- Since you already have the Klasse AIO and the Collinite I'd just stick with those, they'll work fine. I'm using the 476S on my winter vehicle myself, good choice IMO.



You have more than enough of both AIO and 476S to do the Yukon many times (and yeah, I know how big it is ;) ). As mentioned, you don't need much product, but most people don't come close to understanding how little they really need.



The AIO isn't that big a deal, if you use too much it's just wasted, but if you use too much of the 476S it'll be a real pain to buff it off.



AIO: I'd apply with a damp applicator. Work into the paint thinking of it as a cleanser (which it is). I'd buff it off before it completely dries, but others like to let it dry to a haze. Pretty forgiving product so see what works for you. But you * DO NOT* need to use so much that you clearly see a haze of the product on your white paint. That 10oz. bottle oughta do a Yukon quite a few times, including the doorjambs, wheels, etc. You sure won't need more than three ounces and that'd be using a lot more than necessary. There's no real point in doing multiple applications of AIO as it doesn't "layer" the way the Collinite will. BTW, you'll find the AIO pretty easy to use.



The Collinite you really oughta put on *thin*. So thin that you don't really see a haze on the paint. Use a damp applicator and after you get the wax on the applicator try to scrape the excess wax back *off* of it. If you're worried about getting enough on the truck, just do a second coat. I let it dry completely, but it can be a bit of a pain to buff off if you put it on too thick. Others buff it off before it dries completely, which *is* easier, but I don't get quite the same durability when I do it that way so I let it dry. How much to use? Well, that can oughta last you for years even if you want to wax the Yukon all the time. You should barely be able to tell that you used *any* after you've done the first coat; it's not like you oughta see a big divot in the cake of wax, more like you can do a Yukon with a tablespoon's worth or two at most. I really can't exaggerate how little it takes, any excess wax just gets buffed off and makes for more (and harder) work. I'd layer on as much as you can between now and winter weather. Adding another coat (at least to a panel or two) after each wash can be an easy way to stay ahead of the curve.



FWIW, I've found that AIO and 476S often work great on exterior black plastic trim too bt you gotta do the thin applications of the 476S or you'll end up with wax residue in the pebble graining.



Other thoughts: Tear the claybar into a few pieces. There are numerous reasons to do this, but a biggie is that you won't have to toss the whole thing if you drop it ;)



If you have trouble removing the residue from the transit film, try a solvent like a tar remover, an adhesive remover (everyone oughta have a can of 3M Adhesive Remover ;) ), or the product that's *made* for this job- AuotInt/ValueGuard New Car Prep.
 
thanks to all for the heads up and great info, it's much appreciated. Accumulator thanks for the great words, you helped alot...



Thanks to all



Brian
 
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