There is more to life with TurboRenault.co.uk

Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

[23 Sep, 2017] Lowiepete's 2nd 2017 Detailing Day (Lowestoft)

LowiePete

Well-Known Member
Hello Folks,

The 2nd of the 2017 Lowiepete Detailing Days is planned for Saturday 23rd September.
The meeting venue is The Fighting Cocks PH in Lowestoft, NR33 0NA

The meeting time will be 09: 30 for 10:00hrs. Don't be late or you will miss the prompt
departure.

Instead of the group coming to my home, we will transfer to a local industrial unit. What
this means is that the meet is no longer weather dependent and I can increase the limit
of attendees from 10 to at least 15. If there are enough experienced detailers to support
it, that limit could be extended to 20. Please indicate this with (XP) as you register.

I'm hoping that the Detailing Studio almost next door to the unit we'll be working from
will be open. What this means is that alongside the basic (by hand) demos, there'll be
an opportunity to use machines also.

We'll be providing hot drinks, but you will need to bring your own packed lunch. We'll not
be retiring to the local pub as hitherto. There is an option of a lunch delivery service but
this will need a minimum of 5 purchasers. If this interests you, please place (F) behind
your name.

The invitation to this meet is also to members of other Forums, so preference will be given
to those who register first, should the limits be reached.

As ever I will be attempting to ensure that no-one goes away empty-handed, so I'm
hoping to assemble a decent goodie-bag for everyone to take home.

For anyone on Facebook, here's a set of annotated pictures taken by one of our
attendees on the last Detailing Day back in April. Darren will be missing this one so
I'm on the lookout for another photographer. (You don't need to be on FB )

Please register by adding your name here...
Show (DW)(PH)(RT) for Forum source.
Show (XP) for experienced and willing to be a guide, and (F) if you'd like a delivered lunch

Host: Steve - Lowiepete (XP)
1: Andy (PH)
2: Darren - dchapman88 (DW) (XP)
3: DLGWRX02 (DW)
4: Minidaveo (DW)
5:
6:
7:
8:
9:
10:

I'll be updating this post fairly regularly with news of plans for the day and names of
attendees. We may need a car or two to work on, depending upon whose coming along.
Watch this space!Can I suggest you subscribe to this thread.

Regards,
Steve
 
Last edited:
Please register by adding your name here...
Show (DW)(PH)(RT) for Forum source.
Show (XP) for experienced and willing to be a guide, and (F) if you'd like a delivered lunch

Host: Steve - Lowiepete (XP)
1: Andy (PH)
2: Darren - dchapman88 (DW) (XP)
3: DLGWRX02 (DW)
4: Minidaveo (DW)
5: Jordan - kartman (DW) (XP)
6: Nick (PH)
7:
8:
9:
10:

I'll be updating this post fairly regularly with news of plans for the day and names of
attendees. We may need a car or two to work on, depending upon whose coming along.
Watch this space! Can I suggest you subscribe to this thread.
 
Last edited:
Hello Folks,

It's worth me mentioning that Darren & Jordan in this list are both
pretty competent with machines, so they'll be doing demos and
providing guidance to those wanting some basic tuition. Also, we
have quite a Q car to work on, being black and a tad neglected,
so we have quite a challenge on our hands to return it in a tad
shinier condition...

Regards,
Steve
 
Jordan aka kartman on DW said:
Have also been made aware of a solid white Renault 19 that will be on site in various stages of prep that we can tackle too. I have some old school megs no 7 that is designed for single stage paints. It has oils to feed the paint as it can often go dry and chalky, got on really well with it on my mk2 golf which i took from pink to red so I shall bring it along too

Jordan aka kartman on DW said:
Bumping this up to see if any others wish to join, or if any people already down as attending have any questions of stuff they would like to learn more about/see demoed. Me and Darren will both be bringing our DA's with lots of different pads and compounds to try out. What we currently propose is:

