Car Detailing - What products are your go to?

[Hulsty]

Over the years i've gravitated to a range of products that works for my cars, mostly my valiant with pretty much only gets waterless washes and has a Vinyl interior where as my Landcruiser has leather.

- Meguiars glass cleaner and waterless wash and wax
- Bowdens Vinyl revival
- Autoglym Leather care balm

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by bangm001

HAHA! Come on now, it was probably armor all that got us into detailing cars in our early days! Don't deny it!! HAHA!

Ah, so I can blame Armor All for all the money I've set fire to over the last 20 years?

[CyberWasp]

[prydey]

Waxit black Friday sale starts Monday 13th Nov.

[fordomatic]

In a drastic turn of events after leaving a negative review, the smash repairer owner called and asked for the VIN so he can order the part they misplaced, winning.

Allocating a day and a half to the Subaru, it won't be a pretty detail, it'll just get it looking better for a quick sale.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by prydey

Waxit black Friday sale starts Monday 13th Nov.

This sale is now live with some very enticing discounts.

NV Snow and Snow+ are always good value, but with a 25% discount, its a steal during this sale!
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...iant=932428877
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...nt=17821163396

The new Carpro products have been included, again, 25% off.
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...40654591819865
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...40654447968345

If you haven't experienced the joy of Carpro Reset, now's your chance to try this premium soap with a hefty discount.
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...iant=799686961

Same applied to the Carpro decon soaps, Lift (alkaline) and Descale (acidic).
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...32379093712985
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...40057466191961

And finally, this is a good chance to save on the usually overpriced Economax detailing seat............
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...32283884191833

[fordomatic]

This sale is dangerous, my cart is now $300

[prydey]

Originally Posted by fordomatic

This sale is dangerous, my cart is now $300

I'm very conflicted.

I have over $1200 in bills in the next couple of weeks so I really shouldn't be looking but..... I do have a few items in the cart...

[fordomatic]

Originally Posted by prydey

I'm very conflicted.

I have over $1200 in bills in the next couple of weeks so I really shouldn't be looking but..... I do have a few items in the cart...

I’m in a similar boat, also, I don’t actually “need” anything in my cart, I just want it.

No doubt I’ll buy it all haha

[PG2]

Ok gentlemen, what pads should I be buying? I have never bought from Waxit.

I generally use meguiars ultimate compound.

I have these three polishers;

Rockwell (I only use with 3.5 pads)

Autocosmetica

Black and Decker (supercheap used to sell them)

Nothing too aggressive, I am not that good. I generally apply protections by hand.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by PG2

Ok gentlemen, what pads should I be buying? I have never bought from Waxit.

I generally use meguiars ultimate compound.

I have these three polishers;

Rockwell (I only use with 3.5 pads)

Autocosmetica

Black and Decker (supercheap used to sell them)

Nothing too aggressive, I am not that good. I generally apply protections by hand.

Personally, I lean towards Shine Mate and Rupes pads, although I really like the Lake Country SDO series. You will get the most value out of the Shine Mate system though.

This is their foam pad colour hierarchy -

Green - Heavy Cut
Yellow - Medium Cut
Blue - Intermediate/Moderate Cut
Orange - Universal/Light Cut
Red - Finish Pad
Black - Wax/Finishing on soft paint

I tend to use the blue pad the most, its ideal for one-steps. If you have softer paints, then lean toward the orange and finish with red or black. You will need a few of each colour and size.

You can order pads separately or in stack/kit form, allowing you to find the pad you like before diving in the deep end. I also stick with the diamond pattern for better heat management.

This one has the six colours -
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...39349179547737

This one has yellow, blue and red pads -
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...31701204697177

You can otherwise buy the pads separately -
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections/shine-mate

[QIKESP]

DFB,
Wondering which sealant/wax is the go to for your Kinetic FG ?

I've been using the Meguiars ultimate liquid wax and While it's a great product, unfortunately it doesn't last too long.

My car is due for a much needed paint correction and the Waxit sales have got me motivated again ! Any suggestions ?

Thanks !

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by QIKESP

DFB,
Wondering which sealant/wax is the go to for your Kinetic FG ?

