Could start a new thread but didn't because I'm going to respectfully disagree with the nay-sayers in this one. Met up with Brandon (Whisler) and Jeff (Panda) over the weekend, wanted to check out Brandon's sound system....noticed his Raptor was pretty clean, a lot cleaner than mine. Pi$$ed me off (just kidding Brandon). Was going to go home and ride, but decided to wash my Raptor (tux black, 2011).
Wasn't enough time for a full wash....what to do? Had some no-rinse products on the shelf for about 6 months, never used them because I became afraid of what it would do to the paint, esp. black.
...yes, I was a "nay-sayer". Threw caution to the wind, broke out the Optimum No Rinse....followed the directions, added a little more....about an ounce and a half to each of 2 buckets with 2 gal of water in each (this is 50% more product than the label on the bottle suggests)....one bucket for wash, the other to rinse the applicating towel. Had a few very soft, very thick microfiber towels to apply, some large waffle microfiber towels to dry. Took my time, careful application and removal (won't bore you with the details unless you put a gun to my head....essentially "glide" the towels back and forth......no circles, no rubbing).
Honestly, the results were amazing
, and I'm pretty hard to please when it comes to detailing. The next day (when the light was better....both by sunlight and by fluorescent lighting) I looked very carefully for signs of scratches, any other marks that could have resulted from the ONR wash.....did not really find anything
. I'm now a converted nay-sayer, but I'm not saying that I'll convert any other hard-core nay-sayer. Like anything, there are a few caveats:
-like anything else, good product + bad technique = bad outcome. It's all in the technique!
-as other posters noted, I would not use this product on a very dirty vehicle...it's more of a maintenance-type product than anything else. For example, I would never use a Quick Detailing spray (where you might use this type of product) to do an entire vehicle. I would use a no-rinse product in these situations and perhaps in situations where the truck was a little dirtier than where I would use a QD spray)
-the vehicle should have a good base coat of some type of protectant (wax, acrylic, other polymer). As I said, this is a "maintenance" product. [For example, my truck had 3 layers of Klasse All-in-one followed by 2 applications of Blackfire Wet Diamond...all applied about 2 months ago...for you folks who spend your $$$ frivolously on this kind of stuff like I do!).
So, if you're on the fence and your Raptor is not too dirty, don't be afraid to give ONR a try. If I can use is successfully on a tux black Raptor, anyone can do this [and, if you're still worried about scratching your Raptor, pm me....not that I'm an expert at this, 'cause I'm not.....and I can give you a few suggestions that helped me].
And, if you're still a nay-sayer.....that's cool, whatever you're comfortable with and works for you
ernie
PS: Jeff, Brandon, great meeting you guys over the weekend (and Jeff, thanks for the coffee!)
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