Recommended Products Thread

[RichCup]

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

 

[Gstar2006]

Wow. You've put some time into that post there mate. I shall be bookmarking this.

You're not too far away. Might have to give you a shout when I decide to get into this clean freak business for some direction. Sure there must be some guys/girls in the east mids who'd be up for a day masterclass in how best to get my 172 looking mint.

G

 

[RichCup]

lol yeh took about 2 hours to write :S

I am by no means a pro, but I think I've got a fairly good understanding of detailing and paintwork correction lol.

I think there's already links on here to the paintwork correction guides on DW, so I won't bother writing anything on them.

 

[Jon.G]

Nice write up mate. Weekend i got a meguires wash mit, NXT Gen shampoo stuff. Does and excellent job the two of them. Also got the clay kit that comes with the speed detailer, wax, Microfibre cloth and 2 clay bars.

Still trying to understand using clay correctly, but i was EXTREMLY impressed with the microfibre. couldn't belive how good it was.

 

[RichCup]

Cheers the megs clay is good for a beginner but if your paint is heavily contaminated it starts to struggle which is where you need something like the Bilt Hamber stuff.

 

[Rich]

Nice write up - like everything some people like Pepsi, some like Coke. You will always get someone preferring a different product.

Despite the Name Z2 is not a alternative to AG SRP.

 

[RichCup]

It's not similar then? i.e. you use one or the other?

 

[Rich]

No Z2 Show Car Polish despite the name is a sealant, needs to go on pre polished/cleaned paint.

 

[Scottland]

For Alcantara de-bobbling, I used a bobble/lint remover from eBay for about £3. For me, it worked much better than a razor blade etc and very cheap

A good product to add to the list is Aerospace Protectant 303, as it can be used on a good range of things.

There's also the Swissvax style brushes that can be had from eBay cheaply: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160284757188

 

[Rich]

Opposite finding here - Pack of disposable blue Bics sorted my GTi seatsmore effectively than a fuzz away thing as they cut much closer.

 

[Scottland]

I found the razors just dragged the fuzz around rather than removing it, that said mine was reasonably heavy bobbling. Razors might be better at tidying it up now all the fuzz is gone.

 

[alex-avfc]

Rich I must say very impressed with your recommendation of Duragloss CWC. Best shampoo I have used

Another good product I've come across is Autosmart Highstyle that is excellent on tyres, leaves a really glossy finish and lasts ages!

 

[RichCup]

There's also the Swissvax style brushes that can be had from eBay cheaply: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160284757188

Top work!

 

[RichCup]

No Z2 Show Car Polish despite the name is a sealant, needs to go on pre polished/cleaned paint.

Ah my bad, I'd heard good things about it, saw the name and thought it was a polish lol.

 

[Scottland]

There's also the Swissvax style brushes that can be had from eBay cheaply: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160284757188

Top work!

Just been looking around at wheel brushes (for me), the Vikan sets at I4D look a better buy actually for interior and exterior:
http://www.i4detailing.co.uk/acatalog/Vikan_Brushes.html

 

[Rich]

My product hit list.

Prewash

Gilmour Foamaster


Shampoo

Duragloss #901 Car Wash Concentrate

Meguiars Hyper wash

Meguiars Shampoo Plus


Washmitt

Eurow - Sheepskin Wash Mitt


Quick Detail Spray

Britemax #6S SPRAY & SHINE Detailing Spray 32oz
Final Wet Look Detail Spray

Meguiar's Last Touch

Clearkote Quikshine


Clay

Meguiars Quik Clay kit

Sonus Green - Ultra Fine Clay refill


Drying Towel

Miracle Dryer - Ultra Plush 25" x 36"

Sonus Der Wunder Drying Towel, Pkg/2


Microfibers

Sonus Der Wunder Buffing Towel, Pkg/2

Poorboys Deluxe Mega Towels

Pakshak Ultra-Plush Micro Fiber Towe


Wheels

Autoglym Wheel Cleaner

Wonder Wheels

Meguiars All Purpose Cleaner

Autoglym Engine and Machine Cleaner

Or ideally just soap and water.


