Car Detailing - What products are your go to?

[fordomatic]

My new favourite wash mitt, I dopped two of my Cloudburst mits on consecutive washes. I always throw out my mits when I drop them, not risking a stone or debris getting caught in it.

Anyway, bought two of these, stoked with them, they work so well.
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections.../carpro-dabdab

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by fordomatic

My new favourite wash mitt, I dopped two of my Cloudburst mits on consecutive washes. I always throw out my mits when I drop them, not risking a stone or debris getting caught in it.

Anyway, bought two of these, stoked with them, they work so well.
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections.../carpro-dabdab

I've been eying those for a while now, they get a lot of love from those who have tried them.

[bangm001]

Stool and extra micro-fibres ordered!

:-)

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by bangm001

Stool and extra micro-fibres ordered!

:-)

Which version of both did you go with?

[bangm001]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Which version of both did you go with?

Repco have the standard seat for $103 so click and collect tomorrow, i was almost sold on the other one with the floor chair also but thought for the extra coin, my vinyl shed floor tiles are not that uncomfortable to sit on once or twice a year for an hour or two!

https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-pa...tailing%20seat

then several (5) red, few blue, few green on the cheapie car wash ones, then just a couple (yes only 2 lol) of the edgeless to give them a go before ordering more. I paid $10.00 each for the autoglym ones and have a box full of those, as well as several in various bowdens ones also. So overall... should be plenty to do (wash, clay, polish, wax and everything interior wise etc) a couple of cars over a weekend before needing to use the washing machine HAHA!

Where was your recent reviews on car washes? Cant find it at the minute, too many pages of shopping open!

Im also thinking of ordering some 6inch shinemate orange diamond pads..?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by bangm001

Repco have the standard seat for $103 so click and collect tomorrow, i was almost sold on the other one with the floor chair also but thought for the extra coin, my vinyl shed floor tiles are not that uncomfortable to sit on once or twice a year for an hour or two!

https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-pa...tailing%20seat

then several (5) red, few blue, few green on the cheapie car wash ones, then just a couple (yes only 2 lol) of the edgeless to give them a go before ordering more. I paid $10.00 each for the autoglym ones and have a box full of those, as well as several in various bowdens ones also. So overall... should be plenty to do (wash, clay, polish, wax and everything interior wise etc) a couple of cars over a weekend before needing to use the washing machine HAHA!

Where was your recent reviews on car washes? Cant find it at the minute, too many pages of shopping open!

Im also thinking of ordering some 6inch shinemate orange diamond pads..?

Those Car Wash towels don't get much love, mainly because TRC push the Eagle 350 and 500, Gauntlet and FTW's more. But they are perfectly sized for interior use, polish removal, dirty jobs, engine bays. I've found them extremely durable as well, the green interior and grey dirty job towels get used and abused and have lasted well beyond what their price of entry would suggest.



Soap thread here -
https://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11495784

The shortcut would be the following, with a preference for Reset -

- Koch Chemie GSF
- Carpro Reset
- NV Snow
- Shine Supply Shift

And I would throw Carpro Lift into the mix for decon washing (high pH).

[FTE217]

Originally Posted by bangm001

Stool and extra micro-fibres ordered!

:-)

well done mate congrats and welcome to the bnewbie detailer group inspired by DFB lol........
Mazda looked a trreat by the pics and the perfect nopvice tester, the wife must have thought wow I hope, let alone mine just says its only a car and means of transport.

[bangm001]

I'm interested to hear from anyone that may use something like this or similar and share experiences.

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ar...41021068247129

I really dislike using a high pressure washer for weekly washing, I find i'm just not set up for it properly and because they are noisy etc don't enjoy using them. My cars rarely get disgustingly dirty and most often just require a very light wash to remove dust rather than road grime or other contaminants etc.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by bangm001

I'm interested to hear from anyone that may use something like this or similar and share experiences.

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ar...41021068247129

I really dislike using a high pressure washer for weekly washing, I find i'm just not set up for it properly and because they are noisy etc don't enjoy using them. My cars rarely get disgustingly dirty and most often just require a very light wash to remove dust rather than road grime or other contaminants etc.

I haven't used them extensively, I'm all in on foam cannons lol, but if it works for you, then go for it. These type of foamers are popular in the US when access to power and water are limited and work very well.

