Car Detailing - What products are your go to?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by the_scotsman

Ok, so something no one likes. Glass. What's the secret? It's my pet hate.

I use AutoGlym glass polish, which works well. But it tends to leave a bit of power residue, so windscreen and interior door window cleaning can be annoying having to clean up the dusy mess.

Is there a good product that people use? And any specific type of towel?

Have a read of this post I did nearly two years ago -
https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...2&postcount=78

In terms of products, you will want a alcohol based glass cleaner, no Windex as the ammonia in it will damage your interior plastics and window tint. Stoners Invisible Glass is one of the best, as is Gyeon Q2M Glass and Autoglym Fast Glass.

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...003855#start=3
https://www.repco.com.au/en/car-care...kwSearch=vinyl
https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...ml/383984.html

Trust me, you will also want the Stoners Clean and Reach Tool, especially for the rear window of the Mustang.

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...003855#start=4

And waffle weave towels are best for glass -

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...3ef90f85&_ss=r

[the_scotsman]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Have a read of this post I did nearly two years ago -
https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...2&postcount=78

In terms of products, you will want a alcohol based glass cleaner, no Windex as the ammonia in it will damage your interior plastics and window tint. Stoners Invisible Glass is one of the best, as is Gyeon Q2M Glass and Autoglym Fast Glass.

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...003855#start=3
https://www.repco.com.au/en/car-care...kwSearch=vinyl
https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...ml/383984.html

Trust me, you will also want the Stoners Clean and Reach Tool, especially for the rear window of the Mustang.

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...003855#start=4

And waffle weave towels are best for glass -

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...3ef90f85&_ss=r

Thanks as always, great post!

That long reach tool looks so handy, I'll definitely grab one of those. The back window in the Falcon is bad enough...the Mustang is a joke.

I also have the AutoGlym fast glass. But when I use it, I can never get all streaks gone, and it ****es me off. I have OCD with streaks, be it on the car, or the windows. But the windows really **** me.

I guess I need to grab some waffle weave towels. I've just been using regular microfibre towels.

Thanks!

[prydey]

Originally Posted by fiestaz

i30 went in for a service today. Partner specifically asks them not to wash it (even though it was filthy). They washed it.

I've had the same experience. When I bought my fg xr6 it was only just traded so had yet to be detailed by the dealership. I told them not to touch it, I'd buy it as is.

Went back the next day to find it washed and the interior covered in armorall or something equally as terrible and greasy.

They still treat you like they've done you a massive favour. Morons.

[fiestaz]

Originally Posted by prydey

I've had the same experience. When I bought my fg xr6 it was only just traded so had yet to be detailed by the dealership. I told them not to touch it, I'd buy it as is.

Went back the next day to find it washed and the interior covered in armorall or something equally as terrible and greasy.

They still treat you like they've done you a massive favour. Morons.

I hate dealerships. I really do. The I’ve done you a favour attitude s***s me, even though we pay them.

Can’t wait for their survey.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by fiestaz

I hate dealerships. I really do. The I’ve done you a favour attitude s***s me, even though we pay them.

Can’t wait for their survey.

I wouldn't, didn't, wait for the survey! The service manager copped a spray about a car leaving their workshop in worse condition than it arrived. They write "DONT WASH" on the job card now!

If that fails.....................

[fordomatic]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I wouldn't, didn't, wait for the survey! The service manager copped a spray about a car leaving their workshop in worse condition than it arrived. They write "DONT WASH" on the job card now!

If that fails.....................

image

image

Year ago the dealership washed my VY Clubsport, introduced scratched. It went to the detailer of my choice to be fixed, cost them $1200. Was like they washed it with a green scourer

[DJM83]

So after having my ute machine corrected last week.
Im looking at buying some stuffs to keep it looking and and easier to maintain. The coating that is on it is a Gtechniq sealant, that im told should last 6mths.
Im not fully into it all but i like taking my time to to make it look good.
The guy that did it put me onto the waxit website and suggested some NV products.
Im thinking about buying this kit as a starter. I already have some other stuffs for tyres and what not, but i may change that also. Its mainly maintaining the coating on it between maintenance details.
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...it-boost-500ml

Or any other suggestions most welcome.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by DJM83

So after having my ute machine corrected last week.
Im looking at buying some stuffs to keep it looking and and easier to maintain. The coating that is on it is a Gtechniq sealant, that im told should last 6mths.
Im not fully into it all but i like taking my time to to make it look good.
The guy that did it put me onto the waxit website and suggested some NV products.
Im thinking about buying this kit as a starter. I already have some other stuffs for tyres and what not, but i may change that also. Its mainly maintaining the coating on it between maintenance details.
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...it-boost-500ml

Or any other suggestions most welcome.

