Car Care F.A.Q.
Why is detailing a necessity?
Your car accumulates numerous particles that can harm the finish. Pollutants, mud, salt, dirt, sand, bugs, tar, rain, sun, etc. are extremely harmful to the paint. Detailing leaves microscopic layers of fine wax particles that provide a deep shine and forming a clear chemical bond that protects the paint and its original clear coat. Detailing guarantees longevity to the paint and retains the value of the vehicle. Professional detailing is not just a luxury it is an investment that has become a necessity!
What is the difference between DETAILING and WASHING?
WASHING removes loose contaminants, dirt and grime. DETAILING removes blemishes, oxidation and etching marks that are caused when contaminants penetrate the surface. Rub your hand across an upper surface. If it is rough, you need to detail your car. It prevents the paint and its clear coat from deteriorating. Retain the value of your car; have it washed & detailed by one of our technicians this week.
Our proven Water Smart system:
The technique that is used to wash a vehicle without the use of water. These methods uses a product that contains many different ingredients, including wetting agents , lubricants and protectants. The detergents and wetting agents in the product combine to soften and emulsify surface grime, while a specific blend of fluids and lubricants attach a microscopic layer of protectant to the surface. The protectant is a substance which provides a bonded layer of protection against any remaining abrasive not broken down by the detergents and wetting agents.
What do the products used contain?
The protectant often contains extensive cross linked polymers , which make it extremely effective as a car wax or glaze . Our product when used on your vehicle contains a complex mixture of cleaning elements along with the glaze ingredients.
The product used by Gia’s Detailing is a concentrated cleaner and protective sealant. See our store for a complete listing of our waterless products.
How does the application process work?
At Gia’s Detailing when we properly apply our formulation to the surface of your vehicle our product lifts dirt from the vehicle by emulsification. The product surrounds dirt molecules, lifting them from the paint surface, before you start to wipe. At the same time, the application process initiates in combination with use of micro fiber technology the cross chain polymer linking process that results in an extremely shiny, highly protective glaze finish. All this happens very rapidly due to the balance of ingredients within the product itself. At Gia’s Detailing we use biodegradable products which are safe for the environment and utilize our proven Water $mart technology.
In our proven application process and Water Smart technology it does not involve using high pressure nor extensive rubbing on a vehicle surface.
The use of soft micro-fiber towels captures the dirt and removes it safely from the vehicles surface without scratching.
Many application processes in the past required the use of large amounts of water and extensive scrubbing and rubbing on a vehicle surface causing micro scratches and damage to the exterior paint.
At Gia’s Detailing our proven application process also does not require "soaking" - using a high volume of product and water usage. When used in compliance the vehicle will shine and water will bead on it and not have common micro scratching and damages to your valued automobile.
Our products us are designed as a high-end car-care product for use on any car, truck, motorcycle, boat or plane. It contains the finest ingredients available in today’s cutting edge technology.
Our waterless car wash products allows us the ability to clean without using soaps, buckets and water hoses, and runoff into the local sewer’s or drains causing further damage to the environment.
What are the benefits of using a waterless wash on my vehicle?
· When properly used leaves a “streak-free” surface
· Safe to use on all surfaces of a vehicle including painted surfaces, metals, glass, vinyl, rubber, and plastic trim
· Contains no solvents, toxic chemicals, or abrasive compounds
· Treated surfaces are extremely water resistant (hydrophobic)
· Continued use and detailing further retards the damaging effects of contaminants such as bird droppings, bug splatter, road grime, acid rain, brake dust, etc
· Dirt is extracted into a soft micro fiber which prevents scratching
· Environmentally safe, Water $mart, biodegradable, and non-toxic
· No urban runoff or runoff into a local storm drain
· Protects and leaves a great long lasting shine!
Can you use waterless wash on any type of vehicle?
Yes! Our formulation has been tested on every kind of paint used by the auto reconditoning industry; from older acrylic lacquers to hi gloss acrylic urethane and polyurethane paints
Will the waterless product used by Gia’s Detailing prevent my vehicle’s paint from fading?
Yes! When applied properly to a new vehicle, then reapplied each month, the paint will not fade. Gia’s Waterless Wash will help protect against the effects of sun exposure, acid rain, and road salt
Please visit the WATERLESS TECH GUY site for any of your questions or technical needs!
Is it easy for a Non-Detail professional to use?
Yes! The staff at Gia’s Detailing will be more than happy to demonstrate and help educate the use of these safe products on your vehicle. Please feel free to stop down to our shop for a free demonstration of the products used and let us show you how to maintain your vehicle! The products are designed for the detail pro as well as non professionals who just want to take care of there car!
To purchase waterless wash products please visit our store to purchase online!
What is a CLEAR COAT?
