Car Detailing - What products are your go to?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by mad2

feeling betterer yet?

I am, but I had to do some retail therapy to make myself heal.

Decided to give Gyeon Q2 Wax a try after hearing some good things about it.

https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...s/gyeon-q2-wax



This another variation on the cross between a traditional wax and the newer generation of ceramic based products. I want to try this out on the XR8 which is due for some mild polishing. Having thoughts of hitting with CarPro Reflect and then topping it with this Gyeon wax.

[DFB FGXR6]

Some bead porn on the Mustang this afternoon. I'm not entirely sure what product is creating those beads. There is a base layer of Collinite 845, topped with NV Nova Jet, several thousand layers of Bead Maker and OG drying aid, whatever it is, the beading is very pleasing.

[DFB FGXR6]

My order from Detailing Shed arrived just in time for a public holiday, looks like I'm waxing the XR8 tomorrow!

[ford12]

Hi dfbxr6.
What do you recommend to clean under the hood of an fgx xr8.
It has been neglected sorry to say.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by ford12

Hi dfbxr6.
What do you recommend to clean under the hood of an fgx xr8.
It has been neglected sorry to say.

I have done a fair bit of lockdown induced engine bay cleaning this year. I tend to not use running water on engine bays and attack them with time and patience, so that will be the focus of my posts below. You most certainly can use your pressure washer or hose for this job if you want, I prefer to show caution.

Check out these posts -

https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...postcount=1273

https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...postcount=1280

In particular this one which is a bit dirtier -

https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...postcount=1298

Hopefully that gives you some tips, let me know if you have any questions.

[ford12]

Thanks for that.
Are all All purpose cleaners the same ? If not what do you recommend
Thanks again

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by ford12

Thanks for that.
Are all All purpose cleaners the same ? If not what do you recommend
Thanks again

They all do the same job although some are stronger than others.

If you want to go with something readily available (ie Supercheap, Repco), check these two Meguiar's products -

Ready to use -
https://www.meguiars.com.au/product/...rpose-cleaner/

Dilute to suit -
https://www.meguiars.com.au/product/...cleaner-3-8-l/

Bowdens Agent Orange would be good too -
https://www.bowdensown.com.au/produc...r/agent-orange

Koch Chemie Green Star is the one I recommend though, it's fantastic stuff. Again, dilute to suit the cleaning power needed.
https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...oncentrated-1l


If you do go for a concentrate, you will need a spray bottle too. Makes sure it can withstand the high pH of APC though. Repco sell the Meg's ones which would be a solid choice, as is the Kwazar NIX.

https://www.meguiars.com.au/product/...-spray-bottle/
https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...nix-hd-solvent

[DFB FGXR6]

Very happy with the results from Gyeon Q2 Wax.



The product is supplied in a glue-stick like container making it very easy to work with.





Glossy!

[DFB FGXR6]

The aftermath of yesterday was this large quantity of towels to launder.



I used to ration towels for jobs like this. That was mainly due to quality towels being so expensive, especially when purchased from the big box stores. I used these Meguiar's yellow towels for polish and wax removal for years and years.



At $20 + each, they were not economical or especially excellent for that price.

One of the biggest changes in detailing over the last decade has been the advancement in towels. I'll admit to using those horrible Meguair's cotton terry towels for far too long too.



But that's what we had available to us. Now, there is a towel for every conceivable detailing task. And for for much less money per towel as well. Where once I would ration towels, I blow through them now without having to worry about having enough clean towels to finish the job.

If I had to pick just one type of towel, it would be The Rag Company Creature Edgeless.

https://carcareco.com.au/product/the...rofiber-towel/



This towel is a dual sided item with a short pile on one side and a thicker pile on the other. They can be used for drying, polishing, waxing, wheels, interiors and engine bays. The Creature is also great for water-less/rinse-less washing. I find them to be a really good size too. At $4.95 each, they are great value. Buy a few of each color and designate them to certain jobs.

CarCareCo are the Australian distributor of The Rag Company towels, and therefore have the widest range to choose from.
https://carcareco.com.au/?s=towel&post_type=product

I also find Detailing Shed and The Detail Store to good suppliers as well.
https://detailingshed.com.au/search?...D=hide&q=towel
https://www.detailstore.com.au/collections/microfibres

[DFB FGXR6]

I have no self control, I couldn't help myself and ordered some P&S Dream Maker. And the matching pink towels released with the product.

https://autobuff.com.au/collections/...ier-473ml-16oz
https://autobuff.com.au/collections/...40569920782520



Dream Maker sold out pretty quickly from my usual suppliers so I placed my first order with Autobuff.

This product offers little to no protection and was designed as a solution to the over-application of various spray sealants used as drying aids, ramping up gloss and helping to avoid issues like streaking.

[In Focus]

A couple of questions about Collinite waxes, if anyone knows them well...

For the last year or two, I have been using Meguiars Ultimate Fast Finish as my wax top coat and been reasonably happy with the look / durability. It needs topping up every couple of months, but it's quick to do.