I've been using the Meguiars ultimate liquid wax and While it's a great product, unfortunately it doesn't last too long.

My car is due for a much needed paint correction and the Waxit sales have got me motivated again ! Any suggestions ?

Thanks !

My XR6 is Sensation rather than Kinetic, which my favorite sealant on that colour being Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant. But................that product is no longer for sale in Australia. A real shame because that stuff was magical in how it made paint so slick and deeply glossy.







So, what else would do it for me, and you?

Traditional Waxes & Sealants -


Collinite 845 - no fancy bottle or label, no crazy marketing claims, no heady fragrances..........just an old-fashioned carnauba wax. Expect about 4 - 5 months on a daily driver, or up to 12+ months when pampered and regularly touched up with a topper. It can be a bit finicky, in winter you need to run the bottle under hot water to re-liquify the wax, and it can haze up a little after the first 12 hours due to the solvents flashing away, which is normal and removed at the next wash. And make sure you apply this very thinly or you will be hating it pretty soon.

I love this wax, it's so slick and so luxuriously warm looking. 845 will also increase in gloss as the wax hardens and cures over the following 24 hours.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...iant=641817185





Menzerna Power Lock - not sold at Waxit but Detailing Shed will likely launch their sale later this week. I list this product for the exceptionally easy application, and the wipe off is smooth as silk. Longevity should be in the 4 - 5-month region.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...mer-sealant-1l



Spray Sealants -

These are a step away from what you may be used to, the application is easier and quicker than a traditional wax.

Carpro Reload 2.0 - the original version could be tricky, but the new 2.0 revision is so much nicer to work with. The slickness and glassy finish are the highlights, as is the water beading. Longevity up to about 3 months.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...40406212149337



Koch Chemie S0.02 - this is my favorite spray sealant, being ultra easy to apply and offering exceptional gloss levels. Yes, expensive, but that bottle will last you a long time, a little goes a long way.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...nt-s0-02-500ml





Ceramic Coatings -

In reality, the following is not a full-blown ceramic coating, but its performance would argue otherwise.

Gyeon Can Coat EVO - this a very approachable product and ideal for a ceramic coating novice. Longevity is up to and beyond 12 months, the application a simple spray-wipe-buff type of deal. Important to note that you DONT spray the product onto the car, rather onto a towel or applicator before being wiped across the panel. The main thing with Can Coat is that it teaches you about working in a methodical manner to ensure you get a high-spot free finish. One bottle of this should do 4 medium to large sized vehicles, effectively $20 per application.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...-cancoat-200ml





I only have one stipulation for supplying all of the above, I would love to hear what you choose and see the finished result.

[QIKESP]

DFB,
Thanks for the very detailed post outlining various options available.

The FG looks absolutely fantastic (The same can be said for everything else in your garage) and it's a credit to your ongoing efforts !

Your comments regarding the Collinite hazing from solvent flash were interesting, as I was initially leaning towards this product.

I'm now inclined to try either the Menzerna Power Lock, or Gyeon Can Coat EVO.

I really need to invest in a decent car cover once its detailed, as the car is lucky to get driven once or twice a month and the garage dust drives me crazy.

More than happy to upload a few photos of the finished result

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by QIKESP

DFB,
Thanks for the very detailed post outlining various options available.

The FG looks absolutely fantastic (The same can be said for everything else in your garage) and it's a credit to your ongoing efforts !

Your comments regarding the Collinite hazing from solvent flash were interesting, as I was initially leaning towards this product.

I'm now inclined to try either the Menzerna Power Lock, or Gyeon Can Coat EVO.

I really need to invest in a decent car cover once its detailed, as the car is lucky to get driven once or twice a month and the garage dust drives me crazy.

More than happy to upload a few photos of the finished result

I wouldn't let the hazing on Collinite 845 deter you. I've only had it haze once in all the years I've used it, and even then, it disappears next time you wash the car.

These are the covers to look at -
https://purfitcovers.com/collections/fpv-collection

[In Focus]

Hey, DFB. How does the Can Coat compare to Q2 wax for looks? They're both around $68 at Repco (members price) at present.

It sounds like the Can Coat is easier to apply and should last longer, although you will get a lot more applications out of the Q2.