"Clear Coat" is a name given to the multi-stage paints used today. A "base coat" (frequently water based) is applied with a pigment (color). Then, a top layer of clear paint is applied over the top of the base coat to add depth, brilliance and provide protection for the base coat.
Clear Coats still require the same care as the old single state paints. Just because the topcoat of paint has no pigment in it doesn't make it impervious to environmental conditions. Topcoats of clear paint still oxidize, and the softer paints used today also allow contaminants to easily embed in the surface. These softer paints require modern formulations and technology to protect them against damage.
In short, the need for proper care and maintenance of clear coat paints is just as important as years ago. Actually, because of their softer, fragile nature, they really should be maintained BETTER than the older single stage paints.
WILL IT HURT THE PAINT OR THE CLEAR COAT OF THE CAR WHEN DETAILED REGULARLY?
Absolutely not! In fact, it will actually enhance the quality of the paint. It is recommended that all cars, regardless of make and model, should be detailed professionally once every 3 to 6 months - depending upon driving and parking condition. However, if an amateur detailer performs the detailing job, the likelihood of paint deterioration and damaged molding is possible. Our detailing experts are well trained in this area. We have the experience and the expertise to keep your car looking showroom new, thus, providing protection against deterioration.
What does detailing do to a Clear Coat Finish?
Let's first define Clear Coat Finish: today's modern Finish consists of a dull layer of paint called a Base Coat. It provides the color on your car. Over this base, a clear layer of paint is applied. This is called a Clear Coat. It provides the shine and protection. The result is a two-layer painted surface known as a "Clear Coat Finish".
When the Clear Coat Finish becomes dull, it requires special attention. Our detailing technicians apply high quality fine surface polish and wax to remove the elements that dull the Finish. When detailing is completed, the Clear Coat Finish has been cleaned and properly restored.
What is the difference between PAINT SEALANT and WAX?
PAINT SEALANT forms a clear chemical bond that protects the finish of the vehicle and maintains that new car appearance. It is guaranteed to keep its shine for at least one whole year with proper maintenance.
WAXES leave microscopic layers of fine wax particles providing deep shine and protection. With regular maintenance and care, the deep shine can last between 3 to 12 months depending upon the quality of the wax. We use only the highest quality wax in the industry today.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN POLISHING AND WAXING?
POLISHING is designed to bring out the gloss. WAXING is for protection. Polishing is what makes the wet-look, deep gloss possible, especially effective on dark-colored cars.
How long a wax lasts depends on a variety of factors such as the environment and how the surface is prepared. Our detailing experts are trained to meet your needs and requests.
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO WAX OR POLISH MY CAR?
It depends on the environmental elements your car typically endures. If your vehicle is kept garaged on a daily basis, then a polish or wax can last as long four to six months. If your car is kept outdoors under harsh conditions, then it will need to be waxed as often as once a month. As a general rule of thumb, we recommend that a light colored car be polished and waxed at least every two to three months. Dark colored cars on the other hand, will usually require more frequent and specialized attention.
WHAT IS A SEALER AND GLAZE?
When applied before waxing, a sealer and glaze helps hide minor scratches, spider webbing, swirl marks and other surface imperfections. It enhances clarity and shine, while giving darker colored paints that deep, wet look. If left unprotected, a sealer and glaze will not last long. It therefore needs an immediate coating of protective wax to truly have long lasting benefit.
WHY CAN'T I USE HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS TO WASH MY CAR?
Household cleaners like dishwashing detergent are specifically designed to dissolve grease. Because wax is essentially a grease, household cleaners will remove your car's waxes finish; leaving you with little shine and no protection. Also, some household detergents have micro-fine abrasive in them. These can permanently scratch your car's surface. Always use a premium quality, commercial liquid car wash. They are formulated to dissolve dirt and grime without removing your car's beautiful wax finish.
WHAT ABOUT ONCE-A-YEAR WAX AND POLISH PRODUCTS?
Your car deserves better than once-a-year products. It is likely the second largest investment you've made, after your home. Don't scrimp on the quality of the products you use to maintain it, or the care you give your vehicle. A regular regimen of washing and waxing pays enormous dividends for years down the road. The intrinsic weakness of once-a-year products will become painfully apparent as the years pass.
HOW CAN I TELL IF I HAVE A CLEAR COAT?
Most modern paint finishes are clear coat. The easiest way to tell is to check the paint code on the inside of the glove box door or door jamb (depending on vehicle make), or by checking your new car's window sticker. A more "hands-on" method is to check your applicator after you use a Polish Cleaner, Sealer and Glaze, or Wax. If the color of the paint is transferred to the towel, then you do not have a clear coat. The color you see is the oxidized dead paint being removed by the polish. With a clear coat, the top layer of the finish is transparent and has no color to transfer to the towel.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I WASH MY CAR?
