Car Detailing - What products are your go to?

[jgmdat]

Just found two of the NV Tyre Dressing Applicators at the back of the cupboard, have to cut back on detailing products. Might give it a try as the Bowdens one was messy.

[DFB FGXR6]

This is an interesting video showing Optimum No Rinse in action next to a main competitor. I'm certain the competitor product is P&S Absolute, but what I find interesting is how both pull the dirt down to the bottom of the beaker.

[DFB FGXR6]

I don't normally get into product "torture tests", but this one comparing a cheap Amazon ceramic coating to an ultra-high-end coating was interesting.

Both performed pretty similar, except for a couple of tests where the expensive coating provided an edge. What surprised me most was the result of applying a heavy APC did to both (around the 16.50 mark) -



Granted, no one is going to apply undiluted APC to their car, but that right there shows a ceramic coating is not the impervious barrier some think they are getting.

[Mechan1k]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Granted, no one is going to apply undiluted APC to their car, but that right there shows a ceramic coating is not the impervious barrier some think they are getting.

Have seen a few of Sandro's test ... maybe not so blatent ... but just to show similar.

[Top_Ghia]

I need an interior cleaner/detailer.
I hate the degreaser smell of this 303 interior cleaner. I may have picked up the wrong one. Do they do a milder interior detailer?
If not what is an interior detailer with a pleasant smell?
If been wondering what the strong chemical smell was in my cars over the last couple of weeks and this is the culprit.
I don’t need a strong cleaner as my cars are generally pretty clean. It’s just to wipe the dust and drool off.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

image

I need an interior cleaner/detailer.
I hate the degreaser smell of this 303 interior cleaner. I may have picked up the wrong one. Do they do a milder interior detailer?
If not what is an interior detailer with a pleasant smell?
If been wondering what the strong chemical smell was in my cars over the last couple of weeks and this is the culprit.
I don’t need a strong cleaner as my cars are generally pretty clean. It’s just to wipe the dust and drool off.

The amount of people, professional detailers who should know better included, who like to use alkaline All-Purpose-Cleaners for interior cleaning is puzzling to me. With how chemical technology has evolved, you simply don't need that level of aggression for this role, or the potential to permanently damage delicate interior surfaces. I see this all too often, so this is a good question.

For more serious interior cleaning, where you need something to soften and then emulsify dirt, P&S Express and Koch Chemie Pol Star are what I grab most often. Both can be used across all interior surfaces except glass, so leather, vinyl, plastics and screens. For fabric, Pol Star is a more suitable choice. I use Express neat, but you can dilute it if you desire, whereas Pol Star must be diluted between 5:1 to 20:1. Both can be used in a spray and wipe manner or dialed up by agitating with a brush or scrub pad. Both leave a matte, residue free finish. Express has a lemony scent that some find a bit too strong, Pol Star is virtually unscented by not an offensive degreaser type aroma.

https://autobuff.com.au/products/koc...r&_ss=e&_v=1.0
https://autobuff.com.au/products/p-s...ner-473ml-16oz







A step down from that would be an interior detailer. For most who regularly maintain their cars, these products are basically all you need. These can be used across all interior surfaces except fabric, or in some cases, glass too. Most are used in a spray-wipe manner to remove light scuffing, dust, fingerprints ect. Most also contain some mild UV protection, while flashing away to leave a matte to satin finish.

The easiest to find would the Gyeon Interior Detailer, which is sold at Repco. This does seem to be richer in IPA, so it flashes away quite quickly. It's an ok product, but I think there are better out there. Smells excellent though, very similar to their other products like Prep or Q2 Glass.

https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-pa...117/p/A5602593



Another readily available product would be Meguiar's Quick Interior Detailer, one of their best products. This also provides some UV protection and leaves a matte finish behind. It's lemon scented, but have a whiff before buying to see if you like it, seems to be an acquired taste. Again, a good product but not the best. (Available in 473ml retail or 3.8lt detailer sizes)

https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-pa...earch=detailer



The interior detailer I use most is P&S Swift. This product seems to have more body to it than the two above, so it does lean towards the satin rather matte finish. (It does say "clean & shine" on the label, but it doesn't make the interior look shiny, if that makes sense.) I like this product because it provides just the right amount of visual enhancement without looking like an oil slick. It can also lather up under agitation, meaning it can do some serious cleaning if needed. I also love it as a mild dressing/enhancement for rubber floor mats. I would keep it off screens and glass though. A brilliant product. Scent is called "orange sickle", which is actually very nice and a point of difference to most lemon scented interior products.

https://autobuff.com.au/products/p-s...t&_ss=e&_v=1.0



I also love using Carpro InnerQD as well. Again, mild UV protection and mild cleaning ability as well as anti-static properties. Strong lemon scent and a completely matte finish.

