Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few questions that come up often and if your question is not answered, email it to me and I will answer it and add it to this page.
Instead of re-writing all the basic information ones, I will direct you to Meguiar's FAQ section on their web site, it is very detailed and covers a wide area of topics. Link to Meguiar's FAQ here
Should I have my brand new car detailed?
What are you talking about when you say "spider webbing"?
What is the "hologram effect" on paint surface?
Can bird droppings and bugs ruin the paint?
What does oxidized paint look like?
1. Should I have my brand new car detailed?
- My first answer is going to be: yes. Why? Unless you really know your dealer or service staff, you don't really know how your vehicle's finish has been treated before you picked it up. It likely sat on a truck for shipping across the country, or sat in the dealer lot collecting dirt on it for months and months. Then the dealer has someone wash it as quick as they can to get it ready for you to pick it up, and 99% of the time it's done quick and dried quickly with a chamois. Other incidents happen to, like scratches and scuffs, and all they will do is buff it quick and coat it with a thick wax. It will look great for about 2 weeks, then you will see the damage once the wax wears off and you won't be too happy about it.
2. What are you talking about when you say "spider webbing"?
- Swirl marks and spider webbing would be considered similar. To see it , use the sun or a bright light and a clean paint surface, you will see the light reflect in a swirl or spider web pattern. Click here for an example. Many things cause this damage, from dirt build up, oxidization and washing or drying with rough or dirty towels.
3. What is the "hologram effect" on paint surface?
- Holograms in the paint is usually a more serious problem. Basically, one of the only ways it occurs is from someone using a rotary polisher the wrong way and the hologram/shifting effect you see is put there by the in-experienced user. Once they are there it is more difficult to remove them and usually takes a very light compound or glaze with a finishing polishing pad. Click here to see an example
4. Can bird droppings and bugs ruin the paint?
- Short answer: YES!!!. Bird droppings are more serious because the effect it has on your paint surface is like acid, it will eat through the clear coat and paint and it WILL leave a mark that you will not be able to wash out, ever. Bug splatter is not as bad, but still not great, washing your car as soon as possible will prevent most damage. You can pre-soak with a bug and tar remover, then follow up with a soap wash.
- If you do get a bird dropping stain, it can often be removed with a polishing compound and a machine if it has not gone through the clear coat. In some cases, your only option might be to re-paint the area.
5. What does oxidized paint look like?
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