Anyway, I found an old tin of Collinite 476s in my shed, which I recalled being hard to use if highly durable, and so hadn't used it for a few years. After doing some research, I realised I'd been spreading it too thick and decided to give it another go on the Focus. After one coat the Ruby Red came up beautifully, noticeably richer and "warmer" than the Ultimate Fast Finish, even with a thin, easily removed by hand coat.

I'm looking to add a second coat of Collinite to both the Focus and the wife's Puma, which is Frozen white, for added durability and/or shine. I have plenty of 476s left, but I also have a small bottle of 845 (it was a free sample that came with the order of 476s).

My understanding is the 845 has a higher carnauba content than the 476,so will it make the shine enhanced, or will it not be that noticeable? I'm leaning towards just using the 476 again on the Puma, as it wasn't as big a shine jump on the Ultimate Fast Finish, but perhaps the 845 on the Focus for extra pop?

Any thoughts?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by In Focus

A couple of questions about Collinite waxes, if anyone knows them well...

For the last year or two, I have been using Meguiars Ultimate Fast Finish as my wax top coat and been reasonably happy with the look / durability. It needs topping up every couple of months, but it's quick to do.

Anyway, I found an old tin of Collinite 476s in my shed, which I recalled being hard to use if highly durable, and so hadn't used it for a few years. After doing some research, I realised I'd been spreading it too thick and decided to give it another go on the Focus. After one coat the Ruby Red came up beautifully, noticeably richer and "warmer" than the Ultimate Fast Finish, even with a thin, easily removed by hand coat.

I'm looking to add a second coat of Collinite to both the Focus and the wife's Puma, which is Frozen white, for added durability and/or shine. I have plenty of 476s left, but I also have a small bottle of 845 (it was a free sample that came with the order of 476s).

My understanding is the 845 has a higher carnauba content than the 476,so will it make the shine enhanced, or will it not be that noticeable? I'm leaning towards just using the 476 again on the Puma, as it wasn't as big a shine jump on the Ultimate Fast Finish, but perhaps the 845 on the Focus for extra pop?

Any thoughts?

I have not used Collinite 476 but it does have a reputation for being a bit hard to work with.

If you intend on layering, I would stick with 476 on 476.

[DFB FGXR6]

I note Supercheap Auto now stock Chemical Guys.

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/ch...-2022-wk14-cat
https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/brands/chemical-guys

Supercheap claim Chemical Guys are "exclusive" to them, however these products have been sold in Australia for a while now at other outlets.

https://www.detailstore.com.au/colle.../chemical-guys

I'm assuming those other stores will run their stock out if Supercheap have "exclusive" rights to the product.

I think the standout product in their range would be VRP rubber and plastic dressing.

[Top_Ghia]

Something new(to me) to keep clean. This KTM is 4 years old and in reasonable shape. After a quick ride on some wet gravel roads I gave it a wash. I used some degreaser and some brushes to clean off some gunk around the chain and rear shock. Then I snow foamed it and used gold class wash to wash it. It did come up pretty good.
I do want to dress some of the black plastic trims that are a little faded/stained. Would that Chemical Guys product work well? It’s a similar texture to the Mustangs side skirts/rear defuser. I also want it for the Mustang trims.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

image
Something new(to me) to keep clean. This KTM is 4 years old and in reasonable shape. After a quick ride on some wet gravel roads I gave it a wash. I used some degreaser and some brushes to clean off some gunk around the chain and rear shock. Then I snow foamed it and used gold class wash to wash it. It did come up pretty good.
I do want to dress some of the black plastic trims that are a little faded/stained. Would that Chemical Guys product work well? It’s a similar texture to the Mustangs side skirts/rear defuser. I also want it for the Mustang trims.

VRP would work on interior and exterior plastic trims as well as tyres.

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



However, I prefer either 303 Aerospace or Meguiars Hyper Dressing for plastic trims. VRP's is like a hand cream in consistancy and requires the product to be worked in or massaged into plastic trims. 303 and Hyper are a runny liquid and require little to no effort to apply, simply spray and wipe.

https://www.repco.com.au/en/brands/3...382/p/A5531913
https://www.repco.com.au/en/car-care...032/p/A5576809





All three of these can be used on tyres as well.

[Top_Ghia]

I found this in the shed. New bike in a can it says.
It seems to just be silicone spray but smells like strawberries . It must be 10 years old.
I’ll get some 303 as the local Autobarn stock it.

[CyberWasp]

Tip for the day.

Squirt some 303 onto an old cloth and pinch your fingers together on the other side.
Clean and treat your wiper blades.
The more you can get on the blades and the longer you leave it there the better.
Obviously leave to dry before using wipers.

[T3rminator]

Heads up... Supercheap special. Chemical Guys Body Wash and Wax $19.99 for club members (RRP $39.99).

Just bought a tub to see what the fuss is all about.