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ca...40057471336537



Now for something a little different, and one that doesn't get much attention in Australia. But if all you need is an interior "duster", along with some mild-moderate cleaning ability, then using a rinse-less wash works superbly for this role. I use Optimum No Rinse for this at the Quick Detailer ratio, but even a 128:1 or 256:1 dilution will work no problem at all. This would have to be the safest way to clean and maintain car interiors, without imparting gloss, damaging or staining trim, streaking onto glass or drying out rubber coated switches.

I prefer the mild blueberry scented ONR for this role, but Mckee's N-914 (mildly sweet), P&S Absolute (Coconut), DIY Detail Rinse-less (green apple) or even Bowden's Dry Spell (super sweet) would be suitable too. I wouldn't use the Si02-infused options like Opti-Coat No Rinse or Carpro ECH20.

https://autobuff.com.au/products/mck...4&_ss=e&_v=1.0
https://autobuff.com.au/products/opt...e&_ss=e&_v=1.0
https://autobuff.com.au/products/p-s...e&_ss=e&_v=1.0
https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...re/658798.html



The above is just another reason why having at least one of those rinse-less washes in your arsenal is worthwhile, even if you don't like rinse-less washing. In addition to interior cleaning and rinse-less washing, they make great clay lubes, glass cleaners, drying aid/quick detailers and general surface cleaning all around the home. I even use the surfactant-based versions (McKee's, Dry Spell, DIY) as windscreen washer fluid, a far milder option than blasting your windscreen with alkaline washer additives.

Hope that helps.

[Top_Ghia]

P&S Swift sounds about right for me.
I think I’ll also try some ONR as it seems super versatile.
Could I use that to wipe down lightly soiled chassis and suspension components and engine bays?


Either by just laying under it with a damp cloth or on a hoist.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

P&S Swift sounds about right for me.
I think I’ll also try some ONR as it seems super versatile.
Could I use that to wipe down lightly soiled chassis and suspension components and engine bays?
image
image
Either by just laying under it with a damp cloth or on a hoist.

Absolutely!!

I use ONR all the time for engine bay cleaning or wipe overs.



The great thing with rinse-less products when dealing with areas you can't completely remove the residue from, they don't cause any damage if left to dry on the surface.

In this case, I applied APC as a pre-soak, agitated then flushed with ONR at 256:1 to remove the APC residue. A quick wipe over what I could reach, I called it good.





ONR was the original rinse-less wash, and it's gone through a few revisions since, the latest v5 launched early 2023.

For your application for underbody cleaning, I would do it at 128:1. I would also suggest getting a Pro-Blend or Carpro dispensing cups, and maybe an IK or Marolex pump sprayer -

https://autobuff.com.au/products/tol...e-proportioner
https://autobuff.com.au/products/mar...x&_ss=e&_v=1.0
https://autobuff.com.au/products/ik-...k&_ss=e&_v=1.0





Dilution Ratios -

Quick Detailer - 16:1 (I use this ratio for engine bay wipe overs and door jambs, interior dusting)

30ml in 500ml (Spray Bottle) of distilled water
60ml in 1Litre (Spray Bottle) of distilled water

Clay lube - 64:1

Waterless Washing -128:1

Rinse-less Washing - 256:1

30ml to 7.5 lt of water

[bfets]

Looks like Ammo is coming to Australia!

https://youtu.be/7udVpTdylj0?si=48djtX3_g41b_Pm3

[Top_Ghia]

Bowden Own Fully Slick is way better than NV Boost.
Change my mind.

[stannoplan]

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

Bowden Own Fully Slick is way better than NV Boost.
Change my mind.

V1 or V2 for either? To me they are all rounders, good gloss and protection as a sealant or are they a detailer? I liked Boost V1 on its ability to somehow bring coatings back to life - a booster as it were. V2 I like it for quick 3 month topper which is super easy on and off. You can get better gloss with Scholl W6 or Bead Maker, better protection with 303 Nano, Bead King or even Bead Machine, but sometimes something in the middle just suits as its easy to do.