1. Paint depth gauge demo (before and after cutting, showing how much clear is removed)
2. A demo of Cut vs Fill
3. Comparison of glaze/filling by hand and machine
4. Comparisons of different pads and compounds

Sure I have missed things but we are flexible and have lots of different products and pads between us so can demo whatever people wish to learn really
 
List as at 15 September 2017

Host: Steve - Lowiepete (XP)
1: Andy (PH)
2: Darren - dchapman88 (DW) (XP)
3: DLGWRX02 (DW)
4: Minidaveo (DW)
5: Jordan - kartman (DW) (XP)
6: Nick (PH)
7: Neil - Njs71 (DW)
8: Hotrat (PH)
9:
10:
11:
12:
13:
14:
15:
 
Safety Notice - PPE Requirements

Back in the day, the thought of wearing anything special for detailing was an
anathema, after all, the very best waxes were always best applied by hand,
literally! How the World has changed?

While the majority of this meet will be around benign potions and methods,
if we are to do more than just talk about what are essentially "professional"
practices, then we do need everyone to stay safe. By attending this event it
is incumbent upon you to not put yourself or anyone else at risk. You _will_
need to bring the following items with you, and you'll be required to wear
them when instructed, else stay well clear of that work area until that demo
is concluded.

Please bring...
  • protective eyewear
  • nitrile gloves (more than one pair)
  • a face mask to FFP3 standards (disposable is fine)

Also, please be aware that some cleaning potions would not qualify as your
favourite after-shave, so old clothing or even an apron to put over your knees
while we're cleaning wheels might be a good plan.

I do want everyone to enjoy their day. We're there to share experiences with
each other, not to test ambulance response times. Your collaboration is much
appreciated. Thanks.

Regards,
Steve
 
Saturday's Prize Draw
  • Bucket & guard with quality SP Noodle Mitt and shampoo sachets
  • Serious Performance QD Cleaner Concentrate
  • A Clay Cloth
  • Serious Performance Show Detailer
  • 2 off CarPro Essence
  • 12oz of ONR, to make the take-away up to an American pint

Hopefully, there'll be other freebies, provided they get released by Customs
in time... As ever, I'll try to ensure that no-one goes home empty handed;
it's good to be finally supported by OPT so everyone gets a 4oz ONR bottle.

Regards,
Steve
 
The List @ 14:00 on 22 Sept

Host: Steve - Lowiepete (XP)
1: Andy (PH)
2: Darren - dchapman88 (DW) (XP)
3: Minidaveo (DW)
4: Jordan - kartman (DW) (XP)
5: Nick (PH)
6: Neil - Njs71 (DW)
7: Hotrat (PH)
8: Jack (PH)
9:
10:
11:
12:
13:
14:
15:
 
Wanted to come along to one of your days Steve but haven't had a car worthy of putting the skills to work on for a while now.
Picked a mineral white x1 up for the other half on the 23rd unexpectedly so now have a car I wouldn't mind keeping clean, or actually cleaning/detailing!
Will keep an eye open for the next one and hopefully come along
 
Hello Folks,

Introduction

Below is a bit of a resumé of the potions and their techniques we used on the
day. Our Q car was a 2009 Vauxhall Astra Estate with paint crying out for a
bit of TLC. After the short welcome speech, I made sure that no-one went
home without speaking to a soul. What really happened was that the whole
group gelled together almost instantly. It was soon clear that the day was
going to be quite special.

A Very Basic Tool

After the "safety briefing" I then began with the most basic tool in anyone's
armoury; the microfibre cloth. Passing it around and asking about attitude
and techniques quite often shows how much we take them for granted.

It's a bit of a cheat because it helps the group leaders to gauge the level of
expertise without having to ask lots of maybe embarrassing questions. It's a
strange thing that most often the microfibre cloth is only seen as a "bit of a
posh duster". By the end of the day, that view will change, markedly!

