Car Detailing - What products are your go to?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by anobserver

Thanks for the tip. Have reordered some Jet.

When you can, would appreciate any suggestions in lieu of the aforementioned Meguires product.

I wouldnt want to be THAT guy in this thread.

:

It's all good mate, I just got sick of the sling and mess created by Endurance, and solvent dressings in general.

First of all, if you have some time, then I have documented nearly every tyre dressing I have tried to date in this thread -

https://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11498074

If you want to stay with a solvent base for more longevity, then have a look into Carpro Darkside.

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ca...40387593207897

Apart from that, I stick to water-based dressings. They don't last as long, but they don't sling and are easier to clean off when required. In which case, Carpro Perl, NV Onyx and Obsessed Garage Tire Dressing are my favorites. Adam's Graphene is brilliant too.

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ca...iant=702292397
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/nv...12200777023577
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...9cd30833&_ss=r
https://adamspolishes.com.au/collect...-tyre-dressing

All of those can be glossy if you want, or wiped back to a satin finish if desired.

As a left field option, and one that seems to last a bit longer than other water based dressings, Duragloss 253 is a nice option.

https://www.carcareproducts.com.au/d...ing-562ml.html

If you want to shop at a store, I quite like Autoglym Instant Tyre Dressing, avoid the High Performance Gel though. Meg's Hyper Dressing is fantastic as well.

https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-pa...glym%20instant
https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-pa...per%20dressing

[ford12]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

It's all good mate, I just got sick of the sling and mess created by Endurance, and solvent dressings in general.

First of all, if you have some time, then I have documented nearly every tyre dressing I have tried to date in this thread -

https://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11498074

If you want to stay with a solvent base for more longevity, then have a look into Carpro Darkside.

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ca...40387593207897

Apart from that, I stick to water-based dressings. They don't last as long, but they don't sling and are easier to clean off when required. In which case, Carpro Perl, NV Onyx and Obsessed Garage Tire Dressing are my favorites. Adam's Graphene is brilliant too.

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ca...iant=702292397
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/nv...12200777023577
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...9cd30833&_ss=r
https://adamspolishes.com.au/collect...-tyre-dressing

All of those can be glossy if you want, or wiped back to a satin finish if desired.

As a left field option, and one that seems to last a bit longer than other water based dressings, Duragloss 253 is a nice option.

https://www.carcareproducts.com.au/d...ing-562ml.html

If you want to shop at a store, I quite like Autoglym Instant Tyre Dressing, avoid the High Performance Gel though. Meg's Hyper Dressing is fantastic as well.

https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-pa...glym%20instant
https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-pa...per%20dressing

I find Poor Boys bold and bright to be pretty good.

[Mulva]

Have we done how to care for the black painted door frames around windows? Wife's i45 very neglected now, possibly beyond bringing them back...but I do recall in years gone by when it did receive some care that I could polish the black window frames back to being black again, but it would only last a few months.

Re the rubber door seals, I am sure this was bad idea for so many reasons, but when I had a WH Caprice for a while I would use belt-grip on the door rubbers...it wasn't done in interests of longevity or for looks (though it did make them look the same as when I 303'ed them); it was more to stop the squeaking noise I'd get when they were clean. Really worked well at eliminating noise, squeaks and I want to say wind noise too, but no idea if it made them perish soon after I sold it, so is not something I am recommending, just sharing an experience of what may have been a silly idea (fix one problem only to create another later problem).

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Mulva

Have we done how to care for the black painted door frames around windows? Wife's i45 very neglected now, possibly beyond bringing them back...but I do recall in years gone by when it did receive some care that I could polish the black window frames back to being black again, but it would only last a few months.

I'm assuming you are referring to gloss black trims like these................







Those are not painted or clear coated, which means they have no ability to resist scratching or micro marring.

They are easily corrected using a mild polish and pad combination, say Sonax Perfect Finish or Carpro Reflect.





However, the results are short lived and often the removal of the polish residue with a towel actually reintroduces those scratches again.

Personally, I clean them up with a polish every now and then, coat with a spray sealant and call it a day.



A more permanent solution would be to have them clear coated or have PPF applied.