Bowdens sometimes confuses me, what the difference between Slick and Boss Gloss? Is Boss Gloss their answer to Bead King?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by stannoplan

V1 or V2 for either? To me they are all rounders, good gloss and protection as a sealant or are they a detailer? I liked Boost V1 on its ability to somehow bring coatings back to life - a booster as it were. V2 I like it for quick 3 month topper which is super easy on and off. You can get better gloss with Scholl W6 or Bead Maker, better protection with 303 Nano, Bead King or even Bead Machine, but sometimes something in the middle just suits as its easy to do.

Bowdens sometimes confuses me, what the difference between Slick and Boss Gloss? Is Boss Gloss their answer to Bead King?

Boss Gloss is a simple quick detailer, similar to P&S Paint Gloss or Meguiar's Last Touch. Excellent for use as a drying aid or a quick boost in gloss. No protection to it though.

Fully Slick is a polymer sealant, so similar to Bead Maker, Ethos Pro Shine or Obsessed Garage Drying Aid. The polymers add to the slickness, and provide some protection.

[Mechan1k]

I use Boss Gloss more as a drying agent after washing ... but gives that little layer of protection between washes. Making the next wash easy each time.

And I managed to pick up the 5L cheap as there was a special for it .... so I have plenty of the stuff.

I am happy with what it does for me.

[Top_Ghia]

I use NV Boost v1 as a drying aid.
But I use Bowdens Own Fully Slick as a detailer or after wash treatment. I just love how slick it leaves the paint. The car is ceramic coated and it really seems to work well with that.
Boost just can’t match the slickness.
I have boss gloss too but don’t use that too much.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

I use NV Boost v1 as a drying aid.
But I use Bowdens Own Fully Slick as a detailer or after wash treatment. I just love how slick it leaves the paint. The car is ceramic coated and it really seems to work well with that.
Boost just can’t match the slickness.
I have boss gloss too but don’t use that too much.

I had someone make note that as the longevity of spray and wipe type product goes up, the slickness and gloss goes down. Which is something I have noticed as well.

The most recent of which would be P&S Bead Maker (polymer sealant) and P&S Defender (Si02 Sealant). Having used Bead Maker extensively in the last three weeks, I decided to grab Defender for a change and immediately noticed a relative lack of slickness and gloss. Longevity wise, Defender can approach 6 months, Bead Maker is probably 3 weeks.

[Top_Ghia]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I had someone make note that as the longevity of spray and wipe type product goes up, the slickness and gloss goes down. Which is something I have noticed as well.

The most recent of which would be P&S Bead Maker (polymer sealant) and P&S Defender (Si02 Sealant). Having used Bead Maker extensively in the last three weeks, I decided to grab Defender for a change and immediately noticed a relative lack of slickness and gloss. Longevity wise, Defender can approach 6 months, Bead Maker is probably 3 weeks.

Generally speaking I’m not too concerned with longevity as my cars get washed most weeks. I value slickness over lifespan. Gloss and saturation are important though.

This paint colour has magical powers. Even after a couple of days in the rain it still looks clean. If you wipe it down it is actually dirty but it just doesn’t show up.
It’s quite refreshing after the antimatter blue(near black) Mustang which looked dirty with one spec of dust on it.

[bfets]

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

Generally speaking I’m not too concerned with longevity as my cars get washed most weeks. I value slickness over lifespan. Gloss and saturation are important though.
image
This paint colour has magical powers. Even after a couple of days in the rain it still looks clean. If you wipe it down it is actually dirty but it just doesn’t show up.
It’s quite refreshing after the antimatter blue(near black) Mustang which looked dirty with one spec of dust on it.

For some reason I can't see any of the photos you post. I just get the place holder image. Not sure why.

I'm old school I know, but give me Collinite 845 or Gyeon Q2 wax any day. More work to put on but boy I love the warm glow it gives the paint.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by bfets

For some reason I can't see any of the photos you post. I just get the place holder image. Not sure why.

I'm old school I know, but give me Collinite 845 or Gyeon Q2 wax any day. More work to put on but boy I love the warm glow it gives the paint.

I've mentioned this elsewhere, but I'm now entertaining the thought of returning to wax when my S650 arrives.............or I should say, IF it ever arrives. In particular, Collinite 845. Previously, I was all set to use Gyeon Mohs for the slickness it has over Gyeon Pure.

