Car Detailing - What products are your go to?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by GasoLane

Yep, Leather is meant to glow (satin?) not shine

Agreed.

I was pretty disappointed by the finish left by Megs D180. Being from their "Detailer" range, I'm guessing it's designed to show a high visual contrast so customers can see what they paid for.

I prefer Bowdens and NV's leather products more, however I have 3.8 L of D180 to use up.

[Top_Ghia]

My WD6 has arrived. This thing is a beast. If you were wondering if there’s and difference between a cheap vac and I good one I can now confirm there certainly is. Just using the supplied crevice tool I vacuumed out the Territory very quickly.
Does anyone have a link to an online store that sells the car kit for it?
It’s a great addition to my K7 full control pressure washer.
I also picked up a Karcher window cleaner but that’s for the house.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

imageimage

My WD6 has arrived. This thing is a beast. If you were wondering if there’s and difference between a cheap vac and I good one I can now confirm there certainly is. Just using the supplied crevice tool I vacuumed out the Territory very quickly.
Does anyone have a link to an online store that sells the car kit for it?
It’s a great addition to my K7 full control pressure washer.
I also picked up a Karcher window cleaner but that’s for the house.

You are on fire, well done!

Karcher Car Interior Cleaning Kit -
https://www.discounttrader.com.au/pr...yABEgJvj_D_BwE
https://www.bunnings.com.au/karcher-...E&gclsrc=aw.ds
https://sydneytools.com.au/product/k...yABEgLZjvD_BwE

[CyberWasp]

It's not fair, everyone has a WD6 and I only have a WD3.5.

[Top_Ghia]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

It's not fair, everyone has a WD6 and I only have a WD3.5.

It could be worse. You could have a WD2

[DFB FGXR6]

I needed some more glass cleaner but, as usual, I got carried away.



The glass cleaner is CarPro Clarify. I was keen to give this a try after good reviews on a detailing forum I frequent.

These Dirtlock grit guards https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...-bucket-insert would have to be one my most disappointing detailing purchases. A grit guard is useless if it floats to the top of the bucket because the rubber feet don't hold it in place. Sometimes, keeping it simple is a better option, hence me replacing mine with standard issue items.

NV Purify is a clay lubricant that also has a iron removing function. Like other iron removers, CarPro IronX for example, Purify smells pretty bad. This product essentially combines clay decontamination with chemical decontamination in one step.
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...rify-clay-lube

And for those who have used CarPro Eraser before will know, the scent of this product is one of it's draw cards. And good news, CarPro will sell you a air-freshener that smells just like Eraser. https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...ar-perfume-8ml





I now need one that smells like Koch Chemie GSF and my life would be complete!

[bangm001]

Hi DFB, im after some more advice.. Im after a fairly gentle hand polish for my car.
I have always used Autoglym Super resin polish with great results, especially when followed by their HD wax. But after reading alot on detailing, realised that the swirls im seeing after 6 months probably never really went away as the SRP isnt really a "cutting" polish as such.
So hence my question, i done really want to venture into the DA polisher world just yet. So im just after an easy to work with hand polsh that will take away some very fine swirls i have began to see.

Cheers again.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by bangm001

Hi DFB, im after some more advice.. Im after a fairly gentle hand polish for my car.
I have always used Autoglym Super resin polish with great results, especially when followed by their HD wax. But after reading alot on detailing, realised that the swirls im seeing after 6 months probably never really went away as the SRP isnt really a "cutting" polish as such.
So hence my question, i done really want to venture into the DA polisher world just yet. So im just after an easy to work with hand polsh that will take away some very fine swirls i have began to see.

Cheers again.

Yes, Super Resin Polish has fillers to mask paint defects, meaning they return after a period of time.

