Car Detailing - What products are your go to?

[prydey]

Forgot about that. My karcher will draw from a bucket.

Having said that, the van has a few vents that aren't designed to keep high pressure water out. I think I'll use the other methods first.

[DFB FGXR6]

Having used a LOT of polishing pads over the last couple of weeks, using this pad washing system made the task that a bit easier.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...-washer-system
https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...tem-attachment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCA-glSygO8&t=2s

These work by squirting water up into the pad, helping to flush out compound residue.











Full review here -

https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...postcount=1741

[DFB FGXR6]

I came across this video on Auto Geek the other day.



I don't normally watch Apex Detail videos, but after the content was posted on AG, and the controversy it created among the members, I felt like I had to see what the fuss was about.


Yvan Lacroix is an American detailing figurehead who has worked for some key detail chemical companies. He is very dedicated to water-less and rinse-less washing. However, I simply can not get on board the concept of washing a car, a black one at that, with a brush. That go's against all of the accepted best practices for safe car cleaning.

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I came across this video on Auto Geek the other day.



I don't normally watch Apex Detail videos, but after the content was posted on AG, and the controversy it created among the members, I felt like I had to see what the fuss was about.


Yvan Lacroix is an American detailing figurehead who has worked for some key detail chemical companies. He is very dedicated to water-less and rinse-less washing. However, I simply can not get on board the concept of washing a car, a black one at that, with a brush. That go's against all of the accepted best practices for safe car cleaning.

A similar process to what I posted a couple of days ago in post 1556.............. but without a brush

[prydey]

Originally Posted by GasoLane

A similar process to what I posted a couple of days ago in post 1556.............. but without a brush

And that is the route I ended up going this time. I was in Supercheap and it was there so the convenience won out. It's just a caravan after all. I might try some of those other rinse less washes later.

My wife loves those banana lollies so she was a big fan of the smell of the autoglym product. Hopefully it has more pros than that. I only tried a small section and it seemed to work good enough.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by GasoLane

A similar process to what I posted a couple of days ago in post 1556.............. but without a brush

Nothing wrong with water-less and rinse-less washing, I have only just started to do rinse-less washing myself and can see the appeal.

The Brush on paint is the shocking part.

[DFB FGXR6]

Spending some remaining credit on a Autobarn gift card, a decided to give Meguiars Hybrid Ceramic Detailer a shot.

https://autobarn.com.au/ab/Autobarn-...ILER/p/CC07747
https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...ml/593526.html
https://www.repco.com.au/en/car-care...526/p/A5506829





Meguiars HCD is very similar in concept to other Si02 quick detailers like CarPro EliXir, OG Drying Aid or Bead Maker. Having heard good things by professionals about this product, I thought it would be worth a try. Being labeled as a 'detailer' means to me it's a drying aid, and that's what I used it for on the Ranger.





Prime the towel with 4-5 sprays, and each panel with 2 - 3 before wiping. Using the medium Gauntlet towel here.







Wow! It took literally the first wipe to realise this is a brilliant product! I'm at that point now where I can tell straight away if I'm going to like and continue to use a product................and continue to buy it.

At full retail, HCD is on par with EliXir and Bead Maker for price per ml. On sale, it smashes them out of the park, especially when it's easier to use. Meguiars might have taken their time to catch up to the boutique brands with a Si02 product like this, but they certainly used that time wisely. The only thing I don't like about it is the old-school Meguiars wax scent to it. And longevity/durability is said to be limited, not an issue really if you use it after each wash.

HCD is also sold under detailer range in gallon size, called Meguiars M799 PRO Ceramic Bead Booster -

https://www.automegastore.com.au/meg...-booster-3-78l

[prydey]

So did you use that on a wet car or had you already given it a blow dry?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by prydey

So did you use that on a wet car or had you already given it a blow dry?

You could do either.

My drying method is to use the blower to remove 90 - 95% of the water off the car including door jambs, panel gaps, wheels, tyres, grills, around the lights and any other water traps. This means I'm not dealing with drips later on.

I then prime a towel with product, applying a few sprays to each panel as I move around the car to remove any remaining water. The product adds lubrication to account for the towel whilst also boosting gloss and also protection depending on chosen product.

The above method is why I can dry a car with one medium or two smaller towels without wringing or smears. It's also why in most cases I have stopped using big towels such as the Big Green Sucker.



