Car Detailing - What products are your go to?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by prydey

There is a Waxit sale on. Not sure if storewide or not. I got an email a couple of days ago.

Limited to Shine Mate at the moment.

Collinite is not often discounted at Waxit. It's a touch cheaper at CCP though.

[FTE217]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Short answer, yes, they are great products. But, well, I don't really do short answers, and there is a bit to unpack here.

First, a bit of background. In the USA, the Adam's brand sits below the likes of Carpro and Koch Chemie, but above brands like Turtle Wax, Meguiar's and Mothers. Sort of like Bowden's Own. As such, the products are affordable and of a high quality, but are priced low to mid-range.

I mention this because that really doesn't play out here in Australia. From what I can tell, the Adam's brand is imported and sold by a sole proprietor. And going by what a detailing retailer has told me, shipping product into the country is not a cheap exercise. So, to get around the price of shipping, what is a mid-range brand in the USA becomes a "premium" brand in Australia, with prices to match. Don't get me wrong, as I will explain later, the Adam's products are brilliant. But they are priced at or beyond high end brands like Carpro, Gyeon, Koch Chemie and NV.

The best way to buy Adam's in this country is to wait for them to be on sale. This is a pretty regular thing, with discounts up to 25% off full retail prices. Sign up for their email list and you will get notified when these deals launch. As I mentioned, there is certainly some great products in the Adam's range, products that are worth chasing down when on sale. At the time of writing, they have a birthday sale on with 10% off storewide, code TEN.

Firstly, I would say steer clear of the generic chemicals like All Purpose Cleaner, Quick Detailer, Bug Remover, Glass Cleaner and Iron Remover. These can be had elsewhere at better value. Buttery Wax is apparently terrible, so avoid.

My first introduction to the Adam's brand was in the form of their Car Shampoo, the blue one. This is fantastic soap for maintenance washing, is pH neutral, is super slick, foams like a champ, is free rinsing and smells nice with a blueberry scent. It's only drawback is the thick consistency makes pouring a bit harder.

https://adamspolishes.com.au/collect...-shampoo-16-oz

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With a more concentrated formula, Mega Foam follows the same traits as the blue soap. I think the only reason you would choose this over the blue soap is if you didn't like the smell of blueberries, the red Mega Foam featuring a "juicy fruit" fragrance. It also pours slightly better.

https://adamspolishes.com.au/collect...-shampoo-16-oz

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Ultra Foam is yet another variation, apparently offering "10 times more" foam and suds while maintaining a neutral pH. This version has a "wild berry" scent and is purple in colour.

https://adamspolishes.com.au/collect...a-foam-shampoo

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All three of those soap I really enjoy using and could comfortably recommend any of them. When you consider how little the blue version sells for in the US, $9.99 for 16oz, it's a remarkably capable soap that puts some higher priced products to shame.

Moving on, Slick & Slide is an Si02 spray sealant that I use as a drying aid and excels in slickness and gloss. This is actually the same product as Obsessed Garage Drying Aid, the Adam's version is yellow in colour and has a "Hawaiian Punch" scent. It's also offers fantastic hydrophobics. Slick & Slide offers a cheaper path to OG Drying Aid, a product that gets regular use from me.

https://adamspolishes.com.au/collect...ck-slide-16-oz

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While Adam's have a selection of these products, I normally don't swim in the Graphene pool as I see no reason to have grey powder in my shampoo or detail spray. In a tyre dressing, that's another story. I bought their Graphene Tire Dressing out of curiosity and was pleasantly surprised. If you like a deep, uniform satin sheen, this is a fantastic option. I don't care about the Graphene element, but I do enjoy the finish it imparts. It's also very easy to work with.

https://adamspolishes.com.au/collect...-tyre-dressing

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Another great product is their Rubber & Tire Cleaner. This doesn't have the grunt of Shine Supply Wise Guy, but it isn't far behind.

https://adamspolishes.com.au/collect...rubber-cleaner

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The only product that didn't light my fire was the Wheel & Tire Cleaner. Think of this like P&S Brake Buster, just without the extreme foaming ability. Brake Buster is the better product.

https://adamspolishes.com.au/collect...d-tyre-cleaner

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That's all I have used from them, mainly because the rest of the range I find is better had elsewhere, interior products included. That doesn't mean the rest of the range is bad, but even I have limits to what I "need" or "want".

