Car Detailing - What products are your go to?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by prydey

Thanks very much.

I was banking on the escape being fairly low maintenance so most of my time would still be directed towards the Territory. I assume given its 9 years old the boss gloss type products would still work ok? The paint still looks pretty good after a wash and water beads every time it gets wet. Just saying it doesn't look like it's been neglected at all. It's a big car and not sure I'll ever find the time to give it the full treatment so for now I'll just take a couple of little steps...

I like reading about it but don't have the patience to spend all day, or even half a day cleaning a car

Boss Gloss would absolutely work on the Territory as well.

Keep in mind Boss Gloss doesn't have much in the way of protection, on your Escape with Ceramic that doesn't really matter. One of the benefits using a drying aid is that it can add protection at the same time as drying, a handy time saver.

Here are a few (readily available) products that would work as a drying aid that will help save you some time, add protection and keep your car looking "just waxed" -

https://www.meguiars.com.au/product/...amic-detailer/
https://www.meguiars.com.au/product/...-detailer-709/
https://www.meguiars.com.au/product/ultimate-quik-wax/
https://www.bowdensown.com.au/how-to...low-drying-aid

[prydey]

So the warning on the first page about this thread costing money is still relevant. I'll add some boss gloss, after glow and a couple of big softies to my shopping list.

[Top_Ghia]

My polisher will arrive in the next day or two. I will give my Territory a good going over and bring it back to life. It’s generally pretty good with just light swirl marks from years of washing and drying. I’ll give it a buff and see how it comes up. Unfortunately it has quite a few large stone chips in the bonnet from a lot of highway miles. Any advice on dealing with them?
Is ceramic coating worth doing on a reasonable 6 year old car? It was done when it was new but I’m sure it’s worn off by now. The ceramic coating itself isn’t expensive but obviously involves more work.

[CyberWasp]

+1 For Meguiars Gold Class Car Wash.
It can be used in a Snow Foamer as well.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

My polisher will arrive in the next day or two. I will give my Territory a good going over and bring it back to life. It’s generally pretty good with just light swirl marks from years of washing and drying. I’ll give it a buff and see how it comes up. Unfortunately it has quite a few large stone chips in the bonnet from a lot of highway miles. Any advice on dealing with them?
Is ceramic coating worth doing on a reasonable 6 year old car? It was done when it was new but I’m sure it’s worn off by now. The ceramic coating itself isn’t expensive but obviously involves more work.

No reason why you wouldn't re-ceramic the Territory. If you are already going to go to the effort of polishing it, then you may as well re-coat it.

In terms of paint chips, I would polish first then touch them up, then coating.

Check this video out on how touch up paint by Larry Kosilla -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLJnqiBxKtg&t=1s

[fiestaz]

I’m hoping to give the focus some attention today. After all the rain we’ve had, it’s been through mud, massive puddles, landslides and filled with 4 hungover/tired people trying to get home from a wedding in the Blue Mountains with roads shut.

It will be a wheely clean, nano wash, green sucker with boss gloss, possibly naked glass and autoglym bumper and trim gel. Topped off with the cheapest tyre shine (because it was free).

[anobserver]

Loving the ease of cleaning now, its as if the paint is magically repelling dirt and grime.

Quick detail spray removes the dust, and a topup with some fully slick sees it glossy once more.

Even blackened the tyres. Love the smell of petrochemicals in the morning, though the wheels do need a wash.

The car roof is so slick, rain beads up into big droplets. After a night in the garage they are still there next morning.

[CyberWasp]

Is it just me, or do others inspect the cleanliness of other cars paintwork in the car park when walking past them at the shops ect. I think I am too far gone.

[Rallye Sport]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

Is it just me, or do others inspect the cleanliness of other cars paintwork in the car park when walking past them at the shops ect. I think I am too far gone.

