Car Detailing - What products are your go to?

[adriantillin]

Just tried the 5star degreaser available at Woolies for $5 a can. It's a foaming version. Great product - spray on, wait a minute, pressure wash off 👍

Cheers Adrian

[prydey]

Got lured by the free bottle of nv boost v2 on waxit (orders over $50).

Ordered more NV snow and Ech20.

Also ordered carpro lift, carpro innerQD and NV nourish.

[DFB FGXR6]

How to not detail your car.................

[GCRXR6]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

How to not detail your car.................

Now, I am by no means an expert, but that is not detailing. More like an industrial scrub I think.

[anobserver]

Hey dfb,

Took advantage of (another) supercheap sale yesterday to pick up a car cover and more boss gloss

Anyhoo, any tips on protective care for a fibreglass canopy?

Asking for a friend ....

[anobserver]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

How to not detail your car.................

Like my father in law, who used laundry liquid to wash his Focus. Several times a year.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by anobserver

Hey dfb,

Took advantage of (another) supercheap sale yesterday to pick up a car cover and more boss gloss

Anyhoo, any tips on protective care for a fibreglass canopy?

Asking for a friend ....

If it's the canopy I'm thinking of, it has the dimpled finish to it.

You could go down the marine avenue for fiberglass, but I would just wash it as normal, and probably just use a spray sealant to protect it. You'd need to be liberal with it to get it into the dimples. Something like Carpro Reload comes to mind, maybe Obsessed Garage Drying Aid or NV Boost v2.

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ca...40406212149337
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...34ba3aca&_ss=r
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/nv...40116450164825

If you want something locally, grab a bottle of Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Detailer, just don't pay full retail for it. I like this because it has more substance than the "detailer" tag would suggest, while remaining very easy to apply.

[DFB FGXR6]

Ummmmm...........................



Wouldn't expect any less from Bowden's.

[DFB FGXR6]

TRCMA or The Rag Company Media Access is a yearly online trade show hosted by The Rag Company. The event is run over 4 days and is split into segments to showcase a range of detailing and automotive brands.

https://theragcompany.com/pages/trcma

Day 1 featured Flex, P&S, Avery Dennison, Fellers, The Wrap Institute, Diamond Pro Tech and Vyper Industrial.



Flex showcased their new 24-volt battery system, including an adaptor that can be used on existing 18v Flex tools and polishers. This allows existing users to take advantage of the superior power, performance and faster charging times brough on by the new 24-volt system.



P&S unveiled two new products, while also highlighting a few key products that have been re-invented or rebranded in recent times.

The first of which is a new one-step compound called Rehab. Considering P&S was sold to ATG, I suspect this is a rebranded product from 3D.



The second product being a new soap called Frostbite. Compared to the runnier Pearl and Radiance, Frostbite produces much thicker foam for extended dwell time. It's also an alkaline soap, with the pH quoted as being 9.9. Scent is Eucalyptus Mint.



P&S also put a lot of emphasis on last year's new arrival, Defender, which from what I can gather isn't not selling very well. The other product shown was Chyrstal Wash, which has been on market for over 3 decades but is now being pushed as an alternative to an iron remover.

My only annoyance with TRCMA (and SEMA as well) is that the companies presenting often don't have reference to the new products they are promoting on their websites.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

TRCMA or The Rag Company Media Access is a yearly online trade show hosted by The Rag Company. The event is run over 4 days and is split into segments to showcase a range of detailing and automotive brands.

https://theragcompany.com/pages/trcma

Day 1 featured Flex, P&S, Avery Dennison, Fellers, The Wrap Institute, Diamond Pro Tech and Vyper Industrial.



Flex showcased their new 24-volt battery system, including an adaptor that can be used on existing 18v Flex tools and polishers. This allows existing users to take advantage of the superior power, performance and faster charging times brough on by the new 24-volt system.

image

P&S unveiled two new products, while also highlighting a few key products that have been re-invented or rebranded in recent times.

The first of which is a new one-step compound called Rehab. Considering P&S was sold to ATG, I suspect this is a rebranded product from 3D.

image

The second product being a new soap called Frostbite. Compared to the runnier Pearl and Radiance, Frostbite produces much thicker foam for extended dwell time. It's also an alkaline soap, with the pH quoted as being 9.9. Scent is Eucalyptus Mint.

image

P&S also put a lot of emphasis on last year's new arrival, Defender, which from what I can gather isn't not selling very well. The other product shown was Chyrstal Wash, which has been on market for over 3 decades but is now being pushed as an alternative to an iron remover.

My only annoyance with TRCMA (and SEMA as well) is that the companies presenting often don't have reference to the new products they are promoting on their websites.