The Wheels & Decon

The first part of tackling the car was to clean and decon the wheels. Sadly,
there are no photographs of this, but Bilberry and BH Auto Wheel were given
the task, with some success. That being said, there wasn't a huge reaction to
the Auto Wheel, so rinsing-off was a breeze.

The Washing Process - Direct Comparison

The whole day works by everyone being given a full hands-on experience,
with proper explanations for both approach and expectation of the result.

s5.postimg.org_ma35had87_ldd170901.webp
Darren explaining the preparations for the 2-Bucket Method (2BM)

Of course, with this meet having a "Winter Prep" influence, the less-water
approach can become an attractive alternative.

s5.postimg.org_smiar4gaf_ldd170902.webp
Here I am, priming my ONR spray bottle

I think the biggest surprise to the gathering, so far, was the entirely gentle
approach and just how important the manipulation of the MF cloth is in
avoiding creating swirls. My mentioning that: It's all in the wrist-action,
always raises a titter or two.

s5.postimg.org_iho8fan3r_ldd170903.webp
Here's Nick having a go and finding it rewarding

s5.postimg.org_5p04fdbhz_ldd170904.webp
Darren no doubt fielding one of my gentle taunts, about all that work :wave:

s5.postimg.org_3zr17avsn_ldd170905.webp
Meanwhile, we've almost finished

The demo of the single-bucket rinseless wash held up with its usual surprise
over how much dirt the MF left loose gathers, compared to the upper three
quarters. It only goes to prove the lightness of touch needed.

s5.postimg.org_vqxk1nmgn_ldd170910.webp
So, rinseless wash on driver's side and 2BM the other

s5.postimg.org_um3hw9zzr_ldd170907.webp
The only photo of the decon process where even a strong chemical like Tardis failed...

The Clay Cloth Process

This stage was very much an eye-opener. With the paint looking fairly clean,
everyone was invited to gently stroke the bonnet and asked for an opinion. A
fine sandpaper was the collective comparison.

Instead of using clay, which was discussed as the choice previously, a full
explanation of what a clay cloth is, and how it works was given. No sooner
than it touched the paint and was moved, there were gasps at the rough
sound-track coming from the bonnet's surface.

s5.postimg.org_3pjinyh6f_ldd170906.webp
I'm explaining that the surface needs to be well lubricated so that the
rubber membrane does not directly make contact with the paint


s5.postimg.org_qkhtcvibb_ldd170908.webp
Nick is seen checking that he's okay to continue.
Note how he'll gently push the cloth back with his pinky finger
without adding any pressure to the existing weight of the cloth


s5.postimg.org_cacuf4rcn_ldd170909.webp
Here's Nick again, with him and Jack really taking to the task

There's no doubt that the clay-cloth created the biggest impact, especially as
the process required nothing more than gently pushing it back and forth, with
a fairly frequent turn and lubrication check. ONR was used once again. As on
the previous meet, some guidance was given on what to do with a brand new
cloth, using the cloth offered as a draw prize.

It Gets Serious

When you get two enthusiasts who have taken this hobby to the next stage
you encounter almost a patois of phrases that few can get their head around.
You do have to listen intently! This comes to light when a paint depth gauge
(PDG) is produced by Jordan. It's an impressive bit of kit...

s5.postimg.org_nchxdklfb_ldd170911.webp
You need to listen intently when two experts discuss paint depth measurement!

s5.postimg.org_7sajn1bav_ldd170912.webp
A look of consternation from Jordan, having just dropped his PDG

s5.postimg.org_9y9fva453_ldd170913.webp
...and some words of comfort from Darren because, if all else fails, consult the manual

The Paint Evaluation Stage

Having got the paint quite impressively smooth, we then came to discuss
what might follow and to assess whether or not the paint was ready for the
application of protective potions like wax etc.

Our day's ambition was to get the paint as smooth and as clean as we could.
It was clear that the processes used so far had gone a fair way to achieving
that goal, but no-one was convinced that we'd gone far enough. Up to this
point nothing with an abrasive had been used and following the mantra of
always using the least aggressive methods first, our choice would be a potion
that chemically cleans.

