Looking for input on Ferrari detailing and care products

You can try the Mr. Clean softener system. It has its own nozzle with filter that softens the water to eliminate the spotting.

 

Get a water softener.

Swirls are caused by improper wash/dry technique so look into the "two bucket" method for washing and I use a high velocity electric leaf blower to dry, then touch up with a QD (quick detailer) wipe down and you're good to go.

Josh

 

go to detailersdomain.com, hours of reading and opinions

 

I have never used a micro or towel to dry my 360. I started using an electric leaf blower years ago and it works great. No swirl marks or water spots and as long as the car has a good coat of wax the water runs right off. That will keep it looking great

 

I use a water dionization filter to avoid water spots , and an toro electric leaf blower fr drying , no towels ever ! I just switched from Zaino products to Pinnacle products and bought a foamer gun .

 

Congrats on the 355...great cars indeed.

I can help you out with some reading material on those subjects as I have published quite a few articles on a wide variety of detailing topics (many of them Ferrari-specific). While the system that pro detailers use for washing and drying may be a bit different for you at first, it will become second-nature very soon. You also want to look into articles on proper microfiber care and wash mitt care as well to ensure that you don't do any damage with your wash media.

As for hard water issues, you can look into basic water softener systems, or invest in either a reverse osmosis or deionized water systems. You can get spot-free results and not have to touch the car with a (proper) drying towel.

Here are a few articles to get you started:
Proper wash & dry methods: http://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-Pro/how-to-properly-wash-and-dry-a-car/ (I also wrote a similar article in the February 2011 issue of FORZA Magazine titled: How to wash and dry your Ferrari-Properly)
Leather care: http://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-Pro/leatherique-leather-care-how-to/

There are plenty more articles, but these should get you going in the right direction.

 

anyone know how to remove swirl marks in 3M film?

 

Light machine polishing can typically get out most of the light stuff...you just don't want to be aggressive though with the process. If not careful, you could quickly do more harm than good.

 

Ditto to Todd's response. You'll ultimately have to end up using what you feel comfortable with and what you like more than the rest, but the blog posts and articles Todd mentioned will surely get you going in the right direction.

I have a template listing products I recommend to my clients to cover general detailing and maintenance, so feel free to PM me with your email address and I can definitely forward it to you.

 

aside from washing, can or should one apply some type of "wax" over the film?

i understand you should not apply a carnuba wax over a film

 

Yes...you can apply wax or sealant on the film.

 

Exactly. Go slow and easy.

 

There are many awesome products out there ... 2 of my favorites are: Poor Boy's All Natural Look - basically a one got to product that you can use on dash, engine, wheels, interior. Very good and smells great. Also, same company - Leather Stuff - great product for leather. Found em both at Detailed Image website. (Look at DI's Twittter page too for some discount codes from time to time). Overall, a great site for info, demos, reviews. On that site, you will also find great products like 303 (for Dash, Rubber Trim, Engine, etc), Back To Black (for Inner Wheel Wells) from Chemical Guys - check em out.

I also had good experience w. Griots products.

Not affiliated with any of above, simply forwarding. Good luck.