Car Detailing - What products are your go to?

[prydey]

I discovered recently in the 'car care' section of the forum there are a number of threads dealing with specific areas of the car and a couple giving a general overview of which products are most recommended for each job. Well worth reading.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by prydey

I discovered recently in the 'car care' section of the forum there are a number of threads dealing with specific areas of the car and a couple giving a general overview of which products are most recommended for each job. Well worth reading.

That section of the forum seems to go unnoticed by many, and for that reason I wanted to keep this thread in the Pub and not be moved to the Car Care sub-forum. Most of what I have put in that section is to create a data base of information, which I can refer people from here to it when needed. This thread on the other hand is about answering questions or highlighting new products and techniques.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Mulva

As a novice, how do I know whether my paint is 'hard' or 'soft'? Is there a good site to look this up? Specifically talking 10 year old Hyundai, and Holden VF. If there is not a site for this, might be a gap you could fill DFB, with usual disclaimer of "based on my experience" etc

I've finally run-down stocks of some Bowdens stuff which I would not have got for myself but the kids got me for fathers day, so looking for options for replacing the following:

Glass Cleaner
Wheel Cleaner
Iron Remover
Flash Prep

I also need to replace the following but am happy (very happy) with what I am currently using and have found I get good results and they play nicely together, but open to other suggestions:

Cut/Polish - Scholls S20 Black
Wax - Collinite 845
Spray Detailer - P&S Bead Maker
Protectant - 303

I don't have time to detail often these days, and only do our 2 cars, so no need to buy-in-bulk. And I'd prioritise ease-of-use and bang-for-buck over something that is harder to use or takes longer to use to get that last few % of perfection. Don't get me wrong, I still want good results, but am not chasing absolute perfection at the expense of more time, more effort, and more chance of not getting it 'right'.

I know I could go back through the last few pages, and the info in here is very thorough, but sometimes it can be hard to pick through to find small snippets and recommendations of products that talk to my priorities (time/efficiency) over the products that deliver absolute best results/perfection.

Oooh, this will be a fun one. Excuse my excitement at helping you purge your wallet of money!!

Paint Hardness -

This can vary widely from car company to car company, or even within a car company. Every paint system will respond differently, so its hard to make blanket statements. So, take the following with as a lose guide -

Japanese paint is typically soft, especially Mazda and Honda.

German paint is typically hard as a rock, especially Mercedes and BMW.

Australian and American cars seem to sit in the middle, they correct easily but balance that with higher scratch/marring resistance than the Japanese stuff. That said, there was a period where black GM vehicles had very soft clear coat. Again, it can vary.

Korean paint? I've never dealt with it, but consensus seems to favor the softer side.

Product Recommendations -

Glass Cleaner - Gyeon Q2M Glass Cleaner, P&S True Vue, Stoner Invisible Glass. True Vue seems better in winter conditions, especially if you buy it in concentrate form and mix it yourself.
https://autobuff.com.au/search?q=tru...e&_ss=e&_v=1.0
https://autobuff.com.au/products/gye...s&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Wheel Cleaner - for heavy duty cleaning, you want NV Pure. I could list a bunch of alternatives, but none come close. This is an iron-remover product, so it turns purple when it reacts with iron, but also stinks............although not as bad as most.
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/nv...e&_ss=e&_v=1.0

I would then have P&S Brake Buster as maintenance wheel cleaner, which can also be your tyre cleaner. Use it undiluted for heavy duty cleaning, or dilute for regular use. Always undiluted on tyres.
https://autobuff.com.au/search?q=brake+buster

Iron Remover - frankly, these are mostly the same thing, I often shop for who has it on sale. Having said that, I think the best on the market is NV Purify, again it doesn't smell as bad and is decent value being noticeable cheaper than the usual suspects. Ignore the "clay lubricant" in the name, its works as both. I would avoid P&S Iron Buster, from what I have been told they have watered it down in recent years.
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/nv...nt=17821329412

"Flash Prep" / Panel Prep - there are so many options here, but do yourself a favor and buy a 4-litre bottle of Carpro Eraser. This could easily be your glass cleaner too, which means more opportunity to enjoy that gorgeous scent. I've tried a bunch of these products back to back, but I kept coming back to Eraser.
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ca...iant=702159621

Cut/Polish -

Scholls S20 Black is on many peoples list for a reason. If you wanted to try something new, Sonax Perfect Finish is a similar product in that its a diminishing polish, ie cut and finish in one step.
https://autobuff.com.au/products/son...t&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Wax -

Collinite 845 would still get my vote.

