Car Detailing - What products are your go to? - Page 88

CyberWasp · 02-07-2023, 07:35 PM

I have had a week to respond to the technique that I posted above in not using glass cleaner, technique for immaculate windows.

All in all it is now my preferred method. I have tried on 3 cars so far.

It has worked for me esp on the inside windscreen scenario.

Definitely worth a try if you suffer like I do with residue appearing on the windows in the next day after a clean.

I was very satisfied the next day when leaving work and driving straight into the westerly setting sun and seeing nothing but clean glass, no smears just clean glass. 1st time ever for me.

If you have an old synthetic chamois laying around it now has a new use.

For the Pros I think that using a Clean chamois actually cleans the window better than cloth. I think that with cloth it generates some kind of static which is the cause of the buildup in the following days.

As with any technique I found there are some cons that you have to sort through. When you load up the chamois it will drip water so you have to find the spot of max water and the point of less drip. Easy to practice out in your bucket of warm water though.

The other con is that cleaner is still needed to remove 'sticky' type marks as this method is for final cleaning or maintenance cleaning.

All in all I am impressed and have solved my biggest pet peave with car cleaning.

**Mechan1k** · 03-07-2023, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

The next video in Sandro's updated favorites list, this time focusing on paint correction -

A couple of take aways -

- Surprised to see Autoglym Super Resin Polish here. I used it for a long time but it super dusty, has a heavy wipe off and is more of a filler than a corrector.

- Again, seeing Meguiar's Ultimate Compound make an appearance is not one I would agree with owing to the terrible user experience.

- Scholl S20 Black, Sonax Cutmax and Sonax Perfect finish have my approval. S20 and Perfect Finish are similar in concept, with S20 being a dustier and Perfect Finish having an oily feel to the wipe off. I've favored Perfect Finish lately due to the lower dusting.

- I would really love to try out the NV compounds at some point, as well The Last Cut.

- The Shine Mate foam pads are indeed very durable while being extremely affordable, up to half the price of an equivalent Rupes.

- I too have also noticed a faster degradation / wear with the Rupes foam pads. The wool pads are known to delaminate without careful heat management.

- The battery powered Shine Mate machines are great value for money. Its rather strange that Rupes have been sleeping at the wheel when it comes to making 5- or 6-inch battery powered machines, although I know this will change soon, at a premium price. While corded machines still have their place, in professional use especially, for the enthusiast market, battery power is absolutely the way to go now.

- That new mini Shine Mate machine looks to be a winner.

- Use good tape, nothing worse than having it come loose mid way through the job. A +1 for the Carpro tape.

Im impressed with the Shinemate pads .... using S17+ on pretty degraded paint .... and it was very durable. And S17+ cuts better and still cleans up reasonably well too.

stannoplan · 05-07-2023, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mechan1k

Im impressed with the Shinemate pads .... using S17+ on pretty degraded paint .... and it was very durable. And S17+ cuts better and still cleans up reasonably well too.

I too can recommend their pads, can't really tell the difference between them and my Lake Country pads. The red and blue pads finish really well with something like Carpro Essence. The price of one of their pad stacks when on sale is pretty attractive, working with 3-4 of the same colour pads is easier and
gets a better result I feel than fully cleaning the same pad 3 or 4 times for a big car.

BENT_8 · 05-07-2023, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

I have had a week to respond to the technique that I posted above in not using glass cleaner, technique for immaculate windows.

All in all it is now my preferred method. I have tried on 3 cars so far.

It has worked for me esp on the inside windscreen scenario.

Definitely worth a try if you suffer like I do with residue appearing on the windows in the next day after a clean.

I was very satisfied the next day when leaving work and driving straight into the westerly setting sun and seeing nothing but clean glass, no smears just clean glass. 1st time ever for me.

If you have an old synthetic chamois laying around it now has a new use.

For the Pros I think that using a Clean chamois actually cleans the window better than cloth. I think that with cloth it generates some kind of static which is the cause of the buildup in the following days.