Tyres

Blackfire Long Lasting Tyre Gel

Poorboys World Bold N Bright Tyre Dressing

Autoglym Vinyl and Rubber (Show Use)


Wheel Sealant

Autoglym Super Resin with Autoglym Extra Gloss or Autoglym Super Resin with Werkstat Acrylic Jett Trigger

Then either one topped with:

Poorboys Wheel Sealant or Swisswax Autobhan


Zaino route alternative

Zaino - Z-AIO All In One and Z-2 Pro Show Car Sealant for Clear Coated Car Finishes


Bulk Cleaners

Meguiars All Purpose Cleaner

Autoglym Engine and Machine CLeaner


Trim

Einszett Plastic-Vinyl Cleaner or Meguiars APC

Dress with:

Smooth Trim

Autoglym Vinyl and Rubber Care

Einszett Vinyl-Rubber Care and Protectant


Textured Trim

Autoglym Bumper Care Gel

Metalwork

Autsol or Autoglym Metal Polishes

Refine finish with

Meguiars NXT All Metal Polish or Autoglym Super Resin Polish


Interior

Autoglym Interior Shampoo

Meguiars All Purpose Cleaner

Meguiars Interior Quick Detailer

Poorboys Natural Look Dressing


Leather


Einszett Leather Care "Lederpflege"

Z-9 Leather Soft Spray Cleaner

Z-10 Leather in a Bottle


Polishes


Correction by Machine

Menzerna Intensive Polish (PO85RD 3.02)

Menzerna Final Finish (PO 106 FA)

Correction Hand

Car-Lack 68 - Hand polish kit

Now is where you need to decide if you want to go down the wax or sealant route.


Sealant Route

Autoglym Super Resin and Extra Gloss Protection

CarLack 68 - Nano Systematic Care and Werkstat Acrylic Jett Trigger


Zaino - Z-AIO All In One and Z-2 Pro Show Car Sealant for Clear Coated Car Finishes

All of which you can add a wax over later if you wish.


Glaze and Wax Route

Glazes

Meguiars #7 Show Car Glaze

Clearkote Vanilla Moose Wax Hand Glaze

Waxes

Really depends on budget here for me.

Under 25 quid

Victoria Wax - 3oz Concours Wax


R222 Carnauba Wax

Under 50 quid

Swissvax Onyx

Over 50 quid

Swissvax Best of Show

 

[Limca]

Thanks Rich and Rich. Ill bookmark this thread now

Jay

 

[RichCup]

Rich how do you find the megs #7? I've got a bottle of it but never actually used it lol.

 

[Jon.G]

Nice list from you as well there Rich . Bookmarked this now.

 

[Rich]

Rich how do you find the megs #7? I've got a bottle of it but never actually used it lol.

I find it handy in the fact you can use it over existing layers of wax without removing them.

The Clearkote Glazes are not pure like the #7 so I tend to use them in a detail to clean up paint initially before waxing if need be. After seeing some tests done and them reducing the Gloss when measured after a finishing polish I find myself reaching for the #7 even though it is no where near as user friendly as the the Clearkote VM.

 

[typefern]

Top Work Rich and Rich

I recommend the Blackfire Tyre Trim for a satin look. Well I recommend all Blackfire products, just for ease of applying and removal.

John

 

[Ads_172]

Worth making this thread a sticky?

 

[Lewis_S]

a well worthy bookmark ! top work mate !

 

[DanD182]

No Z2 Show Car Polish despite the name is a sealant, needs to go on pre polished/cleaned paint.

Didn't vxrmarc from DW use this on his nurburgring astra?

51 layers i think it was, worked a treat too and then i think he put that rather expensive crystal rock wax.