For over the counter products, have a look at either Meguiars Ultimate Compound or Ultimate Polish. Both of these can be used by hand. Ultimate Compound has no fillers, Ultimate Polish has some minor filling ability though. Have a look at Sandro's review on these products, some very useful tips and techniques. He even gives some comparisons between these Meg's products and SRP.

https://www.meguiars.com.au/product/ultimate-compound/
https://www.meguiars.com.au/product/ultimate-polish/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Dydkw9OYwQ

For what you want to do, Ultimate Polish should be all you need.

Although not by hand, I used CarPro's Reflect to remove some minor swirling and boost gloss. This product can be used by hand and has "No durable fillers: 100% Body shop safe, No silicones, No waxes, No polymers, and No Teflon".

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...-reflect-250ml

[DFB FGXR6]

More is never enough with detailing. I have just ordered a Maxshine Wheel Stand, designed to make wheel cleaning, tyre prep and coating more ergonomic. The three polyurethane rollers allow the wheel to be turned easily while you work your way around the wheel.

https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...-wheel-coating

[T3rminator]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Yes, Super Resin Polish has fillers to mask paint defects, meaning they return after a period of time.

For over the counter products, have a look at either Meguiars Ultimate Compound or Ultimate Polish. Both of these can be used by hand. Ultimate Compound has no fillers, Ultimate Polish has some minor filling ability though. Have a look at Sandro's review on these products, some very useful tips and techniques. He even gives some comparisons between these Meg's products and SRP.

https://www.meguiars.com.au/product/ultimate-compound/
https://www.meguiars.com.au/product/ultimate-polish/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Dydkw9OYwQ

........

Wish i saw this video a few weeks ago. I bought both and didn't really know the difference. Trying to fix a hood I temporarily can sprayed

[DFB FGXR6]

Got a chance to use CarPro Clarify for the first time today on the Ranger.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...-glass-cleaner



I spray this onto a microfibre glass towel, wipe the surface then follow up with a waffle weave towel to dry to a streak free finish. I really liked how it performed on the second wipe, evaporating quickly and leaving the glass feeling slick. Compared to other glass cleaners such as Stoners Invisible Glass, Clarify does not have a strong alcohol aroma, rather a pleasing banana scent. Also worth noting, CarPro have changed their sprayer heads recently. The newer ones don't feel as good as what they were using previously.

I have been using these towels for glass for a few years now after trying a number of combinations. The Rapids or Smitten for the initial wipe, the waffle weave for the final wipe.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...se-glass-cloth
https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...dry-me-a-river
https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...ten-glass-mitt

[Top_Ghia]

Can anyone recommend a concentrated all purpose cleaner I can mix up at different ratios for various cleaning jobs? Engine bays, tyres, interiors and door jams etc.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

Can anyone recommend a concentrated all purpose cleaner I can mix up at different ratios for various cleaning jobs? Engine bays, tyres, interiors and door jams etc.

I used Auto Finesse Verso APC for a few years. This can be dilluted as required.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...esse-verso-apc

I'm now using Koch Chemie Green Star. This can also be diluted so 1 litre bottle will last you for years. I have been pretty impressed with it's cleaning power at 1:8.

https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...oncentrated-1l



One thing I would suggest is to get at least two spray bottles so you can have both heavy and light dilutions mixed up. With Green Star being an alkaline solution, make sure you choose an appropriate sprayer that can handle high pH chemicals.

https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...nix-hd-solvent

[GO FURTHER]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

More is never enough with detailing. I have just ordered a Maxshine Wheel Stand, designed to make wheel cleaning, tyre prep and coating more ergonomic. The three polyurethane rollers allow the wheel to be turned easily while you work your way around the wheel.

Not sure if I see the benefit in this device, and if any time would be saved in using it? (Unless it is for a commercial operation for new wheels being cleaned/coated before going on a car).

Since you have to jack up the car to take the wheel off to put it on the wheel stand...

Why not just jack up each corner of the car at a time (assuming you don't have a hoist at home), and spin the wheel on the car by hand (with Handbrake off)?