I also cast blind judgement on the owners

[Top_Ghia]

So my Shine Mate EX620-5/15 DA polisher arrived today. I took a deep breath and tried it out on my brand new Mustang which has a few minor scratches from delivery.
I’ve never used one before and after just a few minutes getting used to it and trying on the different polishes the results are amazing.

So if you’re sitting on the fence or maybe a bit scared of giving it a go I would suggest you jump in and get stuck in.
Once the Mustang paint is tidied up I’ll give my Territory a good going over.
Anyone use a blower/dryer? I like the idea of drying the car without touching it to help reduce swirl marks.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

So my Shine Mate EX620-5/15 DA polisher arrived today. I took a deep breath and tried it out on my brand new Mustang which has a few minor scratches from delivery.
I’ve never used one before and after just a few minutes getting used to it and trying on the different polishes the results are amazing.

So if you’re sitting on the fence or maybe a bit scared of giving it a go I would suggest you jump in and get stuck in.
Once the Mustang paint is tidied up I’ll give my Territory a good going over.
Anyone use a blower/dryer? I like the idea of drying the car without touching it to help reduce swirl marks.

Well done, so glad to hear it went well.

There are a few different car-specific blowers/dryers. I went with Big Boi, but they all do a similar thing.

https://detailingshed.com.au/collections/bigboi-blowr



There is some debate as to how much better or otherwise a car dryer is compared to using a leaf blower. I have used both and I prefer the more focused air flow from the car-specific machine.

It will also take a bit of time to adapt to this style of drying, you will learn how to direct water off the car rather than just pushing around. The important thing to know is you wont get the car 100% dry with a blower, it's role is to remove as much water as possible before wiping up the last remain moisture with an appropriate towel and drying aid.

[Top_Ghia]

I’m all in.
Today I’m upgrading the lighting in the garage and installing four led light batons.
It should give me a nice bright workspace as the days get shorter.
It would have been far cheaper just to get the detailers at work clean and treat the car.
But not as much fun. And now I’ll be set up for years to come.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by prydey

So the warning on the first page about this thread costing money is still relevant. I'll add some boss gloss, after glow and a couple of big softies to my shopping list.

Priced up nanolicious wash, wash mitt (forget the name), boss gloss, big softies, after glow at supercheap and it was over $120... So might just get the wash mitt, and boss gloss and car wash for now.

Is nanolicious the way to go, to keep all products the same brand, or go back to megs gold class or something?

Also does anyone do a decent tyre dressing applicator? I use a sponge but the tyres are pretty harsh on it.

[Mulva]

Within a week or two you'll probably get a XX% off offer at either Supercheap or Repco, and if not and you are in RAA then get your RAA discount at Repco.

Surely one of them will have a massive Easter sale next weekend, could be lucky enough to save 40% (get everything that was on your original list for same price or less than your reduced list).

Bowden's Big Green Sucker is really good for drying, but for microfibres I reckon best bang-for-buck with awesome quality is Costco's bulkpack - these bad boys here: https://www.costco.com.au/Automotive...-36pc/p/713160

[prydey]

Yes, I'm with RAA so might keep an eye on repco in case they have a 30% off sale.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by prydey

Priced up nanolicious wash, wash mitt (forget the name), boss gloss, big softies, after glow at supercheap and it was over $120... So might just get the wash mitt, and boss gloss and car wash for now.

Is nanolicious the way to go, to keep all products the same brand, or go back to megs gold class or something?

Also does anyone do a decent tyre dressing applicator? I use a sponge but the tyres are pretty harsh on it.

I don't think you will go wrong with either of those soaps, perhaps just grab the one on special?

In terms of tyre applicators, these guys would be perfect for the SUV tyres you will be dealing with. These are sold under a few different brands, mine are from Maxshine but Bowden's also sell their version under the "All-sorts" name.

https://www.bowdensown.com.au/all-sorts





I have found these to have really good longevity and the coloured section of the sponge prevents the dressing from soaking through to your hands, although I still wear gloves.

