Hey Rock, I threw the Dawn wash question at Dwayne at Premium Auto Care and another guy that owns a local detailing place here in Orlando some time ago, and the concensus is that neither would recommend doing it. They both indicated that Dawn (or similar product) is exceptionally hard on the rubber moldings and other trim, so much so that they don't recommend doing it even prior to application of synthetic products. Dwayne indicated that most synthetic product lines include a paint prep product (like Platinum UPC) that addresses prepping the surface prior to the application of the sealant (like Platinum UPP).

Rock, this post is not intended as a flame of any sort, but rather an attempt on my part to pass along some differing perspective on the subject from a couple of guys I rely heavily on when it comes to detail related issues.

Take care.

-Mike-

 

Do I get my cut from that?

 

BigDeal:

I would agree with you that it is not good nor recommend to Dawn wash any more then necessary. From all the reading I did (here and a few other detail orientated web sites) prior to deciding to use Zaino that subject was brought up and usually answered as follows, the following is my own words, but basically what was stated:

If Dawn or another type of dish washing soap is used on a regular basis it can degraded rubber and plastic trim, however if used as recommended, as in prior to applying a synthetic product to the paint finish there is no need to worry about any degrading. The thought is no one should really have to Dawn wash their vehicle more then once a year with Dawn, if that. If you maintain, say your Zaino you really should only have to Dawn wash once.

I also came away with reading from many professional detailers on other boards that Dawn was one of the better products to insure complete removal of any wax and/or oil that may be on the paint that if not completely removed would not allow a synthetic product to bond properly.

Dawn was also recommended as “one of” the better products to remove wax stains on plastic trim, “so long” as a dressing is applied to feed the plastic so it would not dry out.

Now in case I haven’t stated it I am NO detail expert and some may disagree with me, which is fine, but as I said this is what I got when I was researching the possibility of using Zaino and how to properly prepare my truck for the best possible outcome.

For the record I have only used Dawn once on my truck about 1 ½ years ago before first using Zaino. Now I always wash with the Zaino car wash.

 

No flame taken BD... I'm always interested in someone else's perspective.

01 XLT... no.

RP

 

Damn, your going to force me to find a liberal somewhere to make this fair...

 

Hey '01, got your point, but I know you have to jump through hoops with that Zaino stuff you use, so it probably likes Dawn! All kidding aside, my post was simply info that I passed along that others (pro's) had shared with me. I'm not a pro detailer either, I just play one on Saturdays!

Take care.

-Mike-

 

Actually your post was excellent because it brought something up that some of us who recommend using Dawn fail to mention. That is to only use when necessary, failing to mention the possible problems it can cause if used on a regular basis etc. so job well done...

 

Don't let him fool you BD... He told me he thought that you were a KEYHOLE.

RP

 

And you're a moderator on this site! More like instigator! But seriously now, he did tell ya that???

-Mike-

 

Ain't that the truth!

 

Little innocent me? I'm so hurt.

 

got my silblades yesterday and they are on the truck.
Does that mean I'm now part of the Silblade team?

 

WELCOME TO TEAM SILBLADE!!

 

Thanks, as we all know the 22" Silblade is the best mod! I'm proud to be part of this team.

 

I know that we rant and rave about these things but, they really are that good aren't they?

I've had mine on for several months now and can tell absolutely NO difference in the quality versus the first day they were installed.

I'm sold. My wife's vehicle gets them when she needs new wipers..... period.

RP