As with any technique I found there are some cons that you have to sort through. When you load up the chamois it will drip water so you have to find the spot of max water and the point of less drip. Easy to practice out in your bucket of warm water though.

The other con is that cleaner is still needed to remove 'sticky' type marks as this method is for final cleaning or maintenance cleaning.

All in all I am impressed and have solved my biggest pet peave with car cleaning.

Totally agreed, I personally havent used any form of window cleaner in a good 10+ years for regular maintenance. Only time I'll use it is when I've just bought a car and theyre feral or to aid removing stickers.

Previous bus company I worked for spent a fortune on window cleaner which took the grubby finger prints off from the kids each day but left residue that looked worse.
I use to take my own chamois for my coach, they called it my trademark having it draped over my shoulder on my way in and out and had the cleanest windows in the place, eventually it caught on and the monthly window cleaner bill was replaced with a few quality chamois, unfortunately it didnt take long for the chamois to go walking..

Mob I drive for now are OCD clean, coaches get washed minimum twice a day yet the outside windows get left with streaks and water stains, does my head in but as I get older I figure if they dont care why should I.

**DFB FGXR6** · 10-07-2023, 05:09 PM

My Mirch order arrived today..............

https://www.mirch.com.au/

stannoplan · 12-07-2023, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

My Mirch order arrived today..............

https://www.mirch.com.au/

image

Snap

I am looking forward to the Detail Bliss and the Grime Off, I might do a comparison between the Bliss and the Bead Maker, did a wing mirror on Monday and it looked pretty good.

I might post some reviews when I can. The Obsidian and NEO Lite are refills. With the sale and delivery not much over $100.

DFB - I would be interested to see how you go with the products. I have the Obsidian and the Detailer and like them both.

stannoplan · 12-07-2023, 09:03 AM

Repco have 20-25% off Gyeon with Auto Club card. Wet Coat, Bathe, Restart all good products and value at that price.

Also a good tip is to search for the clearance items - its on the grey banner under On Sale / Clearance. Good if you have a big store near you as not all stores have the stock.

Megs Pro series 1L are well under half price (Hyper Dressing, Non Acid Wheel Cleaner, Last Touch) I think i bought all the stock of wheel cleaner at my local, TW Ice Seal and Shine $8 (amazing for coating your rims, lasts forever) TW Flex range under half price.

**DFB FGXR6** · 12-07-2023, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stannoplan

Snap

image

I am looking forward to the Detail Bliss and the Grime Off, I might do a comparison between the Bliss and the Bead Maker, did a wing mirror on Monday and it looked pretty good.

I might post some reviews when I can. The Obsidian and NEO Lite are refills. With the sale and delivery not much over $100.

DFB - I would be interested to see how you go with the products. I have the Obsidian and the Detailer and like them both.

Covered here -

https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...postcount=2174
https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...postcount=2175

The Ceramic Detailer and Interior Detailer impressed me most, super easy to use.

**DFB FGXR6** · 13-07-2023, 06:40 PM

Waxit have just launched a new multi-function polisher, the ShineMate EB210 -

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...40522590879833

This unit performs multiple roles, permitted by the quick-change system that allowing users to move between 1-, 2- and 3-inch backing plates in both rotary and dual-action formats. The 10.8v/2.5ah battery will give up to 30-40 minutes of run time, a recharge of 50-60 minutes and the kit includes two batteries.

Considering a similar concept Flex PXE-80 costs only $50 more but doesn't come with the array of pads and accessories, the EB210 is pretty good value. Nor does the PXE-80 have the more compact battery arrangement.

Compared to buying two additional machines, something like this would be a great addition to your arsenal if you are wanting to add to an existing 5- or 6-inch machine, giving you a 1-, 2- and three-inch machine in one go.

And even if you don't want/need to buy an EB210, Waxit are offering 20% off all ShineMate products to mark its addition to the store. Code: SHINE20 at checkout.