As mentioned, Adam's products are worth pursuing, especially when on sale.

Thanks buddy, nothing like getting a brief always expected from you hence asking.
I was just curious having read comments by Mercian’s in another forum and was curious.
Not surprised by their comments for product is always far more affordable there and like any like supporting their own locals.
I won’t bother trying them for as mentioned Carpro NV etc we know the product and reasonably priced.
Whoever sells them here are making good GP for shipping costs have reduced a lot the last 6mths or so as pre covid.
Maybe they can’t fill a container for mind you shipping LCL makes it more expensive.
Thanks !


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mulva]

Originally Posted by anobserver

Thank you. I like the waxing process, so might try the collinite.

Heres hoping a waxit sale is pending.

I love it, but make sure you apply it thin

[anobserver]

Originally Posted by prydey

There is a Waxit sale on. Not sure if storewide or not. I got an email a couple of days ago.

Some of the others products are also on sale, like this jet and lustre bundle.

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/wa...=7513385271324

Would lustre go ok over the top of the collinite?

Thanks,

[DJM83]

Gave the better halfs Tucson a good wash last week.
The was prior to this i applied Gyeon wet coat.
After washing it, i gave it a low pressure 'dry' with the hose.
It was pretty much dry once id done that, amazing product i think. And handy on something that is driven daily and being a little harder to wash due to the size. Makes my life easier

I do use it on my ute but not all that often!

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by anobserver

Some of the others products are also on sale, like this jet and lustre bundle.

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/wa...=7513385271324

Would lustre go ok over the top of the collinite?

Thanks,

I have used Jet over 845 without issue, but not Lustre. You may find that it won't last as long when applied over the wax.

Between the two, for some reason I have always like Jet better than Lustre. That's mainly because I have found Lustre to be a touch streaky, whereas Jet goes on easier adds slickness and crazy hydrophobics.

[prydey]

My wife's niece, who is only in her 30's, has been battling cancer for a few years now. She has 3 young kids so her life has been a massive struggle. Thankfully it was caught early and it looks like she's about to come out the other side of it. Long story short, my daughter was helping her out today looking after her kids and rather than swap car seats around, my daughter just used their car.

She has a 2015 SZ2 territory TS. A nice car. Well, it was when they bought it not all that long ago. I had a look in it today and I've never seen a more feral looking car in my life. Drink spills over seats and door cards AND windows, food scraps, rubbish, cups, baby bottles, plates, clothes etc etc. The surprising thing is this family are not a feral family. You couldn't meet 2 more genuine people in her and her husband. Kind of highlighted that when your going through a trial it can be tough to keep your head above water.

So, I'm going to offer to give her car a clean up for her. The products I currently have for interior are 303 cleaner, and carpro inside.

Should I look at purchasing something else or should those 2 things be enough. I'm not looking at an in depth detail, just vacuum and clean and hopefully get it looking back how it should.

This likely won't be happening before Easter so it gives me time to purchase things online that aren't readily available from the big box stores.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by prydey

My wife's niece, who is only in her 30's, has been battling cancer for a few years now. She has 3 young kids so her life has been a massive struggle. Thankfully it was caught early and it looks like she's about to come out the other side of it. Long story short, my daughter was helping her out today looking after her kids and rather than swap car seats around, my daughter just used their car.

She has a 2015 SZ2 territory TS. A nice car. Well, it was when they bought it not all that long ago. I had a look in it today and I've never seen a more feral looking car in my life. Drink spills over seats and door cards AND windows, food scraps, rubbish, cups, baby bottles, plates, clothes etc etc. The surprising thing is this family are not a feral family. You couldn't meet 2 more genuine people in her and her husband. Kind of highlighted that when your going through a trial it can be tough to keep your head above water.

So, I'm going to offer to give her car a clean up for her. The products I currently have for interior are 303 cleaner, and carpro inside.