[raised by monkeys]

Seeking opinions on auto glym magma, or possible alternatives. Ive been using auto glym polar blast and wash. I dont have the time to do clay bars, buff and wax unless i take time off work. I live on a busy road so lots of contaminants.

[DFB FGXR6]

Detailing Shed have their Black Friday sale running now -

https://detailingshed.com.au/

Code at checkout : BF2023

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by In Focus

Hey, DFB. How does the Can Coat compare to Q2 wax for looks? They're both around $68 at Repco (members price) at present.

It sounds like the Can Coat is easier to apply and should last longer, although you will get a lot more applications out of the Q2.

I have used and liked both.

Q2 Wax provides exceptional water behavior, slickness and a super easy wipe off. But..............it doesn't last long on a daily driver. Think 2 months at best. On a garage queen, that figure is meaningless because it really doesn't disappear when topped and kept out of the elements. I apply Q2 Wax in the below posts -

https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...postcount=1700
https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...postcount=1701

Can Coat EVO is considerably stronger and will easily do 10 to 12 months with appropriate care. I have it on a daily driver that is parked outdoors 24/7 rain/hail/shine. I have given it a decon wash twice in the 11 months its been on the car, and topped it with KCx S0.02 twice. It's still doing very well considering the conditions. The below posts cover its installation -

https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...postcount=2049
https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...postcount=2050

I would also watch a few videos on Can Coat EVO before diving in. While the actual spray-wipe-buff application is easy, you do need to be mindful that this is a ceramic coating and is prone to high spots like any coating. If you are working carfully and thoroughly, you will be fine.

I tend to favor a microfiber applicator instead of the suggested folded towel, applying it more like a traditional coating. Be sure to spray the applicator or towel well away from the car and other parked cars, you will otherwise risk getting unintended high spots. I'd have a few low pile towels on hand to swap out as you go.

Official Gyeon video -



Video from one of my Autogeek mates -



If it were me, I would be favoring Can Coat EVO. The performance it delivers vs the effort put in is amazing. It's often dissed for not being a true coating, but as I said, it's been nothing but impressive on the cars I have applied it to.

[stannoplan]

The Waxit sale, dangerous.

They do have cQuartz UK 3.0 for $78. https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...iant=641821797

I did a Tesla and a CRV in January and continue to be amazed at the coating, super easy to put on.

worth a try. its a steal at that price. You can do 2 cars in one 30ml bottle with 2 coats - just.

[stannoplan]

Originally Posted by raised by monkeys

Seeking opinions on auto glym magma, or possible alternatives. Ive been using auto glym polar blast and wash. I dont have the time to do clay bars, buff and wax unless i take time off work. I live on a busy road so lots of contaminants.

I personally am on my third bottle of Magma, I find it does rims, barrels, tyres and paint like no other. It does stink like mad though. I haven't tried too many other iron decon products aside Dragons Blood and some dedicated rim iron cleaners. But for me, it just works, can be used on paint and has amazing results especially alloys.

I hear IronX is always a favourite.

goodluck,

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by raised by monkeys

Seeking opinions on auto glym magma, or possible alternatives. Ive been using auto glym polar blast and wash. I dont have the time to do clay bars, buff and wax unless i take time off work. I live on a busy road so lots of contaminants.

Autoglym Magma is decent, just buy when on special.





Iron removers are one of the more expensive detailing chemicals to make, and so that is reflected in the price. The key is to look for those on sale because, for the most part, they all do a similar job.

I've been using Gyeon Iron and NV Purify of late. At the moment, I think the best value would be to order either Carpro IronX or NV Purify from Waxit, both are 25% off for Black Friday...............very cheap for this type of chemical. I would favor Purify as it stinks less and can also be used as a clay lubricant.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...iant=801078241
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...iant=860701049

For context, a 500ml bottle of Purify is $16.35 at the moment, while Autoglym Magma is at $36 for the same bottle size. At that price, I would order the 4 liter bottle of Purify and have it in stock.

[raised by monkeys]

Thanks for the honest replies. I do like auto glym products for something off the shelf (locally) and for amateur hour use. I'll look at the above unless i can find it on sale this week.