CarCareCo already have Frostbite and Rehab in stock and ready to go -

https://carcareco.com.au/product/ps-...ow-foam-946ml/
https://carcareco.com.au/product/ps-...n-creme-946ml/

[prydey]

A question not specifically related to this thread...

Received my package from waxit today and they use the foam 'peanuts' to keep everything from getting damaged. I know these can go in the green waste however my Mrs pointed out that they actually disolve in water.

Does anyone dispose of them by melting them in warm/hot water? I believe they are just starch so not harmful etc.

[Top_Ghia]

Originally Posted by prydey

A question not specifically related to this thread...

Received my package from waxit today and they use the foam 'peanuts' to keep everything from getting damaged. I know these can go in the green waste however my Mrs pointed out that they actually disolve in water.

Does anyone dispose of them by melting them in warm/hot water? I believe they are just starch so not harmful etc.

My daughter showed me that on my last Waxit order. I thought it was some sort of plastic. I guess times are changing.

[DFB FGXR6]

Day 2

Companies featured today include Stjarnagloss, International Detailing Association, Buff Brite, Solution Finish, Detail Factory, Ego Power, Rupes, and Stinger Chemicals.

Of interest to me, I’m loving the bright colors Detail Factory have brought to their product range, from lurid yellow to pink, teal blue and orange. No, not something that alters the function, but at least they are having some fun with colour. The pick set looks like it has my name on it, as does specific OG co-branded brush for tire dressing. I’m also looking forward to the XL version of their tire brush, easily on of my favorite brushes going.

EGO showcased a few new items, including the pressure washer and the stubby nozzle. Interesting the presenter noted that the lighter 2.5 ah batteries don’t quite provide enough power for the blowers, that the 5.0 ah batteries are the pick. The vacuum with the properly integrated storage points for the accessories is great to see. The pressure washer will do well too.

[stannoplan]

Originally Posted by prydey

A question not specifically related to this thread...

Received my package from waxit today and they use the foam 'peanuts' to keep everything from getting damaged. I know these can go in the green waste however my Mrs pointed out that they actually disolve in water.

Does anyone dispose of them by melting them in warm/hot water? I believe they are just starch so not harmful etc.

I just stick them in the green bin and the moisture dissolves them over the week. i dont know if they are proper biodegradable though, if they are starch then im doing the right thing.

[FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0]

For the packing peanuts convo...

https://pelacase.com/blogs/news/biod...acking-peanuts

Interesting observation here:

Cornstarch and water do funny things when you mix them together. Bits of cornstarch become suspended in water - this means that they are being held in the water, but are not really dissolving or breaking up in the water. Because cornstarch bits are so tiny it looks like they are fully dissolving and 'disappearing' in the water.

[DFB FGXR6]

Day 3 –

Brands showcased today included Gtechniq, Detailers Roadmap, Scan Grip, Optical Films, IK Sprayers, Buff and Shine, and Stoner Car Care.

Finally, iK have unveiled battery powered versions of the Multi-pro and Foam-pro. While these still have a plunger, the base of the cannister houses a battery powered compressor that can deliver 8 - 10 on tanks of fluid per charge. It's pretty noisy in operation though, which pressurizes the tank then cycles on and off as needed. These don't appear to be ready for sale just yet.

[DFB FGXR6]

Day 4 (Final Day) –

Today included presentations from Koch-Chemie, Colorlock, The Rag Company, LC Power Tools, Lake Country Manufacturing, Optimum Car Care, Road FS and Konig Wheels

KCx showcased a new tire dressing, alkaline wheel and tire cleaner, and a foaming ceramic sealant. Interestingly, they pulled the covers off a new rinse-less wash. Mandarin Tea scented, this is a polymer-based product and is diluted at the nominal 256:1 ratio. Curiously, the pH of 4.0 is somewhat low but apparently helps mitigate water spotting.

https://theragcompany.com/collection...rinseless-wash

TRC themselves recapped several new tools and accessories that have launched in recent months, including the new Ultra Safe Sponge for rinse-less washing.

https://theragcompany.com/collection...ra-safe-sponge

Optimum presented new versions of Hyper Compound and Water-less Wash, along with a new Power Wheel & Tire Cleaner.

[DFB FGXR6]

Latest delivery from CarCareCo featuring the just released P&S Frostbite.

https://carcareco.com.au/product/ps-...ow-foam-946ml/



Frostbite was only unveiled in the USA this time last week, so it's quite unusual to get a just released product so soon in Australia.

