Ready to dip my toes in the detailing waters

[sorcerer]

I've never really spent more than about £5,000 on a car before so I've always been happy to take it through a car wash. Having spent five times more than that this time, I thought I'd better give it a bit more TLC than your average car wash, so I've just been out and bought what you can see below.

I don't want this to turn into a "No, don't use that, this is better" sort of post because (a) I've already bought the stuff and I'm not going to go out and buy more, and (b) I've already done that to an extent.

Because I've not done any detailing before I've been looking on the forum at all the products you folks are using, then made a list and took it along to a highly recommended detailing place not far from where I live, http://thedetailingshack.co.uk/ (website currently down while they have a new one done but their Facebook page is here). My list contained a few Autoglym products but Rob, the owner and detailer of the business, said that they weren't the best (apart from the Ultra High Definition Wax) and took me through what he recommended and the reasons why, so I took his advice.

 

 

In no particular order, you'll see:

• Two Meguiar's buckets with grit guards

• Dodo Juice Born To Be Mild Maintenance Shampoo

• Dodo Juice Tribble Mitt sheepskin wash mitt

• Dodo Juice Born Slippy clay Lube

• Bilt Hamber Auto clay (reg)

• Dodo Juice Clearly Menthol Glass Cleaner

• Poorboys World Black Hole Show Glaze

• Bilt Hamber Cleanser Fluid (Paint and Finish Pre Wax Cleaner)

• Autoglym Ultra High Definition Wax

• Valet Pro Bilberry Wheel Cleaner

• Eight sachets of Meguiars Endurance Tyre Gel

• A selection of microfibre cloths

• Wooden-handled wheel brush

I think I paid about £120 for all that, which I thought was excellent. The only things in the picture that I didn't buy from Rob are the red microfibre towel (Autobrite Hellshine Reaper towel) as he didn't have one in stock, and also the Dodo Juice Supernatural Leather Cleaner and Leather Sealant as I already had those from about two years ago.

Rob went through all the products and explained how to use them but I have to confess that I've forgotten. Not long after leaving his shop I got some bad news about a friend of mine that knocked me for six, so everything about detailing products went straight out of my head and this is really why I'm posting this now. I think I've got it right but would just prefer a bit of confirmation (or otherwise) from folks who know what they're doing.

I haven't got a pressure washer so can't use any snow foam, but what I'm thinking is this:

• Set up the two buckets, one with the shampoo
• Give the car a good hosing down
• Use the sheepskin mitt to wash, rinsing in the rinse bucket as appropriate
• Good hose down
• Use the clay lube and clay the car
• Use the Bilt Hamber cleanser fluid
• Apply the Poorboys Black Hole 
• Finally apply the Autoglym Ultra High Definition wax and job done.

Does that sound right? Correct order of doing things? Do I clean the wheels/tyres first or last, and when is it best to apply the Meguiar's Endurance Tyre Gel?

Lots of people said that I shouldn't go for a black car with Ivory (or is it beige) interior and that it would be a nightmare to keep clean, but we absolutely fell in love with this colour combination, it looks stunning. How often should I be cleaning/treating the leather seats and what do you use on the dashboard, any sort of product or just keep wiping with microfibre cloth?

Phew, if you're still reading - thanks  

[NemesisUK]

Work from the top down. Don't allow the panels to dry in the sun. Accept the fact you will get swirls.

clay once a year. Wax as soon as water no long beads.

Apply tyre gel on clean tyres once they are dry.

Watch you lovely clean, waxed car look dull and dirty by the end of the day....

I used a quick detailer between washes to remove light dust.

Interior wise, clean leather with a damp cloth once a week, depending on use, clothes worn etc.. Deep clean 2 or 3 times a year.

Wipe dash top with a damp cloth. Use an interior quick detailer to remove spots/ greasy marks on door card or grips.

The only reason for 'detailing' a car is because you like doing it. If it's a chore it'll never look good.

A car is for driving and enjoying. Basic cleaning and dealing with stone chips is all that's really needed.

Perhaps get the car professionally 'detailed' once a year. 

