stupenal
11-05-2007, 06:08 PM
Based on Wolfstrong's review of the Hi-tech Body Sponge, I decided to buy one to detail a couple of cars with.
http://autodetailingsolutions.com/hi-tech-body-sponge.htm
Supposedly it works just like clay, only one sponge can do 20-30 cars. If you drop it, simply rinse off the particles and continue using it.
Background on my detailing skills - none really. I periodically peruse this forum and so I know some basics. I try to keep my cars clean, washing them every other week, I've used clay about 4 times in the past, usually apply sealant to cars every 6 months. So yeah - I'm pretty much a noob.
My procedure:
-wash
-mix Meguiars last touch detailer 1:1 with water in a spray bottle
-spray a ton of lube on the surface and run the body sponge over it
-rinse body sponge with a hose and rub with my fingers to try and remove all particles.
-rinse off car after completely done
-apply and remove Klasse AIO by hand
-apply and remove Klasse SG by hand (WOWO method)
Results:
My M3 has been regularly detailed by the original owner (1997 with over 200k miles) so the paint is in excellent condition. There is some swirling that needs to be removed (I need to buy a PC eventually) but other than that, the paint is in good condition considering the mileage. Color is artic silver so most imperfections are hidden anyways.
I had clayed the car back in March, so the paint was relatively clean. I used the body sponge to quickly give the car another clay to prep. I didn't notice much marring or scratches, but then again, I'm a noob so my eyes aren't that discerning. The sponge glides on very easily and cleans a section very fast. I did have a small problem where one edge of the sponge managed to leave a black residue mark on the paint. This mark was easily removed when applying AIO by hand. The sponge picked up most contaminants - I read on other forums that it's actually very abrasive and acts like a harsh clay bar - but I found that a clay bar actually pics up more stuff embedded in the paint.
After detailing my car, I used the sponge again on my girlfriends 2007 Accord. Using light pressure, I was able to finish claying the car in about 20 minutes. Her car is a dark navy/graphite color, and I did not notice any increase in scratches. I used the same procedure as with my M3 and the car turned out great!
The last car I tried the sponge on was my mom's spare car - a 1999 Toyota Camry (beige colored) which has been neglected its ENTIRE life. It currently sits outside all day - next the our sprinklers and Southern California's hard water. I had to use extra lube as the amount of contaminants was extremely high. I wasn't able to remove everything, but the paint felt extremely clean and smooth afterwards. After applying Klasse AIO and SG, the car looked 10x better.
Based on what I've read regarding the Body Sponge - it seems as if most people agree the thing will scratch your paint, but in the process, clean it very well. The sponge will last more than 3 cars - I plan on doing my sister's car next. However, unless you are extremely light with your touch, I do believe it will scratch your paint. If you plan on polishing afterwards, it probably doesn't matter. For $12, I have used it on 3 cars so far, all with good results. Much cheaper than any clay out there.
I hope this review helps.
http://autodetailingsolutions.com/hi-tech-body-sponge.htm
Supposedly it works just like clay, only one sponge can do 20-30 cars. If you drop it, simply rinse off the particles and continue using it.
Background on my detailing skills - none really. I periodically peruse this forum and so I know some basics. I try to keep my cars clean, washing them every other week, I've used clay about 4 times in the past, usually apply sealant to cars every 6 months. So yeah - I'm pretty much a noob.
My procedure:
-wash
-mix Meguiars last touch detailer 1:1 with water in a spray bottle
-spray a ton of lube on the surface and run the body sponge over it
-rinse body sponge with a hose and rub with my fingers to try and remove all particles.
-rinse off car after completely done
-apply and remove Klasse AIO by hand
-apply and remove Klasse SG by hand (WOWO method)
Results:
My M3 has been regularly detailed by the original owner (1997 with over 200k miles) so the paint is in excellent condition. There is some swirling that needs to be removed (I need to buy a PC eventually) but other than that, the paint is in good condition considering the mileage. Color is artic silver so most imperfections are hidden anyways.
I had clayed the car back in March, so the paint was relatively clean. I used the body sponge to quickly give the car another clay to prep. I didn't notice much marring or scratches, but then again, I'm a noob so my eyes aren't that discerning. The sponge glides on very easily and cleans a section very fast. I did have a small problem where one edge of the sponge managed to leave a black residue mark on the paint. This mark was easily removed when applying AIO by hand. The sponge picked up most contaminants - I read on other forums that it's actually very abrasive and acts like a harsh clay bar - but I found that a clay bar actually pics up more stuff embedded in the paint.
After detailing my car, I used the sponge again on my girlfriends 2007 Accord. Using light pressure, I was able to finish claying the car in about 20 minutes. Her car is a dark navy/graphite color, and I did not notice any increase in scratches. I used the same procedure as with my M3 and the car turned out great!
The last car I tried the sponge on was my mom's spare car - a 1999 Toyota Camry (beige colored) which has been neglected its ENTIRE life. It currently sits outside all day - next the our sprinklers and Southern California's hard water. I had to use extra lube as the amount of contaminants was extremely high. I wasn't able to remove everything, but the paint felt extremely clean and smooth afterwards. After applying Klasse AIO and SG, the car looked 10x better.
Based on what I've read regarding the Body Sponge - it seems as if most people agree the thing will scratch your paint, but in the process, clean it very well. The sponge will last more than 3 cars - I plan on doing my sister's car next. However, unless you are extremely light with your touch, I do believe it will scratch your paint. If you plan on polishing afterwards, it probably doesn't matter. For $12, I have used it on 3 cars so far, all with good results. Much cheaper than any clay out there.
I hope this review helps.