I am assuming the Gtechniq sealant that was applied is C2v3 Liquid Crystal.

https://www.detailstore.com.au/colle...uid-crystal-v3

The Waxit kit is a good deal with quality products. You would use NV Boost as a drying aid to maintain the C2v3. The NV Nova Jet could be used to replace the C2v3 once it has finished.

An alternative to NV Boost would be P&S Bead Maker, I find it to have more gloss than Boost, smells great and pretty easy to use.

https://www.detailstore.com.au/produ...e4ea8637&_ss=r
https://www.detailstore.com.au/produ...e4ea8637&_ss=r

Or even Meguiars Hybrid Ceramic Detailer, that stuff really surprised me.

https://www.sparesbox.com.au/part/me...-768ml-g200526

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I am assuming the Gtechniq sealant that was applied is C2v3 Liquid Crystal.

https://www.detailstore.com.au/colle...uid-crystal-v3

The Waxit kit is a good deal with quality products. You would use NV Boost as a drying aid to maintain the C2v3. The NV Nova Jet could be used to replace the C2v3 once it has finished.

An alternative to NV Boost would be P&S Bead Maker, I find it to have more gloss than Boost, smells great and pretty easy to use.

https://www.detailstore.com.au/produ...e4ea8637&_ss=r
https://www.detailstore.com.au/produ...e4ea8637&_ss=r

Or even Meguiars Hybrid Ceramic Detailer, that stuff really surprised me.

https://www.sparesbox.com.au/part/me...-768ml-g200526

Brilliant.
Exactly the answers i was after.
Indeed it was C2v3 Liquid Crystal that was applied. (i was told it lasts 6mths now) and will be reapplied then.
Car will go back for maintenance washes every 6mths id say (rarely gets driven)
I reckon i might pull the trigger on that kit and some good bug tar remover also.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by DJM83

Brilliant.
Exactly the answers i was after.
Indeed it was C2v3 Liquid Crystal that was applied. (i was told it lasts 6mths now) and will be reapplied then.
Car will go back for maintenance washes every 6mths id say (rarely gets driven)
I reckon i might pull the trigger on that kit and some good bug tar remover also.

If your are ordering from Waxit, then CarPro TarX and Bug-Out are what you want. TarX is also a brilliant adhesive remover.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...-x-50-600-5ltr
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...carpro-bug-out

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

If your are ordering from Waxit, then CarPro TarX and Bug-Out are what you want. TarX is also a brilliant adhesive remover.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...-x-50-600-5ltr
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...carpro-bug-out

I got impatient and ordered that kit, not expecting an answer re bugs.
Im probably going to get Bug-Out
Next question.
Wheels and tyres.
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...wheel-care-kit

Buying as a kit makes it easier for me cause im lazy
Couple this with the missus having a new N Line tuscan with a front that is very busy and if i can make it easier to clean, id like that

[prydey]

Haven't used boost or jet yet but NV snow is what I use and it's the best I've ever used. Works great in a foam gun as well as in a bucket.

Can't go wrong with NV products.

Carpro products are also ranked very high on this forum.

[FTE217]

And I finally saw my Detailing Shed delivery happily……


Great looking little kit.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bangm001]

What an absolutely amazing thread! I'm a little fussy about keeping my car looking its best but many here are another level! HAHA!
After having my car professionally colour corrected and polished costing $450.00 (after i did decontamination and clay prior and numerous light hand polishes prior), and have now just used the Meguiars "ceramic" products mentioned a few pages ago. It did really make a huge difference in the appearance of the car and was probably the easiest to use products i have ever used. Car has all original ford paint that's now 10 years old except on the front bar. I also did a brake caliper resto last year as the clear coat on the brembos gave way.
Anyway attached are a few pics of all the hard work!

[T3rminator]

What automotive paper towels do people use? Something that is relatively strong, lint free and doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by T3rminator

What automotive paper towels do people use? Something that is relatively strong, lint free and doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

If I use paper towel, it's the stuff from the kitchen, either Viva or Handy Ultra.

I otherwise use these which work out at $0.42 each -
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...penser-50-pack

I'm guessing you mean something like this though?

https://www.repco.com.au/en/safety-w...375/p/A9430332
https://www.nisbets.com.au/jantex-ce...iABEgJ4S_D_BwE

[T3rminator]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

If I use paper towel, it's the stuff from the kitchen, either Viva or Handy Ultra.

I otherwise use these which work out at $0.42 each -
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...penser-50-pack

I'm guessing you mean something like this though?

https://www.repco.com.au/en/safety-w...375/p/A9430332
https://www.nisbets.com.au/jantex-ce...iABEgJ4S_D_BwE

Yes, something like the Nisbet. The problem with kitchen towels is its not as strong, its rougher in texture, and sometimes it comes with lint. I found a roll of automotive paper towel (feels almost more like a cloth) in the garage, not sure what brand or where it came from, its brilliant but I'm about to run out.