Spray Detailer -

P&S Bead Maker is such a joy to use, so it would be hard to recommend something else that has the same gloss, slickness and scent. But..................I've fallen in love with Armour Detail Supply Adapt and Amplify. In this case, Amplify would be closer to Bead Maker, but way easier to use. Adapt is more of a quick detailer and gloss enhancer. I'd favor Amplify as it seems to be a touch easier to use.
https://autobuff.com.au/products/arm...t&_ss=e&_v=1.0
https://autobuff.com.au/products/arm...y&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Protectant -

303 is hard to go past for ease of use and the natural finish it leaves. For exterior work, you could also look at Carpro Perl, but 303 is better.
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ca...l&_ss=e&_v=1.0

If you are using 303 for the interior, I would suggest having a look at P&S Swift. This is a combined light duty cleaner and dressing, it's great for a quick wipe over/refresh of the interior and basically renders the need for a dedicated protectant redundant. Perfect for your needs then. It won't add gloss or greasiness, just like 303, it can actually be lathered up with a brush if needed, I also use it on rubber floor mats. Smells amazing too! (I can't remember the last time I used 303 or a dedicated protectant on an interior.)
https://autobuff.com.au/products/p-s...t&_ss=e&_v=1.0


After a sh.t day, this was my pleasure!

[Mulva]

And I loved reading it - perfect, thanks mate.

Been a while since I cut/polished - still using a very old DAS6 Pro, but last time the bastard would only work when the power cord was at a certain angle or tension. Very frustrating, started playing up halfway through on a Sunday so had to limp through as had done all the prep I did not want to repeat most of that prep on the remaining panels the following weekend.

Being a time-poor tight ****, I only use it every 12-18 months, will probably see if a local sparky can fix the cord for a cheap cashie <$100, as can't justify many 100s of $ for a new machine when I use it so infrequently.

[DFB FGXR6]

Great video showing Sidney's standard operating procedure when dealing with customer cars. Granted, most of here aren't going to do all of this in one hit, but there are some great tips and techniques to be had here when dealing with specific areas.



Sidney is a brand ambassador for P&S and The Rag Company, hence the choice of products here.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Great video showing Sidney's standard operating procedure when dealing with customer cars. Granted, most of here aren't going to do all of this in one hit, but there are some great tips and techniques to be had here when dealing with specific areas.



Sidney is a brand ambassador for P&S and The Rag Company, hence the choice of products here.

These are the sort of detailing videos I find more informative than the torture tests, blatant paid product placements and the egos that plague this corner of YouTube. While I know Sidney is a brand ambassador for TRC and P&S, look past the use of those actual products and there is plenty to learn here from a technique point of view.

Before YouTube, how did people learn this sort of thing? From an employer? A training course? A family member? Reading forums? Trial and error? I suspect for most of us it was the later.

Personally, I got none of my detailing skill from my father, his idea of a clean car is to leave it in the rain. YouTube was not a thing when I started detailing in my mid-teens. I also wouldn't have had the confidence to attend a training session, let alone find one being offered. I think the first time I sought further information beyond what I had fumbled through myself was back in early 2008 at age 21 and waiting for my brand-new car to arrive. After searching the internet, I stumbled across the detailing section of this very forum, reading posts written by a semi-pro level detailer (Dave_Obsession). Combined with YouTube in the over the last decade, my knowledge only built and built from there.

As it happens, I'm now that semi-pro providing information to others.

[randel]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

......
Before YouTube, how did people learn this sort of thing? From an employer? A training course? A family member? Reading forums? Trial and error? I suspect for most of us it was the later...


.... After searching the internet.....

Try being a car guy in the 80's...

What is this internet you speak of?

I think we had Turtle Wax, Armor All and mums dish washing liquid

I was lucky in that mum and dad owned a 'car accessory' store way back then.



I love everything you offer up here on the forum - your passion definitely 'shines' through. Perhaps pro level I reckon mate.

[prydey]

I was just going to have a quick look at the video but ended up watching the full hour.

Loved the vacuum cleaner setup.

Loved the round brush used for the interior too. I recently was recommended that for my wheels (the maxshine version) but I liked her use of it for the interior. I think I just like the look of the actual brush.

[Mechan1k]

I remember Dave_Obsession's thread's back then.
Very informative indeed.

