Car Detailing - What products are your go to?

[T3rminator]

Hi guys, just scored myself a gurni system. Neighbour gave away the motor because all their accessories were busted. Then I picked up all the accessories off someone on FB market place for $30, because their motor blew up. So I now have myself a proper snow cannon sprayer.

Most of the videos I've seen, people snow cannon their car then rinse off, then do a wash.

Question, why don't people just snow cannon then proceed to wash using the snow cannon detergent? Is that a no no?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by T3rminator

Hi guys, just scored myself a gurni system. Neighbour gave away the motor because all their accessories were busted. Then I picked up all the accessories off someone on FB market place for $30, because their motor blew up. So I now have myself a proper snow cannon sprayer.

Most of the videos I've seen, people snow cannon their car then rinse off, then do a wash.

Question, why don't people just snow cannon then proceed to wash using the snow cannon detergent? Is that a no no?

This will depend on how dirty the car is, but that's how I do it. As in I rinse the car, foam the whole car and start the bucket wash with one bucket to rinse the wash pad/mitt. This gets soap directly on the paint rather than relying on a bucket of soapy water.

I modify that method if the car is dirtier, foaming and allowing to dwell, rinse, foam and bucket wash.

Pro Tip - throw away the tacky OE foam cannon that comes with pressure washers, they are sub par at best.

More here on making your pressure washer better suited to car washing -

https://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11496392

[T3rminator]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

This will depend on how dirty the car is, but that's how I do it. As in I rinse the car, foam the whole car and start the bucket wash with one bucket to rinse the wash pad/mitt. This gets soap directly on the paint rather than relying on a bucket of soapy water.

I modify that method if the car is dirtier, foaming and allowing to dwell, rinse, foam and bucket wash.

Pro Tip - throw away the tacky OE foam cannon that comes with pressure washers, they are sub par at best.

More here on making your pressure washer better suited to car washing -

https://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11496392

THanks, will have a look at that thread.

Can I be a tight *** and use normal washing detergent to foam the car? Will it work?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by T3rminator

THanks, will have a look at that thread.

Can I be a tight *** and use normal washing detergent to foam the car? Will it work?

Typically, yes you can. Some soaps won't foam, but most do.

What soaps are you using at the moment?

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by T3rminator

THanks, will have a look at that thread.

Can I be a tight *** and use normal washing detergent to foam the car? Will it work?

Do you mean something like laundry detergent or dishwashing liquid?

[T3rminator]

Originally Posted by GasoLane

Do you mean something like laundry detergent or dishwashing liquid?

Not that tight! I mean a normal car washing liquid.

[T3rminator]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Typically, yes you can. Some soaps won't foam, but most do.



What soaps are you using at the moment?

Chem Guys extreme

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by T3rminator

Chem Guys extreme

image

That will foam just fine.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

This will depend on how dirty the car is, but that's how I do it. As in I rinse the car, foam the whole car and start the bucket wash with one bucket to rinse the wash pad/mitt. This gets soap directly on the paint rather than relying on a bucket of soapy water.

I modify that method if the car is dirtier, foaming and allowing to dwell, rinse, foam and bucket wash.
]

Same for me but one difference.

If I'm using carpro reset, I only foam 1 side of the car and then work very fast. Then repeat on the other side. Carpro reset does warn against letting it dry on the paint and I have found it to leave marks.

Often if I'm using reset I just foam, rinse, then bucket wash.

If I'm using nv snow, then it tends to be fine. Much more tolerant to drying out.

[FTE217]

Finally attended to my long overdue neglected FGX front grills…..
Choice of product, PERL.
Applied with a detailing brush from waxit also.
Spray onto brush working a section a time and getting into every cranny then wiped down with a micro fibre cloth, needs a bit attending yet.
For it’s first application I’m pretty happy of the finish.
This is the first dressing I have applied since the Sprint been new.
Not a daily so I was lazy for many years focussed on the paintwork more than anything else.
I think I will make time to use Perl in the rest of the exterior plastics soon.
The before and after is pretty obvious.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by FTE217

Finally attended to my long overdue neglected FGX front grills…..
Choice of product, PERL.
Applied with a detailing brush from waxit also.
Spray onto brush working a section a time and getting into every cranny then wiped down with a micro fibre cloth, needs a bit attending yet.
For it’s first application I’m pretty happy of the finish.
This is the first dressing I have applied since the Sprint been new.
Not a daily so I was lazy for many years focussed on the paintwork more than anything else.
I think I will make time to use Perl in the rest of the exterior plastics soon.
The before and after is pretty obvious.
image
image


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

First of all, I don't envy this task!

Not that you can buy them anymore, but a cotton tip would be useful here.