Its great for getting rid of grime without leaving traces of the paper towel. Its also softer, I use it to wipe the steering wheel. If I use anything else, its too rough and risk taking layers off the old steering wheel.

I managed to clean the weber grill with a couple of automotive paper towels this afternoon, worked a treat . If you use a kitchen power towel, it will disintegrate after a couple of strokes.

[DFB FGXR6]

My two favorite applicators for tyre dressing have been the Maxshine/Bowden's foam applicator pads and the RaceGlaze XL brush.

https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...ter-applicator
https://www.bowdensown.com.au/all-sorts

https://www.obsessedgarage.com/colle...iling-brush-xl
https://raceglaze.com.au/five-detailing-brush-set/









Today, I think I found a new favorite!

https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...etailing-brush







These little Maxshine brushes are awesome at applying tyre dressings! I have had two of these sitting in the cabinet for over a month now, mainly because I kept forgetting about them. They were designed for interior cleaning, but taking inspiration from OG using the new Detail Factory Curveball brush on tyres, I thought these would offer a similar effect until those Curveball's are offered locally. And.........WOW!

I applied some Onyx directly to the bristles, dabbed over the sidewall and then went about working it in.







Also good for getting the large lip PS4S's have without smearing onto the freshly cleaned wheels.





The high density of soft bristles makes this tiny little brush so very good at this task. Probably best suited to low profile tyres though, where it can be used very precisely. I'm in love with it................buy one, you can thank me later!

[GTP534]

I believe Waxit have an offer at the moment - spend over $100 and receive the 500ml ONYX free.

Valid till midnight tomorrow.

I'm ordering some Scholl applicator pucks tonight.

[hackney]

Picking up my Honda HRV Hybrid tomorrow.Still have a stack of CarPro CQ.UK 3.0 ceramic quartz paint protection left.Used it in my Fiesta last year, it came up a treat.The Honda should look terrific, especially with colour being Premium Crystal Red.Looking forward to doing it.Quite a good product to work with.

[fordomatic]

Originally Posted by hackney

Picking up my Honda HRV Hybrid tomorrow.Still have a stack of CarPro CQ.UK 3.0 ceramic quartz paint protection left.Used it in my Fiesta last year, it came up a treat.The Honda should look terrific, especially with colour being Premium Crystal Red.Looking forward to doing it.Quite a good product to work with.

Just make sure the CQ is still in date

[hackney]

Originally Posted by fordomatic

Just make sure the CQ is still in date

Thx for that.I have checked it, & it is ok.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by hackney

Picking up my Honda HRV Hybrid tomorrow.Still have a stack of CarPro CQ.UK 3.0 ceramic quartz paint protection left.Used it in my Fiesta last year, it came up a treat.The Honda should look terrific, especially with colour being Premium Crystal Red.Looking forward to doing it.Quite a good product to work with.

Originally Posted by fordomatic

Just make sure the CQ is still in date

Agreed. fordomatic you would be better answering this as I don't use many coatings, but I think you would also hold it up to the light and make sure it doesn't have solids floating in it.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by GTP534

I believe Waxit have an offer at the moment - spend over $100 and receive the 500ml ONYX free.

Valid till midnight tomorrow.

I'm ordering some Scholl applicator pucks tonight.

BUGGER!! I put an order in on Monday to re-stock my pad collection, I sort of needed some more Onyx too.

Considering the price I paid for 23 assorted pads, I would hope they send me a bottle too.

[hackney]

Posted in error.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

BUGGER!! I put an order in on Monday to re-stock my pad collection, I sort of needed some more Onyx too.

Considering the price I paid for 23 assorted pads, I would hope they send me a bottle too.

Double Bugger! My order arrived today, no Onyx included. I thought maybe I had earned a little extra considering my spending habits at Waxit.





By the way, that's what $300 worth of pads looks like!

[prydey]

Mr Waxit - if you're reading this forum, send Mr DFB his bottle of Onyx. He's earned it 10x over!

[DFB FGXR6]

Trim Dressings and Coatings.

For a long time, unpainted black plastic trim on car generally meant you bought the base model. At some stage in the last 10 – 15 years, blacked out trim become the norm on most cars, from SUV’s to sports cars. Gloss black seems to be the predominant accent trim on cars, and unpainted black on SUV’s.

Gloss trim is a nightmare to deal with. This sort of finish can be polished and corrected much the same as paint, but they are so soft that while the polish will remove defects, the towel used to wipe off the polish residue will re-introduce what you had just removed. The only true way to protect them is apply PPF.

Unpainted trim can be dealt with in a few different ways. It’s important to protect this trim from UV to help prevent or treat discoloration. That is what this post will focus on.