Why? More flexibility, rather than being locked into a multi-year coating. I also really, really like how 845 works against Race Red....................





That doesn't mean I'm anti-coating, I've been using ceramics more and more lately and really love the ease of cleaning they bring to the table. I would still absolutely ceramic coat wheels, but on car that sits in a garage 99% of the time, the ultra-durability on paint isn't really needed. I could very well change my mind between now and then though. It's great to have choice!

[Top_Ghia]

Originally Posted by bfets

For some reason I can't see any of the photos you post. I just get the place holder image. Not sure why.

I'm old school I know, but give me Collinite 845 or Gyeon Q2 wax any day. More work to put on but boy I love the warm glow it gives the paint.

I bet you’re an Android user.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

Generally speaking I’m not too concerned with longevity as my cars get washed most weeks. I value slickness over lifespan. Gloss and saturation are important though.
image
This paint colour has magical powers. Even after a couple of days in the rain it still looks clean. If you wipe it down it is actually dirty but it just doesn’t show up.
It’s quite refreshing after the antimatter blue(near black) Mustang which looked dirty with one spec of dust on it.

Same.

It's one of the reasons why I always defend Bead Maker. Most lay into it for not lasting long, as if they expect a spray sealant to give them longevity beyond the low effort needed to apply the product. But who cares when it makes paint look and feel so good.

[FTE217]

I’m the same no worries about longevity it’s just what ends up making my cars pop and bead with ease as they always do due to regular washes - worst my DD goes without a wash is 2wks max.
So drying aids are the go to having either done a collinite coat or similar months back.
The 2 garage queens the lack of time they spend outdoors I just don’t need to over work them anymore.
A wash drying aid and they come up nice.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DFB FGXR6]

Anyone who's a fan of Larry Koscilla and his YouTube channel, his AMMO brand of car care products is within weeks of launching in Australia.

https://ammonyc.com/
https://www.stash.group/ammostudio

STASH is a purpose built high end vehicle storage and detailing company, which have partnered with Larry to sell his range of AMMO products in Australia. Previously, these products have been available to Australian's willing to pay the substantial shipping costs.









There will be meet and greet workshop session on Saturday 24th of Feb, which will be a ticketed event between 2pm to 3.30pm. That will be followed by a general meet and greet for all comers between 4pm and 9pm.

https://www.stash.group/events/ammolaunch
https://www.stash.group/events/meetlarry

I would love to go, but the event is based in Sydney and a 14 hour round trip for me. If you are close, this would be an excellent opportunity to meet one of the best detailers on the planet, a nice guy to boot.

[Top_Ghia]

I don’t have garage queens as my cars are daily driven in all conditions. That’s why I have chosen ceramic coatings over the last few year. I have found it makes the cars easier to wash and seems to make other spray on sealants and coatings work a lot better.
But I certainly understand the satisfaction that would come from using a quality wax.
Are you guys applying it by hand or machine?

[bfets]

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

I don’t have garage queens as my cars are daily driven in all conditions. That’s why I have chosen ceramic coatings over the last few year. I have found it makes the cars easier to wash and seems to make other spray on sealants and coatings work a lot better.
But I certainly understand the satisfaction that would come from using a quality wax.
Are you guys applying it by hand or machine?

I've tried and use both methods depending on how I feel on the day. I think the majority of the time I just do it by hand. I feel like I have better control and feel over how much I'm applying and I can get into the smaller areas more accurately to avoid getting it on trim for instance.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

I don’t have garage queens as my cars are daily driven in all conditions. That’s why I have chosen ceramic coatings over the last few year. I have found it makes the cars easier to wash and seems to make other spray on sealants and coatings work a lot better.
But I certainly understand the satisfaction that would come from using a quality wax.
Are you guys applying it by hand or machine?

Mostly by machine, I find this helps massively in getting a consistent, even and thin coat, which then makes the wipe off a breeze. Smaller areas I hand apply.

5-inch finishing/waxing pad, lowest speed setting, no pressure, just let the machine glide across the paint.

[CyberWasp]

Linking back to the Detailing TV Show I mentioned on the last page Dirty Old Cars.

Episode 7 has one of the worst cars I have ever seen for a Grub of an owner.
Chev Silverado LWB - Wife brings it in to be cleaned as husband is away for the week.
He had filled it with so much rubbish that it was impossible to drive. So instead of you know like cleaning it out, he just parked it up and bought another one.
12 Wheelie Bins of rubbish / rotting stuff came out of it, and the classic line by one of the youngsters when they finally got down to the carpet was 'Hey whats with all this saw dust', his college took a look and pointed out they they were maggots and that there were spider nests feeding on them.