My method of course does mean more paint contact from a towel, but I feel I manage it pretty well. I also like not having to deal with heavily saturated towels or wringing them out like I once did with a chamois. In other words, I let the air do the most of the job, meaning I can simply glide the towel over the paint to remove any residue.

That of course is one way of doing it. Some like to use a larger towel/s with drying aid sprayed directly onto the still wet car, perhaps using the blotting or lift and drag method. No wrong choice, just different preferences.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Detailing You Tube channels for me are a valuable source of information, inspiration, opinions, and of course entertainment.

Here are a few I am following for various reasons, which I will outline as I go.

Detail Geek –
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheDetailGeek

This channel has been very helpful in teaching me how to deal with excessively dirty cars. My own fleet is spotless, in effect I am cleaning a clean car, dealing with a customer’s car is a different proposition. Things like using a pressure washer to deal with dirty door jambs and vacuum technique are what I have picked up here, valuable in saving time and effort.

The Rag Company -
https://www.youtube.com/c/Theragcompany
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheRagCompanyPodcast
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqt...smM6abU5q9mEtQ

There are a few different channels for The Rag Company. The FAQ channel is the home of short, sharp videos generally based around product information. The Main channel is a where they host a variety of content showing how to use products, methods and projects. The Podcast channel is where they host the video aspect of their weekly podcast. These channels all provide such a rich vein of information.

Car Craft Auto Detailing -
https://www.youtube.com/c/CarCraftAutoDetailing

I really like the no-bull information here. I love the way Sandro shares his knowledge with no bravado or ego. Very informative and highly recommended.

Chromatic Garage -
https://www.youtube.com/c/ChromaticAutoDetailing

I love the quality of this content. Most of his videos are of the ASMR type, meaning they are very relaxing to watch. There is the occasional tutorial video but for the most part, you will watch this for the creative way he films.

AMMO NYC -
https://www.youtube.com/c/AMMONYCdotcom

A lot of the cars here are extremely high end exotics, but it's the way Larry moves beyond the dollar value of the car and explains in simple terms what he is doing and why. There is a bit of everything here, barn finds, exotics, old muscle cars and beyond. He also doesn't focus on one style of detailing like say Detail Geek does ("disaster details"). You will find content on paint touch-ups, polishing, under carriage cleaning, PPF, Dry Ice cleaning and more. I will often link people to AMMO videos.

Evolved Details -
https://www.youtube.com/c/EvolvedDetails

I have only started watching this content. Being an Aussie channel, it's great to have local content and opinion.

Obsessed Garage -
https://www.youtube.com/c/MattMoreman

This channel won't be for everyone, the host is an acquired taste with strong opinion. A lot of the time I'm watching in awe of his amazing garages, but I have also learnt a lot of new techniques and found new products because of this channel. I also identify with a lot of his sentiments, and I have also learnt that it's ok to like what you like and follow your own path.

Car Cleaning Guru -
https://www.youtube.com/c/CarCleaningGuru

This one is based in the UK, this guy is pretty methodical and film quality is pretty good.

Just adding another channel I have been following lately -

CC Detailing -
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOE...wP6z7zn9k7wusw

This is another American (Florida) channel with a decent mix of cars featured. No "disaster" details, rather working with what he has and making a car look the best it can. While he talks a million miles an hour, like all Americans really, his work ethic and film quality is excellent. The low view and subscriber counts do do his work justice. Perhaps not enough use of the "disaster" thumb nails?

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

While he talks a million miles an hour, like all Americans really,

That really irks me about their vids, why is it that there are none (that I've noticed) from the UK or Oz>

[bfets]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Just adding another channel I have been following lately -

CC Detailing -
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOE...wP6z7zn9k7wusw

This is another American (Florida) channel with a decent mix of cars featured. No "disaster" details, rather working with what he has and making a car look the best it can. While he talks a million miles an hour, like all Americans really, his work ethic and film quality is excellent. The low view and subscriber counts do do his work justice. Perhaps not enough use of the "disaster" thumb nails?

Thanks DFB. I've added him to my subscription list as well. I like what I see so far. The fast talking doesnt seem that bad to me. Have you ever watched any of Scotty Kilmers videos? Now that guy talks fast! ;-)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CY5U2Vq4wtY

This video just reinforced my beliefs around adding stripes and vinyl to my Mustang. Never adding any to my Mustang.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by bfets

Thanks DFB. I've added him to my subscription list as well. I like what I see so far. The fast talking doesnt seem that bad to me. Have you ever watched any of Scotty Kilmers videos? Now that guy talks fast! ;-)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CY5U2Vq4wtY

This video just reinforced my beliefs around adding stripes and vinyl to my Mustang. Never adding any to my Mustang.

