Preparing the CHEVY SPARK for our best ceramic coating! Prep wash tutorial

So you're wanting to apply a ceramic coating? Make sure you get the preparation steps right -- that will be instrumental in ensuring the coating's longevity. This video is all about the prep! We thoroughly wash and decontaminate the paint, and demonstrate the how and why along the way.
Products used:
ALL CLEAN: bit.ly/AllCleanDIYDetail
RINSELESS WASH: bit.ly/RinselessWash
LEGACY SPONGE: bit.ly/LegacySponge
IRON REMOVER: bit.ly/3GfY4iM
DECON TOWEL: bit.ly/FineGradeClayTowel
WATER SPOT REMOVER: bit.ly/WaterSpotRemoverDIY
PLUSH BUFFING TOWEL: bit.ly/PlushBuffingTowel
Website:diydetail.com/
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Podcast:bit.ly/DIYDetailPodcast
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#autodetailing #diydetail #yvanlacroix #carwash #claytowel #detailing #detalingtip #howtodetailacar #detailing101

[@jayz313]

I think it's great that you are doing these videos with minimal equipment. It shows the enthusiast that you can get great results without breaking the bank.

[@diydetailofficial]

I appreciate that!

[@shaneeka4]

Would love to see you guys do a video about cleaning all of your towels and applicators.

[@diydetailofficial]

Great idea!

[@amberatkinson4230]

Yvan has said it many times, all cars deserve to be detailed and all cars deserve a ceramic coating. My 2017 Honda Fit, which I lovingly call the putt-putt car, is ceramic coated.

[@diydetailofficial]

Perfect

[@maryhoffman2547]

Thank you diy detail! Always learning something 😊

[@diydetailofficial]

Happy to help

[@theDougAngle]

Looking forward to see what you do with the new shop!!

[@diydetailofficial]

So are we

[@davestewart9146]

After two months of almost constant rain I was able to wash and decontaminate my wife’s car using your methods and products, the depth and gloss is impressive, you would swear that I just polished it, fantastic products guys, I couldn’t be happier 👍😁

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@T-BoneTodd]

Looking forward to this!💯💪🏼

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@LuisLopez-ii9li]

Definitely learned a lot just from this one video !

[@diydetailofficial]

Glad it was helpful!

[@efrainsanchez1999]

Amazing this is making me want to do my own DIY details around my neighbor hood. Keep it up big fan

[@diydetailofficial]

Go for it!

[@wescat2]

Can't wait for the transformation of the car and the shop.

[@diydetailofficial]

one is coming soon, the other is a work in progress lol

[@justintowne1]

I’ve got all the essentials for my first, full car detail but I’m waiting for your ceramic coatings to come back in stock!

[@diydetailofficial]

Very soon!

[@strosdetailingchannel]

Great job fellas, my first vehicle was a black GMC 3500. Cheers 🍻

[@diydetailofficial]

Started big

[@shawnyanak1684]

Great Video! My first car that I polish was a 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Super Sport. With Armol All Wax.

[@diydetailofficial]

Very cool!

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

Ready as always

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@404notfound.....]

My sister in-law has a 2018 peach color chevy spark. It is also a former daily rental.

[@diydetailofficial]

@@404notfound.....nice

[@CriticuhL_]

My dads black 2021 Ford Ranger was my first polish. He took it to a wash bay and used a brush on it nearly every week. For two years. Poor thing was beat. And i needed a practice vehicle before my mk7 Golf GTI. The two step turned out freaking amazing and ive been hooked ever since!

[@diydetailofficial]

Excellent

[@cgraham6]

My first full polish (and ceramic coating) was my daughter's 2018 Chevy Sonic, the bigger brother to the Spark. The paint wasn't terrible to begin with, and I took pictures while the second layer of coating was still curing. It looked awesome.

[@diydetailofficial]

Thanks for sharing!

[@jbraaap2821]

I’d like to see you guys wash a really heavily soiled car. Like a truck that spent the day off roading on a muddy trail. Or an old barn find car with 30 years of dirt. Those are so satisfying to watch lol

[@diydetailofficial]

We would love those as well, part of it is logistics since neither of us live in Omaha so when we show up to record it's often a matter of whatever cars we can get our hands on....we do content on. Know of any barn finds in the area? Let us know:)

[@Twiztid_Metal]

@@diydetailofficialI bet if u posted on local auto enthusiast FB groups you’d like solid candidates

[@diydetailofficial]

We have with no results yet

[@Rabbit.760]

I had a 06 spark with a 5 speed manual, it was a damn good car. And looks like you got alot of work ahead of you with your new shop. Glad you have to do it and not me... I relocated twice in the last year and a half.

