Car Detailing - What products are your go to?

[DFB FGXR6]

I washed my first ceramic coated vehicle today! And what a joy it was!

[fordomatic]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I washed my first ceramic coated vehicle today! And what a joy it was!

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How good is it mate. The territory got bird poop full of blackberries on it on Saturday when we were out camping. I thought it would stain the paint for sure as it baked for two days. Got home, it literally just hosed off, not even a tiny sign it was there.

It also just makes washing the car so much easier. I've had Nova Evo on the Sportsman for a year now with no toppers and it's outside 24/7 and gets smashed at work with tree sap and bird poop. The water behavior and ease of washing is still as good as the day I did it.

With the tree sap at work before I did the coating and using Lustre, It wouldn't come off. I had to clay and then compound the roof and bonnet to get the sap off. With Nova Evo, the pressure washer takes the sap and marks straight off after soaking for 5 minutes.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by fordomatic

How good is it mate. The territory got bird poop full of blackberries on it on Saturday when we were out camping. I thought it would stain the paint for sure as it baked for two days. Got home, it literally just hosed off, not even a tiny sign it was there.

It also just makes washing the car so much easier. I've had Nova Evo on the Sportsman for a year now with no toppers and it's outside 24/7 and gets smashed at work with tree sap and bird poop. The water behavior and ease of washing is still as good as the day I did it.

With the tree sap at work before I did the coating and using Lustre, It wouldn't come off. I had to clay and then compound the roof and bonnet to get the sap off. With Nova Evo, the pressure washer takes the sap and marks straight off after soaking for 5 minutes.

That car had spent the last 3 weeks parked under a tree and was showered in sap. I was expecting a fight, but it didn't eventuate. I can't say for certain that the ceramic coating was responsible for that, or the Reset that I washed with, but I know it certainly helped.

Sadly, the aluminum roller tonneau didn't fare so well. When we picked that vehicle up from the dealer, the salesman strongly advised to NOT put anything on the tonneau whatsoever, just wash it with soap and nothing more. Apparently Ford had been having to warranty them because wax/sealant/coatings had been screwing up the movement of the roller system.

So, parked under that tree, the aluminum is now stained from the sap. I tried using a tar/residue remover to nil effect. I might try some Eulex, but I worry about causing damage to aluminum. Failing that, I guess I could polish it out.

If nothing else, it proves the worth of having a wax, sealant or coating on your vehicle.

[DFB FGXR6]

For those that aren't on Waxit's mailing list, they have launched new BOGO's and specials for March, along with restocking of the Shine Supply, NV and Carpro lineup.

A couple of things that caught my eye -

- Carpro Reset is on special at 20% off. If you have been sitting on the fence, now is a great time to pick up one of the best (and one of the most expensive) soaps on the market. Best suited for ceramic coatings, or semi-regular use on wax's and polymer sealants.
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...iant=799686621



- Kwazar Mercury 360 is at 12% off at the moment. I have a cabinet full of these things for a good reason! These are double action sprayers with a 360-degree spraying ability. Stick to the 500ml version, the larger 1000ml is too heavy and cumbersome when full.
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...20034637135961



- BOGO NV Purge & NV Snow 4LT, one of the best wheel cleaners and maintenance soaps on the market. Save 26% off full price.
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...39840677232729

- BOGO Carpro Perl and Dilute. Perl is a favorite of mine, teamed with the Dilute bottle and sprayer makes diluting it a breeze.
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...40281068306521

Interesting to note that Auto Finesse is on clearance, which to me looks as if Waxit and stepping away from the brand in Australia. I don't think this is a great loss, most of the products I have used from the brand have been pretty average, Lather and Verso in particular. If you want to pick up some stock at up to 45% off, I can vouch for Satin, Spritz and Dressel.
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...finesse?page=1

[Mr Brooksy]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

However, and I can't believe I'm going to recommend this, but Supercheap offer a Chemical Guys product that would be readily available.

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...ml/648977.html

Only just got round to working on the water spots. Bought the Chemical Brothers product. It reduced the obviousness of some of the light water spots. But that's it. Some of the heavy ones looked just as happy after 3-4 applications (and a good scrub with microfiber on the worst one on a spoiler).

[DFB FGXR6]

As always, when there is something I want, I'm like a dog looking for a bone until find it. Koch Chemie Eulex is one of those things chasing for a while.

What is Eulex? This is an ultra-strong adhesive, tar and sap remover designed for heavy duty cleaning, offering more grunt than something like Carpro TarX. Except, there are four different versions of Eulex. For whatever reason, Koch Chemie were not selling the most powerful variant in Australia...........until now.

About 8 months ago, I thought I hit the jackpot when I discovered Eulex M had been released.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...f4736b9f&_ss=r



This version has a lower evaporation rate, a lower odor and can also be used on matte finishes, hence the "M" denotation. Eulex M is not flammable either.

