Car Detailing - What products are your go to? - Page 107

In Focus · 14-07-2024, 03:18 PM

Just finished waxing the Focus with Soft99 Kiwami.

Very pleased with the looks, hoping it's reasonably durable, though not expecting Fusso levels.

In Focus · 16-07-2024, 11:45 PM

Interesting video about the potential risks of claying. https://youtu.be/xPu4sAYF5ec?list=PL...r6ARNMZbr-imFq

**DFB FGXR6** · 18-07-2024, 06:42 PM

Soooooo excited to see the full Armour Detail Supply range go on sale at Detailing Shed today!

https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...-detail-supply

Armour Detail Supply (ADS) are only a young company, but they have certainly made an impact, many calling them the next Carpro or Koch Chemie. What I love about this company is the gusto they have brought to the industry, a young bloke with a passion and drive to succeed. Well, its paying off because products like Hero and Amplify are huge demand across the US.

While the coating line has been available for a few months now, including THE best wheel coating on the market, the maintenance line has only just arrived. I basically ordered one of everything to sample and I can't wait to try them out, especially the above-mentioned Hero rinse-less wash and Amplify quick detailer. I haven't been this excited for a new detailing brand for a while now.

**DFB FGXR6** · 18-07-2024, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by In Focus

Interesting video about the potential risks of claying. https://youtu.be/xPu4sAYF5ec?list=PL...r6ARNMZbr-imFq

I often come across comments (not necessarily on this forum) about someone claying their car as if it's something you can and should being doing on a regular basis. You know, like you would regularly wash the car or vacuum the carpets.

You should only ever break out clay media unless you absolutely need to, you are otherwise installing (more) micro marring that wasn't there before hand. A well-maintained vehicle with a healthy LSP and washed on a regular basis mostly negates the need for claying. Naturally, a neglected vehicle, or one subjected to areas of high industrial fallout (airports, railways ect), well yes, claying would be needed more frequently, maybe once a year.

I only know if claying is needed after all of my other decontamination steps.................iron remover followed by an alkaline pre-soak, followed by an acidic contact wash. If the paint feels smooth after this chemical treatment, then you remove a step and don't go rubbing on your paint with what is basically a piece of dirt. If the paint still feels rough, then progress to clay.

**DFB FGXR6** · 22-07-2024, 06:29 PM

This is what happens when you say “I want one of everything”!

With the exception of the coatings (no current need), iron remover (they’re basically all the same) and the tyre cleaner (it was sold out), this is one of everything Armour Detail Supply makes.

https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...-detail-supply

I’ve been eagerly awaiting the roll out of this brand for quite some time! As always, it takes a long time for products to arrive in Australia, in fact I actually spotted an Instagram post of Australian-bound ADS products being prepared for shipment to Australia several months ago…………..it takes that long.

Armour Detail Supply (ADS) is the sister company to the Naples Auto Armour detailing facility in Southwest Florida, both started by a young bloke called Bradley Nilsen.

https://www.naplesautoarmour.com/
https://armourdetailsupply.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@NaplesAutoArmour
https://www.youtube.com/@armourdetailsupply

I have no idea who is making these products for ADS, clearly that doesn't matter if the product is right. From what I have seen and heard, products like Amplify, Pilot and Hero have been garnering plenty of fans, but what about the rest of the line? Well, that's what I'm about to find out.

**DFB FGXR6** · 22-07-2024, 10:47 PM

Just came across this rolling pressure washer/detailing setup. I've spotted a few of these now, but this one is the cleanest execution I've seen so far.

In this case they used a welding cart. The Kranzle K1322, would be the equivalent to the KHD/7 (7-litres a min, 10amp circuit)) or the KHD/10 (10 LPM, 15-amp circuit).
https://detailingshed.com.au/products/kranzle-khd7-122
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...ade-in-germany

To bring the cost down, you could substitute the Kranzle for the Active 2.0 without sacrificing flow (7.7 LPM). The beauty of the Active is that it was designed with car washing in mind, so you don't get goofy proprietary fittings, so upgrades to the hose and gun are simple.
https://www.detailstore.com.au/colle...ull-kit-m22-14
https://activeproducts.au/products/a...ull-kit-m22-14

Karcher now offer the Mini which would be an ideal fit for this application. It runs lean at 6.3 LPM, but this would at least get you started for very minimal outlay.
https://www.kaercher.com/au/home-gar...-16000580.html
https://www.bunnings.com.au/karcher-...asher_p0535856

