Help choosing cleaning products

[Nick-182]

I could really use some help with what products to buy to clean my car. ive spent a couple of hours looking through the detailing section, and thats made me more confused, :S im a total noob when it comes to cleaning my car. I got my clio last weekend, and i want to keep it in mint condition.

Id like to get to the stage where i can give it a full correction myself, i need to build up to that, and just start with detailing.


Im thinking

Sonus Genuine Wool Car Wash Mitt inc Thumb
shampoo (suggestions?)
I4D Uber Lime Ultra Fine Detailing Clay
Dodo Juice 'Born Slippy' Clay Lube 500ml
3M Masking Tape 3434 Blue

Wheel cleaner?

Now after this I need to seal it right?

Also some drying towels, 2 buckets.

Can you use snow foam without a jet wash? By this i mean can you mix it up in a bucket and cover the car by 'hand'

Ive already bought some meguires scratch x and super resin polish, so i can have a go at the head lights and rear lights

Id be grateful if people can give me some recomendations of things i'll need.

 

[Jay.S]

shampoo (suggestions?)
Wheel cleaner?

Shampoo - Dodo Juice B2BM

Wheel Cleaner - Bilbeery Wheel cleaner

A wheel sealant would also be a good thing to have Poorboys Wheel sealant, Ebay is a good place to get this comes with mirocfibre and applictor pad.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Poorboys-Whee...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item1c1ac5b565

Have a read up on the techniques mate you seem to be a bit confused with the order of things.

Also maybe some tar remover added to the list.

 

[Nick-182]

Cheers for the prompt reply mate, do the things on my list sound alight?

Also ive heard people mention a product called deep black or black hole, its one of the two, what stage is it for?

The main thing that has be baffled is what products to use for each stage of the process

 

[lesley]

black hole is a glaze, to be used after polishing normally. gives a good deep shine and fills any scratches youve missed when polishing.

think youre missing any kind of polish on your list too, and trim & tyre product?


& +1 on the dodo BTBM, lovely shampoo

 

[Nick-182]

I actually planned on skipping polishing for a few months, as I don't have a machine polisher, and I don't really think I have the time or energy to do it all by hand. I wanted to start off by just shampooing and claying, as this is a step up from what im used to, otherwise ill be overwhelmed.

Tyre product is a good idea, I like the tyres dressed, any suggestions?

What do i need to do after the car has been clayed? of is claying pointless unless im polishing?

 

[Jay.S]

Infact i know how difficullt it can be trying to read though many threads. I will try my best.

Products you want:-
Shampoo
Tar Remover
Clay & Lube
Polish
Sealant, Wax or both
Mircofibres
Applicator pads
Wash Mitt
Drying towel
Wheel Cleaner
Wheel Sealant
Wheel Brush
Trye dressing

Plus alot when you get futher in.

Where to get these, few good sites:-
http://i4detailing.co.uk/
http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/

So Techinque/Order to use these:-
Wheels First
Rinse
Wheel Cleaner
Rinse
Wheel Sealant
You can clay and tar remover if you wish

Bodywork(Starting from the top):-
Rinse/Jetwash/snowfoam, which ever is available
Wash using shampoo & Mitt, 2BM method
Rinse
Tar remover
Rinse
Clay & Lube
Wash
Rinse
Dry
Polish
Sealant/Wax

Which product is best for me:-
Colour of car can sometimes decide which products you buy
Alot of research helps i found
Dont be afraid to ask questions, i have asked silly one too

To be honest everyone will give different products and opinions on things at the end of the day it is your decision.

If i have missed anything i am sure people will add to it or slate me. :rasp:

I am far from an expert just a few things i have picked up along the way.

 

[Nick-182]

I appreciate your help, i was a bit hesitant to ask in the first place, as its all been covered before, I know ive searched and read the threads. Everyone seems to know what there talking about, and i dont have a clue, im learning fast tho

 

[Gally]

If you buy one product make sure it's Blackhole.

And a decent wax.

 

[Nick-182]

One product, your making me laugh, looks like i need a fair few. I can see £100 disappearing on this, and that's just for basics

 

[lesley]

One product, your making me laugh, looks like i need a fair few. I can see £100 disappearing on this, and that's just for basics

and the rest lol

 

[Jay.S]

One product, your making me laugh, looks like i need a fair few. I can see £100 disappearing on this, and that's just for basics

Haha i found a good way to do it was to start with the essentials:-

Shampoo
Tar remover
Polish
Wax/sealant
Wheel Cleaner
Wheel Sealant

Then build it up over time to spread the costs stop them hitting you so hard.

I still havent got a clay yet but thats next on the list, as this only needs doing every few months i would say get used to how to do it all then just put the clay in its place.

One step at a time.

 

[Nick-182]

Oh man, i know where this is going, im gonna spend that much time and money on it it wont wanna drive it for fear of getting it dirty (who am I kidding, the car is too much fun, i cant not drive it, when its dirty ill wash it again)

Ok what do i need to get first, which products / stages of cleaning are essentials, for me to get this month. Ill get more into it month by month.

 

[Nick-182]

JS_182 you answered my Q before i even asked.

 

[Gally]

Lols at £100!

I wish. One of my products cost more than that! Willy waiver!!!!!!!!

Blackhole and a decent wax is a good start mate along with the basics. Believe me.

Don't buy crap either, you'll just end up buying twice. Do research and buy correct first time. That's a really good tip. I'm not saying cheap is crap but buying "right" is so important or you really will just end up buying twice.

 

[Jay.S]

Wheels:-
Bilbeery Wheel Cleaner, empty bottle, chemical resistant head(Dilute with water i did about 1:10 water i think)
Poorboys Wheel Sealant

Cant go wrong with them really.

 

[Nick-182]

This is why im asking, as i wanted to make sure im buying right. I'm gonna have to check my bank account, and do some more research. i think you guys have covered the basics that i need.

How feasible is polishing without a machine? will i be able to break down the polish by and and buff it up well enough, or will i do half the car then lose the will to live?