[DFB FGXR6]

Had a chance to play with P&S Dream Maker today.

https://autobuff.com.au/collections/...ier-473ml-16oz
https://www.detailstore.com.au/colle...mplifier-473ml
https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...tra-deep-gloss



It certainly lived up to its claims of extreme gloss.

[oldel]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

Tip for the day.

Squirt some 303 onto an old cloth and pinch your fingers together on the other side.
Clean and treat your wiper blades.
The more you can get on the blades and the longer you leave it there the better.
Obviously leave to dry before using wipers.

You too? I've got some reverse J hook BS wipers on an old car and spares are hard to find, especially in RHD. Plus that car and the falcon both get parked outside a lot, eg tyres crack, wipers become useless, unobtanium windscreen rubber seal/mount breaks apart.
So 303 on wipers, tyres and the windscreen sealing/mounting rubbers on both cars while I'm there. Obviously don't care much about falcon wipers but while I'm there...

[CyberWasp]

It would be way overkill, but if you took them off an soaked them in a 303 solution overnight, it would probably have even better results.

[jgmdat]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Had a chance to play with P&S Dream Maker today.

https://autobuff.com.au/collections/...ier-473ml-16oz
https://www.detailstore.com.au/colle...mplifier-473ml
https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...tra-deep-gloss

image

It certainly lived up to its claims of extreme gloss.

image

image

Hi DFB,

Is that a similar product to Gyeon Q2M CERAMIC DETAILER

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by jgmdat

Hi DFB,

Is that a similar product to Gyeon Q2M CERAMIC DETAILER

No, Gyeon Q2M Ceramic Detailer has an element of protection once applied.

Dream Maker is designed for gloss enhancement only.

More in depth here -
https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...postcount=1422

[jgmdat]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

No, Gyeon Q2M Ceramic Detailer has an element of protection once applied.

Dream Maker is designed for gloss enhancement only.

More in depth here -
https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...postcount=1422

Cheers, I'll give it a try. You can never have too much gloss or smoothness on paint.

[DFB FGXR6]

Another day, another delivery. ...........................



Mostly restocking a few key items, but it's the Shine Supply Wise Guy I want to single out.

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/sh...e&_ss=e&_v=1.0



Wise Guy was originally designed for cleaning tires and rubber but has recently been re-branded as wheel and tire cleaner. Diluted at 1:1 it can be used to strip tire dressings and prevent rubber blooming or discoloration. For tires, use a stiff bristled brush and scrub until the foaming turns brown and rise clear.

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



I also use it clean rubber floor mats and wheel wells as it foamed up well and releases dirt with ease.



It's use as a wheel cleaner is only a recent thing, although it is noted to NOT use this on ceramic coated wheels. I have had this stuff strip CarPro Hydr02 off wheels, so it's use would be limited to really dirty or neglected rims or when preparing for a new coating. Being a high alkaline product, it will also need to mixed into a sprayer that can withstand such chemicals such as Kwazar NIX or even the P&S sprayers.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...-sprayer-500ml

https://www.detailstore.com.au/colle...31819311284279

[CyberWasp]

Check if you are a Super Cheap Member, just got a $10 credit to use until the 17th.
Now what do I need....

[ford12]

What do you guys think of these clay towels ?
Ive got one from waxit, I think it's a poly shave one.
I've used it a couple times and while it does seem to clean the paint well, it marres the paint.
I was hoping to use it every now and then when washing the car, but seems to do more damage then good, no matter how much lube I use.
Any way what does every think of them ?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by ford12

What do you guys think of these clay towels ?
Ive got one from waxit, I think it's a poly shave one.
I've used it a couple times and while it does seem to clean the paint well, it marres the paint.
I was hoping to use it every now and then when washing the car, but seems to do more damage then good, no matter how much lube I use.
Any way what does every think of them ?

Using a clay bar, towel or mitt really should only be used if the paint feels contaminated, as in feeling rough to touch.

All of these clay products introduce marring to the clear coat in the process of removing those contaminants. I would only use a clay bar/towel if I intended to follow up with a polish.

If you feel the paint is contaminated but don't need or want to polish, then perhaps try using an iron remover to chemically decon the paint instead. It's also advisable to do this step first prior to using a clay product to remove as much contamination as possible prior to rubbing the paint.

Try Bowdens Three-Way or CarPro IronX.
https://www.bowdensown.com.au/three-way
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...rpro-iron-ls-x

[FTE217]

DFB my auto buff delivery arrived.
The Eagle microfibre towels feel soft.
Little thicker than many I’ve used, I’d say the more popular types.
Made in Korea - I like that countries quality in other auto products so thumbs up.
I can’t find anywhere why the colour diff maybe just for different look.
Raining here few more days so I won’t get one of the toys out for a wash light polish till next week I guess to feel what it’s like on the job to report.



I wanted to try that Sonax gel restorer see how it feels to work with and finish for the heck.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ford12]

Carpro hydro 2.
I use this all the time, pretty much when ever I wash the car, seems to give good gloss and lasts a while.
But can anyone tell me what protection does this product give ?
Is it a high quality protection or just for looks ?
Thanks again for any feedback