[DFB FGXR6]

Counting down the days to a week off in October. Already have my next "project" nailed down...................

https://armourdetailsupply.com/colle...eramic-coating

[prydey]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Counting down the days to a week off in October. Already have my next "project" nailed down...................

https://armourdetailsupply.com/colle...eramic-coating

image

I also have a week off in October... And I'm even heading in to Vic. My car could do with a good detail

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by prydey

I also have a week off in October... And I'm even heading in to Vic. My car could do with a good detail

Done deal!

[prydey]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Done deal!

Only going as far as halls gap... Wouldn't want to waste your talents by then driving back to Adelaide.

[DFB FGXR6]

Just when you thought you had the ultimate..................



...............your muse goes and does something even more elaborate............

https://www.obsessedgarage.com/colle...stall-solution
https://www.obsessedgarage.com/colle...anzle-solution











Tandem dual pressure washers, the result being double the flow. The pressure is then dialed down to around 1000psi by opening up the nozzle orifice. More flow, more work being done.

Frankly, I don't see the point, I have never wished for more by slumming it just one Kranzle. And that's before considering the cost to do this, be that adding another machine and shelf, or to do the whole setup from scratch. You then need to have another dedicated 15amp power outlet installed.

Even still, I love the completely over-the-top thinking here.

[CyberWasp]

I can't wait to see the photos of the installed version of this in your place.

I have seen these kind of setups before, and would do if i had the place for it.

Having the hose on a reel would be an excellent way of doing it, and gives you more reach and easy tidy up, compared to the standard pressure washer.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

I can't wait to see the photos of the installed version of this in your place.

I have seen these kind of setups before, and would do if i had the place for it.

Having the hose on a reel would be an excellent way of doing it, and gives you more reach and easy tidy up, compared to the standard pressure washer.

Don't encourage me!

And yes, the setup is so convenient to use. Turn the water on, turn on the pump and then go for it. Roll the hose up and turn both off again and you're done.



The MTM hose and Cox reel, along with the pump, are the big-ticket items. You could save some cash by teaming the reel with a cheaper ProPulse hose -

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...40423073218649

The go for a Big Boi WashR Pro or AVA P40 -

https://www.carcareproducts.com.au/a...washer-go.html

https://www.detailstore.com.au/produ...SABEgKHMvD_BwE

I also love the idea of doing the same with service cart setup, but you still need to connect power and water each time.

[CyberWasp]

This might be good to look at also.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

This might be good to look at also.

image

Certainly a good idea, but NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Some viewing for you -



The pump on them is so weak, I would think a garden hose would do a better job at washing a car.

I would steer anyone looking at one of those horrible things to look at the Big Boi solution -

https://detailingshed.com.au/products/bigboi-washr-pro
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...l-mount-2-in-1
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...xed-wall-mount

The annoying thing with that Giraffe thing is that the company is sending these pieces of junk to Youtubers for free, basically buying a positive review. None of those "reviews" offer any real information and don't bother to scrutinize the product appropriately. In other words, "Like and Subscribe so I can get more free sh.t............"

[CyberWasp]

I did not realise it had a pump in it.
I thought it was a thing to attach to your pump.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

I did not realise it had a pump in it.
I thought it was a thing to attach to your pump.

Ahh sorry, I should clarify that.

All pressure washers have a motor, be that electric or combustion, connected to a high-pressure pump. "Pump" can therefore be used in reference to a pressure washer.

In terms of the Giraffe, the pump they have selected does not have the ability to "pump" water in sufficient volume, so they have selected a tiny orifice nozzle to drive the water at high pressure to disguise the lack of flow.

[Top_Ghia]

I need some help with water marks.
This 2022 Mustang is driven every day in all conditions.
We must have had some hard or dirty rain in recent times that probably wasn’t cleaned off as quickly as it should have been.
Now the boot and bonnet have quite a lot of water marks in the paint.
I have two questions;
1. What causes this?
2. How should I remove them?
I do have a DA polisher if required.
I’ve quickly tried NV Boost and it had no effect at all.
Would a clay mit/bar work?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

image
image

image

image

I need some help with water marks.
This 2022 Mustang is driven every day in all conditions.
We must have had some hard or dirty rain in recent times that probably wasn’t cleaned off as quickly as it should have been.
Now the boot and bonnet have quite a lot of water marks in the paint.
I have two questions;
1. What causes this?
2. How should I remove them?
I do have a DA polisher if required.
I’ve quickly tried NV Boost and it had no effect at all.
Would a clay mit/bar work?