The Chemical Clean

s5.postimg.org_w68tuo8dz_ldd170914.webp
Almost exclusively recommended by the team. Serious Performance Paint Cleanser (SPPC)

Here came the introduction of pads to use by hand. For this task a firm white
pad was chosen and the change to its characteristics once dunked into fairly
warm water was appreciated.

s5.postimg.org_bfuw6u8vr_ldd170915.webp
Nick working the SPPC, note how he has followed the guidance of concentrating
on one clear area before moving on to the next


s5.postimg.org_6361spkzb_ldd170916.webp
The buffing stage, with cloth neatly folded into four as it should be ;)


To be continued in Part 2...


All Photographs used with permission;
Copyright © 2017 Neil Sheppard All Rights Reserved

Regards,
Steve
 
How the Detailing Day Went - Part 2

Hello Folks,

The Chemical Clean contd...

With the car's paint now clean and clear of any sharps, it can be time to bring
the big-guns out with the aid of polishing machines. Because we're entirely
relying on the chemical reaction twixt pad and paint this is a process where
little or no pressure above the weight of the machine is needed.

s5.postimg.org_avfv45fnb_ldd170917.webp
Here, Jordan is preparing to use the SP Paint Cleaner by machine

Meanwhile, on the by-hand side, I'm watching Dave exhaust himself by going
round in circles with the pad. Whenever you have a firm pad in your hand
you can almost instinctively start pressing too hard. I've watched, often with
astonishment, how some people treat a chemical cleaner almost as if it was
grinding paste! On this day, you were dared to break a sweat!

s5.postimg.org_lgzqg5lyv_ldd170918.webp
A quick intervention to demo an alternative by "working along and across in a box"

s5.postimg.org_tl7ukw8dz_ldd170919.webp
By working in straight lines you can define a working area upon which you can concentrate

What the photo doesn't show is that I have worked both across and along the
work area. Just like with the clay cloth you need to be keeping a watch on the
feedback you're getting from the surface, especially if the pad's lubrication is
diminishing. You'll also need to keep an eye on what muck is being removed
and absorbed into the pad, giving it a good rinse-out in fairly warm water
whenever needed.

s5.postimg.org_p35jsssc7_ldd170920.webp
Meanwhile, Neil is on the machine side, demonstrating good safety practice with the electric cord

s5.postimg.org_5mku69x87_ldd170921.webp
A regular conversation at meets, when Jack talks to me about the items he's previously bought

Another eye-opener at these meets is the absence of emphasis on loads of
kit and expensive "potions for all occasions". With ONR only being available
at a few outlets, its versatility makes up for its single postage cost. I now buy
only the American gallon bottles, knowing that none of it will end up on a
shelf, unused. Probably the remark of the day to me was an intent on buying
a "bunch of MF cloths".

My reply to Jack was that what he'd already spent would probably get absorbed
sooner or later; it's just that some of it might last a lot longer than he'd
anticipated, especially his tin of wax.

s5.postimg.org_pv87rzwjb_ldd170922.webp
It's always pleasing when you have an audience that takes such an interest in what they're being shown

s5.postimg.org_8w3uqhapj_ldd170924.webp
Jack looks on as Darren shows Dave how much paint cleanser to put on the pad

The Glare System Demo

Having got the paint into quite a reasonable condition, considering things like
the time available, we can now begin to discuss paint protection and ways to
keep it looking good through the winter months. So, now we hand over to
Darren to show us a complete alternative to either the use of polymers or
ceramic protection.