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@cherylr1850]

‘89 Ford Probe Turbo. It was my baby I hand polished and waxed. I loved that car and it was my baby (as it was my first car when I was a teenager)!

[@diydetailofficial]

Wow , nice first car.

[@ryancowles5633]

Love the red shoes and gloves in Big Red country guys!

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@kimnewling5728]

My very first polish was a 2013 black Victory Vision motorcycle. Mine. I was scared silly. The following year, I put a ceramic coating on it. Scared silly again. Lol.

[@diydetailofficial]

Scared, but willing to try, excellent

[@bobhawkins3387]

Yvan, I didn’t see any answers to your question about Wild Kingdom. Marlon’s assistant was Jim. And before him was a guy named Stan. I guess I was in high school when that program started. Loved it. Great series on the Spark. Looking forward to seeing the new shop

[@diydetailofficial]

Thanks for the info!

[@ParthPatel-gl1ct]

mine was a 2016 toyota camry in perl white and she is still the shinest car on the road with the stack!

[@diydetailofficial]

Great!

[@mcflotty]

First car was a 1990 ( I think ) Saturn Sport Coupe. I got the car new and after a few months it didn't look great so I had the dealership detail it and I wasn't pleased. Plus it cost me over 100 bucks and it was my first new car. I got books on how to detail cars and that's how it all began lol. I think the color was Blue/Black. I had that car looking like a magnet, so family and friends would ask me to do theirs:). I think I started with Zymol. Then I learned how to really do it as far as technology would allow at the time, Now, here we are. Other than a degreaser, I haven't purchased a nonprofessional level product since the 1990's lol.

[@diydetailofficial]

Excellent

[@westcoasttools5179]

I’ve been teaching myself to polish on my 2004 Toyota Tacoma. It has a bad paint job white covered in orange peel with super hard clear coat so it’s definitely been a challenge but i have fun every time.

[@diydetailofficial]

Perfect

[@PeninsulaAutoShineSupply-wg5ss]

Great video. I used to look forward to Wild Kingdom as a kid. One thing nobody has mentioned is that Jim Fowler took over as host when Marlin left the show.

[@diydetailofficial]

True

[@victoryensured7137]

Hi there DIY detail crew! Great video, I love that you detail a small car, I thought in US there are no cars like that, but apparently I was wrong, these cars can be fun, I know they're not speed demons, but they are nippy and can fit almost in every space! But manual is a must as U stated :) I'm an old school wax guy, freshly into the,,new detailing world" and ceramics, I polished all my life by hand, but now I bought a new DA and waiting for spring to polish my daily toyota CHR , hope I'll do good ;) cheers from Poland DIY! Ahh and another thing, can't get my hands on your ceramic interior detailer and synthetic towel :( my supplier only has a few of your products unfortunately :( waiting for new shipment of gallon rinsless too as they are all out (ShowCar Shine is the only supplier in Poland)

[@diydetailofficial]

Thanks , if you ask, they can order what you want.

[@robertdominguez7737]

Thanks for the walk through on washing and decon. Just so I understand okay to use the perforated decon towel, DIY iron and rinseless wash together to remove contamints.

[@robertdominguez7737]

Sorry for misspelled words...fat fingers

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes

[@robertdominguez7737]

Thanks 👍❤

[@jeffc6832]

I've always just used rinseless for the final dry after a decon wash.

[@diydetailofficial]

Good plan

[@jsclayton]

What hose nozzle are you using? Great video, I appreciate when you show techniques that don’t require breaking out the pressure washer!

[@diydetailofficial]

Not sure, think it’s from home depot

[@staceeconnelly9167]

Love your videos, love your products! I would also love to see a video addressing cars with ppf, specifically how you would prep film that has a sealant or wax that's not totally gone for ceramic coating. Unless the answer is as simple as "a light polish" 😉

[@diydetailofficial]

Correct, it’s that simple.