 

[sorcerer]

Thanks Peter, good points.

I know what you mean regarding liking to do it or whether it's seen as a chore. I think I'll enjoy it if I can physically do it. I suffered a back injury a long time ago, bad enough to result in medical retirement, so my main concern is whether my back will stand up to it. I may end up going back to Rob and paying his labour charges but supplying my own products  

[steveledzep]

In over 40 years, I've never put a car through a car-wash......not even my first Mk1 Escort.  I usually wash my car weekly and enjoy it, not a chore, very satisfying when viewing the end result.

I don't go in for any fancy products, usually Simoniz wax and wash and their polish afterwards occasionally.  My vehicle always looks smart, but probably wouldn't stand up to showroom scrutiny.  It does for me and I'm very proud of my RX.

I really struggle to get the glass sparkling.  I've used Autoglym and other proprietary products to no avail.  Any tips ?

[RgrWynne]

I always used Autoglym, I think their products are excellent. However I purchased, Soft99 Fusso coat Light PTFE Car Wax, from eBay and I have to say it is far superior and lasting, just brilliant. Where the Autoglym product would now need re applying, my Lexus is parked outside all the time, the Fusso is still  beading and water and dirt just run off and it is so easy to wash............just my experience.

[rayaans]

I made a guide a few years back in pdf form. Here's the thread

The clay lube was an unnecessary purchase. Bilt hamber clay is designed to be used with water.  Additionally, car shampoo in a spray bottle mixed with water would make a clay lube. 

UHD wax and BH cleanser polish, not really sure on. It's certainly not a tried combo but should be ok in theory. Personally would have gone for BH double speed wax instead, cheaper, longer durability and known compatibility.  

Furthermore, would argue that BH cleanser and Poorboys glaze are doing the same thing. In fact, BH cleanser is so good that poorboys glaze is somewhat useless.

Bilberry wheel cleaner is OK but on darker finish wheels leaves white marks behind. Worth bearing in mind. Rinse wheel immediately don't let it sit. 

Clean seats once a year or if seat is shiny. Doesnt need anymore than that. Nothing needed on dash and plastics apart from damp cloth soaked in mild apc solution. I prefer not to dress the dash anymore as i prefer the original matt finish. Can get mass dressings but they look the same as factory fresh so why bother?

 

[rayaans]

1 hour ago, steveledzep said:

In over 40 years, I've never put a car through a car-wash......not even my first Mk1 Escort.  I usually wash my car weekly and enjoy it, not a chore, very satisfying when viewing the end result.

I don't go in for any fancy products, usually Simoniz wax and wash and their polish afterwards occasionally.  My vehicle always looks smart, but probably wouldn't stand up to showroom scrutiny.  It does for me and I'm very proud of my RX.

I really struggle to get the glass sparkling.  I've used Autoglym and other proprietary products to no avail.  Any tips ?

Glass polish is what you need. They have a cream like consistency.  Barkeepers friend is very good just don't use it on the exterior driver and passenger windows otherwise will affect the coating.

[Stuno1]

Slippery slope my friend. detailing world forum is where you will get the best advice from professionals and enthusiasts. You don’t need snow foam just a prewash. You have some good products there. Dooka to the best washing mits and drying towels I have come across. The biggest discoveries for me have been:

- using a pressure washer and a citrus prewash is a massive game changer in terms of reducing scratches on the paint and saving time

- discovering gtechnique products. They are simply incredible and their c2v3 body way is the best thing to happen to detailing in many years. It is a spray on and wipe off wax that finishes harder and is more durable than wet waxes. It can also be used on plastics, glass and wheels. Took me 20 minutes to do my Evora. It used to take me 2 hours or more tonwax the the car, great the plastics, windows and wheels. 

[NemesisUK]

8 hours ago, steveledzep said:

I really struggle to get the glass sparkling.  I've used Autoglym and other proprietary products to no avail.  Any tips ?

Glass has always been my nemesis. I struggle to get it spotless outside and smear free inside. I use Meg's glass cleaner and it works ok but as you say, never really sparkles.

