#174
Thought I'd put this up as a general product guide for anyone looking to buy some new products. I havn't tried every product on the market but you can't go wrong with the ones posted below tbh. I'm sure Rich or some of the other guys on here can add to this plus fill in the blanks on stuff like zaino which I don't know much about.
I've put links up mainly to CYC, but most of the products can be bought from I4detailing and with a 7.5% cliosport discount too!
In no particular order, hope this helps!
Pressure Washer: Personally I've got a Power Craft one from Aldi. Similar to a karcher (in fact it's even made by karcher) and is a great spec for the money. The fitment is slightly different to karcher i.e. the tabs need filling down slightly (see my project thread for pics). They have them in store from time to time, priced at £80. If you want to buy a different one, you're best off getting one with at least a 6L/minute or 360L/hour flow rate.
Foam Lance: I've got the CYC one and it's great, no problems whatsoever. They're much of a muchness really; some people prefer the plastic fitment over the brass one but I've had no problems with the brass one.
The other alternative is a gilmour which can be use with a hose:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/washing-and-drying/gilmour-foamaster-ii/prod_329.html
Or the Superspray which is a great bit of kit for the money:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/washing-and-drying/super-spray-hose-end-sprayer/prod_335.html
Shampoo: I use Megs Shampoo plus. It's dirt cheap (even though the price went up about 2 quid recently) and really good. You don't need to use a lot and it foams really well too. Link:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/washing-and-drying/meguiars-shampoo-plus/prod_322.html
You'll need this with that shampoo too:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/accessories/pump-dispenser-gallon-bottles/prod_374.html
Mitt: Best I've come across and great value too:
http://www.sheepskinshop.co.uk/productlisting.aspx?cid=42&pid=22&c=Wash and Polish Mitts
Drying Towel: (best I've come across):
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/washing-and-drying/miracle-dryer-ultra-plush-25-x-36-/prod_362.html
Quick Detailer: I'd definately recommend last touch which can be used as a lube for clay but I use it as a drying aid or quick detailer. What I do is wash the car, then hose off, leave it for a few minutes for some of the water to run off then spray the whole car with the last touch. Then leave that for a few minutes and dry the whole car off using the drying towel. Makes drying so much easier and leaves no water marks plus it gives a decent, slick finish. It's not mega cheap but you dilute it 1:1 so it last a while. Link to it here:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/detailing-sprays/meguiars-last-touch/prod_225.html
You'll need a sprayer bottle too, I went for the proper megs one and chemical resistant sprayer (about 2 quid each, in the accessories bit on cyc).
Clay: I've heard really good things about the Bilt Hamber stuff and you only need to use water as a lube which saves having to use a quick detailer. I've got some myself but havn't used it yet so personally can't really comment on it. You want the hard stuff rather than the soft. You can get it off the bay, or direct from bilt hamber or places like elite car care etc.
Wheel cleaner: I use the I4D Bright Wheels which I personally reckon is better than megs wheel brightener plus it's non acidic and a bit cheaper too. Really worked well on my wheels. Apparently you can use it neat but I diluted it 4:1 and it still worked great. Link here:
http://www.i4detailing.co.uk/acatalog/Bright_Wheels_5L_1.html
Tyres: I use the megs endurance gel although I'll be getting the sonus stuff when mine runs out as it seems to last much longer (as in on the tyres). A lot of people love the Autosmart tyre stuff but personally I didn't think much to it. I've heard the blackfire stuff is good too, but it's 15 quid lol. Link to the sonus stuff:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/sonus-tire-bumper-dressing/prod_40.html
You'll need a good applicator for it too as it's far easier than using a cloth. I personally use this and it does the job just fine:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/trim-tyre-dressing-applicator/prod_340.html
Wheel sealent: I highly recommend the poorboys stuff, really does make a difference to how easy they are to clean and it definately improves the finish too:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/poorboys-wheel-sealant/prod_9.html
I put 3 layers on, as I've got carbon pads on order which love eating wheels lol but you'd be fine with just 1 or 2 tbh. Just apply with a foam applicator (order a few of these so you've got one for polish, one for wheels, one for wax etc and spares):
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/accessories/foam-wax-applicator/prod_89.html
then buff off with a microfibre after leaving it on for 5 mins or so.