Splitting the difference between the Karcher and Active, the AVA P40 delivers 6.5 LPM and a compact footprint.
https://www.carcareproducts.com.au/a...washer-go.html

The AR 680 would be another good option, it delivering Kranzle numbers for half the price, 10 LPM, or 8.5 LPM on a 10amp circuit.
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...ressure-washer

And the Big Boi Pro models would also be worth looking at, but their reliability track record is a little hazy. 8.5 and 9.5 LPM depending on model and circuit.
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...-duo-unit-only
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...ng-foam-cannon

You'd then need a hose, hose real and jumper hoses, which can be bought in kit form or Alacarte.
https://autobuff.com.au/collections/...gs-parts-hoses
https://www.detailstore.com.au/collections/hoses-reels
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...er-upgrade-kit
https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...rs-accessories

The bottle racks would also be an easy fit -
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections/economax
https://refractccp.com.au/search?q=r...prefix%5D=last
https://detailingshed.com.au/search?...=last&q=holder

While the vendors above do a variety of detailing carts, you'd probably get better value shopping for these at a tool store. Even so, the ones listed below would be a starting point -
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...483199be&_ss=r
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...483199be&_ss=r
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...ailing-trolley

bangm001 · 23-07-2024, 10:56 AM

Has anyone added up the total cost? Looks awesome and easy to live with though! I hate connecting up the pressure washer to clean cars. Such a pain dealing with power cables, water hoses etc etc. This would take a bit of that pain away.

**DFB FGXR6** · 23-07-2024, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bangm001

Has anyone added up the total cost? Looks awesome and easy to live with though! I hate connecting up the pressure washer to clean cars. Such a pain dealing with power cables, water hoses etc etc. This would take a bit of that pain away.

The cost equation is something I would like to have a crack at, but it would take some time to work out the best way to preset it and cover a couple of price points to cater to different budgets. It would also depend on if you already have a short gun, wand, foam cannon and nozzles.

Discounting the gun/wand/nozzle equation and using the Kranzle KHD7 as an example, you'd be looking at about $1855 for the machine, $779 for a hose/reel/jumper hose/fittings kit, then say $150 for a cart = $2784 approx.
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...41394705957023
https://detailingshed.com.au/products/kranzle-khd7-122

You'd naturally pull plenty of dollars out of that by going with the Active for $599, a MTM reel and jumper hose for $499, a ProPulse 3/8 hose for $216 from Waxit, cart at $150 = $1464
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...40423073218649
https://www.detailstore.com.au/produ...c69458ff&_ss=r

You could then pull extra cost by choosing a basic $99 hose reel from Amazon, combined with the Waxit hose, Active machine and cart would come in at around $1064
https://www.amazon.com.au/AmazonBasi...23&sr=8-5&th=1

And then, if you already had a machine, you could adapt a hose and hose reel, which brings the price down to around $465.

And you are correct, having a pressure washer already set up makes it far more convenient to use, exactly why I installed a wall mount system last year...............wish I did it from the beginning.

I do however understand you need the wall space and access to water and power to make it work. And the cash.......................don't ask me how much it cost me in the end including electrician and plumber, I stopped counting halfway through.

However, if you can wrangle it, I couldn't be happier with how it all works, not to mention having it up on the wall and out of the way, boosting my floor space. If you are interested, shoot me a PM and I'll give you a parts and cost breakdown.

But as my previous post illustrated, you can emulate something similar with a basic cart setup.

**DFB FGXR6** · 24-07-2024, 10:54 PM

A post I wrote for another forum that I thought might find interest here as well.

Some general observations after messing around with so many brands -

- There is more in common among detailing brands than you would think. Just about anyone can start up their own detailing brand, some hide this more than others to the point of lying, some own it and use it to their advantage. Not naming names here.

- In that regard, avoid buying from pop-up Facebook vendors flogging a range of products touted as the best thing since sliced bread. I can almost guarantee these are ran out of someone's back shed, and while there is no problem doing that as a business has to start somewhere, I do worry about the lack of recourse or backup, they are simply buying catalog products and putting their label on them. Again, this is a legitimate way to do business as outlined in my first point above, but who is providing the backup when something goes wrong? Ask me how I know this.