I have just the thread for you, post #9 in particular -

https://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11498517
https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...27&postcount=9

These videos are good viewing -





To Answer your questions briefly -

1/Water droplets are superheated and evaporate quickly, leaving behind minerals which in turn etch into the clear coat.

2/You need to remove the minerals first using an acidic product, be that specific water spot removers or soaps, or a mixture of white vinegar and distilled water 50/50.

If you are lucky, the above will remove the visual aspect as well. If not, you need to polish them off the paint. You must do the above first though, otherwise the water spots will reappear.

NV Boost won't remove water spot etchings and mineral deposits. Nor will a clay bar, you need the acid to neutralize the minerals.

I would start with Gyeon or Carpro's water spot remover as my first line of attack. Every car guy should have one of these on hand for situations like this, and the sooner you deal with it, the easier it will be to remove. Capro Descale can also be helpful, although less targeted.

https://autobuff.com.au/products/gye...t&_ss=e&_v=1.0
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ca...iant=702345949
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ca...40057466191961

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

image
image

image

image

Top_Ghia, can you clear your PM's, attempting to send you something.

[Top_Ghia]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I have just the thread for you, post #9 in particular -

https://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11498517
https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...27&postcount=9

These videos are good viewing -





To Answer your questions briefly -

1/Water droplets are superheated and evaporate quickly, leaving behind minerals which in turn etch into the clear coat.

2/You need to remove the minerals first using an acidic product, be that specific water spot removers or soaps, or a mixture of white vinegar and distilled water 50/50.

If you are lucky, the above will remove the visual aspect as well. If not, you need to polish them off the paint. You must do the above first though, otherwise the water spots will reappear.

NV Boost won't remove water spot etchings and mineral deposits. Nor will a clay bar, you need the acid to neutralize the minerals.

I would start with Gyeon or Carpro's water spot remover as my first line of attack. Every car guy should have one of these on hand for situations like this, and the sooner you deal with it, the easier it will be to remove. Capro Descale can also be helpful, although less targeted.

https://autobuff.com.au/products/gye...t&_ss=e&_v=1.0
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ca...iant=702345949
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ca...40057466191961

Please don’t take offence, but I can’t help but read your posts in Sando’s voice from car craft auto detailing. You’re both THE detailing Gurus.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

Please don’t take offence, but I can’t help but read your posts in Sando’s voice from car craft auto detailing. You’re both THE detailing Gurus.

Ha ha, you're not the first person to tell me that. Can confirm I am not Sandro though.

[DFB FGXR6]

Full review of the new ShineMate EB210 -



This looks to be an impressively versatile machine.

[FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0]

Ok, looking for recommendations on how to remove dust. Car is not "dirty", as in does not have mud or insect guts, road grime etc, has not been wet, just dusty.

Took the XR8 for a drive to the Gippsland Rally on Sunday. The access road was a dirt road. Luckily for me, when I got there the parking line was only a matter of metres off the bitumen road. But the track was very dusty and the car got covered in dust before I left. Most of it blew off on the way home, but it got me wondering as to what the favoured approach is these days? Certainly didn't want to put it back under the cover when it was covered in dust.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0

Ok, looking for recommendations on how to remove dust. Car is not "dirty", as in does not have mud or insect guts, road grime etc, has not been wet, just dusty.

Took the XR8 for a drive to the Gippsland Rally on Sunday. The access road was a dirt road. Luckily for me, when I got there the parking line was only a matter of metres off the bitumen road. But the track was very dusty and the car got covered in dust before I left. Most of it blew off on the way home, but it got me wondering as to what the favoured approach is these days? Certainly didn't want to put it back under the cover when it was covered in dust.