[@staceeconnelly9167]

Hahahah! See we DO listen 🤣

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@wturn5354]

“Jim” was always wrestling wild animals while Marlin was at a safe distance!

[@diydetailofficial]

Just a few blocks away from where we are

[@Demonglo-]

Could you do a video, at a later date seeing as its still winter, of your methods done outside? All the videos of detailing are done inside in a shop and 90%+ of us dint have access to such a place. I think it would be great to see your products at work and how you use them while in the driveway. Thanks for what you guys do, its taught me a lot and makes me want to DIM (do it me-self)

[@diydetailofficial]

The techniques are the same. The reason we don’t do many videos outside is because it’s difficult to get proper lighting and sound.

[@dannysandoval5195]

Another great video. Does the water spot remover has a smell? What red towel did you use?

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes it has a fragrance, the towel is this one. diydetail.com/products/korean-plush-buffing-towel

[@jayz313]

Great video, i learned a couple of things. One question i have is regarding your drying process. Why do you use a plush towel followed by a drying towel vs. using two drying towels?

[@diydetailofficial]

Any small towel works just to get the majority of the water off. Using a small towel is more efficient than a second larger drying towel.

[@jayz313]

@@diydetailofficial I get it, thank you.

[@robtaylor5141]

Yvan, Nick.. great videos! Question about using DIY decon towel and iron remover on a factory matte vinyl wrap hood such as camaro 1lE. Are these safe to use?

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes

[@gspam154]

I'm older than you Yvan. Jim Fowler. He used to bring exotic animals on talk shows too.

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes

[@GeorgePap99]

Small everyday cars like this require their love and affection too! 😂 More cars are every day cars than supercars nonetheless!

[@diydetailofficial]

Exactly

[@dmoore7691]

Marlin Perkins co-host and the one out with the animals was Jim Fowler! Yes, I'm that old too!

[@diydetailofficial]

Experienced not old.

[@Chris-ho4ki]

Jim Fowler. I remember watching that episode as a kid and flipping out

[@diydetailofficial]

Jim was always the one risking it all for us.

[@CarsWithKeav]

That custom air compressor on the IK is the way!

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes, works great, we can set low and high pressure

[@CarsWithKeav]

@@diydetailofficial I run the same setup and its great.

[@RGLRGLRGL]

Thank you very much for these tutorials! It’s fantastic for a beginner like me to learn the fundamentals of proper washing technique. How long does just a typical wash take with one person? I feel that I take too long: 2 hours on a Toyota RAV4…

[@diydetailofficial]

That’s a little long. 1 hour should suffice

[@RGLRGLRGL]

@@diydetailofficial Thank you very much!

[@stevewood5255]

1st car was a 1975 Mercury Bobcat. Ibpolished it by hand. It had heat in the winter and the summer 🤣

[@diydetailofficial]

And a fireworks when impacted from the rear

[@haroldcottam8174]

Great video. Will the IK foam sprayer produce more foam than a garden hose and foam gun?

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes

[@MyGuyKirby]

Yvan, yep remember that old show with Marlin Perkins and Jim Fowler

[@diydetailofficial]

Good

[@guycarlo5342]

Have you guys ever thought about writing a 'How-To' manual? That's something I would definitely purchase along with your products.

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes, but for now all our information is in video form

[@malachi2371]

When using water spot, remover, do you initially dunk the towel in rinseless wash as a primer, or do you start with a dry towel, and begin saturating it with the product?

[@diydetailofficial]

Best to have a towel dunked in your Rinseless Wash bucket (then wrung out). Just adds a bit of lubrication for you as you work your way around the vehicle

[@malachi2371]

@@diydetailofficial Thank you!

[@davidkasparian3813]

If you don’t see water spots should you still use the water spot remover before ceramic coating? Also in terms of the sun if you don’t have a garage, any tips besides working in small areas to ensure safety ?

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes even though you don’t see water spots, there may still be minerals on the surface. Yes, work in smaller sections.

[@macfamily5693]

Yes, Mutual of Omaha Wild Kingdom "go wrestle that animal JIM" said Marlon Perkins

[@diydetailofficial]

Yep, the legend lives on.

[@GoTMLGo1967]

Would like a reference guide for all the all secret recipes of what works in an Ik or Marolex foamer.

[@diydetailofficial]

Good idea

[@drive2siva]

To agitate the water spot remover, can I just use a Costco Kirkland 70-30 blended towel ?