Wheel brush: The vikan one is good:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/vikan-wheel-brush/prod_389.html
but it won't last 5 minutes for anything really stubborn like wheels backs that have never been touched lol. A lot of people love the EZ brush, but I refuse to pay 17 quid for a brush tbh.
Bulk Cleaners: I bought some megs super degreaser for the backs of my wheels and arches and it works pretty good. You'll need a bottle and foaming sprayer too. Link:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/engine-amp-exterior/meguiars-super-degreser/prod_382.html
Megs APC is good too, I use it diluted 4:1 for arches or for on the bodywork to 'lift' off dirt before prewashing. It's also good for cleaning dirt around badges for for removing polish from door shuts or whatever. I also use it 10:1 for the interior i.e. dash or seats and it's also mint for getting oil stains etc out. There are cheaper alternatives like stardrops (from asda for about 70p lol) but I'd only use this for arches or underneath tbh. It may be ok on seats on whatever, but I wouldn't want to risk it myself. I bought 2 bottles for it, one with a foaming sprayer for the 4:1 and one with a chemical resistant one for the 10:1. You can also mix a bit of APC into your prewash mix along with some shampoo. Link to APC:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/engine-amp-exterior/meguiars-all-purpose-cleaner/prod_321.html
Microfibres:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/micro...sh-buffing-cloth-pkg/3-16-x-16-/prod_163.html
Havn't really used anything else but these do the job just fine. I've heard the costco ones are good (if there's one near you) and these ones seem to get good reviews too:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/microfibre-cloths/eurow-shag-pile-double-density-towels/prod_436.html
If you ever need to wash them, just stick them in the washing machine at 30 or 40 deg but with no softener or anything. Sometimes if I want to get marks out of a drying towel I'll do it by hand with a little woollite or similar.
For things like exhausts I'd just use a general microfibre like the ones you get from asda or wherever.
General brushes: For say dash vents or anything like that just find somewhere that does brushes with reasonably hard bristles (like a shaving brush). If someone knows of somewhere online or in the shops to get decent brushes at a reasonable price then let me know!
Trim: This stuff is very good but only works well if you clean the trim before (using apc):
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/chemical-guys-new-look-trim-gel/prod_143.html
You could always use the sonus stuff I recommended for tyres, altho I havn't tried using it on trim myself.
You can use a foam applicator to apply this, or some people use a pan scrubber (with the green bit ripped off) as they're usually about 16p for 5 lol.
Removing Polish Marks from Trim:
Groundnut oil from asda (for £1.06 IIRC) or Penaut butter works perfectly
Glass: Use Autoglym glass polish, I'm yet to find anything better! I've got megs NXT stuff too, but the AG stuff is easier and quicker to get a perfect finish IMO. Apply with a microfibre and keep working it over the glass until you get a perfect finish.
Exhaust: You can't really go wrong with this:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/engine-amp-exterior/meguiars-nxt-all-metal-polish/prod_106.html
However if it's fairly bad, a bit of #00 wire wool and autosol may be better.
Seats: Personally I've never had a problem removing stains with APC 10:1, but if your seats are really bad then a wet vac may be better. I tend to finish them off with AG interior shampoo as it smells really good Hoover the seat, spray the shampoo on, leave for 2 mins and then wipe off with a damp cloth. You can always hoover it again to ensure any dirt is removed. There's many alternatives to these, but I think the stuff above works fine.
Leather (inc seats): To clean, use something like gliptone:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/interior/gliptone-liquid-leather-gentle-cleaner-600ml/prod_333.html
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/interior/gliptone-liquid-leather-cleaner/prod_211.html
Or zaino z-9 and/or z-10:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/zaino/z-9-leather-soft-spray-cleaner/prod_472.html
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/zaino/z-10-leather-in-a-bottle/prod_473.html
If you struggle to get results using either of these, try APC 20:1, then 15:1, then 10:1, just to ensure it doesnt damage the leather. Make sure you don't apply it directly to the seats as this can cause stains and also ensure any runs you do get are thoroughly wiped up as they will stain! Better off applying it onto a foam applicator and then buffing off with a microfibre (if necessary).