You either wash it as normal, or do a rinse less wash. Don't freak out, I did initially, but rinse-less is perfect for this sort of thing. Done correctly, its safe and effective. If you are still concerned, you can still pre-rinse the car down prior to the rinse-less wash. I would highly suggest using either P&S Absolute (my favorite for the slickness) or McKee's N-914, but even Bowden's Dry Spell works well. I will also say it will take a few go's to find your feet with the technique, so stick with it a few times.

https://autobuff.com.au/products/mck...4&_ss=e&_v=1.0
https://autobuff.com.au/products/p-s...e&_ss=e&_v=1.0
https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...re/658798.html

Have a read of this thread -

https://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11498268

The videos from this post put the words into action -

https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...64&postcount=4

[FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

You either wash it as normal, or do a rinse less wash. Don't freak out, I did initially, but rinse-less is perfect for this sort of thing. Done correctly, its safe and effective. If you are still concerned, you can still pre-rinse the car down prior to the rinse-less wash. I would highly suggest using either P&S Absolute (my favorite for the slickness) or McKee's N-914, but even Bowden's Dry Spell works well. I will also say it will take a few go's to find your feet with the technique, so stick with it a few times.

https://autobuff.com.au/products/mck...4&_ss=e&_v=1.0
https://autobuff.com.au/products/p-s...e&_ss=e&_v=1.0
https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...re/658798.html

Have a read of this thread -

https://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11498268

The videos from this post put the words into action -

https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...64&postcount=4

Thanks DFB. I'll have a look through those links and see what's on offer.

But I take it something like this is not the way to go?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0

Thanks DFB. I'll have a look through those links and see what's on offer.

But I take it something like this is not the way to go?

image

I'll admit to using one of those in my earlier days, so I can understand the appeal.

California Duster's work by having the fibers laced with a paraffin wax, which attracts and traps dust to remove it from the paint. It's important to just barely make contact with the paint in light, sweeping motions. Shake between sections.

However, just like any contact with the paint, you will risk inflicting "love marks" and swirls. The difference here is you have no lubrication or surfactant to mitigate this contact.

Some more viewing for you -

[DFB FGXR6]

For those who use the Opti-Coat maintenance line, ZAS have the brand on HEAVY discount at the moment.

https://www.zas.com.au/brand/64/opti...ance_line.html

There are some great products in there, I may have gone a little overboard.

One product I can certainly vouch for is the Opti-Coat No Rinse, otherwise known as "yellow ONR".

https://www.zas.com.au/product/955/o...nse_473ml.html



Even if you are not into rinse-less washing, this product makes for an excellent drying aid or quick detailer. Unlike the regular "blue ONR", this version has Si02 in the formula, so it will actually add to your coating or sealant. The Mango scent is also more pleasant, to me anyway. Both this and P&S Absolute are my favorites in this category owing to their slickness.

Opti-Coat and Optimum Polymer Technologies seem to be a forgotten or unknown brand these days. Opti-Coat was one of the original ceramic coatings, Optimum No Rinse (ONR) the first rinse-less wash. And yet, as the competition has flourished, Opti-Coat and OPT have sort of been left behind. That's not to say the products aren't great, more so the marketing just hasn't kept pace with the competitors. A real shame because there are some excellent products hiding in both lines.

[DFB FGXR6]

Adam's are running a father's day sale till September 3rd, 20% off storewide.

Code - DAD20 at checkout.

https://adamspolishes.com.au/

[DFB FGXR6]

Two orders arrived today...............

The first being from ZAS and a collection of heavily discount Opti-Coat Maintenance products.



I'm really interested to see what the Glass Clean & Protect is like, same for the M-Wash.

https://www.zas.com.au/product/911/o...ect_473ml.html
https://www.zas.com.au/product/915/o...ash_473ml.html

The second order came from Obsessed Garage.



In this case, a small selection of Griot's products. The Griot's brand is extensive yet not freely available in Australia. OG have recently added some key products from Griot's to the store, these three most relevant to me.

https://www.obsessedgarage.com/colle.../griots-garage

The interior cleaner is completely scent and colour free, which makes a difference to all the other lemon scented interior cleaners and detailers on the market. The Fine Leather scent is suspiciously similar in fragrance to Chemical Guys New Car Scent. And the bottle spouts that can be turned on and off by twisting the stem just seem so well thought out.

[DFB FGXR6]

Can Coat EVO, topped with KCx S0.02, topped with Ethos Pro Shine................

[real time]

@dbf have you any recommendations for ceramic coating new rims? thanks.