5 inexpensive detailing tips from a master detailer

Tim McNair has detailed cars at the highest level, including Pebble Beach showstoppers. No matter what your budget or venue, you can apply these five detailing tips.

Behold the Bamboo Stick

The humble bamboo skewer–found in any grocery store for about 2 cents each–has enough muscle to help detail your classic while being gentle enough to not leave any marks. Use them to dislodge the crud caked up around your emblems, chrome trim and clear bra. 

[The bamboo skewer: an effective, inexpensive detailing secret]

Dust with Pastry Brushes

For about $10 you can pick up an assortment of quality pastry brushes that feature plastic ferrules, comfortable handles and soft, non-shedding bristles. These brushes are excellent for dusting your interior, from the dash vents to the center stack. 

Pack a Bag

If you have some detail supplies in the car and something bad happens–bug splatter, bird droppings or the like–you can take care of that little problem before it becomes a big one. What to carry? Tim recommends some quick detail, microfiber cloths, glass cleaner, pastry brushes and bamboo skewers. Keeping the liquids in 4-ounce spray bottles takes up less space.

Clean Tires Before Dressing Them

To make tire dressing last longer, first clean the rubber–although, Tim notes, you may be satisfied with the result after just the first step. Tim’s favorite tire cleaners: Black Magic Bleche Wite, the product formerly made by Westley’s; Spartan SD-20, also useful for cleaning away rubber picked up on track; and Griot’s Garage Rubber Prep, which will also remove the mold release compound from new tires. 

Use Wax to Remove Wax

Tim prefers paste wax, and once it sets he buffs it away using a microfiber cloth dampened with spray wax. This ensures maximum coverage while minimizing dust and easing the wax removal process.

More like this

Comments

Displaying 1-3 of 3 commentsView all comments on the CMS forums

You'll need to log in to post.