Car Detailing - What products are your go to?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

What do you use on the front grille to shine/ clean up all the nooks and grannies on the Mustang?
The Honeycomb is hard to get into to make look clean.
I am referring more so to the implement to use for least amount of effort.

I haven't needed to use anything on the grill of my Mustang yet but I have used Autoglym Instant Show Shine on the honeycomb grills of my FG. You simply spray and then remove any excess.

https://www.autobarn.com.au/autoglym...ol-aut-autissa



Water activated sealants could also work well. I use CarPro Hydr02 however many brands make similar products. Hydr02 is sprayed onto a wet surface then hosed off, job done!

[Mulva]

Any products and/or tips for cleaning cutting/polishing pads...or did I miss it earlier in the thread?

[fordomatic]

Originally Posted by Mulva

Any products and/or tips for cleaning cutting/polishing pads...or did I miss it earlier in the thread?

Dishwashing liquid and hot water, work the washing liquid through them with hot water until they run clear when wrung out.

[anobserver]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Both of the above products listed are great products but will only last until the next wash.

There are countless ways to add gloss to a cars paint, but as FTE217 has suggested, NV Nova Lustre and Jet are both excellent choices.

The best way to buy them is in the form of Waxit's Spray Coating Kit, which includes both products and microfibre cloths.

Lustre provides exceptional levels of gloss and has the ability to hide minor imperfections. Jet adds to the gloss of Lustre with added water beading and the ability to repel other contaminants. If you intend to use both, Lustre is applied first, allowing 2 hours to cure, then Jet afterwards.

I applied a layer of Jet to the Mustang yesterday as a topper to Collinite 845. Gloss levels are off the scale, if I do say so myself!

image

Anotner noob question....

Before applying tne lustre or collinite, does the car have to be clay barred?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by anobserver

Anotner noob question....

Before applying tne lustre or collinite, does the car have to be clay barred?

Short answer - Maybe but not necessarily.

Clay bars have the potential to add additional marring so should only be used when needed. If the paint feels rough to touch, then a clay bar process is probably needed.

How often a car needs to be clay barred will come down to where the vehicle is parked, the sort of roads it is driven on, environmental conditions and how the vehicle is maintained. A well maintained car may only need to be clay barred every few years. A vehicle stored outdoors and driven on freshly tarred roads may need to be done once a year.

A follow up polish may also be needed to level off any marring left by the clay bar. The process of removing embedded contaminants and polishing then allows the wax or sealant to perform at its best - more gloss and more protection.

[anobserver]

Thanks for that. Have ordered the lustre package from waxit and will see how it goes.

[DFB FGXR6]

I have had my eye on these cordless Flex polishers for a while now.

https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...ishers-germany



However, I can't seem to understand why these are almost twice the price in Australia compared to what they sell for in the USA.

I noticed this week that these Shine Mate cordless polishers are a new addition to Waxit's store.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections/shine-mate



With both of these products, I like the cordless aspect and they look to be easier to handle. The Flex is a German brand but it wouldn't surprise me if these were made in China like the Shine Mates.

I like to buy stuff that I know will perform for years to come but the price difference has me wondering. Adding something like this to the "maybe one day" list

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I have had my eye on these cordless Flex polishers for a while now.

https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...ishers-germany

image

However, I can't seem to understand why these are almost twice the price in Australia compared to what they sell for in the USA.

I noticed this week that these Shine Mate cordless polishers are a new addition to Waxit's store.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections/shine-mate

image

With both of these products, I like the cordless aspect and they look to be easier to handle. The Flex is a German brand but it wouldn't surprise me if these were made in China like the Shine Mates.

I like to buy stuff that I know will perform for years to come but the price difference has me wondering. Adding something like this to the "maybe one day" list

Yep, sometimes its hard to justify the price.
No difference with the tools I buy. German stuff is twice the price of US stuff.
The German stuff has never failed but have had several defective US made tungsten chisels lately..

[PRO-GT]

Have been using Koch Chemie recently.
Really love the all purpose cleaner and the rust remover for more stubborn brake dust.
Worth a try for sure.

[roKWiz]

Wish there was a product which made bugs and miggies simply slid off the front of a vehicle not leaving any marks.
They are a bit thick in the air atm.