You can use a conditioner, but some say this promotes cracking, so it's up to you whether you want to use this. Again use gliptone or the zaino z-10 as above:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/interior/gliptone-liquid-leather-conditioner/prod_210.html
Alcantara: The key is just use very little product to remove stains. If you've got bobbles, try using a razor to gently remove them.
Polish: Autoglym Super Resin Polish! I like to apply it in a square foot section, using medium to firm pressure and working it in for 1 to 2 minutes. Then buff off immediately using a microfibre. IMO this is the best way to get the best out of SRP.
Other good alternatives include Zaino Z-2:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/zaino...t-for-clear-coated-car-finishes/prod_466.html
Wax: lol, your choice really. My personal ones:
Wet look and flake:
Clearkote Yellow Moose Wax topped with Clearkote Carnauba Moose Wax:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wax/clearkote-yellow-moose-wax/prod_285.html
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wax/clearkote-carnauba-moose-wax/prod_129.html
Both only really need 15 mins to cure. Apply with a foam applicator and buff off with a microfibre.
Winter Wax (high durability):
Collinite 476S or 915, there isn't much difference tbh.
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wax/collinite-no-476s-super-doublecoat-auto-wax/prod_207.html
Apply a panel at a time with a foam applicator and buff off immediately.
Flake:
Blackfire Wet Diamond topped with Midnight Sun:
http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acat...mond-all-finish-paint-protection-protect.html
http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/blackfire-midnight-sun-ivory-carnauba-paste-wax-protect.html
Other good all round waxes:
Vics concours (red is more durable than the yellow):
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wax/victoria-wax/victoria-wax-3oz-concours-wax/prod_312.html
Can be applied by hand or foam app.
Swissvax onyx is good for black cars from my experience too (smells mint too!).
Think that's it! If I've missed anything out or you want some more advice, just drop me a PM Feel free to add other products or if you've found better alternatives to the above post em up!
Cheers
Rich
I've put links up mainly to CYC, but most of the products can be bought from I4detailing and with a 7.5% cliosport discount too!
In no particular order, hope this helps!
Pressure Washer: Personally I've got a Power Craft one from Aldi. Similar to a karcher (in fact it's even made by karcher) and is a great spec for the money. The fitment is slightly different to karcher i.e. the tabs need filling down slightly (see my project thread for pics). They have them in store from time to time, priced at £80. If you want to buy a different one, you're best off getting one with at least a 6L/minute or 360L/hour flow rate.
Foam Lance: I've got the CYC one and it's great, no problems whatsoever. They're much of a muchness really; some people prefer the plastic fitment over the brass one but I've had no problems with the brass one.
The other alternative is a gilmour which can be use with a hose:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/washing-and-drying/gilmour-foamaster-ii/prod_329.html
Or the Superspray which is a great bit of kit for the money:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/washing-and-drying/super-spray-hose-end-sprayer/prod_335.html
Shampoo: I use Megs Shampoo plus. It's dirt cheap (even though the price went up about 2 quid recently) and really good. You don't need to use a lot and it foams really well too. Link:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/washing-and-drying/meguiars-shampoo-plus/prod_322.html
You'll need this with that shampoo too:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/accessories/pump-dispenser-gallon-bottles/prod_374.html
Mitt: Best I've come across and great value too:
http://www.sheepskinshop.co.uk/productlisting.aspx?cid=42&pid=22&c=Wash and Polish Mitts
Drying Towel: (best I've come across):
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/washing-and-drying/miracle-dryer-ultra-plush-25-x-36-/prod_362.html
Quick Detailer: I'd definately recommend last touch which can be used as a lube for clay but I use it as a drying aid or quick detailer. What I do is wash the car, then hose off, leave it for a few minutes for some of the water to run off then spray the whole car with the last touch. Then leave that for a few minutes and dry the whole car off using the drying towel. Makes drying so much easier and leaves no water marks plus it gives a decent, slick finish. It's not mega cheap but you dilute it 1:1 so it last a while. Link to it here:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/detailing-sprays/meguiars-last-touch/prod_225.html
You'll need a sprayer bottle too, I went for the proper megs one and chemical resistant sprayer (about 2 quid each, in the accessories bit on cyc).