Should I look at purchasing something else or should those 2 things be enough. I'm not looking at an in depth detail, just vacuum and clean and hopefully get it looking back how it should.

This likely won't be happening before Easter so it gives me time to purchase things online that aren't readily available from the big box stores.

In terms of interior cleaning, I think Carpro Inside will do what you need. From memory, the TS had partial leather trim, so Inside can be used on that too.

Along with a good supply of towels, you may want to have a couple of different brushes to multiply Inside's cleaning ability though.

Don't go crazy on higher end towels, you will likely trash them anyway. Something like the crappy bulk packs sold at a big box store or even something like this -
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...nser-box-of-20

Brushes, you will want a firm upholstery brush for removing stains on cloth trim or carpet.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...cleaning-brush
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...nt=21575192964



A general purpose brush can be used for cleaning cupholders, around the gear selector ect. You can also use that to lift dust from air vents, sucking it up with the vac in your other hand.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...ium-boars-hair
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...32055573774425



One of these scrub pads or mitts will come in handy as well, especially for lifting grime off steering wheels and door panels. (Highly recommended!)

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...rubbing-sponge
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ca...21750365618265







If you have an air compressor, this can be very valuable for blasting sand and dirt out of confined spaces or carpet mats.





If they have pets, a Lily Brush (or similar) will come in handy for removing imbedded fur -
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...e392c993&_ss=r



If you are having trouble lifting debris from the carpet, although Ford carpet is actually quite good in this regard, you can lightly mist the section with a quick detailer, I use Paint Gloss but Boss Gloss would work as well. This acts as an anti-static to help with the vacuuming process.

[prydey]

Yes, SZ2 TS has partial leather seats.

Carpro inside came with a mitt (waxit BOGO deal)

A brush kit for the interior sounds like a good addition to the arsenal regardless.

I need some more microfibre wash as well so an order is due.

Thanks as always.

[DFB FGXR6]

My bottle of Dry Spell arrived today.....................



First of all, round of applause to Bowden's for fitting a pop-top lid on their products. Why this is missed by most brands is baffling to me.

The scent is a sweet apple/pineapple mashup and the lurid pink coloring better not stain my buckets!

[FTE217]

I just can't get my head around considering using or buying anything waterless wash style products.
OK so no hose needed, just have a bucket full of water and no need to hose off but dry off.
Where is the need without water restrictions - ok I get it if we had no choice that water use for us all was being restricted but whats the point.
Those living in apartments and can get sue of a hose or space restrictions again I get that but if your living at your home/land/driveway hose close by why would you bother or am I missing something re saving the planet..

[prydey]

Originally Posted by FTE217

I just can't get my head around considering using or buying anything waterless wash style products.
OK so no hose needed, just have a bucket full of water and no need to hose off but dry off.
Where is the need without water restrictions - ok I get it if we had no choice that water use for us all was being restricted but whats the point.
Those living in apartments and can get sue of a hose or space restrictions again I get that but if your living at your home/land/driveway hose close by why would you bother or am I missing something re saving the planet..

Tend to agree. I use it on my van because it's parked on dirt, it's right next to my neighbours drive and I don't have a long enough hose anyway. I don't think I'd be game to use it on my cars even though the Terry is 11 years old.

It is handy and convenient though in some circumstances I will admit.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by FTE217

I just can't get my head around considering using or buying anything waterless wash style products.
OK so no hose needed, just have a bucket full of water and no need to hose off but dry off.
Where is the need without water restrictions - ok I get it if we had no choice that water use for us all was being restricted but whats the point.
Those living in apartments and can get sue of a hose or space restrictions again I get that but if your living at your home/land/driveway hose close by why would you bother or am I missing something re saving the planet..

Until recently, I never understood water-less and rinse-less washing either (they are separate process despite similar names).

The method is valuable for people who don't have the space for a traditional soap and water wash, apartment dwellers for example. In the US, where winters are harsh, washing inside the garage is far more doable than trying to get flowing water in freezing conditions. And as mentioned, when water restrictions in place.

I have none of those constraints and therefore never appreciated the need for rinse-less washing. Except...............