CyberWasp · 13-07-2023, 07:08 PM

An interesting note,

This thread is the 4th highest viewed thread in the Pub Section which must be saying something......what I am not sure exactly, but something about nice clean cars.

tbro4123 · 14-07-2023, 05:22 PM

[QUOTE

Now while I'm here, what would everybody recommend that I do with this, I know I need to clean with Eraser or similar product to get the dirt out but what products to protect after I've cleaned them.

image

image

This is on my new to me BT50.

Terry aka Tbro[/QUOTE]

Howdy all,
Purchased some product to give these plastic bits a chance of surviving up here in QLD.

After cleaning and washing and a second clean, still looked like youknowwhat! So thought I would try this,

I had some Bowdens black stuff on the Ranger and to be honest it underwhelmed me something fierce, lots of mess, a bastard to clean off and just a waste of energy.

So I gave the So2 stuff a go and we'll see how it goes,

Door rubbers all though scratched look better, time will tell

This stuff is "supposed" to last 24 months, if it goes 6 months I'll be happy.

Stay safe

Terry aka Tbro

stannoplan · 19-07-2023, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbro4123

[QUOTE

image

Door rubbers all though scratched look better, time will tell

image

This stuff is "supposed" to last 24 months, if it goes 6 months I'll be happy.

Stay safe

Terry aka Tbro

I haven't had much luck using trim restorer on rubber seals, lets us know how you go. I did try Cerakote and that was ok.

Does anyone have some tips for great rubber maintenance?

I currently am using Gummi Pflege every year to keep them supple but it's the day to day, wash after wash darkness that is difficult.

Current process is to use Solution Finish then either 303 Trim or a decent spray coating like Lustre or Seal and Shine or Bead King and rub that in. This normally gets me a month or 2 but I use Gyeon Restart/ Carpro Lift every couple months to freshen the coatings up and this strips everything off.

Anyways good luck with your trim coat, i hard that gear is at least as good as the Cerakote which I am well over 12 months with and a few light decon washes.

**DFB FGXR6** · 19-07-2023, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stannoplan

I haven't had much luck using trim restorer on rubber seals, lets us know how you go. I did try Cerakote and that was ok.

Does anyone have some tips for great rubber maintenance?

I currently am using Gummi Pflege every year to keep them supple but it's the day to day, wash after wash darkness that is difficult.

Current process is to use Solution Finish then either 303 Trim or a decent spray coating like Lustre or Seal and Shine or Bead King and rub that in. This normally gets me a month or 2 but I use Gyeon Restart/ Carpro Lift every couple months to freshen the coatings up and this strips everything off.

Anyways good luck with your trim coat, i hard that gear is at least as good as the Cerakote which I am well over 12 months with and a few light decon washes.

I think you are on the right track with rubber maintenance.

A and B series Falcon's had miles and miles of rubber door seals which I hated dealing with. I was using Gummi Pflege or 303 Protectant on them every few months.

I can't remember the last time I actively attended to door rubbers. In recent years, my normal wash process has dealt with them. After drying the exterior of the car, I carry onto the door jambs, using either a rinse-less/waterless wash or my drying aid of choice, in the process wiping the rubbers. If you are using an Si02 type drying aid, this in effect provides some treatment to the rubber trims. Carpro ECH20 is excellent for this, providing lubrication for the door jamb drying, but also dressing rubber and plastic quite nicely.

stannoplan · 20-07-2023, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I think you are on the right track with rubber maintenance.

A and B series Falcon's had miles and miles of rubber door seals which I hated dealing with. I was using Gummi Pflege or 303 Protectant on them every few months.

I can't remember the last time I actively attended to door rubbers. In recent years, my normal wash process has dealt with them. After drying the exterior of the car, I carry onto the door jambs, using either a rinse-less/waterless wash or my drying aid of choice, in the process wiping the rubbers. If you are using an Si02 type drying aid, this in effect provides some treatment to the rubber trims. Carpro ECH20 is excellent for this, providing lubrication for the door jamb drying, but also dressing rubber and plastic quite nicely.

