The March 2, 2019 Tech Session saw 26 Appalachian Region members meet at Porsche Asheville for a session by Matt Emerson from their detail team, A&R Specialists.
The two-hour session was spent in the shop as Matt demonstrated with his team a wash from head to toe of a Porsche Cayman S. A lot of the session was filled with many questions from member’s own cleaning challenges that Matt provided solutions with the tips and products A&R Specialist use to deliver a highly detailed Porsche for Porsche Asheville customers.
Here are some of my notes from the sessions of products and tips from Matt and his team.
Products
- Brand of products used extensively are McKee’s primarily though for some applications Matt uses Chemical Guys.
- Wash: McKee’s 37 Sio2 Auto Wash
- Bug & Tar Remover: Mother’s Bug & Tar 3R
- Sealant: Blackfire Sio2 Paint Sealant BF-300
- Glass Cleaner: Nano Pail Super 3D Glass Cleaner (doesn’t leave a film like the spray cleaners
- Leather Cleaner and Conditioner: Wolfgang brand
Wash Process
- Start broad and work down to detail when starting a wash
- Wash from top to bottom
- The key is to use clean wash mitts and clean water in the buckets – dirt in either will scratch
- Rinse the car first to get the heavy dirt off and then apply soapy water and use a microfiber wash mitt to wash the entire vehicle.
- Try to wash out of the sunlight. If you can avoid the sunlight wash panel by panel so the water doesn’t try on the finish and waterspot
- When washing or waxing move in straight lines to minimize swirl marks
- Chamois vs Micro-Fiber Towels – Micro fiber is preferred due to the ability to keep clean for multiple uses
Convertible Care
- Suggested to us RaggTopp Convertible Care kit
- Don’t use too high of water pressure on the top
Trim & Moldings
- Use a trim restorer to remover wax residue that may have been mistakenly applied on black trim
- Use McKee’s Rubber Trim Restorer for Trim and Moldings
- Use 00 Steel Wool on the tail pipes to clean them up
- The rears of Porsches often collect a lot of road residue that has iron in it. Use an Iron-off product to thoroughly clean the rear of the vehicle
Wax vs Sealants
- Paint sealants will last longer than Carnuba Wax but the wax will provide a richer shine
- It was suggested to wax every three months though manufacturers say you can go six months.
- With paint sealants it is suggested to apply every six months though manufacturers say 12 months.
- A lot depends on the exposure to the outside elements. If the vehicle is garaged and doesn’t sit often in the elements you can probably go the longer time interval.
A good web site for reference is AutoGeek.net. They have forums, videos and how to articles. Tip: if you don't order product on your first visit, wait and you'll ofter be sent a coupon for money off.
Jim Moore
Appalachian Events Chair
events@aprpca.org
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