I am also a fan of Sandro's videos under his CCAD business as well.
Yes he had favoured products ... but does review a lot of them head to head.
But shows more around technique and what to look for if things are not providing the results you are after.

[Mulva]

Originally Posted by randel

I think we had Turtle Wax, Armor All and mums dish washing liquid

lol, literally the exact 3 things I would use to clean whatever car I could get my hands on when I got my license in '87. And Silvo for chrome (as chrome bumper cars were cheap back then).

Was always interested in trying that 'once a year' polish where you'd see the add and he'd do half the bonnet of a red car in a wreckers...think it was Nu Finish?

[bfets]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

These are the sort of detailing videos I find more informative than the torture tests, blatant paid product placements and the egos that plague this corner of YouTube. While I know Sidney is a brand ambassador for TRC and P&S, look past the use of those actual products and there is plenty to learn here from a technique point of view.

Before YouTube, how did people learn this sort of thing? From an employer? A training course? A family member? Reading forums? Trial and error? I suspect for most of us it was the later.

Personally, I got none of my detailing skill from my father, his idea of a clean car is to leave it in the rain. YouTube was not a thing when I started detailing in my mid-teens. I also wouldn't have had the confidence to attend a training session, let alone find one being offered. I think the first time I sought further information beyond what I had fumbled through myself was back in early 2008 at age 21 and waiting for my brand-new car to arrive. After searching the internet, I stumbled across the detailing section of this very forum, reading posts written by a semi-pro level detailer (Dave_Obsession). Combined with YouTube in the over the last decade, my knowledge only built and built from there.

As it happens, I'm now that semi-pro providing information to others.

I know lots of people use waterless wash or rinseless wash with great success, but it feels just so weird to me to start rubbing on paint before pressurewashing first.

I've not seen P&S No rub before. Thats looks like an interesting product.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by bfets

I know lots of people use waterless wash or rinseless wash with great success, but it feels just so weird to me to start rubbing on paint before pressurewashing first.

I've not seen P&S No rub before. Thats looks like an interesting product.

Just had a quick look, No Rub is not carried by the local P&S distributor.

And...............you can still rinse your car prior to a rinse-less wash, be that a quick spray with the garden hose or a more thorough pressure rinse. The term "rinse-less" refers to not needing to rinse the washing solution from the car at the end. But, I can see how that concept sounds redundant if you have already got the pressure washer out.

I have also seen another method where the user will foam the car down, soak, then rinse. From there, he performs a rinse-less wash.



I have a VERY clear line as to when I use rinse-less wash. The Jaguar last week didn't warrant a full soap wash, but I wanted to smarten it up, rinse-less easily and safely dealt with a layer of dust and a stray bug.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by prydey

I was just going to have a quick look at the video but ended up watching the full hour.

Loved the vacuum cleaner setup.

Loved the round brush used for the interior too. I recently was recommended that for my wheels (the maxshine version) but I liked her use of it for the interior. I think I just like the look of the actual brush.

When Detail Factory launched the Curveball a couple of years ago, I too loved the look of it but was stunned by the $69.95 asking price. I bought one with the intent of using it for tyre dressing, but then left in the cabinet for a year thinking it would be blasphemous to use such an expensive brush on a task like that. But then I came to the conclusion that I would never need to use that brush on the interior, or even for exterior cleaning. After Nick from Detailing Shed told me uses the Curveball for tyres, I just went for it.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...bf818d45&_ss=r





For high profile tyres, its brilliantly effective in covering the larger sidewall. Because of the density and softness of the bristles, it also levels the dressing down so well that it often doesn't require that final wipe with a towel afterwards. I've found 40-profile sidewalls and up are best for this brush.

And then, as happens these days, the Chinese knockoffs of the Curveball and Screwball arrived. These work just as well at more than half the price less. I normally don't do the knockoff thing, but seeing as they function exactly the same, I wouldn't spend the extra on the American product.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Ziciner-De...s%2C227&sr=8-4

In fairness to Maxshine in particular, they at least put some added thought into their version by having an interchangeable head/handle.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...rush-twin-pack
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...a-soft-bristle
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...ed-bristle-red



I'm now using the soft synthetic and mixed bristles versions, the soft one for tyre dressing and wheel cleaning, the stiffer mixed bristle for low profile tyres.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Mulva

lol, literally the exact 3 things I would use to clean whatever car I could get my hands on when I got my license in '87. And Silvo for chrome (as chrome bumper cars were cheap back then).