Detailing Shed have these Maxshine items -
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...abs-10pcs-pack

Otherwise, some makeup applicators will work, just be clear to the wife why you need her to buy you some.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Akstore-Di...25789352&psc=1

[FTE217]

yer too true DFB its one of those tedious tasks but as you know you just get stuck in and learn as you go also.
7am last Saturday - get handy milk crate, place cushion in place and away we go with coffee nearby.
Yes those detailing would be handy and I'll likely order for the future but my mind went thinking at the time and a spare micro cloth and used the opposite end of the many other brush's I use at times like thin paint brush, was getting most of the residue in those tight sections but I will need to it better.
Probably coming Sat morn at 5deg's haha - more coffee !

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by FTE217

yer too true DFB its one of those tedious tasks but as you know you just get stuck in and learn as you go also.
7am last Saturday - get handy milk crate, place cushion in place and away we go with coffee nearby.

Don't ever buy a Kenworth.

[DFB FGXR6]

I bought this Maxshine Detailing cart about 15 months ago -

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...f1153c42&_ss=r



In January this year, I took a punt on this peg board from Refract fitting the cart to increase the storage functionality -

https://refractccp.com.au/collection...rage-board-kit









My influence must be far reaching (kidding) because Maxshine now offer a cart with a peg board included.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...4cd9bc2f&_ss=r

[DFB FGXR6]

On my daily browse of my favorite detailing suppliers, something from Waxit caught my eye.

Most of the battery ShineMate polisher kits are on sale at the moment.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...ice-descending

With a RRP of $917.75, the 5-inch EB351-5/15 kit with two batteries and a charger is down to $779.95
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...32271055945817

You could then add the skin of the 3-inch EB351-3/12 skin to run off the same batteries.
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...32271117549657

The newer 3-inch, which runs on the smaller 2.5 ah batteries is also on sale in kit form, down from $807.10 to $655.15 -
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...40283314159705







I bought these a couple of years ago as a birthday present to myself and have been nothing but impressed with their performance and ergonomics. I struggled with cord management with my old Concours polisher, the battery power certainly improved my technique and user experience.

[stannoplan]

After a year of lurking I thought I better start contributing with a review of my own.

Received my special order from Detailing Shed last week.



My noodle wash mits were getting on a bit and you can never have enough towels and sealants, so I placed an order and it arrived after a few days from Sydney.

The Rag Company CYCLONE BONE PREMIUM KOREAN MICROFIBER WASH SPONGE - Blue

Feels like an old school yellow sponge and holds the soap really well. My daughters like it for easier handling with small hands. 8/10

and because I couldn't just buy one new wash mit:
The Rag Company The Cyclone Ultra Wash Pad 15cm x 20cm Black/White

I thought this would be too large when I started to use it but it is really comfy and feels really slippery on the paint with about 3 priming pumps of Gyeon Bathe. It just has bubbles for ages, 2 cars worth. Worth every cent 9/10.

The Rag Company -- The Gauntlet Microfiber Drying Towel

This towel tops most reviews as the best drying towel, so I had to give it a go. The largest size seemed a monster and after using the Aquatouch Big Fella from Waxit I found that size a bit unwieldy when wet so I went for the Large.

It's a great towel, so easy to use. Did an SUV and a small hatch without issue but it was pretty loaded at the end. Easily close to the old favourite the Supercell. It feels much more textural and plush but heavier and in my opinion doesn't hold as much water as the Supercell which is slightly larger and does 2-3 cars easily. Jury still out for me. I think its a little less grabby on the paint as well which might sway me.

I'll make another post about the Bead Maker later.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by stannoplan

After a year of lurking I thought I better start contributing with a review of my own.

Received my special order from Detailing Shed last week.

image

My noodle wash mits were getting on a bit and you can never have enough towels and sealants, so I placed an order and it arrived after a few days from Sydney.

The Rag Company CYCLONE BONE PREMIUM KOREAN MICROFIBER WASH SPONGE - Blue

Feels like an old school yellow sponge and holds the soap really well. My daughters like it for easier handling with small hands. 8/10

and because I couldn't just buy one new wash mit:
The Rag Company The Cyclone Ultra Wash Pad 15cm x 20cm Black/White

I thought this would be too large when I started to use it but it is really comfy and feels really slippery on the paint with about 3 priming pumps of Gyeon Bathe. It just has bubbles for ages, 2 cars worth. Worth every cent 9/10.

The Rag Company -- The Gauntlet Microfiber Drying Towel

This towel tops most reviews as the best drying towel, so I had to give it a go. The largest size seemed a monster and after using the Aquatouch Big Fella from Waxit I found that size a bit unwieldy when wet so I went for the Large.

It's a great towel, so easy to use. Did an SUV and a small hatch without issue but it was pretty loaded at the end. Easily close to the old favourite the Supercell. It feels much more textural and plush but heavier and in my opinion doesn't hold as much water as the Supercell which is slightly larger and does 2-3 cars easily. Jury still out for me. I think its a little less grabby on the paint as well which might sway me.