[FTE217]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I haven't used them extensively, I'm all in on foam cannons lol, but if it works for you, then go for it. These type of foamers are popular in the US when access to power and water are limited and work very well.

yes agree, tbh I can't see the point unless your working on a panel at a time, not for a complete wash job for me.
I'd be re filling that small bottle so many times drive me nuts, plus not enough power.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by FTE217

yes agree, tbh I can't see the point unless your working on a panel at a time, not for a complete wash job for me.
I'd be re filling that small bottle so many times drive me nuts, plus not enough power.

I think most people use the small pump action foamers to apply something like Brake Buster to wheels, the foam keeps the product active for longer.

For paint, you would be better off with something like below as they hold more volume. From what I have seen, they are a viable alternative to a pressure washer foam cannon for those without access to water or power (people in apartments in ect). The extra time taken with one of these would be balanced out by not getting out, setting up and packing away a pressure washer.

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/kw...5e07820a&_ss=r
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...rayer-new-2019

[jgmdat]

I tried a pump action foamer for Brake Buster, hated having to continually pump it up. Now have a dedicated foam cannon for it.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by jgmdat

I tried a pump action foamer for Brake Buster, hated having to continually pump it up. Now have a dedicated foam cannon for it.

Same! Do you dilute it for the foam cannon? I use it straight and let the foam cannon dilute.

Having said that, iK have now fitted a schrader valve to select models so that you can pressurize it with an air compressor or inflator.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...ro-2-sprayer-1
https://detailingshed.com.au/products/ik-multi-pro-12

They will also have (poorly integrated and overpriced) battery powered models of the larger units, with the smaller ones arriving at the end of this year.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...attery-powered
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...attery-powered

[DFB FGXR6]

Waxit has launched an EOFY sale, with up to 50% off storewide.

Having just made a sizable order, which I had been holding off on until today, the Carpro line is especially attractive at the moment, with up to 40% off depending on the product.

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

Of note, Reset in 500 and 1000ml bottles is great value at $19.95 or $31.95.
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...s/carpro-reset

Likewise, Hydr02 Lite -
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...41196342116441

At under $13.00 for a 500ml bottle, InnerQD is a steal at that price................I bought two.
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...carpro-innerqd

ECH20 has become one of my favorites, a 500ml bottle sitting at just on $15.00 is amazing value when you consider how much product that will mix up. And while its sold as a "water-less wash", ECH20 makes a great quick detailer/drying aid as well.
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...20-concentrate

In addition to that, the NV range is very enticing at the moment. Of note, Purify in either 500ml, 1000ml or 4-liter sizes is brilliant value for an iron remover. Of all that I have used, the NV duo (Purify and Purge) are the least putrid smelling iron removers on the market, without sacrificing cleaning power.
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...nt=17821329412

[prydey]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Likewise, Hydr02 Lite -
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...41196342116441
]

I'm a big fan of carpro and was browsing their products recently and was meaning to ask if you'd tried hydr02 and hydr02 lite.

Also elixr I think was another one from memory. I've been using the NV spray on coatings (lustre, jet, boostv2) and was checking out the carpro options.

I was using the glass cleaner clarify for a while until I knocked over the bottle and wasted most of it. I noticed they do a clarify phobic or something?

So to summarise, looking for feedback on
Hydr02 and hydr02 lite
Elixir
Clarify phobic
Reload 2.0

Thanks

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by prydey

I'm a big fan of carpro and was browsing their products recently and was meaning to ask if you'd tried hydr02 and hydr02 lite.

Also elixr I think was another one from memory. I've been using the NV spray on coatings (lustre, jet, boostv2) and was checking out the carpro options.

I was using the glass cleaner clarify for a while until I knocked over the bottle and wasted most of it. I noticed they do a clarify phobic or something?

So to summarise, looking for feedback on
Hydr02 and hydr02 lite
Elixir
Clarify phobic
Reload 2.0

Thanks

Ooooo, my favorite type of question!

Hydr02 -

I have been using this for many years now, mainly for a quick and easy way of getting some protection/hydrophobics onto wheels without having to remove them. I also use it as a "rinse-aid" on cars I that have absolutely no protection on them, mainly to make drying easier, but it also boosts gloss and slickness. I only use it like that on other peoples cars though.

There are three versions of Hydr02 -

Hydr02 Concentrate - as the name suggests, this needs to be diluted prior to use. I've found it a bit unstable when mixing my own, can't pin down why though.