For dusty to mildly dirty cars, rinse-less can be a massive time saver compared to bucket washing. No setting up a pressure washer, no filling buckets and less water being used means drying at the end is easier. I can also do it all in the garage, out of the sun/rain/wind/heat/cold.

Personally, for the most part, all I'm washing off is dust and the occasional bug, soap and water washing just isn't really needed. Sometimes, I will actually pre-rinse the car to remove any loose debris/dust before finishing off with a rinse-less wash.





On dirtier cars, I find that using the traditional washing method is much easier and safer. Once you need to start removing road film, dirt or heavier bug contamination, the pressure washing and soap is much more effective.

It's often remarked by those who work in the industry that Australia is about 5 years behind the USA when it comes to detailing advancement or innovations. I say that because while rinse-less is very popular in the US/Canada, it's virtually unheard of in Australia. As such, I think Bowden's are going to struggle selling this product.

If you asked me 12 to 18 months ago, I would have said NO, washing with soap and lots of water is the only way to wash a car. But having played around with the method for a while now, I can definitely see the benefits rinse-less offers. I still wouldn't use in every situation, and do love using soap and pressure washing, but I do enjoy the simplicity and time savings rinse-less offers. It does take a little time to become confident in trusting the science behind these products, but I think it's a valuable skillset to have.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by prydey

Tend to agree. I use it on my van because it's parked on dirt, it's right next to my neighbours drive and I don't have a long enough hose anyway. I don't think I'd be game to use it on my cars even though the Terry is 11 years old.

It is handy and convenient though in some circumstances I will admit.

It's certainly a leap of faith.

[Dr Smith]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Until recently, I never understood water-less and rinse-less washing either (they are separate process despite similar names).

The method is valuable for people who don't have the space for a traditional soap and water wash, apartment dwellers for example. In the US, where winters are harsh, washing inside the garage is far more doable than trying to get flowing water in freezing conditions. And as mentioned, when water restrictions in place.

I have none of those constraints and therefore never appreciated the need for rinse-less washing. Except...............

For dusty to mildly dirty cars, rinse-less can be a massive time saver compared to bucket washing. No setting up a pressure washer, no filling buckets and less water being used means drying at the end is easier. I can also do it all in the garage, out of the sun/rain/wind/heat/cold.

Personally, for the most part, all I'm washing off is dust and the occasional bug, soap and water washing just isn't really needed. Sometimes, I will actually pre-rinse the car to remove any loose debris/dust before finishing off with a rinse-less wash.

image

image

On dirtier cars, I find that using the traditional washing method is much easier and safer. Once you need to start removing road film, dirt or heavier bug contamination, the pressure washing and soap is much more effective.

It's often remarked by those who work in the industry that Australia is about 5 years behind the USA when it comes to detailing advancement or innovations. I say that because while rinse-less is very popular in the US/Canada, it's virtually unheard of in Australia. As such, I think Bowden's are going to struggle selling this product.

If you asked me 12 to 18 months ago, I would have said NO, washing with soap and lots of water is the only way to wash a car. But having played around with the method for a while now, I can definitely see the benefits rinse-less offers. I still wouldn't use in every situation, and do love using soap and pressure washing, but I do enjoy the simplicity and time savings rinse-less offers. It does take a little time to become confident in trusting the science behind these products, but I think it's a valuable skillset to have.

We just don't have the climate in the most populace areas where such rinse-less / water-less products have their advantage. Think of how many North American cities have snow in winter or near icing conditions for long periods compared to here where it's only regional towns high in the alps on the east coast. I could make any of these products but still prefer the bucket of foam, with a wet rinse first and rinse after to see what I missed. And by their nature these waterless/rinse less products require far higher concentrations of surfactants to ensure the "soil/grime" that is lifted doesn't re-stick on the surface which means a higher priced product as well.

Edit..just looked up their pricing...omg... ...that's why they won't sell in large numbers...

[Dr Smith]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

It's certainly a leap of faith.

Just wanted to say your posts are excellent.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Dr Smith

Edit..just looked up their pricing...omg... ...that's why they won't sell in large numbers...

Keep in mind these rinse-less products go further than you would expect.