Dressings -
The cheapest and easiest way to deal with unpainted plastic trim is to dress it with an appropriate product. These dressings if applied from new will prevent or minimize UV damage in the longer term. There are thousands of these products available and in general they will need to be re-applied regularly.

My favorite in this category is 303 Aerospace Protectant. Compared to similar products, I have found 303 to easier to get smooth, even coverage. I also like how this doesn’t make trim glossy or greasy. Other similar products to consider here would be Carpro Perl or Meguiar’s Hyper Dressing.





You can also use a gel or paste type liquid product for dressing as well. Think Chemical Guys VRP, Autoglym Bumper & Trim Gel or Meguiar’s Gold Class Trim Detailer. I would say though that I find the runnier products like 303 easier to work with on trim, they just seem easier to distribute and require less rubbing to work in. Gels also tend to have a greasier look and feel.







https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...ml/598936.html
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ca...l&_ss=e&_v=1.0
https://www.repco.com.au/en/car-care...032/p/A5576809

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...ml/383925.html
https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...96ml/2667.html
https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...ml/623674.html

Pro – Easy to apply, cost effective, night and day result.
Con – Short durability, especially if it rains or you wash your car a lot………think weeks.

Spray Sealants –
These products are generally designed for paint but can also be used to good effect on black plastic trim. The finish from these is subtle so best suited to new or already well-maintained trim. Think P&S Bead Maker, Carpro Reload, Bowden’s Bead Machine or Meguiar’s Hybrid Ceramic Detailer.





https://www.detailstore.com.au/produ...07d98e06&_ss=r
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ca...l&_ss=e&_v=1.0
https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...ml/593526.html
https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...ml/599353.html

Pro – Easy and convenient to use, subtle transformation, durability of 3 – 5 months.
Con – Subtle transformation, not suited to restorative needs.

Trim Restoration –
These products soak into the trim rather than sitting on top of the surface like a dressing. Trim restorers need more thought and effort put into preparation prior to application but they will last considerably longer. Think Bowden’s Mr. Black, Mothers Naturally Black Aerosol, Solution Finish and Cerakote Trim Coat. Longevity and the ability revive already faded plastic are where these come in. Solution Finish tout their product does without the “wet look” and that it “dries quickly with no greasy residue”.







https://www.waxit.com.au/products/so...h&_ss=e&_v=1.0
https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...=en_AU&start=3
https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...PO8093645.html
https://mymotorcar.com.au/products/c...-trim-coat-kit

Pro – Ability to restore already faded trim, longevity.
Con – More work in terms of preparation.

Ceramic Coatings -
These are another long-term solution that can be used on new/well maintained trims as well as the ability to restore already faded plastic. Think Carpro DLUX, Gyeon Q2 Trim and Gtechniq C4. Again, these products need good preparation to ensure a successful bond but on the other hand, they can last years not weeks or months.

(Carpro DLUX)











https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ca...l&_ss=e&_v=1.0
https://www.detailstore.com.au/produ...874ea778&_ss=r
https://www.detailstore.com.au/produ...40d94181&_ss=r

Pro – Ability to restore, longevity, OE finish.
Con – More work in terms of preparation.

Application Tips –
Dressings -
-For liquid/gel type trim dressings, microfiber applicator pads are ideal for this task.
-Apply the product to the pad rather than the trim itself.
-Use a clean towel and some quick detailer or waterless wash to remove dressing residue from surrounding paintwork or glass.
-Preparation for these products is minimal, just make sure to clean beforehand.

https://carcareco.com.au/product/pea...icator-sponge/



Coatings & Restorers -
-Most Ceramic Coating will come with an applicator supplied in the box.
-You will need to thoroughly clean these surfaces first, use an APC for a deep clean. Follow up with a prep-spray like Carpro Eraser or Bowden’s Flash Prep prior to coating.
-You will need a supply of dedicated towels for this task. They don’t need to be high end towels, there is no risk of inflicting swirls here. Depending on the car, you will need 2 – 6 towels, which are then discarded after use.

https://carcareco.com.au/product/the...rofibre-towel/
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ca...r&_ss=e&_v=1.0
https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...ml/599354.html

[GTP534]

^^^^ Hope you're feeling better soon, Prydey. Back injuries can be so debilitating.

[CyberWasp]

Yes I was going to say that about Repco.
I got a bottle of Turtle Wax One & Done for under $30 on Clearance to try.

Here is the secret to finding the bargains but it is a little tedious.
Go to their site and search for a product brand example Meguairs, and bring up their line up.
If any are on special example 25% off they will be listed 1st.
But the key is to go to the last pages to see the clearance items.
Set your store to see if any are in stock at your local store.
If not you can also check the surrounding ones.
It is a little tedious as often they are sold out at the nearest stores but you never know.
When I went into the store the product was still on the shelf at the full price so I got it checked at the register and bingo clearance price.