Then there is the time saved by not having to put each wheel back on the car, and doing up the wheel nuts, etc.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by GO FURTHER

Not sure if I see the benefit in this device, and if any time would be saved in using it? (Unless it is for a commercial operation for new wheels being cleaned/coated before going on a car).

Since you have to jack up the car to take the wheel off to put it on the wheel stand...

Why not just jack up each corner of the car at a time (assuming you don't have a hoist at home), and spin the wheel on the car by hand (with Handbrake off)?

Then there is the time saved by not having to put each wheel back on the car, and doing up the wheel nuts, etc.

I can appreciate that a wheel stand like this is a somewhat unnecessary luxury. But when have I never gone all in on something.

For my new wheels, I will be ceramic coating them prior to fitment, so the stand will make that task just a bit easier. If was going to coat my existing wheels, I would also wanting to do the barrels, meaning the wheel would need to come off anyway to get access.

A couple of videos of these type of stands -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4I6rb0MkhdQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYpeoJcUDqM

As for a hoist, what a great idea!

[anobserver]

Looking at a couple of detailing seat options.

Our garage is narrow and i'd like a fairly low seat. The economax looks nice and low but does look wide. Meaning it will take up more storage space. The round seats look more compact but may not be as handy, ie they may not go as low.

For example, i sat on a towel to apply dlux to the front grill and fog light space fillers the other day. Makes the colour look much more uniform.

Cheers all,

[Top_Ghia]

I just bought a cheap ALDI one. It’s probably not low enough if you’re comparing it to sitting on the floor.

[anobserver]

Guessing thats about 40cm high?

Id like something lower, if possible.

[CyberWasp]

I use a Milk Crate with a $10 Cushion and kick it around to where it needs to be.

[anobserver]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

I use a Milk Crate with a $10 Cushion and kick it around to where it needs to be.

Just tried upending a bucket with folded towel on top. Works great.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by anobserver

Looking at a couple of detailing seat options.

Our garage is narrow and i'd like a fairly low seat. The economax looks nice and low but does look wide. Meaning it will take up more storage space. The round seats look more compact but may not be as handy, ie they may not go as low.

For example, i sat on a towel to apply dlux to the front grill and fog light space fillers the other day. Makes the colour look much more uniform.

Cheers all,

What about this one? Seems to be narrower at 30cm x 38cm.

https://www.discounttrader.com.au/pr...ic-blue-k8114/



The ability to scoot from wheel to wheel is what I like about a wheeled seat. It really takes the pressure off my wearing knees.

[Top_Ghia]

I’m very impressed with all the Bowdens Own microfiber towels. I have 3 big green suckers, a coupe of drop bears and some big softie cloths. All seem far better than all the other brands I have. They just seem to absorb more and make that final wipe down when far easier. The just seem to have nailed the material unlike anything else I’ve tried.
I must admit I’m quickly becoming a Bowdens fan boi. I use their snow foam, happy ending, after glow, lazy wax, and quite a few others. I hope my hard earned cash is actually going to support Aussie workers and helping Mr Bowden add to his car collection.
After washing the Stang today I thought I’d try Lazy Wax for the first time. The car now feels super slick and looks very glossy, but it was hardly rough to start with. I also gave under the hood a bit of a wash. Damn it’s a ridiculously good looking car.

[T3rminator]

Can one use general buffing compound to clean up the headlights? Or do I need to get something specifically made for it?

I have spare Meguiars Ultimate Compound lying around, and was thinking of cleaning up the headlights.

[fiestaz]

Originally Posted by T3rminator

Can one use general buffing compound to clean up the headlights? Or do I need to get something specifically made for it?

I have spare Meguiars Ultimate Compound lying around, and was thinking of cleaning up the headlights.

I’d be interested in this too. I have some light scratches on my headlights that I wouldn’t mind getting rid off if at all possible.