The DIY Waterless Wash is something I have been wanting to try for a little while now.

https://carcareco.com.au/product/diy...ss-wash-473ml/

The concept of the Rip-n-Rag is not a new idea, I've had bulk towels like this before. However, the point of difference with The Rag Company offering is the quality. Despite the low 190 gsm and the multi-purpose job description, the 70/30 blend delivers a quality towel at a low price. For perspective, an 80-count roll delivers a per towel cost of 0.87c. Instead of using shop rags or paper towels, I like to use this sort of towel for checking oil, machine maintenance, oil changes, polishing exhaust tips, adhesive removal...................

https://carcareco.com.au/product/the...ofiber-towels/

[anobserver]

'Morning all,

Been looking at my somewhat white car lately, noticing it has noticeably yellowed in the last six months and probably needs a decontamination clean.

Sigh.

Given it spends most of the time locked in a garage, washed and spray protected, Im disappointed. But anyhoo....

In the decon thread, DFB posted his preferences for Carpro IronX, Gyeon Iron and NV Purify.

Can anyone suggest over the counter retailer alternatives that adequately do the job? I have a window of opportunity and a postal item may not arrive in time.

For example, SCA lists Chemical Guys iron pro, Bowdens own three way prep, Turtle Wax Pro Iron and Autoglym Magma in stock.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by anobserver

'Morning all,

Been looking at my somewhat white car lately, noticing it has noticeably yellowed in the last six months and probably needs a decontamination clean.

Sigh.

Given it spends most of the time locked in a garage, washed and spray protected, Im disappointed. But anyhoo....

In the decon thread, DFB posted his preferences for Carpro IronX, Gyeon Iron and NV Purify.

Can anyone suggest over the counter retailer alternatives that adequately do the job? I have a window of opportunity and a postal item may not arrive in time.

For example, SCA lists Chemical Guys iron pro, Bowdens own three way prep, Turtle Wax Pro Iron and Autoglym Magma in stock.

Check out Meguiar's Iron Removing Spray Clay, it's on clearance at Repco. For $25 you get 946ml instead of the 473/500ml of the others. This is of course not a "clay", just Meguiar's goofy way of winning over old school detailers who are new to the concept of iron removers that don't include a hunk of rock-hard clay.

https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-pa...232/p/A5576807

I've also used Autoglym Magma when I needed something straightaway, and it's on special at Autobarn at the moment for $25.99. All the-

https://autobarn.com.au/ab/Autobarn-...G500/p/CC07591

[DFB FGXR6]

I'm late to the party, but I'm now on board the Touchless train.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...bc44208f&_ss=r
https://autobuff.com.au/products/bil...-less-pre-wash



I was sent about 2 liters of Touchless to sample last year, I tried it a few times and was not impressed. That's because I was diluting it too much in the foam cannon bottle and via the high flow rate of my pressure washer. I continued to use it in different dilutions and now think I have it dialed. Having said that, the bottle Touchless above is the recently superseded version, a more concentrated reformulation is available overseas and shouldn't be far off. That will mean recalculating the convoluted panel impact ratio.

I'll be completely honest in that I'm not using this soap on my own cars, they just don't need that sort of cleaning power. However, Touchless is too good not to have around when dealing with far dirtier cars than my own, it's cleaning ability is remarkable.

Also in that order was the new XL version of the Detail Factory Tire Brush.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...d820f56d&_ss=r





Compared to the excellent original, the XL version offers four times the surface area, which should prove useful on larger side walls.

[bfets]

Originally Posted by anobserver

'Morning all,

Been looking at my somewhat white car lately, noticing it has noticeably yellowed in the last six months and probably needs a decontamination clean.

Sigh.

Given it spends most of the time locked in a garage, washed and spray protected, Im disappointed. But anyhoo....

In the decon thread, DFB posted his preferences for Carpro IronX, Gyeon Iron and NV Purify.

Can anyone suggest over the counter retailer alternatives that adequately do the job? I have a window of opportunity and a postal item may not arrive in time.

For example, SCA lists Chemical Guys iron pro, Bowdens own three way prep, Turtle Wax Pro Iron and Autoglym Magma in stock.

I can vouch for Bowden's Three way. I've used that along with their clay rubber pad to great success. I'm also switching to Carpro Iron X because I want to try it and I generally love Carpro, but three way served me well up to now.

[anobserver]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I've also used Autoglym Magma when I needed something straightaway, and it's on special at Autobarn at the moment for $25.99. All the-

https://autobarn.com.au/ab/Autobarn-...G500/p/CC07591

image

image

Thanks dfb. Picked up a bottle of magma on special.

They also had the meguir's product you recommended on special so got that too.. just in case I need it....

[prydey]

Not really related to detailing but does affect the car...

What detergent or solution (if any) do you run in your windscreen washer bottle?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by prydey

Not really related to detailing but does affect the car...

What detergent or solution (if any) do you run in your windscreen washer bottle?