The other car in the episode was a 70's Merc that had been covered in graffiti after being left in a storage car park. It was totally covered in spray paint so was interesting to see how they got it all off.

Oh and Episode 9 had a car that was in a barn with a window down that the cats use as a Kitty Litter Box. Back at the shop the seats were wet and dripping and it totally made you gag.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

Linking back to the Detailing TV Show I mentioned on the last page Dirty Old Cars.

Episode 7 has one of the worst cars I have ever seen for a Grub of an owner.
Chev Silverado LWB - Wife brings it in to be cleaned as husband is away for the week.
He had filled it with so much rubbish that it was impossible to drive. So instead of you know like cleaning it out, he just parked it up and bought another one.
12 Wheelie Bins of rubbish / rotting stuff came out of it, and the classic line by one of the youngsters when they finally got down to the carpet was 'Hey whats with all this saw dust', his college took a look and pointed out they they were maggots and that there were spider nests feeding on them.

The other car in the episode was a 70's Merc that had been covered in graffiti after being left in a storage car park. It was totally covered in spray paint so was interesting to see how they got it all off.

Oh and Episode 9 had a car that was in a barn with a window down that the cats use as a Kitty Litter Box. Back at the shop the seats were wet and dripping and it totally made you gag.

Funny, I would call this cleaning filth rather than "detailing".

[Mechan1k]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

Linking back to the Detailing TV Show I mentioned on the last page Dirty Old Cars.

Episode 7 has one of the worst cars I have ever seen for a Grub of an owner.
Chev Silverado LWB - Wife brings it in to be cleaned as husband is away for the week.
He had filled it with so much rubbish that it was impossible to drive. So instead of you know like cleaning it out, he just parked it up and bought another one.
12 Wheelie Bins of rubbish / rotting stuff came out of it, and the classic line by one of the youngsters when they finally got down to the carpet was 'Hey whats with all this saw dust', his college took a look and pointed out they they were maggots and that there were spider nests feeding on them.

The other car in the episode was a 70's Merc that had been covered in graffiti after being left in a storage car park. It was totally covered in spray paint so was interesting to see how they got it all off.

Oh and Episode 9 had a car that was in a barn with a window down that the cats use as a Kitty Litter Box. Back at the shop the seats were wet and dripping and it totally made you gag.

Looks at some of the stuff that rolls into the DetailGeek's Youtube channel.
No wonder he has the wear an asperator to do the work.

cant believe how people do that .... I'd hate the see their houses.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Mechan1k

Looks at some of the stuff that rolls into the DetailGeek's Youtube channel.
No wonder he has the wear an asperator to do the work.

cant believe how people do that .... I'd hate the see their houses.

He's done very well for himself by making those videos, so I doubt he would be complaining.

[DFB FGXR6]

A couple of "End of Summer" sales went live today.

Waxit -

The End Of Summer Sale has arrived with up to 40% OFF!

This sale includes popular brands such as CARPRO, Nv Car Care, ShineMate, Lake Country, and much more! Even our kits have been further discounted!

No code needed, the prices have been discounted STOREWIDE!
Hurry! Only available whilst stocks last! Sale ends Friday, 11:59pm AEDT (23/02)

https://www.waxit.com.au/



Waxit have also used this sale to launch the addition of AR (Annovi Reverberi) to the store. These are Italian pressure washers that can deliver up to 10L/min with 15-amp circuit, or 8.5 L/min on a 10-amp circuit. They are very similar in performance to a Kranzle, although a touch louder running. They also have an oil cooled pump.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections/annovi-reverberi

The ability to set this unit up in multiple configurations is big selling point over the Kranzle. In addition to the pre-configured kits, Waxit are offering a self-contained wall-mount shelf/bracket/hose reel that would make for a simple install. A reel, portable cart and longer hoses can be bought Alacarte.

Something like this would be a great (better) alternative to a high-end Karcher or Gerni, where the extra money usually only gets you added fluff rather than actual performance. For example, a $1200 Karcher K7 Premium costs more but flows less than the AR680.


The other sale being from Adam's, with 20% off your order.

Code - SUMMER20 at checkout.

https://adamspolishes.com.au/?syclid...=shopify_email