Most soaps have 50 to 100ml in a bucket of water, and 50 - 150ml per 1lt foam cannon bottle.

Dilutions on rinse-less products make a bottle last a decent amount of time -

ONR -
946ml bottle for $42.95
30ml per 7 lt of water (256:1)

N-914 -
946ml bottle for $39.95
30ml per 7 lt of water (256:1)

Absolute -
946ml bottle for $39.95
30ml per 7 lt of water (256:1)

ECH20 -
1 lt bottle for $42.95
35ml per 7 lt of water (200:1)

Compared to good quality soaps, yes, they are more expensive, but the rinse-less products are more concentrated and have much higher dilution rates. Most soaps sit at 10:1 dilution ratios, with the exception of something like Carpro Reset at 500:1.

[DFB FGXR6]

This guy is super talented, in both detailing and his videography. I also appreciate his work ethic.

His latest video features a Pontiac GTO / Holden Monaro -

[DFB FGXR6]

Well, it looks like the rumors were true, Meguiar's Hyper Dressing seems to be all but done. The gallon size had been virtually unobtainable for a while, but now even the the 946ml RTU version is being cleared.

https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-pa...earch=meguiars
https://automotivesuperstore.com.au/...iABEgKXgfD_BwE



I love this product, so it's very disappointing that it will be no more. It's not from a trendy brand, doesn't have a fancy bottle and won't solve the world's problems, but it just works!

Get some while you still can!

[CyberWasp]

I want to get the Chemical Guys Woolly Mammoth Ultra Plush Hooded Microfiber Robe.

It will serve you well, detailing on cold days / mornings, and in theory, if you really love your car, you will be able to Hug your car dry !!! Yes I have lost the plot.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

I want to get the Chemical Guys Woolly Mammoth Ultra Plush Hooded Microfiber Robe.

It will serve you well, detailing on cold days / mornings, and in theory, if you really love your car, you will be able to Hug your car dry !!! Yes I have lost the plot.

image

But do they offer it in 4297 different colours and same amount of names, while all doing the exact same thing?

I tend to prefer these though......................

[jgmdat]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Well, it looks like the rumors were true, Meguiar's Hyper Dressing seems to be all but done. The gallon size had been virtually unobtainable for a while, but now even the the 946ml RTU version is being cleared.

https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-pa...earch=meguiars
https://automotivesuperstore.com.au/...iABEgKXgfD_BwE

image

I love this product, so it's very disappointing that it will be no more. It's not from a trendy brand, doesn't have a fancy bottle and won't solve the world's problems, but it just works!

Get some while you still can!

Thanks for the heads up mate, ordered 8 which should last me a while. Best product for wheel arches, engine bay and chassis rails.

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

But do they offer it in 4297 different colours and same amount of names, while all doing the exact same thing?

I tend to prefer these though......................

image

Umm...no comment.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by jgmdat

Thanks for the heads up mate, ordered 8 which should last me a while. Best product for wheel arches, engine bay and chassis rails.

Nice one! I ordered 4 more of the RTU, joining two I have in stock and about 500ml of the concentrate that I got from Obsessed Garage.

I don't know what it is about Hyper Dressing, but it just seems to be the sweet spot for engine bays and wheel arches.

There are certainly other options, most would say just go with Koch Chemie Motorplast. While it's a good product, I find it has just a touch too much gloss for my taste.

Another option I have liked is P&S Shape Up.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...6dcc3a69&_ss=r

[prydey]

Originally Posted by GasoLane

Umm...no comment.

You did 'like' the post though...

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by prydey

You did 'like' the post though...

I was being polite

[FTE217]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

But do they offer it in 4297 different colours and same amount of names, while all doing the exact same thing?

I tend to prefer these though......................

image

DFB see you can detail on a budget, don't need all the bells and whistles you keep buying
Save yourself a little next summer and cut some of your jeans

[Peter B - CV8]

Originally Posted by GasoLane

Umm...no comment.

At least he kept his teeshirt on....

[CyberWasp]

That is one cheeky way to greet passers by when washing your car in the morning.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

That is one cheeky way to greet passers by when washing your car in the morning.

Might also stop the "you can do mine next" comments!