Quick Detailing Spray as a Drying Aid
Moderators: scimjim, Lukeyboy46, erikscimitardemon, Roger Pennington, philhoward
- PoshTwit
- RSSOC Member
- Posts: 552
- Joined: Mon Nov 12, 2012 2:38 pm
- Location: Gloucestershire
- Has thanked: 11 times
- Been thanked: 10 times
Quick Detailing Spray as a Drying Aid
Hello (again) folks!
Following a discussion on Steve Oakes' thread and to save cluttering his thread I thought it best to start afresh with this related subject.
So long as I can work out how to do it I shall post a brief demonstration video about using a QD spray as an aid to help dry your car. I am specifically looking at Sonax Brilliant Shine Detailer in this instance but other products are available, although in my opinion none compare in the level of protection provided.
For the benefit of those not of the mind set, QD sprays were developed to provide a fast alternative to a full wax whilst at a show or when time is limited. They allow an already clean car to be quickly "blinged" up or in the case we're looking at, assist with drying a freshly cleaned car and leaving behind a limited level of protection adding to that which your chosen wax or sealant provides.
The (basic) science behind the drying scenario is that whilst wiping over with the QD, the ingredients are simultaneously lubricating the surface to help remaining contaminants slide away and get caught in your microfiber cloth, and also leaving a thin layer behind which adheres to the surface of your car providing a hydrophobic coating that actively repels water allowing it to be more easily absorbed by your microfiber rather than spread across the surface.
Hopefully you haven't fallen asleep yet... I'll be back tomorrow once I've filmed and figured how to get it on here!
Following a discussion on Steve Oakes' thread and to save cluttering his thread I thought it best to start afresh with this related subject.
So long as I can work out how to do it I shall post a brief demonstration video about using a QD spray as an aid to help dry your car. I am specifically looking at Sonax Brilliant Shine Detailer in this instance but other products are available, although in my opinion none compare in the level of protection provided.
For the benefit of those not of the mind set, QD sprays were developed to provide a fast alternative to a full wax whilst at a show or when time is limited. They allow an already clean car to be quickly "blinged" up or in the case we're looking at, assist with drying a freshly cleaned car and leaving behind a limited level of protection adding to that which your chosen wax or sealant provides.
The (basic) science behind the drying scenario is that whilst wiping over with the QD, the ingredients are simultaneously lubricating the surface to help remaining contaminants slide away and get caught in your microfiber cloth, and also leaving a thin layer behind which adheres to the surface of your car providing a hydrophobic coating that actively repels water allowing it to be more easily absorbed by your microfiber rather than spread across the surface.
Hopefully you haven't fallen asleep yet... I'll be back tomorrow once I've filmed and figured how to get it on here!

Nationwide Mobile Car Detailing, Refinishing and Cosmetic Rejuvination Specialising in Classic and Sports Cars
Professional Valeters & Detailers Trade Association - Master Trainer
Mobile Car Valeting in Gloucestershire
Berkeley Stroud Thornbury Dursley Tetbury Nailsworth Cirencester Gloucester
Our Website Our Facebook Page Our Twitter Feed
- Will Anderson
- RSSOC Member
- Posts: 1504
- Joined: Sun Dec 31, 2006 12:58 pm
- Location: Moray, Scotland
- Has thanked: 47 times
- Been thanked: 34 times
Re: Quick Detailing Spray as a Drying Aid
Is Autoglym's version of this called Aqua Wax? (I've been enjoying your articles/comments on polishing BTW, thanks.)
Will Anderson - RSSOC 4230 & Middlebridge Registrar
SE5a 1973, SE5a 1972, Middlebridge 14, 42, P.O. Middlebridge 46 & 67
SE5a 1973, SE5a 1972, Middlebridge 14, 42, P.O. Middlebridge 46 & 67
- PoshTwit
- RSSOC Member
- Posts: 552
- Joined: Mon Nov 12, 2012 2:38 pm
- Location: Gloucestershire
- Has thanked: 11 times
- Been thanked: 10 times
Re: Quick Detailing Spray as a Drying Aid
Aquawax is similar, yes, however it contains carnauba wax as opposed to the Sonax product which has a synthetic base. Synthetic waxes and sealants are generally longer lasting than carnauba as you would expect with a specifically engineered product vs. a naturally occurring one. Some would say the depth of finish is less with synthetic products although this can be altered with various chemical enhancements as required.
AquaWax does what it says on the tin, but can be difficult to use and is a spray-wipe-buff product as opposed to a spray-wipe like that which I shall demonstrate tomorrow.
I will reiterate that, whilst AutoGlym products are very accessible, far better are available for the same or less money if you can spare the time to look for them or ask a geek like myself for suggestions...
AquaWax does what it says on the tin, but can be difficult to use and is a spray-wipe-buff product as opposed to a spray-wipe like that which I shall demonstrate tomorrow.
I will reiterate that, whilst AutoGlym products are very accessible, far better are available for the same or less money if you can spare the time to look for them or ask a geek like myself for suggestions...

