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I am proud to introduce to everyone a man who makes a lot of people very happy. He is a person who has extensive experience in the professional car detailing industry and is the technical advisor (cosmetic care) for the Metro NY region of the Porsche Club of America. His name is Matt Zakarian : he owns Detailing Dynamics located in Mineola, NY as well as has a catalog of professional detailing products/accessories for do-it-yourselfers like us. Matt mentioned that he would be more than happy to contribute any info to all VW enthusiasts regarding how to care for your car for show conditions or just daily driving. In additon to prepping numerous concours winners, he also judges Concours shows throughout the Northeast. Matt is also a contributing editor to the Porsche, BMW and Mercedes-Benz newsletter. The first contribution from Matt this month is about the most common mistakes people make when detailing Porsches. I figure VW's will fit in fine here too. The entire article will follow, and then very soon, Matt will begin answering any questions you are willing to e-mail to me. You can mail me privately and Matt's answer can be found on this webpage very soon after. For any further details concerning any info you read here or info on how to receive Matt's catalog, feel free to call him at (516) 747-4114. Thank you, and enjoy!!
THE FIVE BIGGEST MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE WHEN DETAILING PORSCHES
by: Matt Zakarian
1-Using the wrong tools: I'm sure you've heard of "the right tool for the job" and detailing Porsches is no exception to the rule. For example, I see many of you using the sponge/mitt you wash your car with to clean its wheels, instead of using a wheel brush; or using some old rag to remove wax off your paint instead of a diaper. These 'shortcuts' not only affect the quality of your job, but also cost you a lot of extra work later on. You ask how? Well, suppose that sponge you used on your wheels picked up some brake dust, which did not rinse out but then wound up scratching your hood the next time you washed your Porsche. How long would it take to polish out that scratch?
2-Not giving the chemicals enough time to work: This is called "dwell time." Many chemicals need time to work because their effectiveness is based on a chemical reaction, not a physical one (as in a compound). Some of the chemicals that fall into this category include tar removers and leather conditioners. How do you know how much time is enough? Read the directions (usually). Most often, the directions are accurate, but I have noticed that on some products the directions seem to have been written by a pencil pusher, rather than by someone who actually used them. This is another case where hurrying and taking off the chemical costs you more time than in the end, because you have to apply it again.
3-Not letting the chemical do the work: I've seen many people resort to using pressure, when the chemical they're using doesn't seem to work. For example, when they're washing their cars and the shampoo doesn't remove the spot, they press harder and harder on the sponge (probably scratching the paint) instead of realizing the shampoo was not made to remove that spot and maybe they should try a polish. Remember that there is a correct chemical for every problem. If you don't know what the chemical is, you are welcome to ask me.
4-Not using window towels on windows: The #1 problem most of you seem to have is getting windows really clean. And while the cleaner you use is important, it still won't work properly without using the proper towel. Trust me on this one! I know; you're saying that you use newspaper, paper towels or some expensive disposable wipes you got from a catalog. I'm telling you that I've tried them all and come back to these for only one reason: they work best. And make sure you wash them properly. (I describe how to do this in my catalog.)
5-Using vinyl dressing on leather: One of the things that drives me absolutely nuts is the directions on vinyl dressings. They almost always say to use them on vinyl and leather. No, no no! This is one of those times when you should not follow the directions. How they can get away with this amazes me. I've seen more than enough cars where Armor All has been applied to leather seats and allowed to bake in the sun, thus ruining the leather beyond repair. And the manufacturers of vinyl dressings know this, yet continue to include that in their directions in order to increase sales.
** Well, there you go: a short list of lessons that I have personally learned the hard way and hope you won't have to. As always, should you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at (516) 747-4114. Until next time, may the wind always be at your back.
This page last updated on 10/30/98
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