[Top_Ghia]

Today I picked up another big green suck and some Happy Ending and have a couple of more products due on Monday.
Repco had a 30% off flash sale for online orders that ended on Tuesday.
There’s not much in their Easter catalogue. I think Maguires May be on special.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

Today I picked up another big green suck and some Happy Ending and have a couple of more products due on Monday.
Repco had a 30% off flash sale for online orders that ended on Tuesday.
There’s not much in their Easter catalogue. I think Maguires May be on special.

Well, you are going all in!

Although I'm left a little concerned about a big green suck and a happy ending?

[prydey]

Perfect

[CyberWasp]

Here is my bargain pick for the weekend from Kmart of all places.
I got one a while ago, but every time I go back they are sold out.
Detailing Towel for $4.50
Not for drying, but application of products.
They also have a drying towel for the same price, but not as good as the ones listed above but could be useful for the price.
https://www.kmart.com.au/product/det...-towel/1006332

[prydey]

Pricing between stores all looks to be the same base price. Autobarn have sales this weekend, so looks like they'll get my business.

Will just attempt to stick to something basic today like just washing the car and drying with big green sucker + boss gloss, but browsing bowdens site and guides, kind of tempted to add some wet dreams + big softie in to the mix as well. They have just so many products. Hard to know exactly which is the right combo.

[fiestaz]

Originally Posted by prydey

Pricing between stores all looks to be the same base price. Autobarn have sales this weekend, so looks like they'll get my business.

Will just attempt to stick to something basic today like just washing the car and drying with big green sucker + boss gloss, but browsing bowdens site and guides, kind of tempted to add some wet dreams + big softie in to the mix as well. They have just so many products. Hard to know exactly which is the right combo.

For what it’s worth, I have wet dreams. Usually I just use it on wheels, but decided to try it on my i30 which has had very little care in the last few months. Washed it, while it was still wet, sprayed wet dreams on and wiped over (small section at a time) hit with the hose. Once car is completed dry with big green sucker and boss gloss. I was really impressed with the results, paint feels smooth, really good beading, should have good protection for 2 months. Really impressive product. Super easy.

Another method is you can just spray on, hose off also.

Edit: in regards to their combos, yep it can be a bit hard. I’ll try summarise a bit.
- wash and wet dreams like you mentioned, is a good combo for quick maintenance with good results.
- lazy wax/wax and fully slick, brilliant on any car that isn’t white, bit more effort but basically wipe on wipe off with both products (wax does need cure time of 3-4 hours however). Needs redoing every couple of months dependent on car usage
- flash prep, bead machine, their best products, bead machine is the most protective and long lasting. Again wipe on wipe off. Last about 6 months I believe.

Choose a combo you like and go for it. Wet dreams is very versatile in that it can be used as additional protection on top of the above combos or on its own. From what you have said with the time you have got. Wet dreams and a wash would be the best.

Their other products can include snow job and happy endings for use with pressure washers.
Paint cleanse and restore is essentially a polish, not suitable for ceramic coatings.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by fiestaz

For what it’s worth, I have wet dreams. Usually I just use it on wheels, but decided to try it on my i30 which has had very little care in the last few months. Washed it, while it was still wet, sprayed wet dreams on and wiped over (small section at a time) hit with the hose. Once car is completed dry with big green sucker and boss gloss. I was really impressed with the results, paint feels smooth, really good beading, should have good protection for 2 months. Really impressive product. Super easy.

Another method is you can just spray on, hose off also.

Thanks for the feedback.

I'm getting potentially poorer by the minute. Being a shift worker, I never sleep well, so have been up browsing Bowdens site and videos this morning. I really like that they are local and develop their products using local ingredients, and they have a real focus on making them super easy to use.

I can see my credit card getting a hammering today.

Originally Posted by fiestaz

Their other products can include snow job and happy endings for use with pressure washers.

I have a Karcher K series so may look to see if the adapter suits mine. Like i said, the temptation to drain my account is growing

[fiestaz]

Originally Posted by prydey

Thanks for the feedback.