The Glare System stands entirely alone in that ordinary waxes and sealants
will not properly bond with it. That isn't entirely a bad thing because if its
properly applied, it'll mask the swirls and keep them that way for years. As
ever, it comes down to your washing techniques, especially drying, that will
determine its longevity.

s5.postimg.org_4vwpe8k8n_ldd170925.webp
The Glare System components

s5.postimg.org_x2ei1lwtz_ldd170926.webp
The spoiler paint condition at the start

s5.postimg.org_ebckrg29j_ldd170927.webp
The protective tape in position

One of the biggest hurdles at a meet is to manage the time because it can
just run away with you. You'll see that Darren has been able to only do half
of the rear spoiler as his demo. The reason being that part of the success of
Glare application is heat. That can take a while to generate and you need to
be careful of not getting it too hot!

s5.postimg.org_tlcfymxrr_ldd170928.webp
The maestro working patiently

s5.postimg.org_7nfz4uirb_ldd170929.webp
The finish is very presentable!

Cut Versus Fill - The Choices Discussed

Having used a system that uses a combination of cut and fill, we turned our
attention to using commonly used potions, discussing all the pros and cons,
especially as modern technology from such as CarPro with their "Essence"
changes the game completely.

s5.postimg.org_ymju00587_ldd170930.webp
The bonnet taped-up into areas for comparative potion and technique testing. The smallest
area would be where Jordan used a mild cutting compound to demo the "cut" options


Then came the testing of CP's Essence, with some acclaim.

s5.postimg.org_yp3pmu8vr_ldd170931.webp
With nanofine particles of both potion and probably dirt of some age, no chances
are taken over breathing anything that you cannot even see!


s5.postimg.org_z351mfszb_ldd170932.webp
While there's no denying the quality of work that can be achieved by machine, the detachment
caused by all the protective wear presents a real down side


As someone with hands that don't behave as intended, this is probably going
to sound like sour-grapes. Some of the pretty fantastic potions out there now
demand quite a bit of thought about working safely. That applies equally by
hand or by machine. The latter now almost needing you to dress-up like
Darth Vader :(

While I can pretty accurately describe how the surface should feel when
working by hand, or speak about the feedback you should be receiving at any
given point, there seems to be an absence of this when working with machines.
Perhaps Darren and Jordan can expand on this for us. Obviously, I'd love to
be handling a machine, but I'm not sure how I'd cope with the detachment.

s5.postimg.org_9029kh5kn_ldd170933.webp
The passenger door finish presenting some good reflections

Speaking of restorative potions, one of my personal favourites is ADS Blue
Lotion, (ABL) which is sadly no longer available in the UK, though that might
change. With it being silane based, as opposed to nano-fine glass, it is much
safer to use and one of its properties is that it can be an LSP in its own right.

s5.postimg.org_ouh5ucubb_ldd170934.webp
A much used Blue Lotion bottle

s5.postimg.org_p8ihtyeev_ldd170935.webp
Causing a bit of a stir in finishes

On the bonnet there was the patch that Jordan cut back. Below it I had
applied some ABL and closest to me some CarPro Fixer was used, by hand,
to see if any more dirt could be removed.

A Change in Attitude

What these modern potions bring is a vast change in attitude over what
has been known as "filler heavy" glazes. This new technology brings with
it a longevity not known hitherto. Under a protective wax coating CP's
Essence will essentially last up to 12 months, while un-topped ABL will
easily cope with 4 months of British weather.

With the number of cut-backs you can do to your paint being finite and
the way that modern restorative products work, the technology that's
now available is very exciting. Filler heavy will no longer be dirty words,
especially as CarPro's Essence Plus is leading the way in repairing glass
or ceramic coatings.

See Part 3 for the Finale...


Regards,
Steve
 
Interesting remarks regarding the filler and its projected longevity.
Andy, oh yes, it changes the kind of conversation you can have with a detailing
professional as well as changing your attitude over whether or not to cut into
the clearcoat to provide your future "bling". There have been a few step-changes
in recent years, the biggest being the introduction of the clay-cloth followed by
how new potions are addressing what have been seen as old and almost impossible
problems to overcome. This is probably only the beginning...

Regards,
Steve
 
Back
Top