Good advice, thank you, I have just started using Detail Bliss (from my Mirch order) as a gloss agent and potentially as a drying aid. I'll see how that goes wiping the rubbers even though its not Si02. I think it will add a little bit each time. I am liking the Bliss better than Bead Maker so far, it seems to attract less dust, its local and cheap as well as also smelling like Mango ;).

Thanks also for your comments on Grime Off, I am also finding it ok compared to the Meg Pro Non Acid. Do you still prefer Brake Buster? My rims are immaculate as they are washed so often, its more the tyres.

**DFB FGXR6** · 20-07-2023, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stannoplan

Thanks also for your comments on Grime Off, I am also finding it ok compared to the Meg Pro Non Acid. Do you still prefer Brake Buster? My rims are immaculate as they are washed so often, its more the tyres.

I love Brake Buster! I keep trying other wheel and tyre products but continue to return to it. Look, it won't clean tyres like Carpro ReTyre or Shine Supply Wise Guy, but it's not far behind.

To be honest, you probably don't need a wheel cleaner for well-maintained wheels, I usually just use soap from my foam cannon.

The same goes for tyres, if they are given a quick scrub at each wash with a tyre cleaner, then you will never get this sort of browning...............

A lot of people like to dilute Brake Buster, but I'm adamant that you shouldn't if you are needing it to truly perform. There are guys in the US who write off Brake Buster as only a "maintenance" cleaner, but then admit to diluting it, but. Well der, of course it's not doing the heavy lifting if it's been diluted down. But what would I know, I'm just a dumb Aussie.

I will admit to using Brake Buster in a foam cannon, which in effect does dilute it. In this case, I just fill the canister with Brake Buster and go from there. But I typically do that because I like how it dwells on the wheel, and I still have a sprayer with it neat for cleaning the tyres.

**DFB FGXR6** · 23-07-2023, 09:06 PM

I've viewed a couple of this guys videos and I always end up shouting at the TV...............

Not beating around the bush here, this guy is a moron. Firstly, he has no idea how to foam a car efficiently.

Secondly, I really have no idea why he bothered wasting time putting deionized water on the car after rinsing the car down. Just pull the car into the garage and get on with drying the thing.

His polishing technique is haphazard.

And finally, running his hands over the hood made me shudder, especially with ring on his finger.

It's not just this video, all I have viewed are and come across as some old guy pi.s farting around in his garage under the guise of a "professional" detailer. If that was my car in there, I would not be pleased at all.

**DFB FGXR6** · 31-07-2023, 04:20 PM

Returning to the Brake Buster topic, Matt has just started testing a prototype lower pH version of Brake Buster.

Compared to the original, which is extremely alkaline at beyond 12.0, this version is at about 9.0. The theory here is that with his wheels being coated, there isn't a need to have such aggression. However, he likes the foaming ability, slickness and anti-corrosion additive of Brake Buster.

A couple of counter points to this theory of a low-pH variant of Brake Buster -

- Why not just use soap then? If you want some added alkalinity to help with moderate dirt, then just use something like NV Snow+ or even his own Decontamination Soap. Both have the foaming ability and slickness.

- The anti-corrosion additive I haven't really witnessed in action. For example, my rotors still rust over after using Brake Buster. And wheels themselves are usually clear-coated aluminum anyway.

- The key factor with Brake Buster is that it's great for cleaning tyres too. Now your reducing that ability by lowering the pH, so you end up having to use two different products on the wheels and tyres.

Will be interesting to see how this develops, from his initial usage, it didn't appear he was blown away with it. I suspect he is attempting to create an OG specific, or perhaps a P&S and OG co-branded product, in a similar vein to his own Drying Aid, Tire Dressing or Decontamination Soap.

**DFB FGXR6** · 07-08-2023, 03:01 PM

The master at work.............

So much great information in this video on a car I'm a big fan of.

**DFB FGXR6** · 11-08-2023, 06:38 PM

Latest Detailing Shed order................