Nationwide Mobile Car Detailing, Refinishing and Cosmetic Rejuvination Specialising in Classic and Sports Cars
Professional Valeters & Detailers Trade Association - Master Trainer
Mobile Car Valeting in Gloucestershire
Berkeley Stroud Thornbury Dursley Tetbury Nailsworth Cirencester Gloucester
Our Website Our Facebook Page Our Twitter Feed
-
- RSSOC Member
- Posts: 2821
- Joined: Sun Aug 07, 2011 5:10 pm
- Location: northfleet kent
- Has thanked: 20 times
- Been thanked: 28 times
Re: Quick Detailing Spray as a Drying Aid
well done for providing the info Rich .its very interesting .
I am a glorified binman .washroom service operative !
- PoshTwit
- RSSOC Member
- Posts: 552
- Joined: Mon Nov 12, 2012 2:38 pm
- Location: Gloucestershire
- Has thanked: 11 times
- Been thanked: 10 times
Re: Quick Detailing Spray as a Drying Aid
Apologies for the slightly rushed video - but I was trying to get done quickly before the rain really started!
You will see that only a small amount of QD is needed and that using minimal pressure to both spread the QD and dry the car it leaves a nice glossy finish with a layer of protection allowing the water to sheet off the car. Using this method, the whole car could be done in a few minutes.
Please note, that despite many manufacturer's claims, a QD spray is not designed to replace your washing stage. I have seen people at shows rock-up and effectively clean their car with similar products, but whilst it is providing some lubrication to help particles and contaminants slide away from the surface, in essence you are still rubbing grit into your paintwork! Get rid of it all first using your prewash/rinse/shampoo/rinse routine to limit the damage you could cause.
You will see that only a small amount of QD is needed and that using minimal pressure to both spread the QD and dry the car it leaves a nice glossy finish with a layer of protection allowing the water to sheet off the car. Using this method, the whole car could be done in a few minutes.
Please note, that despite many manufacturer's claims, a QD spray is not designed to replace your washing stage. I have seen people at shows rock-up and effectively clean their car with similar products, but whilst it is providing some lubrication to help particles and contaminants slide away from the surface, in essence you are still rubbing grit into your paintwork! Get rid of it all first using your prewash/rinse/shampoo/rinse routine to limit the damage you could cause.

Nationwide Mobile Car Detailing, Refinishing and Cosmetic Rejuvination Specialising in Classic and Sports Cars
Professional Valeters & Detailers Trade Association - Master Trainer
Mobile Car Valeting in Gloucestershire
Berkeley Stroud Thornbury Dursley Tetbury Nailsworth Cirencester Gloucester
Our Website Our Facebook Page Our Twitter Feed
- PoshTwit
- RSSOC Member
- Posts: 552
- Joined: Mon Nov 12, 2012 2:38 pm
- Location: Gloucestershire
- Has thanked: 11 times
- Been thanked: 10 times
Re: Quick Detailing Spray as a Drying Aid
Aaaarggghhhh!!! Can someone teach me how to do the youtube linky thingy-bob??!!

Nationwide Mobile Car Detailing, Refinishing and Cosmetic Rejuvination Specialising in Classic and Sports Cars
Professional Valeters & Detailers Trade Association - Master Trainer
Mobile Car Valeting in Gloucestershire
Berkeley Stroud Thornbury Dursley Tetbury Nailsworth Cirencester Gloucester
Our Website Our Facebook Page Our Twitter Feed
- philhoward
- RSSOC Member
- Posts: 24255
- Joined: Tue Aug 29, 2006 5:41 pm
- Location: Staffs, UK
- Has thanked: 43 times
- Been thanked: 539 times
- Contact:
Re: Quick Detailing Spray as a Drying Aid
Nearly right, Rich - I just removed the "s" from https:// (to become http://) and then it works (Edited above). I guess because you were logged in to your youtube account to upload, the address was an "s".PoshTwit wrote:Aaaarggghhhh!!! Can someone teach me how to do the youtube linky thingy-bob??!!
Phil Howard
Scimitarweb Forum Admin
SS1 1600 Rooster Turbo; Sabre Mk1.5, Sabre Mk2
Previous: SE5/5a/SS1 No.1/SS1 Rooster/SS1 1800Ti/SE5a 24 Valve
http://www.ss1turbo.com
Never try and argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you based on experience.
Scimitarweb Forum Admin
SS1 1600 Rooster Turbo; Sabre Mk1.5, Sabre Mk2
Previous: SE5/5a/SS1 No.1/SS1 Rooster/SS1 1800Ti/SE5a 24 Valve
http://www.ss1turbo.com
Never try and argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you based on experience.
- PoshTwit
- RSSOC Member
- Posts: 552
- Joined: Mon Nov 12, 2012 2:38 pm
- Location: Gloucestershire
- Has thanked: 11 times
- Been thanked: 10 times
Re: Quick Detailing Spray as a Drying Aid
Thanking you Mr Howard!

Nationwide Mobile Car Detailing, Refinishing and Cosmetic Rejuvination Specialising in Classic and Sports Cars
Professional Valeters & Detailers Trade Association - Master Trainer
Mobile Car Valeting in Gloucestershire
Berkeley Stroud Thornbury Dursley Tetbury Nailsworth Cirencester Gloucester
Our Website Our Facebook Page Our Twitter Feed
- Roger Pennington
- RSSOC Member
- Posts: 19520
- Joined: Tue Aug 29, 2006 9:43 pm
- Has thanked: 125 times
- Been thanked: 473 times
Re: Quick Detailing Spray as a Drying Aid
Interesting viewing - as I mentioned in the other thread, I've not used it like that, I tend to use it as a quick "top-up" for the finish on an already clean car, but it's always useful to learn new ways of doing things.
I was interested to see your comment about "not replacing washing" - I read an Auto Express review which seemed to regard QD as a kind of "waterless wash" and rated them on their ability to remove dirt!
(mind you, that perhaps says a lot about Auto Express....).
I was interested to see your comment about "not replacing washing" - I read an Auto Express review which seemed to regard QD as a kind of "waterless wash" and rated them on their ability to remove dirt!

....Roger
RSSOC member (since 1982)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"Condition can be bought at any time; Originality, once lost, is gone forever" - Doug Nye
RSSOC member (since 1982)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"Condition can be bought at any time; Originality, once lost, is gone forever" - Doug Nye
- swoakes
- RSSOC Member
- Posts: 6695
- Joined: Thu Sep 21, 2006 12:23 pm
- Location: Cheshire, UK
- Has thanked: 22 times
- Been thanked: 83 times
Re: Quick Detailing Spray as a Drying Aid
Nice one PT I may just invest in some of that and the citrus pre wash you mentioned in my thread
Steve Oakes
SS1 DET Sprint Car
Former cars
SS1 DET Turbo sprint Project
Sabre Ti
SS1 Ti
1971 Yellow 5a
1985 SS1 1600
1978 Green/Silver 6a

"Fail to prepare and you are preparing to fail."
Benjamin Franklin
SS1 DET Sprint Car
Former cars
SS1 DET Turbo sprint Project
Sabre Ti
SS1 Ti
1971 Yellow 5a
1985 SS1 1600
1978 Green/Silver 6a

"Fail to prepare and you are preparing to fail."
Benjamin Franklin
- PoshTwit
- RSSOC Member
- Posts: 552
- Joined: Mon Nov 12, 2012 2:38 pm
- Location: Gloucestershire
- Has thanked: 11 times
- Been thanked: 10 times
Re: Quick Detailing Spray as a Drying Aid
Using it as you do Roger is what it is designed for.
Auto Express' staff clearly need shooting. A QD is not a Waterless Wash - the two are mutually exclusive - and should never be used as one for the reasons I mention above.
Auto Express' staff clearly need shooting. A QD is not a Waterless Wash - the two are mutually exclusive - and should never be used as one for the reasons I mention above.

Nationwide Mobile Car Detailing, Refinishing and Cosmetic Rejuvination Specialising in Classic and Sports Cars
Professional Valeters & Detailers Trade Association - Master Trainer
Mobile Car Valeting in Gloucestershire
Berkeley Stroud Thornbury Dursley Tetbury Nailsworth Cirencester Gloucester
Our Website Our Facebook Page Our Twitter Feed
- toomanysabres
- RIP
- Posts: 5373
- Joined: Sun Nov 12, 2006 1:27 pm
- Location: Leatherhead
- Has thanked: 14 times
- Been thanked: 88 times
Re: Quick Detailing Spray as a Drying Aid
Too much bother. Just use the one bucket method.
Here
Here
Now: '62 Sabre 4, '63 Sabre Six, '65 SE4, '00 BMW E38 740i sport.
Prev: '53 ZephyrZodiac, '64 Sabra GT, '68 Elan S3SE, Mk3 Cortina 2000GXL, Mk4 Cortina 2000 Est, 3 SE6a's, 2 SE5a, SE4a Turbo, 1800Ti.
Company: Cav SRi, Cav SRi 130, Honda Concerto 1.6 (yuk)
Prev: '53 ZephyrZodiac, '64 Sabra GT, '68 Elan S3SE, Mk3 Cortina 2000GXL, Mk4 Cortina 2000 Est, 3 SE6a's, 2 SE5a, SE4a Turbo, 1800Ti.
Company: Cav SRi, Cav SRi 130, Honda Concerto 1.6 (yuk)
- PoshTwit
- RSSOC Member
- Posts: 552
- Joined: Mon Nov 12, 2012 2:38 pm
- Location: Gloucestershire
- Has thanked: 11 times
- Been thanked: 10 times
Re: Quick Detailing Spray as a Drying Aid
Love it!!

Nationwide Mobile Car Detailing, Refinishing and Cosmetic Rejuvination Specialising in Classic and Sports Cars
Professional Valeters & Detailers Trade Association - Master Trainer
Mobile Car Valeting in Gloucestershire
Berkeley Stroud Thornbury Dursley Tetbury Nailsworth Cirencester Gloucester
Our Website Our Facebook Page Our Twitter Feed