- Mike Cardenas
There is one product that every detailer both professional and enthusiast should be without. Its inexpensive, easy to find and has numerous uses. Perhaps you’ve heard of detailers talking about doing an “IPA wipedown” before waxing, and the product they are discussing has been a trick of the trade for years. The “IPA” is traditionally a mix of 50% Isopropyl Alcohol and 50% water. This inexpensive and easy to make detailing wonder of a product, is primarily used to prep the car after polishing to remove the oils left behind from the polish and it sets up the surface before waxing. It eliminates the “fish eyes” and other issues associated with waxing after polishing.50/50 mix lets you see the paint finish as “true” without the remaining polishinterfering and makes it great for inspecting paint.When making a mix, its important to remember that Isopropyl Alcohol is what is to be used and to notsubstitutefor any other type. The percentages vary for Isopropyl, but I usually choose one the higher side of concentration. This 50/50 solution also has other uses that makes it highly useful, it makes a great bug and tar remover and works wonders on tree sap. Its safe, effective and easy to use and its generally costs about one dollar to make.
Mike Cardenas
Mike Cardenas has spent his entire career making cars look amazing. Mike has been recognized by duPont REGISTRY as one of the top 20 detailers in North America. Mike is a factory-trained XPEL installer, Griot's Garage certified trainer, certified detailer through SONAX USA, Meguiar's, and Ceramic Pro, and was the first student of the highly distinguished Esoteric Elite Detailer Academy. Mike contributes to several detailing blogs and websites, conducts workshops and clinics to help educate on both a local and an international stage at events such as the SEMA Show, and he has been featured in magazines, interviews, videos and the television show Competition Ready on the Velocity Channel. Mike is an avid car enthusiast and serves as a technical car care consultant for various car clubs, including Ferrari, Porsche, and Lamborghini and others. He is trained and certified by the Porsche Club of America as Concours Judge. He also enjoys playing the guitar, recording music, and is a die-hard soccer fan.
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SweetCars Detailing Services
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