Clay: I've heard really good things about the Bilt Hamber stuff and you only need to use water as a lube which saves having to use a quick detailer. I've got some myself but havn't used it yet so personally can't really comment on it. You want the hard stuff rather than the soft. You can get it off the bay, or direct from bilt hamber or places like elite car care etc.
Wheel cleaner: I use the I4D Bright Wheels which I personally reckon is better than megs wheel brightener plus it's non acidic and a bit cheaper too. Really worked well on my wheels. Apparently you can use it neat but I diluted it 4:1 and it still worked great. Link here:
http://www.i4detailing.co.uk/acatalog/Bright_Wheels_5L_1.html
Tyres: I use the megs endurance gel although I'll be getting the sonus stuff when mine runs out as it seems to last much longer (as in on the tyres). A lot of people love the Autosmart tyre stuff but personally I didn't think much to it. I've heard the blackfire stuff is good too, but it's 15 quid lol. Link to the sonus stuff:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/sonus-tire-bumper-dressing/prod_40.html
You'll need a good applicator for it too as it's far easier than using a cloth. I personally use this and it does the job just fine:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/trim-tyre-dressing-applicator/prod_340.html
Wheel sealent: I highly recommend the poorboys stuff, really does make a difference to how easy they are to clean and it definately improves the finish too:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/poorboys-wheel-sealant/prod_9.html
I put 3 layers on, as I've got carbon pads on order which love eating wheels lol but you'd be fine with just 1 or 2 tbh. Just apply with a foam applicator (order a few of these so you've got one for polish, one for wheels, one for wax etc and spares):
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/accessories/foam-wax-applicator/prod_89.html
then buff off with a microfibre after leaving it on for 5 mins or so.
Wheel brush: The vikan one is good:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/vikan-wheel-brush/prod_389.html
but it won't last 5 minutes for anything really stubborn like wheels backs that have never been touched lol. A lot of people love the EZ brush, but I refuse to pay 17 quid for a brush tbh.
Bulk Cleaners: I bought some megs super degreaser for the backs of my wheels and arches and it works pretty good. You'll need a bottle and foaming sprayer too. Link:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/engine-amp-exterior/meguiars-super-degreser/prod_382.html
Megs APC is good too, I use it diluted 4:1 for arches or for on the bodywork to 'lift' off dirt before prewashing. It's also good for cleaning dirt around badges for for removing polish from door shuts or whatever. I also use it 10:1 for the interior i.e. dash or seats and it's also mint for getting oil stains etc out. There are cheaper alternatives like stardrops (from asda for about 70p lol) but I'd only use this for arches or underneath tbh. It may be ok on seats on whatever, but I wouldn't want to risk it myself. I bought 2 bottles for it, one with a foaming sprayer for the 4:1 and one with a chemical resistant one for the 10:1. You can also mix a bit of APC into your prewash mix along with some shampoo. Link to APC:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/engine-amp-exterior/meguiars-all-purpose-cleaner/prod_321.html
Microfibres:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/micro...sh-buffing-cloth-pkg/3-16-x-16-/prod_163.html
Havn't really used anything else but these do the job just fine. I've heard the costco ones are good (if there's one near you) and these ones seem to get good reviews too:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/microfibre-cloths/eurow-shag-pile-double-density-towels/prod_436.html
If you ever need to wash them, just stick them in the washing machine at 30 or 40 deg but with no softener or anything. Sometimes if I want to get marks out of a drying towel I'll do it by hand with a little woollite or similar.
For things like exhausts I'd just use a general microfibre like the ones you get from asda or wherever.
General brushes: For say dash vents or anything like that just find somewhere that does brushes with reasonably hard bristles (like a shaving brush). If someone knows of somewhere online or in the shops to get decent brushes at a reasonable price then let me know!