Was always interested in trying that 'once a year' polish where you'd see the add and he'd do half the bonnet of a red car in a wreckers...think it was Nu Finish?

Yes, that would be Nu-Finish. Still available today, probably on the shelf just above Kitten Tyre Black!

https://www.automegastore.com.au/nu-...d-polish-473ml
https://nufinish.com/





I see they now have more modern products, including a Graphene Spray and a product called "Better Than Wax™ Ceramic Coating"............... which isn't a ceramic coating, rather a spray sealant with Si02 added.

https://nufinish.com/graphene-coating-spray/
https://nufinish.com/nu-finish-bette...ramic-coating/

[fordomatic]

Originally Posted by Mechan1k

I remember Dave_Obsession's thread's back then.

Dave corrected my VY Clubsport 16 years ago. He is the reason I got started with detailing and my first RO machine. Always helpful and was a world of knowledge. I remember when I stuffed something up and he spent half an hour talking me through it over the phone, a true gentleman.

[In Focus]

Supercheap is now offering Sonax (albeit only on "Special Order" at present).

I see you recommending the Perfect Finish above, DFB, and I know the Brilliant Shine Detailer is (was?) a long term favourite on detailing forums.

Anything else recommended from the Sonax lineup?

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/search?q=SONAX

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by In Focus

Supercheap is now offering Sonax (albeit only on "Special Order" at present).

I see you recommending the Perfect Finish above, DFB, and I know the Brilliant Shine Detailer is (was?) a long term favourite on detailing forums.

Anything else recommended from the Sonax lineup?

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/search?q=SONAX

I'm surprised to the ceramic coatings are being offered, can't see many of them selling via Supercheap.

I've only used Perfect Finish and CutMax from Sonax. Their Upholstery cleaner is supposed to be very good too.

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...O10153846.html

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...O10153826.html

[DFB FGXR6]

I love this guys content, not only for the detailing prowess but also for the beautifully shot and edited videos..............a man of many talents. In this case, he has simplified the new car protection and maintenance process for the weekend warrior.

[anobserver]

Used to use Nu Finish on the Mitsi Mirage bougnt in the late 90s. It was an unsophisticated product, but once a year was bit of a stretch. Think i used the last of the bottle coating the water tank.

And more recenly, applied Meguires Hybrid ceramic as a topper coating today. Quite impressed with the glossiness. Interested to gauge its longevity. Its currently on sale at SC but i have a full unopened bottle in reserve.

My go-to BO products of boss gloss and fully slick are easy to apply but need regular use and dont present much shine.

[fordomatic]

New detailing/flip project, picked it up for $1000 with 6 months rego. Runs like a dream, higher kms, but a one owner. It's been very well looked after considering it's been used as a work ute.

I won't go crazy on it, deep clean interior, engine bay and paint correction should see it come up nicely.

[Mulva]

And disconnect the check engine light?

Just kidding.

[fordomatic]

Pulled the seats out and cleaned the interior today, 20 years of tradie dirt, did what I could. First I used Mint APC 1:7 and an interior brush, worked ok but not great after letting it soak. Then I changed to Bowdens Orange Agent and a tyre cleaning brush (stiff bristle) and that worked a treat. Not a perfect outcome, but definately much better.

I also steam cleaned the seats and they have come up a treat, couldn't get the paint off the fabric though. Same as the drivers door, has white paint but unable to get it off.

Probably going too far with this, not really sure what it's actually worth so shouldn't spend too much time on it. I do enjoy doing this though.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by fordomatic

Pulled the seats out and cleaned the interior today, 20 years of tradie dirt, did what I could. First I used Mint APC 1:7 and an interior brush, worked ok but not great after letting it soak. Then I changed to Bowdens Orange Agent and a tyre cleaning brush (stiff bristle) and that worked a treat. Not a perfect outcome, but definately much better.

I also steam cleaned the seats and they have come up a treat, couldn't get the paint off the fabric though. Same as the drivers door, has white paint but unable to get it off.

Probably going too far with this, not really sure what it's actually worth so shouldn't spend too much time on it. I do enjoy doing this though.

image

image

image

And this is why carpet has no place in a work ute!

[DFB FGXR6]

This would be the strongest display of iron contamination I have come across, naturally highlighted by the white paint......................













The above is a 2012 Honda Civic with 112,000 km on the clock, I would highly doubt it has ever been treated with an iron remover. In this case, I used Gyeon Iron, which was allowed to dwell for 5 minutes before foaming over the top with ADS Decon Soap (high-pH).