As often as practical. Most enthusiasts wash their vehicles at least once a week. Some folks wash their cars almost every day. At Gia's Mobile Detailing, we have a program called "Hand-Wash & Quick Wax conditioner" utilizing our proven waterless wash system. This waterless wash program brings a unique formulation that restores your vehicle's show car shine in-between waxes.
WHAT IS A CLAY BAR?
Clay bars are used to remove embedded contaminants from painted surfaces. With today's soft paints, any contaminants that sit on your paint can quickly become embedded. These contaminants aren't easily removed, even by washing or waxing.
If you can feel bumps in the paint after washing and drying or waxing, chances are you'll need to have it clayed first. In most cases, the wash 'n wax program you see at the car wash facilities do not include claying. Our full detail package include claying services.
CAN I WAX TOO OFTEN?
Today's paints ARE softer and thinner than previous years. In other words, you can NEVER wax too often - just as long as the plastic or rubber part of the car does not get any waxes on them.
WHAT ABOUT THOSE FREE CAR WASHES AT THE GAS STATION?
Generally speaking, you get what you pay for. Many of those car washes use mechanical brushes, which can damage your paint surface. In some parts of the country, the water is recycled, meaning your car is getting the same water applied as the "clapped out" 1970 Plymouth Duster that just pulled out (unless your car just happens to be that Duster). While filters can catch small particulates, they can't filter out the dissolved salt from winter use, or all those hoards of other nasty chemicals.
I LEASE MY CAR, WHY SHOULD I CARE HOW IT LOOKS?
Chances are, you'll care when the lease ends. If you check your contract, you'll find that you're probably responsible for the appearance of your vehicle when it is returned. If the paint is dull and lifeless (because it was never washed, polished or waxed) you could be hit with a reconditioning fee ranging from $500 to $2,000! Take care of your investment!
WHAT CAUSES SWIRL MARKS?
Swirl marks are actually microscopic scratches in the finish. They are essentially scratches that have been put into the top layer of the paint. These scratches then act as tiny prisms, bending the light and creating a dull rainbow effect. These are often caused by the use of a buffer with the wrong type of polishing pad and/or wax/polish. Automatic car washes also can cause swirls, especially on clear coat paints. Another culprit is hand application or removal of product using a harsh material, or pads and cloths that have picked up micro abrasives from falling on the ground or improper storage. To avoid swirls, thoroughly wash all dirt particles from your finish before applying polish or wax. And always use a micro fiber towel, because its nap draws any contaminants on the surface up into the towel instead of letting them scratch the sensitive paint. At Gia's Detailing, we take extra pre-cautions to ensure that we do the job right.
TELL ME ABOUT OXIDATION
Most modern car finishes consist of a base coating that contains the color, topped with a protective clear coat that is designed to keep the pigmented paint from oxidizing. This outer clear coat adds UV protection that helps prevent the sun's rays from drying out the base paint. Oxidation was an obvious problem ten years ago because you quickly saw the color fade. Now that the outer layer is usually clear, oxidation is less obvious, yet it still occurs. The sun dries out top paint layers and natural oils are lost. If these oils aren't replaced, the paint oxidizes and the surface gradually becomes duller and duller.
Even more than yesterday's paints, today's clear coat finishes look faded whenever the surface becomes contaminated by airborne pollution, acid rain, industrial fallout, and countless other factors. If the contamination isn't removed frequently, it reduces the reflective quality of the finish until it looks dull and lifeless. If the contamination is left on the car for some time, it can begin to etch into the thin clear coat paint layer and expose the base coat to direct UV rays and even greater damage. Once the clear coat protection is gone, the car usually requires costly repainting.
TELL ME ABOUT WATER SPOTS
Water Spots derive from several sources: car wash, sprinkler system, acid rain, etc. The good news is that all water spots are restorable if they were contaminated recently. However, if left on your car for some time, it can damage the clear coat and cut through the paint. A waxed and sealed car has a better chance of repelling water spots. Though, it is not a permanent solution.
TELL ME ABOUT OVERSPRAY
There are many different types of overspray: paint, road tar, tree saps, epoxies, urethanes, asphalt, concrete, industrial fallout, and other chemical contaminants. These are airborne emissions created by many sources. Regardless how your car got exposed to the contaminants, timing is the determination factor of the recovery. It tells us whether or not the overspray is removable. If the overspray is recent, we can safely remove the contaminants and restore the structural integrity of the finish. In some cases, the overspray may have already penetrated into the clear coat. At which point, repainting may be necessary.
At Gia's Detailing, our method of overspray removal will preserve the original paint finishes and avoids the need to replace the trim panels, moldings, glass and chrome parts. Let us help you with your overspray removal needs.