[fiestaz]

I have had inspiration! From DFBs massive garage thread and seeing his love and passion for detailing. I also see it as therapy, but in probably smaller doses than DFB. However, I have set myself a list for next two or so weeks to do some real detailing.
Today I started with paint touch ups under the front bar. Typical driveway scrapes. Unfortunately my car is in no where near the conditions of DFBs gorgeous fleet.

Next I started on the steering wheel. I dislike wheels that go that horrible shiny look. I tried a new technique with existing product I have, Autoglym leather cleaner using a brush to agitate. I was very happy with the results. Followed by autoglym leather balm. DFB inspired with the agitation brush. Wish I had Bowdens products instead but autoglym will do for now.


Not bad for 100,000kms!

I continued on this theme and attacked the front seats and door leather. Came up good, something I really noticed was how dirty the suds were getting from the leather cleaner. Hinting the touch and fart points definitely needed a clean.






Finished off with some organising to prep for what I would like to achieve. I really wish I had more space to play with, but living with mates means i can’t have the place exactly how my OCD desires...


Watch this space for what is next when the weather clears up.

[T3rminator]

Originally Posted by fiestaz

I’d be interested in this too. I have some light scratches on my headlights that I wouldn’t mind getting rid off if at all possible.

Being someone who doesn't like to wait, I went ahead anyways . Can confirm it doesn't ruin it haha, seems to clear it up a little, but I literally spent 1 minute on each side. It has removed some of the obvious scuff marks on it.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by T3rminator

Can one use general buffing compound to clean up the headlights? Or do I need to get something specifically made for it?

I have spare Meguiars Ultimate Compound lying around, and was thinking of cleaning up the headlights.

I know this answer is a bit late now but, yes, polishing compound can be used on headlights.

However, you will remove any remaining UV coating in the process. Now, I'm of the belief that if a headlight is looking crap then the UV coating is gone anyway so polish away.

Keep in mind that if a headlight is showing UV damage, ie yellowed and hazed, polishing will make them look great again but the result will be short lived. In this case, either continue to polish as the yellowing returns in a few months, or replace the headlight. Having said that, there are headlight restoration kits that include a clear coat/UV protector.

These Subaru headlights were pretty damaged. I hit them with a blue pad on my 3 inch machine and Scholl S20. While the end result was not perfect, they looked way better.





I also did something similar using a iBrid on a yellow pad with Scholl S20.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by fiestaz

I have had inspiration! From DFBs massive garage thread and seeing his love and passion for detailing. I also see it as therapy, but in probably smaller doses than DFB. However, I have set myself a list for next two or so weeks to do some real detailing.
Today I started with paint touch ups under the front bar. Typical driveway scrapes. Unfortunately my car is in no where near the conditions of DFBs gorgeous fleet.

As long as you enjoyed the process, that is all that matters.

Nice work!

[CyberWasp]

From my research there are 1 of 2 ways to stop your headlights fading again.
Once it has been polished to how you want them, you will need to replace the clear coat or they will slowly return to how they were.
One is to respray the clear coat back onto the headlight with a 2K Clear Aerosol paint with UV inhibitor. Once done, you will need to lightly sand it smooth with fine wet and dry sandpaper, as you can get an orange peel type effect, which reduces headlight performance.
or Two is to apply Clear 3M Film that has UV Protection inbuilt into the film, sort of like window tint.
I am still undecided on which way to go on mine.

[fiestaz]

Getting slammed at work today so not getting as much done as I’d hoped.
Lazy wax for the colour, I love the depth and shine it brings.
Quick polish to remove gunk on headlights, followed by fully slick for some protection (probably not the best but better than nothing for them)
Autoglym bumper and trim gel for the windscreen washers and touch pads for keyless entry. Again not the best but I have it.
Am hopeful tomorrow morning I can fully slick the rest of the car once the wax has cured.

Oh and how could I forget, supercheaps cheap and nasty tyre shine. Why do you ask? Because I have two boxes of it received for free.