I'll make another post about the Bead Maker later.

So glad you liked the TRC microfiber.

I use both of those wash pads and love them. The larger 10X version is touch too big and heavy when full of water, but the two you have are just right.

If you are finding the large Gauntlet a touch too bulky, try the medium. I have a number of those and haven't wished for anything larger. What I love about this towel is the absorbency and lack of bulk of a twist loop towel (like the Supercell), but with the softness of a thicker towel like the Tempest.

[DFB FGXR6]

I also note Detailing Shed have Flex on sale at the moment -

https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...ishers-germany

Flex was the pioneer in battery powered polishers. Had they been more affordable when I was looking at upgrading, I would have chosen the Flex machines instead.



At the moment, DS have discounted the XFE and XCE polishers by $100 -

https://detailingshed.com.au/products/flex-xce-8-125
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...-amp-batteries

The XFE-150 is the dual action machine with a 5-inch backing plate. The XCE-150 is the forced rotation machine, again with a 5-inch backing plate. Forced rotation is an acquired taste, so I would probably stick with the dual action XFE-150.

In both cases, these represent a $120 premium over a ShineMate EB351-5/15 kit, and include the same two batteries and charger. For $120, that's a reasonable amount to step up to a German made rather than Chinese made machine.

Having said that, realistically, for the hobbyist detailer the ShineMate is probably the better option. But there is always something cool about buying the pinnacle and knowing it's going to last for a long time.

The smaller and versatile PXE-80 is also included -

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...-ec-2-5-bundle



This machine offers a few different operational modes; dual action with either 12mm or 3mm orbit, or as a rotary. It can then be fitted with either a 3 or 1-inch backing plate. The orbit or rotary drive attachments are easily swapped without tools, unlike the Rupes iBrid Nano.

I think the iBrid Nano is the better micro polisher, but if you only want to buy one smaller polisher, rather than a micro and 3-inch machine, then PXE-80 is a good option.

[DFB FGXR6]

Some bead porn after a soaking wet day...............

Aluminum Silver Metallic Ranger with Gyeon Can Coat -



Cool White Ranger with DIY Detail Ceramic Gloss -

[DFB FGXR6]

I stumbled across this video the other day. I know we all have our methods and preferred way of doing things, but there is a lot of wrong going on here.



I mean, we all have to start somewhere, but some stuff here is counterintuitive and not all that friendly for the paint.

- Dressing the tyres before cleaning the wheels or the rest of the car. Spraying it directly onto the tyre, and the surrounding wheel and wheel arch, then using a tyre cleaning brush to "scrub it in". Very strange.

- Using a "detail spray" to do that actual cleaning in a spray and wipe fashion. You could argue that is basically a water-less washing procedure, but not really how he is doing it.

- Using the one towel to do this "cleaning", and what looks like his is rubbing the paint quite firmly.

- Cleaning the face of the wheels in the same fashion.

That car, which is a brand-new Mustang with the optional 20-inch wheels and the Showstopper Red interior, will be marred to hell before long, especially the gloss back boot lid panel. I would love to comment on his video, but I'd probably be told to rack off.

[bfets]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I stumbled across this video the other day. I know we all have our methods and preferred way of doing things, but there is a lot of wrong going on here.







I mean, we all have to start somewhere, but some stuff here is counterintuitive and not all that friendly for the paint.



- Dressing the tyres before cleaning the wheels or the rest of the car. Spraying it directly onto the tyre, and the surrounding wheel and wheel arch, then using a tyre cleaning brush to "scrub it in". Very strange.



- Using a "detail spray" to do that actual cleaning in a spray and wipe fashion. You could argue that is basically a water-less washing procedure, but not really how he is doing it.



- Using the one towel to do this "cleaning", and what looks like his is rubbing the paint quite firmly.



- Cleaning the face of the wheels in the same fashion.



That car, which is a brand-new Mustang with the optional 20-inch wheels and the Showstopper Red interior, will be marred to hell before long, especially the gloss back boot lid panel. I would love to comment on his video, but I'd probably be told to rack off.

Just goes to show that not everyone that can make videos, should.
That's messed up

[prydey]

https://autobarn.com.au/ab/Autobarn-...516-/p/CC00529

Thinking of getting some of this for my caravan.

I don't have any sort of machine so would have to apply by hand. What is the go to products for hand applying polish these days? Back in the day I used these little round foam pads, and then a netting style buffing cloth, for want of a better description.

For buffing I can use one of my existing cloths I reckon (it's just a caravan) but what is the go with applying by hand these days?

I'd appreciate a good uv protection coating too. Will car products work on fiberglass?