I use McKee's N-914 Rinse-less Wash. Bowden's Dry Spell or DIY Detail Rinse-less will work the same. I have it at the water-less wash ratio of 128:1.

[prydey]

I have the washer pump/s getting done under warranty tomorrow... Chances are ford will fill it with whatever they use because they'll want to test it. I could tell them not to fill it I guess but given I've yet to reapply any exterior coating since buying it, it probably won't matter in the short term.


Ech20 can be diluted down to rinseless... Can that be used.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by prydey

I have the washer pump/s getting done under warranty tomorrow... Chances are ford will fill it with whatever they use because they'll want to test it. I could tell them not to fill it I guess but given I've yet to reapply any exterior coating since buying it, it probably won't matter in the short term.


Ech20 can be diluted down to rinseless... Can that be used.

Just run the pump until its discharged and start again fresh.

I wouldn't use ECH20 for that, its got carnauba wax and Si02 in it, you'd likely end up with a smeary mess. The above products are surfactant based and really suit that role, they also soften water so you won't end up with water spotting.

[anobserver]

Used the Autoglym magma product twice now, and have mixed feelings about it.

Yesterday I used it exactly as directed. Washed the car first, removed most of the water and sprayed on the product. Left it the recommended time period - 5 minutes - then used a new sponge to once-over the surface, sprayed it and washed it again.

Very little changed in appearance. Still a yellow cast to the paint. Noticed a bunch of grit that washed out of the sponge though.

So tried it again today, the car was clean so de-dusted it using a lint removing towel, which went straight into the wash.

Sprayed it down more thoroughly with the magma, using most of the bottle. Left it longer this time, and the iron coming off the surface was noticeable on the side of the car and colouring the waste water when I sprayed it down, followed by another wash. I'm sure the neighbours are amused.

It IS cleaner but still looks slightly yellow. At this point I'm a little reluctant to be more aggressive as Hyundai paint has a reputation for being somewhat fragile.

Given the car is likely to start sharing the garage, I'm inclined to re-coat with Collinite and forget about trying to keep it pristinely white.

I'm also sure 99% of people wont notice the difference.

[DFB FGXR6]

While I knew this was coming, Detailing Shed have just announced the addition of Armour Detail Supply to their store.

https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...-detail-supply

Armour Detail Supply is the brainchild of a young bloke called Bradley Nilsen, who also runs a detailing and PPF studio called Naples Auto Armour in Bonita Springs, Florida. I love these sort of stories, a young guy with the drive and passion to take it to the big boys.

https://www.naplesautoarmour.com/
https://armourdetailsupply.com/



The Armour Detail Supply range is centered around high solids count ceramic coatings. The focus is on real world durability claims rather the best-case-scenario figures provided by key competitors. In addition to the coatings, they also have a line of maintenance products.

For the time being, Detailing Shed are offering the range of ceramic coatings for paint, glass and wheels. To date, I have only used the high-temp wheel coating, easily the best wheel coating on the market.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...-wheel-coating

Compared to other wheel specific coatings that I have used in the past, I love the slickness and extreme hydrophobic behavior of Armour Detail Supply Wheel Coating. Quite often, those two elements are missing from other similar products. And from what I have noticed over the years, most wheel coatings are lucky to achieve their quoted durability, so if the claims of two years and beyond are true, then this is arguably the products best attribute.





I now have this coating on two cars..........................and one lawn mower! It can be applied to all wheel finishes, including matte black, and can also be used to coat brake calipers and dust shields...............anything that will be subjected to high heat conditions. The initial wipe off is pretty grabby, but it smooths out to a slick finish once it's been fully leveled and cured.









Coating the lawn mower was more so as a laugh, but its actually keeping the unit cleaner, not attracting dust like you would expect and a simple hose down is all it needs.





More on the wheel coating here -
https://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11500119

Of the other coatings offered, its pleasing to see these also offer a slick finish. Again, slickness is often traded for additional durability, so this aspect has it sitting as a strong contender to coat my S650...............if Ford ever build it. And while not available just yet, I'm see Amplify ceramic quick detailer gaining a strong following, same for the Shampoo+ maintenance soap.



It's been a while since I was genuinely excited about a new detailing brand hitting Australian shores, Armour Detail Supply could very well be the next Carpro.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I really, really want one of these...............................

Well....................................

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...41203946258521
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...41205018525785

Waxit have them in stock now, both 15 and 21mm versions. Meanwhile, The Detail Store and (presumably) Sydney Tools list them as pre-orders for June delivery.

https://www.detailstore.com.au/colle...ishing-machine
https://www.detailstore.com.au/colle...ishing-machine

https://sydneytools.com.au/product/r...SABEgLL3fD_BwE
https://sydneytools.com.au/product/r...CABEgJUPvD_BwE