- P&S was recently bought out by Appearance Technology Group, which also owns 3D Car Care, Pro Car Beauty, Hi-Tech Industires, RBL Products, Kwik Paint Products. 3D in particular is another bulk chemical company aimed at the professional space, much like P&S was before being brought to such prominence by The Rag Company. It remains to be seen how this alters P&S, apparently, they will still be independently run by Bob and Dave Phillips, but they now have access to a wider technology base.

- Meguiars was absorbed by 3M in 2008. While they are no doubt a leader in sales, they don't lead the market from a product perspective. You can see the gradual decline of the brand since then, going from the go-to of many hobby detailers to it being a volume-at-any-cost type of brand. It also seemed like they lost a lot of good people within the company because of that.

- The same thing happened with Chemical Guys. They were once a "if you know, you know" type of brand. But they are now makers of 100,001 products that all do largely the same thing, and none of them do it very well. Volume at all costs and look at all these shiny colors school of marketing.

- Despite not using much of their range (not officially sold in Australia), the Griots brand seems to have a lot of integrity. All of their liquids are made in the USA and are their own products.

- Adam's, Ethos, Jay Lenno's and Shine Supply are all supplied by B&B Blending. That doesn't mean they are all the exact same products, but it explains why most of what I try from those brands preforms in a similar excellent manner. Some of that is personal preference, but for the most part, they are all solid performers. For example, pick a soap from any of these brands and you are onto a winner.

- For the most part, the British brands suck. Sorry, but most of the stuff I've used from those brands has been underwhelming to downright terrible. Autoglym, WoWo's, Stjarnagloss (yes, British and not the Scandinavian flavor they would have you believe), Auto Finesse, Angelwax. The only one with the most consistency seems to be Gtechniq, the rest produce a nice product here or there, but for the most part they are garbage.

- For whatever reason, its the US brands that resonate with my style of detailing the most.

- Carpro and Gyeon appear to be independent, which seems to show through in their cohesive product lineup and lack of excess. For example, they don't have 14 different tyre dressings because the marketing department told them to do so, they have 3 that have defined use cases.

NCII40 · 24-07-2024, 11:48 PM

Thanks DFB

Same here, meguiar's was giving me issies, CG variety was to confusing and just made me switch out, Gloss it was amazing, just not easily sourced

I just switched over to Bowden's own, very easy to use, great results and readily available

**DFB FGXR6** · 25-07-2024, 07:00 PM

Couple of shots after a rainy afternoon................

This one is 15-month old Gyeon Can Coat EVO, topped with Bead Maker.

This is 9-month old Gyeon Pure EVO topped with Armour Detail Supply Amplify.

prydey · 31-07-2024, 07:08 PM

These questions have no doubt been asked before...

1. What's a good product for the inner guard? Something to just spray on and that's it. I believe 'self levelling' is the term?? Is this the realm of megs hyper dressing? Something just to help make the dirt stick less and easier to clean. I've been gradually working at the inner guards bit by bit each time I wash the Everest and starting to get them to a point where they look new, so would like to give them some kind of protection to help keep them cleaner. I don't really want to spray and wipe as it's not really practical.

2. Sacrificial coating that looks good and can be applied to a wet car and towelled off.
Not sure if something like this exists but for those that wash cars semi regularly, coating durability isn't overly critical is it?? Is there a spray on coating that gives a nice gloss boost that can be applied as part of the drying process? I know it sounds lazy. I guess the spray on coatings that double as a drying aid are kind of like that. Any products specifically for this purpose? Wash, spray coat, dry?

Thanks in advance. Hope it makes sense what I'm asking.

**DFB FGXR6** · 31-07-2024, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prydey

These questions have no doubt been asked before...

1. What's a good product for the inner guard? Something to just spray on and that's it. I believe 'self levelling' is the term?? Is this the realm of megs hyper dressing? Something just to help make the dirt stick less and easier to clean. I've been gradually working at the inner guards bit by bit each time I wash the Everest and starting to get them to a point where they look new, so would like to give them some kind of protection to help keep them cleaner. I don't really want to spray and wipe as it's not really practical.

2. Sacrificial coating that looks good and can be applied to a wet car and towelled off.
Not sure if something like this exists but for those that wash cars semi regularly, coating durability isn't overly critical is it?? Is there a spray on coating that gives a nice gloss boost that can be applied as part of the drying process? I know it sounds lazy. I guess the spray on coatings that double as a drying aid are kind of like that. Any products specifically for this purpose? Wash, spray coat, dry?

Thanks in advance. Hope it makes sense what I'm asking.