Two new to me products, Gyeon Q2M Foam and 3D Pink Car Soap.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...ap-474ml-3-78l
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...e6af06c6&_ss=r

3D is new to Detailing Shed, a US brand aimed at professional detailers. Pink Car Soap is very well priced for what you get, a gallon is just under $44, and is pH "balanced". The consistency is ultra thick, not an ideal thing in my book, and I'm really interested to see how it foams. A quick pH test reveals it being just above neutral, hence the "balanced" term, reading at 7.8.

Gyeon Q2M Foam is one that I have heard a lot of good things about. Interestingly, Gyeon do not list a pH level for this product, be that on their own website or its distributors.

https://gyeon.co/product/foam/

Terms like "pre-wash foaming agent" or "a highly effective first step in the cleansing process" is the clue. Testing Q2M Foam revealed a pH of about 11.95.

Which is line with the sister brand's similar product..................

So that's where the cleaning ability comes from. This not a bad thing, far from it. As a stronger soap to use occasionally on a ceramic coated vehicle, this product would be great thing to have on hand. On a waxed vehicle, I would probably only use this as a strip wash prior to reapplying said wax.

jgmdat · 11-08-2023, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Latest Detailing Shed order................

image

Two new to me products, Gyeon Q2M Foam and 3D Pink Car Soap.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...ap-474ml-3-78l
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...e6af06c6&_ss=r

3D is new to Detailing Shed, a US brand aimed at professional detailers. Pink Car Soap is very well priced for what you get, a gallon is just under $44, and is pH "balanced". The consistency is ultra thick, not an ideal thing in my book, and I'm really interested to see how it foams. A quick pH test reveals it being just above neutral, hence the "balanced" term, reading at 7.8.

image

Gyeon Q2M Foam is one that I have heard a lot of good things about. Interestingly, Gyeon do not list a pH level for this product, be that on their own website or its distributors.

https://gyeon.co/product/foam/

Terms like "pre-wash foaming agent" or "a highly effective first step in the cleansing process" is the clue. Testing Q2M Foam revealed a pH of about 11.95.

image

Which is line with the sister brand's similar product..................

image

So that's where the cleaning ability comes from. This not a bad thing, far from it. As a stronger soap to use occasionally on a ceramic coated vehicle, this product would be great thing to have on hand. On a waxed vehicle, I would probably only use this as a strip wash prior to reapplying said wax.

Hey DFB, I have Gyeon Q2M Foam that I haven't tried yet, I normally use NV Snow or Koch Gsf. Will soaps like Q2M remove Bead Maker, NV Boost, Jet etc.

**DFB FGXR6** · 11-08-2023, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgmdat

Hey DFB, I have Gyeon Q2M Foam that I haven't tried yet, I normally use NV Snow or Koch Gsf. Will soaps like Q2M remove Bead Maker, NV Boost, Jet etc.

Bead Maker is polymer sealant with a very small amount of Si02 in it. As such, its pretty weak, so I would count on higher alkaline soaps like Gyeon Q2M Foam, NV Snow+ and Carpro Lift will giving it a hard time.

Jet and Boost are far stronger than Bead Maker, so they would hold up better.

It's important to note that both Lift and Q2M Foam are designed to be a foam-and-rinse proposition, which does curtail some of that alkalinity. Start to agitate, as in a contact wash with a mitt, and you will certainly notice a reduction in hydrophobics on spray sealants and waxes. It won't totally remove them in one go but will speed up the degradation.

All of that is not to dissuade you from using those soaps, in fact they can actually help revive a ceramic coating or a product like Jet. Depending on usage, you could use these soaps every few months, or when you are dealing with an excessively dirty car.

jgmdat · 11-08-2023, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Bead Maker is polymer sealant with a very small amount of Si02 in it. As such, its pretty weak, so I would count on higher alkaline soaps like Gyeon Q2M Foam, NV Snow+ and Carpro Lift will giving it a hard time.

Jet and Boost are far stronger than Bead Maker, so they would hold up better.