[Stuno1]

14 minutes ago, NemesisUK said:

Glass has always been my nemesis. I struggle to get it spotless outside and smear free inside. I use Meg's glass cleaner and it works ok but as you say, never really sparkles.

Gtechnique perfect glass then gtechnique c2v3. No smears at all. 

https://gtechniq.com/products/auto/perfect/exterior/paint/g6-perfect-glass#content

[rayaans]

5 hours ago, Stuno1 said:

Slippery slope my friend. Detailing world forum is where you will get the best advice from professionals and enthusiasts. You don’t need snow foam just a prewash. You have some good products there. Dooka to the best washing mits and drying towels I have come across. The biggest discoveries for me have been:

- using a pressure washer and a citrus prewash is a massive game changer in terms of reducing scratches on the paint and saving time

- discovering gtechnique products. They are simply incredible and their c2v3 body way is the best thing to happen to detailing in many years. It is a spray on and wipe off wax that finishes harder and is more durable than wet waxes. It can also be used on plastics, glass and wheels. Took me 20 minutes to do my Evora. It used to take me 2 hours or more tonwax the the car, great the plastics, windows and wheels. 

If you like C2V3, you'll love AutoAllure Boost!

Personally I thought C2V3 was over-rated tbh

[Stuno1]

47 minutes ago, rayaans said:

If you like C2V3, you'll love AutoAllure Boost!

Personally I thought C2V3 was over-rated tbh

Really? Lasts for aaaaaaages, easy to apply and can be applied to many materials. Also leaves a great finish. What’s not to like?

[J Henderson]

15 hours ago, sorcerer said:

I haven't got a pressure washer so can't use any snow foam

Do I clean the wheels/tyres first or last, and when is it best to apply the Meguiar's Endurance Tyre Gel?

Nice haul for £120! Those products are more than good enough so I'm not going to recommend any better alternatives. The only thing I do notice missing in your arsenal is some kind of chemical decontamination product, so I'd definitely recommend getting a iron/fallout remover as claying on it's own won't necessarily lift everything that's on the paint. Maybe get a few soft detailing brushes too as they're great at getting into nooks & crannies like window frames, badges etc.

You can actually still use snow foam without a pressure washer. You can just apply it via a pump sprayer instead of a foam lance. Granted, it won't land on the car as "foam", but the cleaning power is largely undiminished.

Normal practice is to do the wheels first as they are usually the dirtiest part of the car. The tyre dressing is one of the last things I will do.

[rayaans]

54 minutes ago, Stuno1 said:

Really? Lasts for aaaaaaages, easy to apply and can be applied to many materials. Also leaves a great finish. What’s not to like?

Thats the issue - just didn't last at all. Its not like my car is heavily used but its used everyday neverthless. Just didn't last anywhere near as long as it stated and I didn't like the finish it left - was too flat. 

Plus it gets quite expensive compared to Autoallure Boost which is essentially the same thing and I find it better to use.

[gazzabart1963]

In over 40 years, I've never put a car through a car-wash......not even my first Mk1 Escort.  I usually wash my car weekly and enjoy it, not a chore, very satisfying when viewing the end result.
I don't go in for any fancy products, usually Simoniz wax and wash and their polish afterwards occasionally.  My vehicle always looks smart, but probably wouldn't stand up to showroom scrutiny.  It does for me and I'm very proud of my RX.
I really struggle to get the glass sparkling.  I've used Autoglym and other proprietary products to no avail.  Any tips ?

I couldn't believe this but white vinegar 50/50 mix with water - spray on to a microfiber cloth - not direct onto the glass - comes up a treat and those water Staines are gone - so in order - wash - glass cleaner - vinegar- glass cleaner then buff - sounds a lot but doesn't take long and actually works [emoji3][emoji106]

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

[Guest]

its important to use the correct glass cleaner, silicon free for starters. also can use 0000 wire wool and clay bar to remove contamination.

 

[graham8370]

You've been bitten by the detailing 'Bug'.

It really is downhill from now on.

