Need detailing advice!

[sprentice]

So I've just cleaned my car using some halfords shampoo, lambswool mitt and some microfiber cloths, cane up looking nice but I'm sure it could be better! My question is what else should I buy? I was thinking a Polish and wax to shine and protect it, but need some advice as I'm new to detailing! Here's a photo of her all shining

 

[Gus]

Looks nice and clean ! That red can be really rewarding when polished and waxed. Ive only hand polished once before as it truly is knackering. I would probably invest in a polishing machine but admit they can be expensive as you will probably pay around a 100 including a few pads.
If you dont want to buy a polishing machine then you could just buy this stuff:

Tar and glue remover - this will remove most of the contaminants on the paint which washing will not get rid of. the paintwork needs to be really clean otherwise you will have problems with waxing.

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/engin...pro-citrus-tar-and-glue-remover/prod_586.html
-----------------------
This is really useful too for decontaminating the paint but is optional.

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=1352

I would stay away from a clay bar unless you are going to polish as it will induce swirl marks.

Once the car is really clean you can wax it which should hide a lot of swirls and make it really shiny. There are loads of waxes http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wax/cat_4.html and for the price I dont think you can go wrong with :
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wax/chemical-guys-xxx-hardcore-paste-wax/prod_132.html

You will also need to buy a pads for the wax and a couple of thick microfiber cloths to buff it off with.

 

[sprentice]

That's amazing! Thank you so much! Couple of questions, should I be using the bug and tar remover with washing? And how often should I wax the car? I was thinking a weekly wash and then wax whenever I need to? Thanks

 

[Kyle 86]

That's amazing! Thank you so much! Couple of questions, should I be using the bug and tar remover with washing? And how often should I wax the car? I was thinking a weekly wash and then wax whenever I need to? Thanks

You wont need to use tar remover often. Wax once every 3-4 months and top up with quick detail spray

 

[sprentice]

You wont need to use tar remover often. Wax once every 3-4 months and top up with quick detail spray

How often? Or is that dependent on road conditions and stuff? Just when needed then? And oh okay! Thought it needed to be done more often that that sorry I'm new to detailing, what exactly is quick detail spray? And how often should I be doing that? Much appreciated

 

[Kyle 86]

How often? Or is that dependent on road conditions and stuff? Just when needed then? And oh okay! Thought it needed to be done more often that that sorry I'm new to detailing, what exactly is quick detail spray? And how often should I be doing that? Much appreciated

A decent wax will see you a few months durability. I normally top up with QD spray once every 3 weeks

Basically its a wax top up or a quick show and shine. Theres plenty of good detail sprays out there

Zaino Z6
Bouncers done & dusted
Sonax brilliant shine detailer
ODK entourage
KKD mist x

Theres a few very good ones for you

 

[sprentice]

A decent wax will see you a few months durability. I normally top up with QD spray once every 3 weeks

Basically its a wax top up or a quick show and shine. Theres plenty of good detail sprays out there

Zaino Z6
Bouncers done & dusted
Sonax brilliant shine detailer
ODK entourage
KKD mist x

Theres a few very good ones for you

Thanks for all that information! Will hopefully pick up a bottle of one of those soon then! Is it just spray on, wipe and wipe off? Also is a weekly wash and dry suffice?

 

[imprezaworks]

A quick detailer is a great product. I wash my cars weekly, religiously. I also use a qd after every wash, not really needed but it's something I like to do. Invest in a good micro cloth that lasts. The cheap ones are 'ok' but easier with a good one.

My method isn't exactly up there with the pros but time over effort suits me.

Wash with two buckets. One bucket with soapy suds, something ph balanced ideally, ph will be on the tin so to speak.

I cleanse the car with lime prime. Cleansing is a bit like when your better half (not you Obvs, as man! .) uses a face wash, gets rid of any old polish/wax etc.

A nice easy polish, there's loads to pick from, try not to get carried away and spend hours looking for one. I like the autosmart range as I get that through work .

Wax. Again, lots to pick from. Could try a sample pot the dodo juice. About £6 for a 30ml pot on eBay or alike.

Quick detailer. Again lots. I've got done and dusted which is popular.

Sealent. Used instead of wax. Easier to apply and remove imo, well depending on which one.

Where are you based?

 

[sprentice]

A quick detailer is a great product. I wash my cars weekly, religiously. I also use a qd after every wash, not really needed but it's something I like to do. Invest in a good micro cloth that lasts. The cheap ones are 'ok' but easier with a good one.

My method isn't exactly up there with the pros but time over effort suits me.

Wash with two buckets. One bucket with soapy suds, something ph balanced ideally, ph will be on the tin so to speak.

I cleanse the car with lime prime. Cleansing is a bit like when your better half (not you Obvs, as man! :wink:.) uses a face wash, gets rid of any old polish/wax etc.

A nice easy polish, there's loads to pick from, try not to get carried away and spend hours looking for one. I like the autosmart range as I get that through work :wink:.

Wax. Again, lots to pick from. Could try a sample pot the dodo juice. About £6 for a 30ml pot on eBay or alike.

Quick detailer. Again lots. I've got done and dusted which is popular.

Sealent. Used instead of wax. Easier to apply and remove imo, well depending on which one.

Where are you based?

I'm also hoping to give her a weekly wash! It's nice to see the car actually clean for once haha! So you use the qd weekly after washing and drying? Or after washing before drying? Bought some megs microfiber cloths earlier and they're much better than the cheap rubbish I had before haha! Thanks for all that information, very informative without being too much for me to take in haha! I'm in Banbury, Oxfordshire!