1. Meguiars Hyper Dressing would be my go-to here. If you buy it in the RTU form, try it as is, but I suspect you would probably dilute it further, say 50/50 with demineralized water. Carpro Perl works here too, but Hyper Dressing is better. P&S Shape Up is worth looking at too. How long any of those lasts will depend on how often you wash or rain/wet roads.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...e45aa030&_ss=r

2. I'm assuming you are referencing a drying aid here, as in blow the car down, mist a section with product, then mop up any remaining water while also spreading the product.

The concept of a drying aid actually started with the use of spray waxes due to their lubrication properties. So yes, using some form of spray sealant as a drying aid is very common practice, I would however make sure you wash your towels in a timely manner to avoid the product drying (and setting) in the fibers.

The options here are literally endless. I would caution using something like Carpro Reload after each wash, it's just too potent and you'll end up with streaking issues and ruined towels. Probably the same thing with NV Boost v2, v1 would be better for drying aid use. Some standouts -

Meguiars Hybrid Ceramic Detailer -

I really love this product! It will provide a boost in gloss, protection and water beading, while being supremely easy to use and safe for regular use. Available everywhere, just be sure to buy when on sale, its otherwise far too expensive.

https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-pa...526/p/A5506829

Obsessed Garage Drying Aid -

If you are happy to consider the $53 Megs HCD, then I would also suggest this product for the same money. As the name suggests, this a great all-round drying aid or quick detailer. It is in fact a polymer sealant, but it seems to work well in regular applications. It's ultra slick and has an easy wipe-on-wipe-off application.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...43466292199639

ADS Amplify or Adapt -

This is brand new on the market, but both have left me highly impressed. Both are supremely easy to use, Amplify offering more durability, Adapt being ideal for frequent use as a drying aid. (Ignore the water-less aspect of Adapt, its just a great all-round detailer.)

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...y-detail-spray
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...waterless-wash

P&S Bead Maker -

This gets a bad rap for lack of longevity, but when using it a regular drying aid, who really cares. I know Bead Maker was heavily hyped a few years ago, but it produces addictive gloss, slickness and scent. It's great on glass too and isn't crazy expensive.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...18399576195129

Carpro ECH20 -

I know you already have this, but ECH20 in this role is worth considering. This product has carnauba wax in it, so it creates that lovely warm glow and crazy slickness, but it does also require a little more towel work to get streak free. The key with this product is to wipe, wait, then wipe again. For this role, I would try at either 20:1 or 25:1 to make it more workable. Again, ignore the water-less wash aspect, again its a supremely competent quick detailer and drying aid.

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ca...h&_ss=e&_v=1.0

All of the above can be used across painted and unpainted surfaces, rubber trim, glass, wheels, engine bay plastics, door jambs. All can be used on wet or nearly dry surfaces.

I hope that is what you are looking for.

prydey · 31-07-2024, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I hope that is what you are looking for.

1. Yes. I thought the megs had been discontinued though? I'll look around.

2. Kind of except do they work applying to a wet car? I'm yet to buy a blower and it's not high on the list at this stage.

I guess I'd need to work out if the time saved by applying to a wet car is worth the risk to the drying towels? I generally wash after every use.

**DFB FGXR6** · 31-07-2024, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prydey

1. Yes. I thought the megs had been discontinued though? I'll look around.

2. Kind of except do they work applying to a wet car? I'm yet to buy a blower and it's not high on the list at this stage.

I guess I'd need to work out if the time saved by applying to a wet car is worth the risk to the drying towels? I generally wash after every use.

1. Repco have had it on "Clearance" for like two years now.

Your local store will more than likely have it on the shelf, if not, ask them about it.

https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-pa...032/p/A5576809
https://www.automegastore.com.au/meg...SABEgJQJ_D_BwE
https://autobarn.com.au/ab/Autobarn-...iABEgJLb_D_BwE

2. Yes, you can use those products on a wet surface, you simply dilute it further. I would lean towards the Megs or ECH20 in this regard.

prydey · 31-07-2024, 08:33 PM

Many thanks, as always!

Not looking for sympathy but just to offer some clarity I have ongoing back issues and spending time on the cars is getting harder, so trying to minimise the time is the goal at the moment.

**DFB FGXR6** · 31-07-2024, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prydey

2. Kind of except do they work applying to a wet car? I'm yet to buy a blower and it's not high on the list at this stage.

I guess I'd need to work out if the time saved by applying to a wet car is worth the risk to the drying towels? I generally wash after every use.