But it was not the "real" thing, so imagine my excitement to see KCx has added the full-strength version to their website. At the moment, it looks like Eulex is not offered by other Australian retailers yet.

https://kochexperts.com/au/shop/eulex-adhesive-remover/





This version of Eulex is stronger and has a higher evaporation rate that won't leave residue behind. Use this product to quickly dissolve tar, sap, ink, rubber, oil, grease, glue residue and overspray from solvent-resistant painted surfaces and glass. It's not advised to use Eulex on polycarbonate, polyacryl and similar plastics.





I would definitely wear gloves when using Eulex, this is a strong product with a pungent aroma that will blow your head off. This is not a product you would use very often, but something that is handy to have when other avenues don't do the job.

[DFB FGXR6]

I never win anything, so you can imagine my excitement when notified that I had been selected for the January prize package from The Detail Store.

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




And the product inclusions are not token gestures either!

Apex Customs Streak Free Glass Towel, $14.90 -
https://www.detailstore.com.au/colle...owel-dark-grey

Koch Chemie S0-02 is a high-gloss paint sealant. An expensive one at that, retailing for $91.95.
https://www.detailstore.com.au/colle...-sealant-500ml

Koch Chemie All Round Quick Shine, an all-purpose quick detailer, $25.95 -
https://www.detailstore.com.au/colle...ck-shine-500ml

Aenso Vega Odor Neutralizer, $39.95 -
https://www.detailstore.com.au/colle...tralizer-500ml

Herrenfahrt Ultra Gloss & Quick Detailer, $33.90 -
https://www.detailstore.com.au/colle...detailer-300ml

Apex Customs Bottle Opener Keychain, $4.90 -
https://www.detailstore.com.au/colle...pener-keychain

The cool thing is, these are all products I have never used or seriously considered. Total RRP tallies up to $211.55, on what was supposed to be a $100 prize pack!

[prydey]

Nice one.

[Top_Ghia]

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

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

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

I have used ReTyre a few times, and it can certainly clean very well. The only issue with the product is that being a foaming chemical, you will blow through half a bottle on one set of tyres. If you only scub your tyres every so often, then that's probably fine. But frequent usage will become expensive.



A couple of really good options to consider -

Shine Supply Wise Guy - Probably the strongest tyre cleaner I have used so far. It can also be used on wheels, but I avoid that. This product is cut 50/50 with water, effectively doubling the bottle volume. Wise Guy will also destroy sprayer heads, so choose something chemical resistant to spray it from. (Waxit sell this in kit form as well)

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/sh...30236506226777



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





P&S Brake Buster - My go to tyre cleaner, I just love how it foams up under agitation. Always use it at 100% for tyres.

https://autobuff.com.au/search?type=...rake%20buster*





P&S Undressed - Where Brake Buster can also be used to clean wheels, Undressed is focused on tires only. Very effective and great value for money.

https://carcareco.com.au/product/p-s...-wall-cleaner/





I tend to favor the two P&S products because they are relatively economical, tyre cleaning seems to use up a lot of product so buying in gallon size certainly helps.

[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................

[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.

[fordomatic]

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.

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]

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

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

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

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

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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]

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]

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.

[prydey]

Look forward to your thoughts. I currently use carpro ech20 on my van. Being it's 'just a van' my method is more just 'spray and wipe' though. Still comes up ok.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by prydey

Look forward to your thoughts. I currently use carpro ech20 on my van. Being it's 'just a van' my method is more just 'spray and wipe' though. Still comes up ok.

ECH20 was originally designed as a waterless wash anyway, so there's nothing wrong with your method.

From what I can tell, the accepted wisdom from those who regularly use ECH20 as a rinse-less wash is to dilute at 200:1

[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.

[anobserver]

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]

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]

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]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

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

Can't believe..

[DFB FGXR6]

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]

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,

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by anobserver

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.

I did have some nova jet and lustre there for a while, but couldnt justify using them on the old chariot. Now though....

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.

I found the nova products ok to use too.

Cheers,

I kept that list paired down for simplicity but did include a wax, sealant, spray sealant and ceramic coating -

Wax –
Collinite 845

Sealant –
Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant

Ceramic Spray Sealant –
NV Nova Jet

Ceramic Coating –
Gyeon Can Coat (Updated Aug-22)

I absolutely believe wax still has a place, especially for those who enjoy the process or don't need the ultimate performance a ceramic coating offers.

The above mentioned Collinite 845 is old product, but it offers a high level of "warmth" and is decently durable. If you are happy to put the work in, 845 is very rewarding to use.

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/co...iant=641817185

NV Nova Jet and Lustre are hard to beat for hydrophobics and longevity. If you want to try something different, the new Reload 2.0 is said to offer longer durability, so is now a viable standalone protectant.

[anobserver]

Thank you. I like the waxing process, so might try the collinite.

Heres hoping a waxit sale is pending.

[prydey]

There is a Waxit sale on. Not sure if storewide or not. I got an email a couple of days ago.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by anobserver

Thank you. I like the waxing process, so might try the collinite.

Heres hoping a waxit sale is pending.

Also available at ZAS and Car Care Products -

https://www.zas.com.au/product/650/c...wax_473ml.html
https://www.carcareproducts.com.au/c...845-473ml.html