Have not watched Kilmers stuff.

That Mustang with the stripes ruining the paint made me cringe.

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Have not watched Kilmers stuff.

You should, at least once. To me he's about on par with John Cadogan

[fordomatic]

So, i've been hunting for a set of FG G6E Turbo 19" wheels for 5 months. They needed to be in ok condition and come with good tyres. I found a set for $600 needing tyres and refirb and bought them. Then 4 days later a set of 50th Anniversary ones with new tyres came up for $1800. So I sold the original set for $1000 and scored myself a set of 50ths for $1400 (these generally sell for over $2000, my budget was $2250 for a good set).

I wasn't expecting them to be good but when I got them they were in much better condition than I expected, but the faces had a heap of scratches on the polished alloy. So I hit them with The Last Cut and an aggresive pad. Stoked with how they came up compared to how they were originally. TLC is such a good compund, I haven't used it for a while. I'll put some Nova Lustre on them in the morning and put them on the car.

I just bought a 2009 335i convertable to flip, so i think TLC will be used for that one as a bit of an experiment as the paint on it is heavily swirled and scratched.



This photo shows the scratches


Same spot after a quick pass, I spent maybe 10 seconds on each pass.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by fordomatic

So, i've been hunting for a set of FG G6E Turbo 19" wheels for 5 months. They needed to be in ok condition and come with good tyres. I found a set for $600 needing tyres and refirb and bought them. Then 4 days later a set of 50th Anniversary ones with new tyres came up for $1800. So I sold the original set for $1000 and scored myself a set of 50ths for $1400 (these generally sell for over $2000, my budget was $2250 for a good set).

I wasn't expecting them to be good but when I got them they were in much better condition than I expected, but the faces had a heap of scratches on the polished alloy. So I hit them with The Last Cut and an aggresive pad. Stoked with how they came up compared to how they were originally. TLC is such a good compund, I haven't used it for a while. I'll put some Nova Lustre on them in the morning and put them on the car.

I just bought a 2009 335i convertable to flip, so i think TLC will be used for that one as a bit of an experiment as the paint on it is heavily swirled and scratched.

image

This photo shows the scratches
image

Same spot after a quick pass, I spent maybe 10 seconds on each pass.
image

image

Nice work, I love that wheel design.

[DFB FGXR6]

A great review of Gyeon Q2 Wax by Sandro at Car Craft -



Interesting results on the red panel. I actually experienced a bit of the wax ghosting on the bonnet of the XR8, hopefully that didn't compromise the bond like it did with Sandro.

Also interesting the test section with regards to using Q2 Wax as a topper to existing ceramic coatings, causing the coating to loose it's attributes. My hunch here is that the wax clogs the "pores" of the coating, causing it loose key attributes such as water repellency. In such case, I would have tried an iron remover, IPA or even some a light claying to see if that revived the coating.

[ford12]

Some advice advice for all.
Do not put put hydro 2 on-top of collinite 845.
Unless you want to spend a few hours cleaning up the streaks it creates.
Anyone have any ideas why the 2 don't get along ?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by ford12

Some advice advice for all.
Do not put put hydro 2 on-top of collinite 845.
Unless you want to spend a few hours cleaning up the streaks it creates.
Anyone have any ideas why the 2 don't get along ?

It will be a case of the two chemistries not being compatible with each other, causing the Hydr02 to not bond properly.

That said, I have witnessed the streaking from Hydr02 on un-waxed/un-protected cars before. In some cases that was due to working in the direct sun or even be an old dilution. I remember someone telling me in my thread about Hydr02 being more susceptible to streaking if the product had been mixed up for a while.

In such cases, only mix up smaller amounts and ensure you don't delay the rinse off after application. Work one panel or section at a time, using 3 or 4 sprays and rinse immediately before starting on the next section. It's also important to keep rinsing surrounding areas after each section and do a thorough final rinse from top to bottom to be sure all residue has been removed.

Also, mix up your dilutions with distilled or demineralised and make sure not to exceed 1:6 ratio or perhaps try a lighter ratio at 1:10.