Do you have a leaf blower for the garden? You can easily use that on the car as well. Even if its not as thorough as a dedicated car blower, at least you get rid of most of the water and reduce your towel usage or end up with fully saturated towels. It takes a bit to get used to, but once you master it, you wont go back.

As for the towels and spray sealant drying aids, some people get really worked up about "ruining" their fancy drying towels. Provided you wash the towel after a detailing session or within a few hours, you won't have a problem, especially if you use a dedicated microfiber detergent like Rags to Riches or Bowdens Microfiber Wash.

**anobserver** · 01-08-2024, 06:40 PM

Finally pulled tbe trigger on a rotary polisher. Shinemate 605 5", corded. Still on special at waxit.

Bit anxious about what im getting into.

**DFB FGXR6** · 01-08-2024, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anobserver

Finally pulled tbe trigger on a rotary polisher. Shinemate 605 5", corded.

image

Bit anxious about what im getting into.

Perfect machine to learn with!

And you'll be fine, just start with a nice flat panel with the least aggressive pad and compound and have a play. Don't expect perfection, just push some polish around and get the feel for it. Once you have some confidence, start messing with pad/compound combos. You have to be trying real hard to mess up with a dual action machine, just be careful around edges and badges, if fact you tape them if you are worried.

Reach out if you need.

**anobserver** · 01-08-2024, 06:55 PM

Thanks, included tape with the order in anticipation it might take some practising.

**DFB FGXR6** · 01-08-2024, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anobserver

Thanks, included tape with the order in anticipation it might take some practising.

Taping is something I hate doing, its very tedious and fiddly, and yes it takes time to get good at taping. It's that last little job before getting to the main event, I'm like LETS GO but have to remind myself why I'm doing it.

**FTE217** · 02-08-2024, 01:11 PM

good buy anobserver, seriously its pretty easy release the mental stress

.
4dots of S20 on the blue pad to start off with and away you go start off the bonnet to get the hang of it.
Do a 1/4 section a time.
The shinemate won't spin so fast as you expect, its pretty controlled and switch it off whilst its still on the bonnet for once you've used it a bit upon applying more compound lifting it away in the air excess polish in the pad flicks everywhere so keep the shinemate down near the surface you have done till it stops.

**DFB FGXR6** · 02-08-2024, 06:40 PM

A little promotion present to myself.................

The new OG scents only went on sale last week, in time for their latest garage giveaway. Two are offered, Leather as well as Leather and Pine, both the signature scents used at his Destination OG property that showcases the OG experience. You know you are swimming in money when you can afford to buy a 2-million-dollar home and basically rent it to your fans.

https://www.obsessedgarage.com/pages/helen-reservation

Sadly, international orders don't qualify for the $80,000 USD garage giveaway.

Griots Fast Correcting Cream is apparently one of the easiest heavy cut compound to work with. As the name suggests, it corrects fast but will also finish acceptably well. Will I ever need to use it? Maybe, maybe not.

The OG Tire Dressing Applicator brush is a collaboration between OG and Detail Factory. This takes the bristles from the Curveball, slims them down and melds it with a longer handle that has a rubberized grip with the OG logo.

I'm not totally sure this will be the magic solution to tyre dressing brushes, I'll see soon enough though. I think this and certain other new products from OG has more to do with wanting some product exclusivity. There have been many common detailing products that have gone viral because of his exposure and effort put into videos, only for other vendors to feed off that and take the lions share. Bead Maker, Koch Chemie GSF, EGO Blowers, Swisstrax flooring, pressure washer accessories, Kranzle...........................

Personally, I think it's taken him a long time to realize that. Naturally, some of those products existed prior to his involvement or endorsement. But who took them to the next level by spending thousands of dollars making videos (he has editors and camera operators on the payroll) and taken the financial risk by taking on a brand? I sort of feel sorry for him in that stuff that his was instrumental in creating, such as the now universal MTM SGS 28 short gun, were then hawked to everyone. Same happened with Active pressure washers.

He now has small line of OG-only products that give him exclusivity and the ability to choose who he wholesales them too. The Bilt Hamber lineup for the US market is one of the latest, but also includes his own version of the Kranzle (K1322), Mosmatic pressure washer accessories, the tyre brush and interior scents, Drying Aid and Tire Dressing, with a modular car washing specific water treatment solution on the way.

Anyway, just my two cents on a business I have no skin in.

Oh, and those OG hats are the most comfortable I have ever tried.