Trim: This stuff is very good but only works well if you clean the trim before (using apc):
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/chemical-guys-new-look-trim-gel/prod_143.html
You could always use the sonus stuff I recommended for tyres, altho I havn't tried using it on trim myself.
You can use a foam applicator to apply this, or some people use a pan scrubber (with the green bit ripped off) as they're usually about 16p for 5 lol.
Removing Polish Marks from Trim:
Groundnut oil from asda (for £1.06 IIRC) or Penaut butter works perfectly
Glass: Use Autoglym glass polish, I'm yet to find anything better! I've got megs NXT stuff too, but the AG stuff is easier and quicker to get a perfect finish IMO. Apply with a microfibre and keep working it over the glass until you get a perfect finish.
Exhaust: You can't really go wrong with this:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/engine-amp-exterior/meguiars-nxt-all-metal-polish/prod_106.html
However if it's fairly bad, a bit of #00 wire wool and autosol may be better.
Seats: Personally I've never had a problem removing stains with APC 10:1, but if your seats are really bad then a wet vac may be better. I tend to finish them off with AG interior shampoo as it smells really good
Hoover the seat, spray the shampoo on, leave for 2 mins and then wipe off with a damp cloth. You can always hoover it again to ensure any dirt is removed. There's many alternatives to these, but I think the stuff above works fine.Leather (inc seats): To clean, use something like gliptone:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/interior/gliptone-liquid-leather-gentle-cleaner-600ml/prod_333.html
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/interior/gliptone-liquid-leather-cleaner/prod_211.html
Or zaino z-9 and/or z-10:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/zaino/z-9-leather-soft-spray-cleaner/prod_472.html
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/zaino/z-10-leather-in-a-bottle/prod_473.html
If you struggle to get results using either of these, try APC 20:1, then 15:1, then 10:1, just to ensure it doesnt damage the leather. Make sure you don't apply it directly to the seats as this can cause stains and also ensure any runs you do get are thoroughly wiped up as they will stain! Better off applying it onto a foam applicator and then buffing off with a microfibre (if necessary).
You can use a conditioner, but some say this promotes cracking, so it's up to you whether you want to use this. Again use gliptone or the zaino z-10 as above:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/interior/gliptone-liquid-leather-conditioner/prod_210.html
Alcantara: The key is just use very little product to remove stains. If you've got bobbles, try using a razor to gently remove them.
Polish: Autoglym Super Resin Polish! I like to apply it in a square foot section, using medium to firm pressure and working it in for 1 to 2 minutes. Then buff off immediately using a microfibre. IMO this is the best way to get the best out of SRP.
Other good alternatives include Zaino Z-2:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/zaino...t-for-clear-coated-car-finishes/prod_466.html
Wax: lol, your choice really. My personal ones:
Wet look and flake:
Clearkote Yellow Moose Wax topped with Clearkote Carnauba Moose Wax:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wax/clearkote-yellow-moose-wax/prod_285.html
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wax/clearkote-carnauba-moose-wax/prod_129.html
Both only really need 15 mins to cure. Apply with a foam applicator and buff off with a microfibre.
Winter Wax (high durability):
Collinite 476S or 915, there isn't much difference tbh.
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wax/collinite-no-476s-super-doublecoat-auto-wax/prod_207.html
Apply a panel at a time with a foam applicator and buff off immediately.
Flake:
Blackfire Wet Diamond topped with Midnight Sun:
http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acat...mond-all-finish-paint-protection-protect.html
http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/blackfire-midnight-sun-ivory-carnauba-paste-wax-protect.html
Other good all round waxes:
Vics concours (red is more durable than the yellow):
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wax/victoria-wax/victoria-wax-3oz-concours-wax/prod_312.html
Can be applied by hand or foam app.
Swissvax onyx is good for black cars from my experience too (smells mint too!).
Think that's it! If I've missed anything out or you want some more advice, just drop me a PM
Feel free to add other products or if you've found better alternatives to the above post em up!Cheers
Rich
