How to Valet your Mercedes Exterior

[BlackC55]

Thanks for this Adam.

For those that don't know Adam is responsible for my very shiney C43. Top quality detailing every single time.

 

[Alps]

Nice guide Adam, surprising how many people dont know how to wash a car properly!

done mine this afternoon, 2 hours just to wash, safely tucked up in the garage, will clay, wax seal it over the next week ready for TRAX

Neighbours all think im nuts, they just use the asda polish hand car wash!

 

[dulayj]

Great write up.Thanks

 

[LocheeLad]

Excellent "how-to" guide
gives me all the encouragement I need and good, sound advice on which products I need to buy

 

[merc_w202]

Cars lookin proper mint! Well done!

Given me some great pointers with the attention to detailing with the brushes etc

 

[mbdonny16]

Thanks Adam I try my best to keep on top of my ML but staying in the sticks surrounded with Farms takes its toll You have done a great job on the cars you have shown
Well Done

 

[Dand]

I know the silver w202 has had what id class as a serious minting session but for £850 thats a hell of alot of car imo.

 

[ans]

very good thread,but no mention of snow foaming or is that for another thread

 

[fatdazza]

very good thread,but no mention of snow foaming or is that for another thread

I think the OP wanted to write a guide for the person who does not wish to splash out on foam lances etc.


Snow foam is great fun though

 

[adam87]

A very good,detailed 'howto' guide, when are you going to post part 2 (the interior)? I would love to clean my car that thoroughly but dont have a drive or off road place to do it

Interior will come as soon as I have a dirty interior to do

very good thread,but no mention of snow foaming or is that for another thread

Snowfoam is just a gimmick. Yes it looks good but a pump pressure sprayer and some APC or similiar, does the exact same job without the need for a £50 Foam lance. I used to foam all my cars, but there really is no need.

 

[fatdazza]

[QUOTE

Snowfoam is just a gimmick. Yes it looks good but a pump pressure sprayer and some APC or similiar, does the exact same job without the need for a £50 Foam lance. I used to foam all my cars, but there really is no need.[/QUOTE]


Do you need to be careful with APC? - I thought it would strip any existing wax protection?

 

[adam87]

[QUOTE

Snowfoam is just a gimmick. Yes it looks good but a pump pressure sprayer and some APC or similiar, does the exact same job without the need for a £50 Foam lance. I used to foam all my cars, but there really is no need.

Do you need to be careful with APC? - I thought it would strip any existing wax protection?[/QUOTE]



It can strip if it is a strong mix. Weak one is fine

 

[fatdazza]

It can strip if it is a strong mix. Weak one is fine

Given the huge variety and strengths of APCs, unless people know what they are doing, I would suggest that people do not use a "weak" APC if they wish to maintain any existing wax protection already on their cars. A weak mix can be a very subjective thing.

A 10:1 (water to APC) ratio of some APCs can strip wax and sealants

 

[ecossebev]

I personally wouldn't put APC on the paintwork, let alone allow it to dwell for 20 seconds regardless of what concentrate it is.

Rolling the wheels forward 180 degrees guarantees after the first clean, means no missed bits. As long as you keep on top of cleaning the wheels, there should be no need to use acid on them every time A seperate sponge and soapy water should be adequate.

 

[fatdazza]

I personally wouldn't put APC on the paintwork, let alone allow it to dwell for 20 seconds regardless of what concentrate it is.

Rolling the wheels forward 180 degrees guarantees after the first clean, means no missed bits. As long as you keep on top of cleaning the wheels, there should be no need to use acid on them every time A seperate sponge and soapy water should be adequate.

It is perfectly acceptable to use APC (suitably diluted) on paintwork. It will not do any damage. In fact it can be useful in stripping wax or sealants prior to re application.

Totally agree that acidic cleaners are not required everytime. If kept on top of, normal shampoo can keep wheels clean (especially if they have been sealed or waxed).

 

[effbee584]

Bought some 'clay' today, the MER pack with lubricant and hybrid wax. Did all the bonnet, roof and boot. I struggle to be convinced it has done anything worthwhile. The surfaces felt smooth before and there was very little on the clay surface to indicate it had lifted anything much from the paint. The surface was no smoother after 'claying' so I waxed all the surfaces and got a brilliant shine. The car is 8yrs old, been garaged and under a carport all its life so maybe it has just not picked up any serious deposits.
Have I wasted my money and time?

 

[fatdazza]

Bought some 'clay' today, the MER pack with lubricant and hybrid wax. Did all the bonnet, roof and boot. I struggle to be convinced it has done anything worthwhile. The surfaces felt smooth before and there was very little on the clay surface to indicate it had lifted anything much from the paint. The surface was no smoother after 'claying' so I waxed all the surfaces and got a brilliant shine. The car is 8yrs old, been garaged and under a carport all its life so maybe it has just not picked up any serious deposits.
Have I wasted my money and time?

If the car has been looked after and depending on its locations it may not have picked up much contamination on its paint (tree sap, "railway dust", overspray etc). If the paint feels smooth (best method is to use a polythene bag over your hand on wet paintwork), then claying will not be required and not add much.

I do have a theory that MB paint being hard does not attract as much contamination as some cars (but not proven so don't shoot me)

 

[fatdazza]

Also you have not really wasted your money (as the clay can be used until it becomes contaminated), only your time (which is probably more expensive than the clay kit in reality)

 

[c55]

Thanks Adam, That was excellent !

 

[effbee584]

Not too worried about using my time or money, its just that I thought 'claying' was a miracle type process, fortunately, it seems I don't really need it. Will do it on the Micra before it also gets its winter wax protection. Love to see the rain water beading effect.
Pleased I tried the caly.