I can see my credit card getting a hammering today.

Been there my friend..it becomes an addiction

[T3rminator]

Any recommendations on a product for cleaning the inside of the windscreen without leaving streaks or smudges? Something convenient that you can keep in the car?

I usually use windex and newspaper, gives the best results, but not really convenient when you need to give a quick wipe whilst on the road.

[fiestaz]

Originally Posted by T3rminator

Any recommendations on a product for cleaning the inside of the windscreen without leaving streaks or smudges? Something convenient that you can keep in the car?

I usually use windex and newspaper, gives the best results, but not really convenient when you need to give a quick wipe whilst on the road.

I have had good results with Bowdens naked glass and a big softie (microfibre cloth). I believe Bowdens have brought out a “mitt” for glass also, haven’t tried it though.

I struggled forever with smears on the inside of the screen. But Bowdens opened my eyes a bit in not so much the product department but techniques. Such as spraying product onto a microfibre rather than onto the glass itself.

[prydey]

$80 later...



No tyre dressing applicators left so didn't get them. Tempted by the snow cannon but resisted.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by T3rminator

Any recommendations on a product for cleaning the inside of the windscreen without leaving streaks or smudges? Something convenient that you can keep in the car?

I usually use windex and newspaper, gives the best results, but not really convenient when you need to give a quick wipe whilst on the road.

I would recommend getting something alcohol based for glass cleaning as the ammonia in Windex can cause damage to automotive plastics unless extreme care is taken. Most automotive glass cleaners are safe for interiors and window tinting. For me, Stoner Invisible Glass is hard to go past and
is decently priced.

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...ml/365486.html



The chemical makeup of newspaper changed many, many years ago and therefore is no longer a suitable glass "cleaner" like it was. I would assume that could be where your streaking is coming from.

The trick for glass is to use two waffle weave towels, one for the initial wipe, and one for the final wipe. Using a waffle weave towel limits streaking, I use these Rag Company Dry Me A River Jr but any waffle weave would do.



https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...dry-me-a-river

https://www.bunnings.com.au/mr-clean...-pack_p0066429

And for windscreens, you NEED one of these -

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

I thought these would be a gimmick but this little tool makes getting windscreens clean much, much easier.





I used to HATE cleaning glass, with the right products and towels, it is really quite simple.

[T3rminator]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I would recommend getting something alcohol based for glass cleaning as the ammonia in Windex can cause damage to automotive plastics unless extreme care is taken. Most automotive glass cleaners are safe for interiors and window tinting. For me, Stoner Invisible Glass is hard to go past and
is decently priced.

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...ml/365486.html

image

The chemical makeup of newspaper changed many, many years ago and therefore is no longer a suitable glass "cleaner" like it was. I would assume that could be where your streaking is coming from.

The trick for glass is to use two waffle weave towels, one for the initial wipe, and one for the final wipe. Using a waffle weave towel limits streaking, I use these Rag Company Dry Me A River Jr but any waffle weave would do.

image

https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...dry-me-a-river

https://www.bunnings.com.au/mr-clean...-pack_p0066429

And for windscreens, you NEED one of these -

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

I thought these would be a gimmick but this little tool makes getting windscreens clean much, much easier.

image

image

I used to HATE cleaning glass, with the right products and towels, it is really quite simple.

Wow that's some serious tools for some window cleaning

Yeh I've noticed some newspapers have changed, they seem to be a bit more waxy, but some are still ok. I find they give the best results, but you have to give it a final wipe (with newspaper again) after the initial clean. Its the microfibre towels that seems to give smudges or leave marks on there where it becomes visible at night.

Also noticed that windex will leave marks on your dashboard if you don't cover the dash. So now I put a layer of newspaper on the dash before I start cleaning.

I bought a pack of those alcohol based window wipes from one of the auto stores, but they still leave marks or spread the smudge .

Will give stoner a crack.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by T3rminator

Will give stoner a crack.

There's a joke in there somewhere.