Once rinsed, I then foamed with Carpro Descale (low-pH) and contact washed. Another rinse, then a hit with the Waxit clay mitt. Rinsed again, followed by Hydr02 as a rinse aid. To finish off, I applied ADS Ceramic Spray Sealant.







While I didn't polish the car, the extensive decon helps make the most of the spray sealant. Another happy customer.

[bfets]

I just got an email from Detailing Shed, introducing Labocosmetica.

Never heard of that brand. You know anything about them @DFB FGXR6?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by bfets

I just got an email from Detailing Shed, introducing Labocosmetica.

Never heard of that brand. You know anything about them @DFB FGXR6?

I've known Labocosmetica was on its way to Australia for a little while now, but I had to keep it quiet. Autobuff are the master distributor, with Detailing Shed also stocking it.

https://autobuff.com.au/collections/labocosmetica
https://detailingshed.com.au/collections/labocosmetica



Labocosmetica is an Italian brand that is making garnering attention in America, and from those who have used the products, they rave about them. I will say, in a typical Italian way, the brand has some quirks. Think multi-step pH soaps and interior cleaners. The textured bottle and label designs are beautiful, and refreshingly different too............again, very Italian.

I'm not sure when I'll get around to trying these products, the majority appear to be very specific in their use, similar to Bilt Hamber.

[anobserver]

Bought another bottle of Meguires Hybrid ceramic detailer while on special.

Wasnt going to, but so impressed with it.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by anobserver

Bought another bottle of Meguires Hybrid ceramic detailer while on special.

Wasnt going to, but so impressed with it.

Used it yesterday, always surprises me how easy it is to use.

[Top_Ghia]

Today I used a couple of new to me products on my Territory which hadn’t had a wash in about a month. It was covered in heavy road grime and a few bugs over the front.
I started with Carpro Lift in the foam gun with a dwell time of somewhere between 5 and 10 minutes. It does seem to do exactly what it says on the tin with all the bugs just blasting off in the rinse. My only criticism is the effort required to wash it off. It seems to take a lot of rinsing. But maybe I put it on a bit thick.

I then did a contact wash with Carpro Descale in the bucket.
I have no complaints about Descale and it was easy to use and easy to rinse off.

After this rather harsh wash the paint really did feel stripped of everything with absolutely zero water beading remained. It was pretty painful to dry the it after that.

Speaking of drying, I have bitten the bullet big time and ordered the Big Boi BlowR Pro+. If it’s worth doing, it’s worth overdoing. I didn’t want to half bake it and wanted the 9m hose, so I got the big dog. I should have it Wednesday.
Anyone else running one of these?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

Today I used a couple of new to me products on my Territory which hadn’t had a wash in about a month. It was covered in heavy road grime and a few bugs over the front.
I started with Carpro Lift in the foam gun with a dwell time of somewhere between 5 and 10 minutes. It does seem to do exactly what it says on the tin with all the bugs just blasting off in the rinse. My only criticism is the effort required to wash it off. It seems to take a lot of rinsing. But maybe I put it on a bit thick.

I then did a contact wash with Carpro Descale in the bucket.
I have no complaints about Descale and it was easy to use and easy to rinse off.

After this rather harsh wash the paint really did feel stripped of everything with absolutely zero water beading remained. It was pretty painful to dry the it after that.

Speaking of drying, I have bitten the bullet big time and ordered the Big Boi BlowR Pro+. If it’s worth doing, it’s worth overdoing. I didn’t want to half bake it and wanted the 9m hose, so I got the big dog. I should have it Wednesday. image
Anyone else running one of these?

I have the original BlowR Pro which doesn't have the remote-control functions on the hose handgrip or the power cable holder. So you have one upped me!



You will find that the heating function will help speed things up during winter and keep your hands warm in the process. Compared to a modified leaf blower (in my case an EGO 765 with the stubby nozzle), these dedicated blowers are more effective at getting water out of panel gaps and crevices. If you haven't used a blower for drying before, it will take you a few attempts to do it efficiently rather than simply moving water around.

Regarding the lack of water beading making the drying process a pain, spray/rinse sealants are ideal for this, unless of course you intend on polishing and applying a wax/coating where you won't want anything on the paint. A quick spray and rinse with something like Gyeon Wet Coat, Carpro Hydr02 Lite will at least get some beading happening prior to drying.

With Lift, they do list it as free rinsing, but I would say the heavy surfactants make it harder to rinse.