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by roKWiz

Wish there was a product which made bugs and miggies simply slid off the front of a vehicle not leaving any marks.
They are a bit thick in the air atm.

They don't exactly 'slide off' but I found this to be quite effective.

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...=en_AU&start=7

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by GasoLane

They don't exactly 'slide off' but I found this to be quite effective.

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...=en_AU&start=7

Very good but was thinking of a apply first type of polish not a remove after.

[FTE217]

I finally got to use DLUX yesterday on the plastic trims/wipers on the bimmer and the wifes CX5, the CX5 has alot of plastic trim.
Friggin brilliant product, best I've used imo.....
Small bottle and all but goes a long way !

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by FTE217

I finally got to use DLUX yesterday on the plastic trims/wipers on the bimmer and the wifes CX5, the CX5 has alot of plastic trim.
Friggin brilliant product, best I've used imo.....
Small bottle and all but goes a long way !

Well done!

How did you find the application process? I took me a bit to get confident with it.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by PRO-GT

Have been using Koch Chemie recently.
Really love the all purpose cleaner and the rust remover for more stubborn brake dust.
Worth a try for sure.

Sounds good. I'm interested in trying their GSF soap. Looks like I have more products to buy.

Speaking of which, I took delivery of a few Chemical Guys products today.





I have not used any anything from this brand before. I initially wanted one of their yellow detailing brushes and the screw on funnel but ended up with a few extra's to make the postage worthwhile.

[BA-XT]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Sounds good. I'm interested in trying their GSF soap. Looks like I have more products to buy.

Speaking of which, I took delivery of a few Chemical Guys products today.

image

image

I have not used any anything from this brand before. I initially wanted one of their yellow detailing brushes and the screw on funnel but ended up with a few extra's to make the postage worthwhile.

I use this as well. Project Farm did a test on a wide range of these type of dressings, and for the generic wipe on type product this did quite well! I've been using it for a while. Wish I could buy it off the shelf!

[FTE217]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Well done!

How did you find the application process? I took me a bit to get confident with it.

Yes it takes some getting used to how to use it, how much it spreads depending how much you put on the kind of pad your using.
I didn't use the pad they supplied (not the cloths) for as you know its not flexible enough - (more so for the tyres imo and I won't be using DLUX for tyres).....
I tended to use old polishing pads - so I could shape it with my fingers and control on the edges.
I allowed about 5 drops on a third of the pad to the edge - once I could get the spread coverage go over it a few times.

I'd like to use it for the FGX front grill I'm thinking, maybe a couple of drops on a roound brush. Have you done the grills ?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by FTE217

Yes it takes some getting used to how to use it, how much it spreads depending how much you put on the kind of pad your using.
I didn't use the pad they supplied (not the cloths) for as you know its not flexible enough - (more so for the tyres imo and I won't be using DLUX for tyres).....
I tended to use old polishing pads - so I could shape it with my fingers and control on the edges.
I allowed about 5 drops on a third of the pad to the edge - once I could get the spread coverage go over it a few times.

I'd like to use it for the FGX front grill I'm thinking, maybe a couple of drops on a roound brush. Have you done the grills ?

I have not done the grill of my Falcon's or Mustang at this stage, although I have done a bit to the Ranger.

I used a make-up applicator to get into the intricate areas like the grill.



https://www.google.ca/search?q=eye+s...w=1536&bih=722

Just say they are for you wife.

[FTE217]

one I read your comments I thought does my woife use this c rap or even my daughter, I'll have to check now !
ok good tip, they'll think I'm nuts once I ask but they already think that what I do and spend on the cars.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by FTE217

one I read your comments I thought does my woife use this c rap or even my daughter, I'll have to check now !
ok good tip, they'll think I'm nuts once I ask but they already think that what I do and spend on the cars.

Could be spending money on worse things, just tell them it keeps you sane!

It would be a good idea to have a few of those applicators, they don't last long but do the job well.

[anobserver]

Thanks for the tips, dfb. After more than four hours of washing, polishing, bowdens flash prep, then a coat of lustre and finally jet, it looks pretty amazing. Tried taking a pic... cant really capture the depth of what it looks like.