[stannoplan]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Autoglym Magma is decent, just buy when on special.

image

image

Iron removers are one of the more expensive detailing chemicals to make, and so that is reflected in the price. The key is to look for those on sale because, for the most part, they all do a similar job.

I've been using Gyeon Iron and NV Purify of late. At the moment, I think the best value would be to order either Carpro IronX or NV Purify from Waxit, both are 25% off for Black Friday...............very cheap for this type of chemical. I would favor Purify as it stinks less and can also be used as a clay lubricant.

Thanks DFB, I knew you would have tried a range of them ;).

[fordomatic]

Originally Posted by stannoplan

The Waxit sale, dangerous.

They do have cQuartz UK 3.0 for $78. https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...iant=641821797

I did a Tesla and a CRV in January and continue to be amazed at the coating, super easy to put on.

worth a try. its a steal at that price. You can do 2 cars in one 30ml bottle with 2 coats - just.

Having used both, Nova Evo trumps it in every way, less maintenance, longer durability, easier to apply and only need one coat. I'm not a fan of ceramic coatings, but Nova Evo does the job so well. Give it a go next time.

CQUK disappointed me so much for all the hype it carries, mainly longevity and water marks, only lasted 12 months on one of my cars i coated.

[raised by monkeys]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Autoglym Magma is decent, just buy when on special.

image

image

Iron removers are one of the more expensive detailing chemicals to make, and so that is reflected in the price. The key is to look for those on sale because, for the most part, they all do a similar job.

I've been using Gyeon Iron and NV Purify of late. At the moment, I think the best value would be to order either Carpro IronX or NV Purify from Waxit, both are 25% off for Black Friday...............very cheap for this type of chemical. I would favor Purify as it stinks less and can also be used as a clay lubricant.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...iant=801078241
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...iant=860701049

For context, a 500ml bottle of Purify is $16.35 at the moment, while Autoglym Magma is at $36 for the same bottle size. At that price, I would order the 4 liter bottle of Purify and have it in stock.

Hey DFB can iron x be used as a clay lubricant? Purely for wheels and painwork - clay bar aside, which would you consider the better product, as in to spray, leave and rinse?

[fordomatic]

Originally Posted by raised by monkeys

Hey DFB can iron x be used as a clay lubricant? Purely for wheels and painwork - clay bar aside, which would you consider the better product, as in to spray, leave and rinse?

I really rate Purify and switched to it a couple years ago. Mainly because you can use it as a lubricant as well and it does two jobs in one. I also found it takes longer before it starts to dry, compared to Iron X. It's also very cheap at the moment, as DFB said.

Iron X will do its job fine but it isn't designed to be a lubricant for clay. I rate Purify better than Iron X as just a decontaminant alone, as DFB said, it smells so much better as well, Iron X absolutely stinks.

[raised by monkeys]

Auto Barn has Magma at $27 atm then minus 20% at the new store closest to me, brings the same as purify 1lt plus delivery. Down the track ill definitely look at wax it. I'll be replacing front rotors and pads this week so ill need it handy as im hoping to re-clear 6p brembos while im there.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by fordomatic

I really rate Purify and switched to it a couple years ago. Mainly because you can use it as a lubricant as well and it does two jobs in one. I also found it takes longer before it starts to dry, compared to Iron X. It's also very cheap at the moment, as DFB said.

Iron X will do its job fine but it isn't designed to be a lubricant for clay. I rate Purify better than Iron X as just a decontaminant alone, as DFB said, it smells so much better as well, Iron X absolutely stinks.

I suspect the lubricants in Purify contribute to the slower evaporation rate.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by raised by monkeys

Auto Barn has Magma at $27 atm then minus 20% at the new store closest to me, brings the same as purify 1lt plus delivery. Down the track ill definitely look at wax it. I'll be replacing front rotors and pads this week so ill need it handy as im hoping to re-clear 6p brembos while im there.

Originally Posted by raised by monkeys

Hey DFB can iron x be used as a clay lubricant? Purely for wheels and painwork - clay bar aside, which would you consider the better product, as in to spray, leave and rinse?

I have actually used Magma in conjunction with a clay bar, so it can be done. Just be mindful that when doing these two steps in one that you may inflict more paint marring, which may or may not be important to you.