It's important to note that both Lift and Q2M Foam are designed to be a foam-and-rinse proposition, which does curtail some of that alkalinity. Start to agitate, as in a contact wash with a mitt, and you will certainly notice a reduction in hydrophobics on spray sealants and waxes. It won't totally remove them in one go but will speed up the degradation.

All of that is not to dissuade you from using those soaps, in fact they can actually help revive a ceramic coating or a product like Jet. Depending on usage, you could use these soaps every few months, or when you are dealing with an excessively dirty car.

I see, considering how I always use Bead Maker, Jet, Boost etc after every wash it doesn't really matter.

**DFB FGXR6** · 11-08-2023, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgmdat

I see, considering how I always use Bead Maker, Jet, Boost etc after every wash it doesn't really matter.

Correct!

I get quite bemused when people crap on Bead Maker for its apparent lack of durability....................despite that fact people use it as a drying aid after EVERY wash and therefore its generally always on the paint.

Said complainers are usually men of a certain age that welded to their bottles of Meguiar's spray wax and can't accept detailing has moved on since 1997.

**DFB FGXR6** · 15-08-2023, 04:29 PM

Waxit have a launched a Winter Sale with up to 40% off storewide. Sale runs till 11.59pm Friday 18th.

Happy shopping!

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

**anobserver** · 16-08-2023, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

.....men of a certain age welded to their bottles of Meguiar's ......and can't accept detailing has moved on since 1997.

**fordomatic** · 16-08-2023, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Said complainers are usually men of a certain age that welded to their bottles of Meguiar's spray wax and can't accept detailing has moved on since 1997.

Mate,

I legitimately want to frame this quote. I don't even try and educate anyone anymore, they think they know best and can't be educated or have their opinions changed.

Same as the Bowden's crowd trying to tell you that all their products can restore paint, genius marketing, they have their customers fooled (I do agree some product are ok though).

**DFB FGXR6** · 16-08-2023, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anobserver

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

I used and liked that for years.................... and now hate it with a passion.

**DFB FGXR6** · 16-08-2023, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordomatic

Mate,

I legitimately want to frame this quote. I don't even try and educate anyone anymore, they think they know best and can't be educated or have their opinions changed.

Same as the Bowden's crowd trying to tell you that all their products can restore paint, genius marketing, they have their customers fooled (I do agree some product are ok though).

OMG, I thought for second there you were going to lay into me.

My biggest challenge is dealing with older American dudes who are just so welded to the past that they dismiss every suggestion otherwise. "Well, I've used Meguiar's xyz for 30 years and it works fine for me....." type of thing. But the mere suggestion that something might be easier to use or deliver better results, well you get shot down and the product in question is just "an overhyped, over marketed fad".

Or............a question gets asked, which is something I enjoy responding to, and as I'm sure is clear by now, I give it my all. Said person who asked the question doesn't respond to the (very thorough) information I provided, often with several links and videos...................then goes on to ask the question again elsewhere, or completely ignores what I have said and continues to enquire.

Now, I want to stress that neither of those scenarios are from this forum or this thread. Rather, they are from American based forums, and as I have come to learn, they really have no clue about the world around them. I say this completely seriously, but I do believe that most Americans think Australian's are just dumb ar.e's.

I also want to point out that this is not a Meguiar's (or Bowden's) bashing post. Both brands make some great products................but not every single product they make is great. And that's why it's foolish to weld yourself to one single brand, there's just too many great products on the market to limit yourself to one brand.

**DFB FGXR6** · 16-08-2023, 08:35 PM

My sister took delivery of her new car two weeks ago, a Volvo XC60 B6 Mild Hybrid in Silver Dawn.

Got sent these pics tonight after she picked it up after having Carpro Cquartz Profession applied by Prime Finish.

Despite not seeing it in the metal, you can see the depth and clarity the mild correction and coating has achieved after 3 days work. Apparently, it looks completely different in person.

**anobserver** · 17-08-2023, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Waxit have a launched a Winter Sale with up to 40% off storewide. Sale runs till 11.59pm Friday 18th.

Happy shopping!

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

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.

: