Car Detailing - What products are your go to?

[anobserver]

Loving the ease of cleaning now, its as if the paint is magically repelling dirt and grime.

Quick detail spray removes the dust, and a topup with some fully slick sees it glossy once more.

Even blackened the tyres. Love the smell of petrochemicals in the morning, though the wheels do need a wash.

The car roof is so slick, rain beads up into big droplets. After a night in the garage they are still there next morning.

[CyberWasp]

Is it just me, or do others inspect the cleanliness of other cars paintwork in the car park when walking past them at the shops ect. I think I am too far gone.

[Rallye Sport]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

Is it just me, or do others inspect the cleanliness of other cars paintwork in the car park when walking past them at the shops ect. I think I am too far gone.

I also cast blind judgement on the owners

[Top_Ghia]

So my Shine Mate EX620-5/15 DA polisher arrived today. I took a deep breath and tried it out on my brand new Mustang which has a few minor scratches from delivery.
I’ve never used one before and after just a few minutes getting used to it and trying on the different polishes the results are amazing.

So if you’re sitting on the fence or maybe a bit scared of giving it a go I would suggest you jump in and get stuck in.
Once the Mustang paint is tidied up I’ll give my Territory a good going over.
Anyone use a blower/dryer? I like the idea of drying the car without touching it to help reduce swirl marks.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

So my Shine Mate EX620-5/15 DA polisher arrived today. I took a deep breath and tried it out on my brand new Mustang which has a few minor scratches from delivery.
I’ve never used one before and after just a few minutes getting used to it and trying on the different polishes the results are amazing.

So if you’re sitting on the fence or maybe a bit scared of giving it a go I would suggest you jump in and get stuck in.
Once the Mustang paint is tidied up I’ll give my Territory a good going over.
Anyone use a blower/dryer? I like the idea of drying the car without touching it to help reduce swirl marks.

Well done, so glad to hear it went well.

There are a few different car-specific blowers/dryers. I went with Big Boi, but they all do a similar thing.

https://detailingshed.com.au/collections/bigboi-blowr



There is some debate as to how much better or otherwise a car dryer is compared to using a leaf blower. I have used both and I prefer the more focused air flow from the car-specific machine.

It will also take a bit of time to adapt to this style of drying, you will learn how to direct water off the car rather than just pushing around. The important thing to know is you wont get the car 100% dry with a blower, it's role is to remove as much water as possible before wiping up the last remain moisture with an appropriate towel and drying aid.

[Top_Ghia]

I’m all in.
Today I’m upgrading the lighting in the garage and installing four led light batons.
It should give me a nice bright workspace as the days get shorter.
It would have been far cheaper just to get the detailers at work clean and treat the car.
But not as much fun. And now I’ll be set up for years to come.

[Mulva]

Within a week or two you'll probably get a XX% off offer at either Supercheap or Repco, and if not and you are in RAA then get your RAA discount at Repco.

Surely one of them will have a massive Easter sale next weekend, could be lucky enough to save 40% (get everything that was on your original list for same price or less than your reduced list).

Bowden's Big Green Sucker is really good for drying, but for microfibres I reckon best bang-for-buck with awesome quality is Costco's bulkpack - these bad boys here: https://www.costco.com.au/Automotive...-36pc/p/713160

[prydey]

Yes, I'm with RAA so might keep an eye on repco in case they have a 30% off sale.

[Top_Ghia]

Today I picked up another big green suck and some Happy Ending and have a couple of more products due on Monday.
Repco had a 30% off flash sale for online orders that ended on Tuesday.
There’s not much in their Easter catalogue. I think Maguires May be on special.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

Today I picked up another big green suck and some Happy Ending and have a couple of more products due on Monday.
Repco had a 30% off flash sale for online orders that ended on Tuesday.
There’s not much in their Easter catalogue. I think Maguires May be on special.

Well, you are going all in!

Although I'm left a little concerned about a big green suck and a happy ending?

[CyberWasp]

Here is my bargain pick for the weekend from Kmart of all places.
I got one a while ago, but every time I go back they are sold out.
Detailing Towel for $4.50
Not for drying, but application of products.
They also have a drying towel for the same price, but not as good as the ones listed above but could be useful for the price.
https://www.kmart.com.au/product/det...-towel/1006332

[prydey]

Pricing between stores all looks to be the same base price. Autobarn have sales this weekend, so looks like they'll get my business.

Will just attempt to stick to something basic today like just washing the car and drying with big green sucker + boss gloss, but browsing bowdens site and guides, kind of tempted to add some wet dreams + big softie in to the mix as well. They have just so many products. Hard to know exactly which is the right combo.

[fiestaz]

Originally Posted by prydey

Pricing between stores all looks to be the same base price. Autobarn have sales this weekend, so looks like they'll get my business.

Will just attempt to stick to something basic today like just washing the car and drying with big green sucker + boss gloss, but browsing bowdens site and guides, kind of tempted to add some wet dreams + big softie in to the mix as well. They have just so many products. Hard to know exactly which is the right combo.

For what it’s worth, I have wet dreams. Usually I just use it on wheels, but decided to try it on my i30 which has had very little care in the last few months. Washed it, while it was still wet, sprayed wet dreams on and wiped over (small section at a time) hit with the hose. Once car is completed dry with big green sucker and boss gloss. I was really impressed with the results, paint feels smooth, really good beading, should have good protection for 2 months. Really impressive product. Super easy.

Another method is you can just spray on, hose off also.

Edit: in regards to their combos, yep it can be a bit hard. I’ll try summarise a bit.
- wash and wet dreams like you mentioned, is a good combo for quick maintenance with good results.
- lazy wax/wax and fully slick, brilliant on any car that isn’t white, bit more effort but basically wipe on wipe off with both products (wax does need cure time of 3-4 hours however). Needs redoing every couple of months dependent on car usage
- flash prep, bead machine, their best products, bead machine is the most protective and long lasting. Again wipe on wipe off. Last about 6 months I believe.

Choose a combo you like and go for it. Wet dreams is very versatile in that it can be used as additional protection on top of the above combos or on its own. From what you have said with the time you have got. Wet dreams and a wash would be the best.

Their other products can include snow job and happy endings for use with pressure washers.
Paint cleanse and restore is essentially a polish, not suitable for ceramic coatings.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by fiestaz

For what it’s worth, I have wet dreams. Usually I just use it on wheels, but decided to try it on my i30 which has had very little care in the last few months. Washed it, while it was still wet, sprayed wet dreams on and wiped over (small section at a time) hit with the hose. Once car is completed dry with big green sucker and boss gloss. I was really impressed with the results, paint feels smooth, really good beading, should have good protection for 2 months. Really impressive product. Super easy.

Another method is you can just spray on, hose off also.

Thanks for the feedback.

I'm getting potentially poorer by the minute. Being a shift worker, I never sleep well, so have been up browsing Bowdens site and videos this morning. I really like that they are local and develop their products using local ingredients, and they have a real focus on making them super easy to use.

I can see my credit card getting a hammering today.

Originally Posted by fiestaz

Their other products can include snow job and happy endings for use with pressure washers.

I have a Karcher K series so may look to see if the adapter suits mine. Like i said, the temptation to drain my account is growing

[fiestaz]

Originally Posted by prydey

Thanks for the feedback.

I can see my credit card getting a hammering today.

Been there my friend..it becomes an addiction

[FTE217]

yep - got the email yesterday lol omg.

[Top_Ghia]

So after I spent all night polishing the Mustang bonnet last night I had paint protection film applied to the front of it today. They scratches the s@$t out of it presumably where they ran their scraper back and forth along the bonnet. Not happy.
The car was also tinted and there’s big bubbles everywhere. Hopefully they clear up. The rear screen looks terrible.
I wish I hadn’t bothered.

[fiestaz]

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

So after I spent all night polishing the Mustang bonnet last night I had paint protection film applied to the front of it today. They scratches the s@$t out of it presumably where they ran their scraper back and forth along the bonnet. Not happy.
The car was also tinted and there’s big bubbles everywhere. Hopefully they clear up. The rear screen looks terrible.
I wish I hadn’t bothered.

Doesn’t tint take a bit of time to settle as such? Shame about the film.

[Top_Ghia]

Originally Posted by fiestaz

Doesn’t tint take a bit of time to settle as such? Shame about the film.

Yeah I’ll see how the tint goes. I know the moisture in the tint will clear up but there seems to be some large bubbles or almost creases I’m not sure will.

Detailing cars is a curse. The better you get the more you find wrong with the car. I don’t believe there is such a thing as detailing perfection.

[DFB FGXR6]

Repco have a 30% off sale on Meguiars till April 6th.

https://www.repco.com.au/en/search/?...ORUDp7_8HOw3I#

[Top_Ghia]

Has anyone mentioned Autobarn have 30% off Bowdens Own gear? I think it ends today.
So I stocked up a little on snow foam, another drop bear, big blue softie, green sucker and some wheel cleaner.

[DFB FGXR6]

Scored a jug of Meguiar's Last Touch at 35% off from Repco's Easter sales.

[CyberWasp]

Is the Vacuum extension hose working out?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

Is the Vacuum extension hose working out?

As you said, that kit really transform the Vacuum.





The extended hose just makes the job so much easier and keeps the machine away from the car. And I really like the longer crevice tool which makes getting between the seats a simple job.





Thanks for the advice.

[prydey]

Caring for your cloths. Probably already been discussed plenty.

My big green sucker doesn't get washed after each use. I normally just hang it on the line to dry before putting it back in its container. Now that I've started using boss gloss with it I probably should get in the habit of cleaning it more regularly? Yes? No?

Do people buy special washing product for microfibre cloths or just use normal washing powder but no fabric softener. Can that be purchased just from the supermarket or do people get the auto specific one like bowdens?

When buying cloths, how do you know which ones are good. I have a big green sucker and a big softie but the name brand ones are quite expensive after a while. If buying generic cloths, how do you know which size 'pile' (if that's the right word) to get for each task you want to use it for?

Sorry for noob questions that have probably been asked a lot already. Wife got her new car last week so want to start off doing my best to keep it looking new. Thought I'd start by having separate cloths for each task. Drying, windows, door jambs, interior etc.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by prydey

Caring for your cloths. Probably already been discussed plenty.

My big green sucker doesn't get washed after each use. I normally just hang it on the line to dry before putting it back in its container. Now that I've started using boss gloss with it I probably should get in the habit of cleaning it more regularly? Yes? No?

Do people buy special washing product for microfibre cloths or just use normal washing powder but no fabric softener. Can that be purchased just from the supermarket or do people get the auto specific one like bowdens?

When buying cloths, how do you know which ones are good. I have a big green sucker and a big softie but the name brand ones are quite expensive after a while. If buying generic cloths, how do you know which size 'pile' (if that's the right word) to get for each task you want to use it for?

Sorry for noob questions that have probably been asked a lot already. Wife got her new car last week so want to start off doing my best to keep it looking new. Thought I'd start by having separate cloths for each task. Drying, windows, door jambs, interior etc.

Ideally you would be washing the Big Green Sucker after using a product. If you intend to use supermarket bought detergent, don't use powder and chose a liquid. You don't want any undissolved powder rubbing against your paint.

If you intend to buy some more microfibre, grab a bottle of Bowdens Microfibre Wash to keep them in good condition.
https://www.bowdensown.com.au/produc...icrofibre-wash

The choices in microfibre are endless, frankly confusing and expensive when purchased through the "name brands". If you give me a bit and I'll put together something to get you started.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

The choices in microfibre are endless, frankly confusing and expensive when purchased through the "name brands". If you give me a bit and I'll put together something to get you started.

Agree, and thanks, much appreciated.

I get buckets easy enough from work (after thoroughly cleaning the ink out) so I've already gone from a 2 bucket method to 3 buckets, with a wash, rinse and now wheels bucket. Might need a 4th for the cloths as I finish using them, then chuck them all in the wash.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

If you give me a bit and I'll put together something to get you started.

Here are a couple to get you started. I'm assuming you have your drying towel sorted so have not included an example here. It's also important to note that GSM doesn't always determine the quality of the towel, a low (but still high quality) GSM towel can be more desirable for certain tasks.

Also, buying towels online from the linked companies means not paying for packaging and fancy labels that are common from the likes of Bowdens, Meguiars ect, so per unit prices are much more economical.

I love these Rag Company "Creature" towels. They are a dual sided towel that make them versatile, one side is plush, the other side has a shorter pile. Get a couple in each colour and assign them to different tasks. For example, Black for wheels, Green for interior, Blue for drying and Grey for wax/polishing. Two of each colour would set you back about $40 and you would have yourself a very high quality set of towels.
https://carcareco.com.au/product/the...rofiber-towel/

The Rag Company “Car Wash” towels are cheap but still excellent quality. I use these for interior cleaning but again, get a couple of colours and assign them to tasks.
https://carcareco.com.au/product/the...l-41cm-x-69cm/

These "Dry Me A River" are excellent glass towels. Get two, one for the initial wipe, one for follow up wipe.
https://carcareco.com.au/product/the...l-40cm-x-60cm/



Another way to go would be to get a sample pack of towels, try them out and see what you like. You could then start to buy more once you find a favorite, preferred GSM or weave.

This one from Waxit gives you variety of towel types and is excellent value.
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...ch-sample-pack

This one from Detailing Shed is expensive but sets you up very well! If nothing else, it gives you an idea on what sort of towels are considered "essential".
https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...ntials-package



This doesn't even scratch the surface of microfibre but hopefully gets you on the right track. If it were me, I would be getting a selection of the "Creature" towels, mainly because they are so versatile.

[CyberWasp]

Just going back to the vacuum, I also find it handy if the car is fairly clean, it gives you enough reach to sit in one seat and quickly do the floor on the other side ect.
Would also be handy if you had a people mover or larger suv also to cover large areas without having to move the vacuum around.

[Top_Ghia]

I put in some led “fluros” in the garage to help with detailing.


I’m also in the market for a vacuum. I have enough points at work to get a Cartier watch so might get the Karcher wd6 to match my K7 washer. I’d then add the car kit to it.