 

[imprezaworks]

If you want complicated take a trip over to the detailing thread. It's hugely informative and some of the members are brilliant at this stuff. Wash, dry, qd, admire. If I think on and you want to cover postage I can send you some stuff to try if you want

 

[sprentice]

If you want complicated take a trip over to the detailing thread. It's hugely informative and some of the members are brilliant at this stuff. Wash, dry, qd, admire. If I think on and you want to cover postage I can send you some stuff to try if you want

Yeah I've been trying to educate myself as much as I can haha! Sorry didn't quite understand that last bit of your message?

 

[imprezaworks]

I have bits and bobs that you can try if you want. Wax, sealent, Polish etc. I could stick some in a box and send it to you. Only charge is the postage, products are free. Entirely upto you but the offer is there.

 

[sprentice]

I have bits and bobs that you can try if you want. Wax, sealent, Polish etc. I could stick some in a box and send it to you. Only charge is the postage, products are free. Entirely upto you but the offer is there.

Only if you're not needing them, that would be amazing!

 

[imprezaworks]

Will have a look later on mate

 

[sprentice]

Will have a look later on mate

Thanks so much!:tongueclosed:

 

[imprezaworks]

No priobs. Got a bit on today but will try and sort something out

 

[sprentice]

No priobs. Got a bit on today but will try and sort something out

thank you again! its very appreciated!

 

[imprezaworks]

I will a hundred percent sort this tomo. Just been one of those days

 

[Knuckles]

Here's a little how to and product list :smile:

Pre wash - auto finesse citrus power, valet pro citrus pre wash etc

Rinse

Wash - you're looking for a shampoo with no gloss enhancers if you want to use wax. Auto finesse lather is decent.

Rinse

Decontaminate - autosmart tardis, iron x (lemon scented one is a must!) and a clay bar (use the clay only after chemical decontamination!)

Rinse, re wash and dry.

Polish - an all in one like auto glym super resin polish or auto finesse tripple are ideal for starting out. They have mild abrasives, cleansers and lay down a little protection.

Wax - get some sample pots to see which you like before buying a full tub.

Plastics - auto finesse revive is brilliant on plastics. Especially after wiping them with isopropyl alcohol.

Wheels - fk1000p sealant, it's high temp so will stand up to brake dust... But I like auto finesse tough coat because it's spray on and buff off.

Look into glazes as well to hide deeper scratches And swirls

 

[sprentice]

I will a hundred percent sort this tomo. Just been one of those days

no worries man, thanks again!

 

[sprentice]

Here's a little how to and product list :smile:

Pre wash - auto finesse citrus power, valet pro citrus pre wash etc

Rinse

Wash - you're looking for a shampoo with no gloss enhancers if you want to use wax. Auto finesse lather is decent.

Rinse

Decontaminate - autosmart tardis, iron x (lemon scented one is a must!) and a clay bar (use the clay only after chemical decontamination!)

Rinse, re wash and dry.

Polish - an all in one like auto glym super resin polish or auto finesse tripple are ideal for starting out. They have mild abrasives, cleansers and lay down a little protection.

Wax - get some sample pots to see which you like before buying a full tub.

Plastics - auto finesse revive is brilliant on plastics. Especially after wiping them with isopropyl alcohol.

Wheels - fk1000p sealant, it's high temp so will stand up to brake dust... But I like auto finesse tough coat because it's spray on and buff off.

Look into glazes as well to hide deeper scratches And swirls

cheers for that! think i'll buy a few of those products after pay day broke atm haha

 

[Knuckles]

cheers for that! think i'll buy a few of those products after pay day:smiley: broke atm haha

This car cleaning malarkey is an absolute drain on the bank account lol.

Don't do it! Buy a shitter instead. It'll be cheaper lol

 

[imprezaworks]

Slippery slope

 

[imprezaworks]

Righty then @sprentice

I have a few bits for you to try if you want, just need to grab a small box (gigady) in work.

Lime prime-cleanser.
Autosmart Polish-mmm polish
Done and dusted- qd
50cal-glaze.
And my all time fav sealent- nano sealent
Will throw in the applicator pads and a couple more

 

[sprentice]

Haha I know it's not cheap but I'm not going to go all out, just some of the very basics but good quality products already found out how expensive running a car is and I haven't even passed my test yet hahaha

 

[sprentice]

Righty then @sprentice

I have a few bits for you to try if you want, just need to grab a small box (gigady) in work.

Lime prime-cleanser.
Autosmart Polish-mmm polish
Done and dusted- qd
50cal-glaze.
And my all time fav sealent- nano sealent
Will throw in the applicator pads and a couple more

Thank you so much! It's really appreciated, just send me a message and I'll sort out the payment for you!
Cheers again, Sam

 

[imprezaworks]

Unless you have, pm me your address and mobile number. Will sort it tomo mate

 

[sprentice]

Unless you have, pm me your address and mobile number. Will sort it tomo mate

done

 

[Knuckles]

Haha I know it's not cheap but I'm not going to go all out, just some of the very basics but good quality products :smile: already found out how expensive running a car is and I haven't even passed my test yet hahaha

That's what I said.

I bought an all in one bag of cleaning things one day. Now I have 4 boxes and countless bags under the stairs lol

 

[sprentice]

That's what I said.

I bought an all in one bag of cleaning things one day. Now I have 4 boxes and countless bags under the stairs lol

I can see it already, the addiction to perfection hahah