Going to have to replace the perspex headlight protectors and number plate guards now, theyre looking a bit shabbier in comparison.

[DFB FGXR6]

Car Craft Auto Detailing review of the new Shine Mate Cordless polishers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2x-1FYJfEE&t=508s

I'm thinking the 12mm 5" would be up my alley.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...s-12mm-eb351-5

[Mulva]

Cleaning a glass panoramic roof...just use glass cleaner? Can they be clayed??

[fordomatic]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Car Craft Auto Detailing review of the new Shine Mate Cordless polishers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2x-1FYJfEE&t=508s

I'm thinking the 12mm 5" would be up my alley.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...s-12mm-eb351-5

What would be your reason to buy one mate. I was thinking of getting one too but with a rotary mini, shine mate RO 12mm and 21mm all corded i can't really justify it. I've never had any issues with the corded machines and feel they balance really well.

[fordomatic]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Car Craft Auto Detailing review of the new Shine Mate Cordless polishers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2x-1FYJfEE&t=508s

I'm thinking the 12mm 5" would be up my alley.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...s-12mm-eb351-5

Ok, i wrote my last comment before i watched that review, I also read Liam Kalas's review on a detailing page. Pretty sure i'm going to buy the 15mm. I'll justify it by selling the corded 15mm

I've never been a big fan of cordless as I don't really see the point, but it seems they are becoming the new norm and with 2 batteries in the pack it's not like you'll run out of power at any point.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by fordomatic

Ok, i wrote my last comment before i watched that review, I also read Liam Kalas's review on a detailing page. Pretty sure i'm going to buy the 15mm. I'll justify it by selling the corded 15mm

I've never been a big fan of cordless as I don't really see the point, but it seems they are becoming the new norm and with 2 batteries in the pack it's not like you'll run out of power at any point.

Ha ha ha, I love it!!

I have a larger corded polisher, one of these would be an addition to help with smaller areas. I also like the idea of a better balanced machine, the battery adding weight to the tail end.

What mini rotary to do have? I would love one of these Rupes Nano's. Sooooo expensive though!
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...oot-nano-ibrid

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Mulva

Cleaning a glass panoramic roof...just use glass cleaner? Can they be clayed??

Glass can be clayed and polished just like paint. Glass being far harder, there is less chance of inflicting marring as well. Just take not to heat the pad up too much.

[DFB FGXR6]

Waxit have 15% off store wide for black Friday starting today, with the sale lasting till 11.59 pm Friday.

Hmmmm, I think I will be making some pretty strong hints as to what I would like for my birthday and Christmas this year.

[fordomatic]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Waxit have 15% off store wide for black Friday starting today, with the sale lasting till 11.59 pm Friday.

Hmmmm, I think I will be making some pretty strong hints as to what I would like for my birthday and Christmas this year.

This sale is very dangerous

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Ha ha ha, I love it!!

I have a larger corded polisher, one of these would be an addition to help with smaller areas. I also like the idea of a better balanced machine, the battery adding weight to the tail end.

What mini rotary to do have?

I've got this one mate, so handy, i use it so much. Even for things I didnt think i would, like headlights and tail lights, all the really hard to reach intricate areas. The extender shafts it has are really great too. Just have to be really careful with it as its so small you forget it a rotary sometimes. I burnt through the plastic mirror on my xr8 when it jumped on me Also did exactly the same on my P250, was on almost max speed and it kicked onto the sideskirt and i thought it left a massive burn mark, it ended up just being product burnt and i got it out

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

[PRO-GT]

Originally Posted by fordomatic

This sale is very dangerous



I've got this one mate, so handy, i use it so much. Even for things I didnt think i would, like headlights and tail lights, all the really hard to reach intricate areas. The extender shafts it has are really great too. Just have to be really careful with it as its so small you forget it a rotary sometimes. I burnt through the plastic mirror on my xr8 when it jumped on me Also did exactly the same on my P250, was on almost max speed and it kicked onto the sideskirt and i thought it left a massive burn mark, it ended up just being product burnt and i got it out

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

I also have this one and find it hard to use at times as it jumps so much. Especially on the 1” pads.