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes

[@thewealthadvisor]

What's in the white bucket at the beginning of the detail + how long should you let All Clean dwell?

[@diydetailofficial]

It’s our wheel bucket, rinse of DIY Detail All Clean before it dries ideally.

[@howlowl8728]

Hey I wonder if it's okay to do this kind of wash with rinseless concentrate that has wax in it? bcus the one without wax cant be found where I'm from. Thanks for your vid, I learn a lot from your channel❤

[@diydetailofficial]

Unfortunately the wax will interfere with the coating. Where are you located?

[@howlowl8728]

@@diydetailofficial Thank you for the reply! Indonesia here, greetings! I guess it's time to learn using shampoos then. More options here but I've been reluctant doing it cus we have hard water, plus rinseless does more efficient 👍

[@diydetailofficial]

Ask your local supplier for DIY Detail

[@TheBarberShopScott]

Are you both from Omaha originally?!? Love going by the Mutual of Omaha building when I'm up there.

[@diydetailofficial]

No , but it’s where our offices are.

[@uga.d4173]

Where do the RED nitrile glove come from ?

[@diydetailofficial]

we actually just get them on Amazon

[@ericsimpson6700]

This question isn’t necessarily related to this video, but I heard you say in another video to use quick beads after every wash if that’s what we desire. Can quick beads and or ceramic gloss be applied too much as far as the frequency of application?

[@diydetailofficial]

No

[@glenncharnogursk6647]

Can you use iron remover with incredible suds?

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes

[@davidboyce6427]

I definitely remember Mutual of Omaha: Wild Kingdom. The host Marlin Perkins. I don’t remember the guest wrestling the Anaconda.

[@diydetailofficial]

Jim Fowler

[@JustS0meNO0b]

and how would you do in the sun? rinseless and iron with towel then rinse and dry but panel per panel?

[@diydetailofficial]

Correct

[@Workrelatedstufff]

Do I need the rinse less wash for the clay towel or can I just use car shampoo and your diy iron remover ??

[@diydetailofficial]

That also works.

[@user-tg3gv6ty9v]

What if you didn’t agitate the water spot remover? How much less effective would it be?

[@diydetailofficial]

Less effective and you would need to use more to insure coverage.

[@waysidekoi]

any reason for this red towel for water spot remover, instead of the clay towel?

[@diydetailofficial]

DIY Detail Water Spot Remover will damage the Perforated Synthetic Decontamination Towel .

[@robertclarke4431]

If someone were to have an "oops" moment and the water spot remover dried on the car what is the recommended process to remove it?

[@diydetailofficial]

Rinse it off.

[@Workrelatedstufff]

Can I use the decon towel and iron remover in my driveway?

[@diydetailofficial]

In your driveway, yes.

[@Workrelatedstufff]

@@diydetailofficial lol kinda meant like in the sun ??

[@mikezupancic2182]

High performance drum brakes. HA! Does the water spot remover replace a decontamination wash step? (Does it remove all the old wax and polish?)

[@kevino1865]

No. They decontaminated in the step before using water spot. Water spot removes the minerals so when they polish, those water spots won’t come back. After polishing they use a surface prep to ensure there aren’t any old wax and sealants left on the paint.

[@diydetailofficial]

To remove previous protection, the best option is to polish.

[@mikezupancic2182]

@@kevino1865 ok. I know you want to try to remove any old protection of wax and sealants before polishing so the polishing does a quicker and easier job.

[@malachi2371]

Should I use panel prep only if I am going to apply a new paint protectant?

[@diydetailofficial]

There’s no need outside of that

[@malachi2371]

Thank you!

[@michaelbronaugh3817]

Is the DIY foam applicator reusable after applying the DIY 3, 5, or 8 yr ceramic coating?

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes, once done coating, soak it in your wash bucket.

[@jovas5302]

Where ever I look in Europe the sponge is sold out. Any idea where I could buy the sponge? Also, can I use the ONR since I did buy the big bottle, gallon I believe?

[@diydetailofficial]

Here’s a list of our distributors Https://diydetail.com/pages/distributors ONR is not as effective because it only uses polymers

[@DaniloVunjak]

Any tips to prevent marring when drying without drying aid?

[@diydetailofficial]

Wash with DIY Detail Rinse Less Wash. In this case it wasn’t a concern since we were polishing afterwards

[@user-tm7cx1fe8i]

Are you going to release polish and coating videos for this one? :-)

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes

[@Agregoire61]

Merci pour vos réponse à chaque fois. Quelle de vos protection résiste le plus au changement de température. (Québécois ici) pour une durée à long terme

[@diydetailofficial]

L’enduit Céramique 8 ans.

[@masonreever731]

I noticed you don’t foam the windows with all clean. Is it not safe for windows/glass?

[@diydetailofficial]

No, it’s just a waste of product

[@LuisLopez-ii9li]

So does the towel works similar to clay bar ?

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes but without the marring.

[@muffin70507]

Someone told me after I use a clay mitt I need to use a clay bar. That isn't the case for your clay decon towel right?

[@diydetailofficial]

Correct, one or the other, not both.

[@muffin70507]

@@diydetailofficial thank you!

[@yourboieejake]

What are you guys doing to clean really dirty door jambs?

[@diydetailofficial]

Pre-spray with DIY Detail All Clean , allow to dwell, pressure washer to rinse.

[@alvin3502]

How can I do a prep wash with no hose before polishing and coating? I live in a condo and I don't have a car wash bay

[@diydetailofficial]

SAFE WINTER WASH! Beginner guide to coin-operated car wash #diydetail #rinselesswash #detailing kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZ6Wq5KYqc-Hha8

[@bryanvlogs1421]

can All Clean be used on Aluminum ?

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes

[@eamonmcmahon6659]

Jim. As in: “I’ll stay here in the safety of the Range Rover while Jim engages with the pack of wild hyenas.”

[@diydetailofficial]

Sounds about right.

[@captainslow4436]

Marlin Perkins was the host and Jim was the one wrestling with the anaconda and other wildlife.

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes

[@samuelfeguer]

Film the garage/studio renovations. Trust me people will watch it!

[@diydetailofficial]

We are working on it

[@user-tg3gv6ty9v]

1am? Assuming time should be 1pm correct?

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes

[@newfirebg]

Do you already have a representative office in Europe? Or a site that offers your products?

[@diydetailofficial]

We have a few, and more coming online soon. Keep an eye on this list. Https://diydetail.com/pages/distributors

[@newfirebg]

I'm from Bulgaria. We have several very solid detailing sites. If you work with them in the future, you will make it much easier for us to buy your products. Thanks.

[@diydetailofficial]

Do you have one you prefer working with?

[@Jacob_Callahan]

I think you made a mistake, it should be 12pm today!! 😂

[@diydetailofficial]

1 Eastern Sunday

[@Jacob_Callahan]

@@diydetailofficial I know I was just saying I need my diy detail fix! Haha

[@diydetailofficial]

Go back and look at old ones

[@ethanblan435]

Why is water spot remover not available in gallons?

[@diydetailofficial]

Soon

[@Anton99997]

was it Marlin Perkins?

[@diydetailofficial]

Marlin was the host, Jim was the action guy.

[@Anton99997]

Oh okay. I remember this show as my Dad said he's show is the original wildlife adventurist. Crocodile hunter, Steve Irwin was an spin off.@@diydetailofficial

[@MoparMarc426]

I would rather wash with a garden hose and I like washing a Chevy Spark

[@diydetailofficial]

Great

[@PastorTom2009]

Jim

[@diydetailofficial]

Correct

[@orthodox1717]

Why no pressure washer?

[@diydetailofficial]

Our shop is under renovation, and the pressure washer is in storage.

[@orthodox1717]

@@diydetailofficial got it. Thanks.

[@johnlegend9553]

"come on just say it". 'fine'... "yvan this pain looks trash" just joking there i love your videos ❤

[@diydetailofficial]

Thanks 😅

[@vinof6]

The car i drive now was a rental car. The clear coat looks like it was washed with a garden rake.

[@diydetailofficial]

Seems all too common.

[@jeffreyrobert9460]

Marlon Perkins

[@diydetailofficial]

Marlon was the host, Jim Fowler was the man of action.

[@adamkwasnaza]

Are we going to see that Spark pushing a red bus 🤔

[@diydetailofficial]

No, we sold the fiat because it was too small.

[@lawrenceo3665]

"promo sm" 🙃

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.