Wanna roadtrip, up to the Gold Coast twice a year ??

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I also note Detailing Shed have Flex on sale at the moment -

https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...ishers-germany

Flex was the pioneer in battery powered polishers. Had they been more affordable when I was looking at upgrading, I would have chosen the Flex machines instead.

image

At the moment, DS have discounted the XFE and XCE polishers by $100 -

https://detailingshed.com.au/products/flex-xce-8-125
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...-amp-batteries

The XFE-150 is the dual action machine with a 5-inch backing plate. The XCE-150 is the forced rotation machine, again with a 5-inch backing plate. Forced rotation is an acquired taste, so I would probably stick with the dual action XFE-150.

In both cases, these represent a $120 premium over a ShineMate EB351-5/15 kit, and include the same two batteries and charger. For $120, that's a reasonable amount to step up to a German made rather than Chinese made machine.

Having said that, realistically, for the hobbyist detailer the ShineMate is probably the better option. But there is always something cool about buying the pinnacle and knowing it's going to last for a long time.

The smaller and versatile PXE-80 is also included -

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...-ec-2-5-bundle

image

This machine offers a few different operational modes; dual action with either 12mm or 3mm orbit, or as a rotary. It can then be fitted with either a 3 or 1-inch backing plate. The orbit or rotary drive attachments are easily swapped without tools, unlike the Rupes iBrid Nano.

I think the iBrid Nano is the better micro polisher, but if you only want to buy one smaller polisher, rather than a micro and 3-inch machine, then PXE-80 is a good option.

Unfortunately i just bought one off of ebay before i saw this :(

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by prydey

https://autobarn.com.au/ab/Autobarn-...516-/p/CC00529

Thinking of getting some of this for my caravan.

I don't have any sort of machine so would have to apply by hand. What is the go to products for hand applying polish these days? Back in the day I used these little round foam pads, and then a netting style buffing cloth, for want of a better description.

For buffing I can use one of my existing cloths I reckon (it's just a caravan) but what is the go with applying by hand these days?

I'd appreciate a good uv protection coating too. Will car products work on fiberglass?

You would use either the round foam applicator pads or the way overpriced microfiber versions sold by Meguiar's or Bowden's.

https://www.bowdensown.com.au/produc...k-gulf-colours
https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-pa...plicator%20pad

Otherwise, look at the Lake Country hand polishing pads, or TRC Pearl Applicators.

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/la...iant=641818577
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/la...iant=641818569

https://autobuff.com.au/products/trc...l&_ss=e&_v=1.0

[prydey]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

You would use either the round foam applicator pads or the way overpriced microfiber versions sold by Meguiar's or Bowden's.

https://www.bowdensown.com.au/produc...k-gulf-colours
https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-pa...plicator%20pad

Otherwise, look at the Lake Country hand polishing pads, or TRC Pearl Applicators.

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/la...iant=641818577
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/la...iant=641818569

https://autobuff.com.au/products/trc...l&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Waxit have a sale so I'll check out the online stuff as well as what's available locally.

I noticed this from waxit
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/co...glass-boat-wax

Is it comparable to the Meg's product I linked to earlier. Or is it just a coating? I need something that will clean as well due to the surface having some staining. Obviously the collinite is more expensive but sounds like it has a more durable UV protection?

Edit - just found they do a 'cleaner' product as well. Gets pretty expensive. Not to belittle my van but I think I'll go with the Meg's product first.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by prydey

Waxit have a sale so I'll check out the online stuff as well as what's available locally.

I noticed this from waxit
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/co...glass-boat-wax

Is it comparable to the Meg's product I linked to earlier. Or is it just a coating? I need something that will clean as well due to the surface having some staining. Obviously the collinite is more expensive but sounds like it has a more durable UV protection?

Edit - just found they do a 'cleaner' product as well. Gets pretty expensive. Not to belittle my van but I think I'll go with the Meg's product first.

I was actually going to say look at the Collinite stuff. I would probably just use a spray wax or sealant on it after polishing.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I was actually going to say look at the Collinite stuff. I would probably just use a spray wax or sealant on it after polishing.

D'oh, got itchy fingers and already placed an order this morning. I guess I could ring them and see if they could add an extra item to the existing order.

As for the waxit sale, NV snow is on special plus they have 15% off storewide I think. Great value for one of the best soaps.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by prydey

D'oh, got itchy fingers and already placed an order this morning. I guess I could ring them and see if they could add an extra item to the existing order.

As for the waxit sale, NV snow is on special plus they have 15% off storewide I think. Great value for one of the best soaps.

I would just use the Megs Marine Cleaner Wax -

https://www.meguiars.com.au/product/...p-cleaner-wax/

[DJM83]

Few top ups. And a couple of other products to try on the missus car, before i try em on mine