[ford12]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

It will be a case of the two chemistries not being compatible with each other, causing the Hydr02 to not bond properly.

That said, I have witnessed the streaking from Hydr02 on un-waxed/un-protected cars before. In some cases that was due to working in the direct sun or even be an old dilution. I remember someone telling me in my thread about Hydr02 being more susceptible to streaking if the product had been mixed up for a while.

In such cases, only mix up smaller amounts and ensure you don't delay the rinse off after application. Work one panel or section at a time, using 3 or 4 sprays and rinse immediately before starting on the next section. It's also important to keep rinsing surrounding areas after each section and do a thorough final rinse from top to bottom to be sure all residue has been removed.

Also, mix up your dilutions with distilled or demineralised and make sure not to exceed 1:6 ratio or perhaps try a lighter ratio at 1:10.

Hmmm. My mixture is pretty old. Does hydro 2 lite have a use by date.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by ford12

Hmmm. My mixture is pretty old. Does hydro 2 lite have a use by date.

My advice was for the concentrate version of Hydr02, Hydr02 Lite is a premixed/diluted version, I'm not sure what ratio CarPro mix it at though.

Hydr02 Lite -



Hydr02 Concentrate -





Most, if not all CarPro products have a production date sticker applied to the base or side of each bottle. I would aim to use the product within 12 months or so.

I have also lifted this information from a CarPro USA distributor -

https://www.carpro-us.com/glass/carp...o-use-formula/

Directions:
Do NOT apply HydrO2 in the sun or to a hot surface! Applying in this manner may cause streaks that do not wipe off easily.

In shaded location or shop wash your vehicle and remove any dirt from the surfaces. (Use CARPRO Reset).

Surface must be well cleaned from soap residue and left wet with water.

Spray fine mist of HydrO2 on no more than 1/4 of vehicle before rinsing.

Very little is needed and no overlap is needed.

From time you start spraying a section to rinsing off should be approximately 30 seconds or less.

Immediately rinse well with strong water nozzle.

Repeat steps 4-6 on the next section of the vehicle rinsing well before moving to next section.

Finish by "flood rinsing" the vehicle without a spray nozzle to push all the water off from top down.

Dry any remaining water by blowing off or with the use of a clean Dry Me Crazy Jr.

[ford12]

I'll try a fresh mixture and let you know the results.
Hope it's just a case of being an old mixture.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by ford12

I'll try a fresh mixture and let you know the results.
Hope it's just a case of being an old mixture.

How old is it?

[ford12]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

How old is it?

I reckon about 3 months.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by ford12

I reckon about 3 months.

That should fine at 3 months. If the you have had the bottle 3 months but the bottle was manufactured 9 prior, then you would consider demoting it to wheels and buying a new bottle.

[fordomatic]

This is really good value. These two coating are my absolute favourite. Jet over the top of Lustre gives an amazing depth and shine to metalic paint.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...-clarity-500ml

[prydey]

Originally Posted by fordomatic

This is really good value. These two coating are my absolute favourite. Jet over the top of Lustre gives an amazing depth and shine to metalic paint.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...-clarity-500ml

Got the bogo email this morning.

I don't have the patience to prep my car properly ie, clay bar etc. If i just use the 3 products in that deal after a normal wash with nv snow, will it still deliver a result. My paint looks quite good still.

[FTE217]

prydey, yes it will improve your overall finish and end result.
Obviously you end up with a far clearer/cleaner popping finish using claybar etc but you'll be happy enough.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by prydey

Got the bogo email this morning.

I don't have the patience to prep my car properly ie, clay bar etc. If i just use the 3 products in that deal after a normal wash with nv snow, will it still deliver a result. My paint looks quite good still.

Out of the two, I prefer using Jet, mainly because I'm using other products for gloss. Jet is a great way of adding ceramic coating like water repellency without the extensive preparations. Jet and Lustre can of course be used as a combo, applying Lustre first before applying Jet 2 hours later. The 2 hours later part is the main reason I just use Jet on it's own.

One of the benefits of Lustre is that it can mask minor swirls or defects without having to polish.

For prep, just wash your car as normal then wipe over with the Clarity in the kit and proceed to Lustre/Jet.

Take a look at this video on these products -

[jgmdat]

Hey BFB, just received two bottles of P&S Dream Maker and noticed it was made in Dec. 2020. Will it be okay, I thought with such a popular product it wouldn't be nearly 18 months old?