Hydr02 Foam - basically the product suspended in soap and foamed on and rinsed off. I have not tried this version, nor do I recommend it.

Hydr02 Lite - the one to buy. This is pre-diluted and much more consistent in how it works.



EliXir -

This is a hybrid between Reload and ECH20, basically a ceramic quick detailer. I've found this product to be a bit finicky, so I rarely use it. But, I have had great results using it as a topper to a Carpro ceramic coating, product synergy in other words. Personally, I prefer Boost v2 or Meg's HCD.



Clarify Phobic -

I have a bottle of this but hated it. I'm in the minority here because others who have tried it loved it. I found it to be a smeary mess, leaving a ghosted finish that I had to go back and fix with a real glass cleaner. I suspect it didn't play well with my Gyeon glass coating.



The best and most consistent glass cleaner for me is Stoner's Invisible Glass, and it's readily available from Supercheap/Autobarn ect too. It doesn't have the WOW factor, but it just WORKS. I also rate Gyeon Glass as well.



Reload 2.0 -

Reload was one of the original spray sealants, but as the competition responded, it got left behind a little. The second generation keeps the impressive gloss and slickness, but improves on the longevity and ease of application. I really like it and prefer it to the NV "twins" (Lustre/Jet) as I find those finicky to get right. Reload, to me, is easier to apply and a product I regularly recommend.

[jgmdat]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Same! Do you dilute it for the foam cannon? I use it straight and let the foam cannon dilute.

Having said that, iK have now fitted a schrader valve to select models so that you can pressurize it with an air compressor or inflator.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...ro-2-sprayer-1
https://detailingshed.com.au/products/ik-multi-pro-12

They will also have (poorly integrated and overpriced) battery powered models of the larger units, with the smaller ones arriving at the end of this year.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...attery-powered
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...attery-powered

I use it straight and let the cannon dilute it, so easy and convenient.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by jgmdat

I use it straight and let the cannon dilute it, so easy and convenient.

Agreed!

Just be mindful that Brake Buster, while relatively safe/mild on wheels, is hard on the equipment. I've yet to kill a foam cannon with it but have destroyed numerous spray heads. Depending on what foam cannon you use, you might need to replace or clean the mesh filter at some stage.

[fordomatic]

What kind of longevity do you find with Reload 2? I really didn't like the first version, lucky to get 2 months out of it with a car outside. I've used Lustre for years and get 5-6 months for a car outside and for a garaged car I got to 18 months and it was still beading, but applied some more.

I'm keen to give reload another go but if it only last 2-3 months, it's not for me.

I've not had issues with NV Lustre or Jet except hazing. I've found if you use too much it will haze but then on the first wash it sorts that out. Very similar to Collinite 845, hazes a lot, first wash removes it.

I'm looking as getting a few things, i'd like to try a new sealant/wax and also another polish.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by fordomatic

What kind of longevity do you find with Reload 2? I really didn't like the first version, lucky to get 2 months out of it with a car outside. I've used Lustre for years and get 5-6 months for a car outside and for a garaged car I got to 18 months and it was still beading, but applied some more.

I'm keen to give reload another go but if it only last 2-3 months, it's not for me.

I've not had issues with NV Lustre or Jet except hazing. I've found if you use too much it will haze but then on the first wash it sorts that out. Very similar to Collinite 845, hazes a lot, first wash removes it.

I'm looking as getting a few things, i'd like to try a new sealant/wax and also another polish.

I also noticed the NV coatings had great longevity. My territory was a daily driver and lustre/jet combo lasted well over a year although I was using boostv2 fairly regularly on my drying towel. I only have it the proper coating treatment once and after that it was just during the drying process and water was still beading great even after a couple of years. Can't be bothered searching back through the thread to see when I first applied it.

I'm willing to give carpro reload2 a go though. Given the ease of application, longevity isn't really a massive concern for me.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by fordomatic

What kind of longevity do you find with Reload 2? I really didn't like the first version, lucky to get 2 months out of it with a car outside. I've used Lustre for years and get 5-6 months for a car outside and for a garaged car I got to 18 months and it was still beading, but applied some more.

I'm keen to give reload another go but if it only last 2-3 months, it's not for me.

I've not had issues with NV Lustre or Jet except hazing. I've found if you use too much it will haze but then on the first wash it sorts that out. Very similar to Collinite 845, hazes a lot, first wash removes it.

I'm looking as getting a few things, i'd like to try a new sealant/wax and also another polish.

Reload 2.0 is supposed to "last up to 3 months on daily drivers", but as we know, those claims can greatly vary depending on a number of factors. From memory, the original version would last 6 to 8 weeks (don't hold me to that though).

To be honest, I can't really provide a longevity observation on Reload 2.0 owing to the use of drying aids with varying degrees of "protection". For the most part, a spray sealant is often a compromise in terms between longevity, ease of use and gloss/slickness levels. Personally, I don't put a lot of expectation on how long they last.

So, I think you'd probably be disappointed with Reload 2.0. The difference between the original and the 2.0 is incremental, not a revolution. I've found it more forgiving during the application process, but not night and day.

Two products I would direct you too, both simple spray and wipe applications, one lasting considerably longer than the other.

Koch Chemie S0.02 - if you can get past the price, which is 3 time more expensive in Australia than the US, this product is probably the easiest spray sealant on the market to apply. Gloss and slickness are its hallmarks, along with very good water beading. I've noticed this last very well on a car parked outdoors 24/7. While the bottle is expensive, a little goes a long way.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...e2a0013b&_ss=r
https://autobuff.com.au/products/koc...747f6280&_ss=r
https://carcareco.com.au/product/spray-sealant-s0-02/

This Range Rover was hammered when I arrived, covered in swirls and looking quite dull. After a full decon wash (iron remover, alkaline soap, acidic soap), I applied S0.02. While I didn't polish the car and the marring still present, it at least left with some nice gloss and slickness.







Gyeon Can Coat EVO - this is a strange one, it's not a traditionally applied ceramic coating, it behaves like one. That may or may not be a good thing. On the plus side, you can easily get 10 months and beyond from it, I got 12+ on my a car parked outdoors 24/7. It's also very simple and fast to apply and delivers true ceramic coating hydrophobics. On the negative, it brings with it the usual ceramic coating hangups, ie water spot susceptible, needs periodic decon washing, and lacks slickness.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...d1924599&_ss=r
https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-pa...rch=can%20coat

Important to note, this is not sprayed directly onto the vehicle surface, rather 2 sprays into a towel or applicator per panel. Also, its best applied in a garage, and away from other vehicles, overspray can cause high spots. Other than that, Can Coat delivers longevity far beyond its ease of application would indicate.

[fordomatic]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Reload 2.0 is supposed to "last up to 3 months on daily drivers", but as we know, those claims can greatly vary depending on a number of factors. From memory, the original version would last 6 to 8 weeks (don't hold me to that though).

To be honest, I can't really provide a longevity observation on Reload 2.0 owing to the use of drying aids with varying degrees of "protection". For the most part, a spray sealant is often a compromise in terms between longevity, ease of use and gloss/slickness levels. Personally, I don't put a lot of expectation on how long they last.

So, I think you'd probably be disappointed with Reload 2.0. The difference between the original and the 2.0 is incremental, not a revolution. I've found it more forgiving during the application process, but not night and day.

Two products I would direct you too, both simple spray and wipe applications, one lasting considerably longer than the other.

Koch Chemie S0.02 - if you can get past the price, which is 3 time more expensive in Australia than the US, this product is probably the easiest spray sealant on the market to apply. Gloss and slickness are its hallmarks, along with very good water beading. I've noticed this last very well on a car parked outdoors 24/7. While the bottle is expensive, a little goes a long way.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...e2a0013b&_ss=r
https://autobuff.com.au/products/koc...747f6280&_ss=r
https://carcareco.com.au/product/spray-sealant-s0-02/

This Range Rover was hammered when I arrived, covered in swirls and looking quite dull. After a full decon wash (iron remover, alkaline soap, acidic soap), I applied S0.02. While I didn't polish the car and the marring still present, it at least left with some nice gloss and slickness.

image

image

image

Gyeon Can Coat EVO - this is a strange one, it's not a traditionally applied ceramic coating, it behaves like one. That may or may not be a good thing. On the plus side, you can easily get 10 months and beyond from it, I got 12+ on my a car parked outdoors 24/7. It's also very simple and fast to apply and delivers true ceramic coating hydrophobics. On the negative, it brings with it the usual ceramic coating hangups, ie water spot susceptible, needs periodic decon washing, and lacks slickness.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...d1924599&_ss=r
https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-pa...rch=can%20coat

Important to note, this is not sprayed directly onto the vehicle surface, rather 2 sprays into a towel or applicator per panel. Also, its best applied in a garage, and away from other vehicles, overspray can cause high spots. Other than that, Can Coat delivers longevity far beyond its ease of application would indicate.

image

image

Thanks mate, will stick with lustre/jet combo and 845 for the garage queens.

Going to try the Can Coat on the tops of the Sportsman, the Nova Evo on the tops of it are toast. Need to correct it again and then do the Can Coat.

Going to give NV Finnese a go as well.

So close to buying that 3", it's hard to justify for me as I know I don't actually need it.

EDIT: Nova Evo on the Territory is starting to die now, I topped it with Boost last wash. It's covered in water spots, bad ones. I'm not going to correct it again, just going to chuck Lustre on it and forget about it. It's the daily hack and my love for it is non existent.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by fordomatic

Thanks mate, will stick with lustre/jet combo and 845 for the garage queens.

Going to try the Can Coat on the tops of the Sportsman, the Nova Evo on the tops of it are toast. Need to correct it again and then do the Can Coat.

Going to give NV Finnese a go as well.

So close to buying that 3", it's hard to justify for me as I know I don't actually need it.

EDIT: Nova Evo on the Territory is starting to die now, I topped it with Boost last wash. It's covered in water spots, bad ones. I'm not going to correct it again, just going to chuck Lustre on it and forget about it. It's the daily hack and my love for it is non existent.

I've had a good run in the past using 845 as the base layer with Jet layered on top. So, a good base layer protectant with a modern Si02 topcoat to provide the next level water beading.

[fordomatic]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I've had a good run in the past using 845 as the base layer with Jet layered on top. So, a good base layer protectant with a modern Si02 topcoat to provide the next level water beading.

Haven't tried that combo, will give it whirl, cheers mate.

[swamp]

hi
My detailing regimen for a high quality job .

Regular wash with a Mother wash N wax

Clay bar with a dedicated clay spray
Rupes Coarse compound and blue pad
Polish with either Rupes green or yellow pad and coresponding polish
Apply Synthetic Hard Wax
Apply Synthetic Carnauba paste

Tools
Rupes 15mm DA Big foot 240v corded series 1
Flex tool 3 inch rotary ,,,very good machine for glass polishing and spot paint correction


NB RUPES have a terrible warranty via GNG sales [importer] . I used it 4-5 times just outta warranty and 10weeks and 250$ for the speed control unit to be replaced

Performance
Rupes mark the pad with marker pen , light pressure and let the machine do the work . /If heavy handed the DA part will not work

Flex 3 inch rotary
comfortable , smooth
great for hard water stain in glass ,. Also great for tight profiled area polishing/compounding

--------------------
Alloy polishing
Craft line 100mm polish kit from bunnings ,,use it in your drill
Aluminium deoxidizer by Calfornia customs ,helps remove heavy tarnish
Pink stuff bunnings ,, usethis as a heavy compound turns alloy silver
Autosol 1 kg tin turns alloy to mirror finish

[bangm001]

Put the seat together, nice simple bit of kit. Should save my back and neck for the next polish, but i'm sure i'll use it for more than that too! Wheels around most flooring with ease.

[bangm001]

Wow that Range Rover above looks fantastic in the pics! Such a deep blackness to it!

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by bangm001

Wow that Range Rover above looks fantastic in the pics! Such a deep blackness to it!

I was surprised at how well it came up. Naturally, up close the marring is still there, the result from years of washing with the soap broom at a pay-n-spray.

[swamp]

hi
Synthetic paste carnauba,, last 4-6 times longer in ***hot weather*** vs natural carnauba . Paste generally has higher concentration of carnauba and additives vs liqud versions .
I have proved this many times after switching to synthetic additives .
This was advice given to me from major name brand in USA

[swamp]

***303 Graphene trim coating
--suppose to be for external soft plastic trim but works really well on replaced dashboard of Pj PK ranger .Does not work that great on bumper trim below headlights very hard almost plastic

** Cerakote
Headlight Restorer
Trim Coat
Both work well
---Headlights sanded using my own 600/800/1000/1500... used kit 2000/3000
Applied there resin wipes looks good
---- Trim coat Used on 100% dash and radiator grille ,,will use on door/mirror trim when I`m finished mechanical