Car Detailing - What products are your go to? - Page 57

**DFB FGXR6** · 13-03-2023, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

Has anyone used Carpro Retyre?
Any good?
I’m looking for a tyre cleaner.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Adam's Rubber & Tire Cleaner - Another great option, and probably best had when on sale. Again, quite strong in it's action and is one of their best products.

https://adamspolishes.com.au/collect...44071361970455

image

image

Adam's have 25% off storewide till March 17th, including their Rubber & Tire Cleaner.

Code MADNESS at checkout.

473ml / 16oz - $32.99 down to $24.75

3.78lt / 1 gallon - $129.99 down to $97.49

https://adamspolishes.com.au/product...75564c32&_ss=r

To bulk out the order to make postage worthwhile, have a look at the following -

Shampoo/Mega Foam/Ultra Foam (fantastic soaps) -
https://adamspolishes.com.au/collect...-shampoo-16-oz
https://adamspolishes.com.au/product...ec39b49e&_ss=r
https://adamspolishes.com.au/collect...a-foam-shampoo

Graphene Tire Dressing (love this stuff) -
https://adamspolishes.com.au/collect...-tyre-dressing

Slick & Slide (amazing gloss, smells great) -
https://adamspolishes.com.au/collect...ck-slide-16-oz

EZ-Fill Funnel (don't laugh, these are brilliant!) -
https://adamspolishes.com.au/collect...hreaded-funnel

**DFB FGXR6** · 13-03-2023, 07:09 PM

I note the Detail Store have added the ColourLock line to their store.

https://www.detailstore.com.au/collections/colourlock

This adds closer outlet for those in the eastern part of the country, joining ColourLock HQ, AutoFX WA and The Detailing Warehouse.

https://www.colourlockaustralia.com....KQmzvX48FNLw5g
https://shop.autofxwa.com.au/collections/colourlock
https://www.detailingwarehouse.com.a...ons/colourlock

**DFB FGXR6** · 20-03-2023, 09:02 PM

I have been really enjoying rinse-less washing of late. When used correctly, this wash method is a real time saver when cleaning my "dirty clean" garage queen's.

Having said that, I get the feeling Aussies don't seem to do as much rinse-less washing as those in the USA. Perhaps that might be about to change..............

A couple of days ago, Bowden's Own released their first rinse-less wash concentrate called Dry Spell.

https://www.bowdensown.com.au/blog/l...new-dry-spell/

Bowden's tout high lubrication, gloss enhancement and a pH neutral formulation, making it safe for use on waxes, sealants, ceramic coatings and paint protection films.

The "unique grouping of high-tech cleaning surfactants" to me means a formulation similar to McKee's N-914, in contrast to ONR or Absolute which are polymer type cleaners.

I'm keen to give this product a go, here's hoping it's better than some of their soaps.

CyberWasp · 12-03-2023, 08:37 PM

Thinking about it, you could just about start a new thread on alternative uses for car detailing products.
For example what would Sio2 be like on shower screens for example.

**fordomatic** · 12-03-2023, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

Thinking about it, you could just about start a new thread on alternative uses for car detailing products.
For example what would Sio2 be like on shower screens for example.

Not even joking, do it on the toilet bowl with ceramic coating, saves a lot of cleaning. Is great on shower screens as well, i've also done that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Had to get dressed up for a family lunch today at a toffy nosed winery, at least I got to wear my favorite shoes.

For scientific purposes, ColourLock Leather Protector works very well on cherry red Dr. Marten's................

I wear my RM Williams every day for work, I use the same

**DFB FGXR6** · 12-03-2023, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

Thinking about it, you could just about start a new thread on alternative uses for car detailing products.
For example what would Sio2 be like on shower screens for example.

Like this..................

anobserver · 24-03-2023, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

Thinking about it, you could just about start a new thread on alternative uses for car detailing products.
For example what would Sio2 be like on shower screens for example.

Have used meguires wet look and bowdens own fully slick on the top surface of our water tanks. Rest of the tank is painted, but the top is unpainted, galvanised steel that still discolours easily.

Came up pretty nicely.

anobserver · 24-03-2023, 06:08 PM

Any feedback on the ceramic sprays like the ones Mother have brought out?

From what i can gather, application plays a big factor in the outcome.

**DFB FGXR6** · 24-03-2023, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anobserver

Any feedback on the ceramic sprays like the ones Mother have brought out?

From what i can gather, application plays a big factor in the outcome.

They have two ceramic lines, CMX and Ultimate Hybrid -

https://mothers.com/collections/cmx
https://mothers.com/collections/ultimate-hybrid

I remember the original CMX spray was not very well received, mainly for the application process and poor longevity.

Also, at full retail, I do not see value in a $79.95 spray sealant or $32.99 for a prep spray when larger 1-liter bottles of Carpro Reload and Eraser cost LESS.

Other than that, I can't comment any further.

anobserver · 24-03-2023, 09:14 PM

Thanks dfb. We have a new daily arriving, and im looking at how to clean it. Car is white.

Happy to continue using a simple three bucket wash. And probably going to continue with detail sprays or bowdens fully slick. Inbetween ive been using meguires wet look, an old product now that is likely outclassed by any number of newer products.

I did have some nova jet and lustre there for a while, but couldnt justify using them on the old chariot. Now though.... always thought the lustre was good at colour enhancement, but on a white car, maybe not so much.

In between the washing and topcoating ive always used a wax, topped with a detailing spray. I get the impression waxes are almost obsolete....? Your list from october didnt have any waxes at all. You listed the gyeon ceramic can as nominee in the wax and paint care category.

Would a product like reload also be a suitable replacement as an intermediate step? Prefer to avoid graphene products for now. Not especially interested in ceramic coating. I like getting outside and washing the car down, its good therapy.

I found the nova products ok to use too. Id consider using them occasionally as a change.

Cheers,

**FTE217** · 24-03-2023, 03:41 PM

DFB, I've been researching of late and I see good reviews about Adams Polish's from the USA.
I think you have done some links or checked em out ? if so have you bought any of their gear ?
The goss I've seen is pretty good but you get that whenever you see reviews.

**DFB FGXR6** · 24-03-2023, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FTE217

DFB, I've been researching of late and I see good reviews about Adams Polish's from the USA.
I think you have done some links or checked em out ? if so have you bought any of their gear ?
The goss I've seen is pretty good but you get that whenever you see reviews.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

prydey · 24-03-2023, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

, but even I have limits to what I "need" or "want".

.

Can't believe..

**FTE217** · 25-03-2023, 07:32 AM

Quote:

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

image

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

image

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

image

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

image

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

image

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

image

image

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

image

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

**DJM83** · 25-03-2023, 03:09 PM

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!

**FTE217** · 27-03-2023, 04:47 PM

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 · 27-03-2023, 05:00 PM

Quote:

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** · 27-03-2023, 05:31 PM

Quote:

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 · 27-03-2023, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

It's certainly a leap of faith.

Just wanted to say your posts are excellent.

**DFB FGXR6** · 27-03-2023, 05:13 PM

Quote:

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.

Dr Smith · 27-03-2023, 05:54 PM

Quote:

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...

**DFB FGXR6** · 27-03-2023, 06:23 PM

Quote:

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** · 29-03-2023, 08:25 PM

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 -

CyberWasp · 31-03-2023, 08:22 PM

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** · 31-03-2023, 08:40 PM

Quote:

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......................