All those jobs around the house will be put on hold, your wife will be complaining to family and friends that "He's out there cleaning that bl****  car again'.

But; no matter. There really is no nicer feeling than walking away, looking back, and thinking 'I did that'

You'll start parking under the lights in Tesco's car park. You'll drive past large shop windows trying to catch the reflection. You'll upgrade your phone for one with a better camera.       No?         just me then.

Everything you've bought will do the job perfectly. The only thing missing is a large jar of Elbow Grease (not available to purchase). Thousands of products out there but none will work if you don't put the effort in.

The next stage is thinking 'That looks brilliant' I must post some photos on the LOC.

Good luck. I await the first album.

Graham.

 

 

[Guest]

I've had neighbours comment about wearing the paint out.

[rayaans]

2 hours ago, Comedian said:

I've had neighbours comment about wearing the paint out.

Next you'll be getting the "oh mine is next" remarks

[First_Lexus]

On 4/7/2018 at 1:43 PM, rayaans said:

Thats the issue - just didn't last at all. Its not like my car is heavily used but its used everyday neverthless. Just didn't last anywhere near as long as it stated and I didn't like the finish it left - was too flat. 

Plus it gets quite expensive compared to Autoallure Boost which is essentially the same thing and I find it better to use.

Personally I've found C2v3 the best of its type that I've used, but only marginally better than CarPro Reload. The finish is very impressive, especially the depth - on my paintwork anyway. What I would add is that my NX has the GTechniq ceramic coating applied, which may make a difference.

Having been 'into' detailing for some years - and having shown Minis for a few of those years - my advice is simple. Try a couple of products of each type that fit with your budget. When you find something that works for you, stick with it. Try not to get caught up in the discussions about the next 'wonder product' on places like detailing World as it is mostly opinion based on preferences, with associated impacts for colour, paint condition, and preparation.

For everyday products I have found the Bilt-Hamber ranges hard to beat over the years. I find myself returning to them, and that's the best sign that they suit my preferences.

 

[Stuno1]

2 hours ago, First_Lexus said:

Personally I've found C2v3 the best of its type that I've used, but only marginally better than CarPro Reload. The finish is very impressive, especially the depth - on my paintwork anyway. What I would add is that my NX has the GTechniq ceramic coating applied, which may make a difference.

Having been 'into' Detailing for some years - and having shown Minis for a few of those years - my advice is simple. Try a couple of products of each type that fit with your budget. When you find something that works for you, stick with it. Try not to get caught up in the discussions about the next 'wonder product' on places like Detailing World as it is mostly opinion based on preferences, with associated impacts for colour, paint condition, and preparation.

For everyday products I have found the Bilt-Hamber ranges hard to beat over the years. I find myself returning to them, and that's the best sign that they suit my preferences.

 

C2v3 is great and can be used in glass and plastic so basically the entire car! It has made cleaning my car approximately 90 minutes quicker and reduced the number of products I use. Gtechnique products are very good in general. I have used may detailing product and you end up trialing many before you settle on what works for you.

[The-Acre]

13 hours ago, rayaans said:

Next you'll be getting the "oh mine is next" remarks

And let's not forget "it'll rain now" I cleaned mine yesterday and dried it with the newly discovered waffle towel, then I used a Triplewax waterless wash (not that I would do a waterless wash) but I only used about half an eggcup sprayed on the car and it gave it an amazing shine and took just a few mins.  I know its probably not something to always do but feeling a bit lazy it worked wonders.

[PCM]

On 4/7/2018 at 12:22 AM, RgrWynne said:

I always used autoglym, I think their products are excellent. However I purchased, Soft99 Fusso coat Light PTFE Car Wax, from eBay and I have to say it is far superior and lasting, just brilliant. Where the autoglym product would now need re applying, my Lexus is parked outside all the time, the Fusso is still  beading and water and dirt just run off and it is so easy to wash............just my experience.

Discovered Fusso via here.

Brilliant stuff!

( Soft99 Fusso coat F7 liquid sealant  )

[RgrWynne]

Yup I use it , brilliant