Car Detailing - What products are your go to?

[DFB FGXR6]

I came across this little bracket that holds a foam cannon upright when not in use on Instagram today.







Annoyingly, these are only available from USA suppliers. Shipping is $125 for a $25 part!

[FTE217]

its like they are running out of new useful lines for sale.
Being a avid golfer as times have progreesed the amount of useless gimmicky lines on offer is just a joke.
How many times do you whilst your using your foam cannon you put it down ?!
I never do, you do your complete coverage so all done in one go/or soon as poss.
Typical yanks for me.

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by FTE217

its like they are running out of new useful lines for sale.
Being a avid golfer as times have progreesed the amount of useless gimmicky lines on offer is just a joke.
How many times do you whilst your using your foam cannon you put it down ?!
I never do, you do your complete coverage so all done in one go/or soon as poss.
Typical yanks for me.

So what happens if it is put down, does it run away?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by FTE217

its like they are running out of new useful lines for sale.
Being a avid golfer as times have progreesed the amount of useless gimmicky lines on offer is just a joke.
How many times do you whilst your using your foam cannon you put it down ?!
I never do, you do your complete coverage so all done in one go/or soon as poss.
Typical yanks for me.

I use my foam cannon when wheel cleaning, which I do seated. I have a bucket dolly and creep from wheel to wheel. That little holder would be handy for this. Sort of hard to explain but if you watched me doing this you would understand.

EDIT -

As you can see, everything I need travels easily with me as I go except for the foam cannon. It gets a bit awkward.

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I use my foam cannon when wheel cleaning, which I do seated. I have a bucket dolly and creep from wheel to wheel. That little holder would be handy for this. Sort of hard to explain but if you watched me doing this you would understand.

Either someone with a 3D printer or any metalwork shop could make similar for about $10.............then an extra $10 to get your initials engraved

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by GasoLane

Either someone with a 3D printer or any metalwork shop could make similar for about $10.............then an extra $10 to get your initials engraved

And another $10 for it be painted red and I would be ecstatic!

[Top_Ghia]

How often do the neighbours say “you can do mine next”? Never gets old. Actually it gets real old, real fast.

I got the Karcher car cleaning kit for my WD6 vacuum. It’s a good kit and over priced and I really think it should be included in the range topping WD6 vacuum.
The hose extension is handy for extra reach into the car and I really like the smaller head.
My local Bunnings store ordered it in for me in 2 days.

I’ve got a reasonable arsenal now for an enthusiast, with the K7 pressure washer, WD6 vacuum, 5 inch DA polisher, a lot of Bowdens Own products, Scholl polishes, a few brushes and a million microfiber towels for various tasks. I’ve also got 3 buckets with 2 grit guards.

Next on the list is a 3 inch polisher to get into the curves a bit easier. Some wheel woolies wouldn’t hurt either. I’d also like a new foam gun as I’m not convinced the Karcher one is too great.

However I’m finding detailing cars is a curse. Particularly polishing cars. Now all I see on otherwise nice cars is swirl marks. What the hell do people wash their cars with? I want to yell at them to buy some new washing and drying gear.
My six year old Territory that’s been a family car the whole time is in better shape than some 3 month old cars I see.

I’m not sure I could be a professional detailer as I would spend so many hours on each car and struggle to get to a point where I was happy and that I could get paid for. But I guess you’d learn to be more efficient and settle at a level where most consumers would be very happy.

[FTE217]

Yep you get anal and at times it drives me nuts.
I sometimes wished I didn’t get like this.
I washed the T3 quickly where it’s stored at my parents apartment block last Sunday morn.
There is a wash bay and I be friended a bloke who got there before me so whilst he washed his rex I cleaned inside.
We swapped for he had his wife’s car to wash and I went to wash mine.
Saw the 2 bucket method and thought man that’s serious lol.
In the end he said it took me the time washing mine to his 2 !
He also still used the ol chamois - I showed him the big green sucker haha
He noticed the diff in his paint conditions to mine - his were chalk so to speak, flat and swirl marks galore mine obviously popping made me think it is worth it.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

How often do the neighbours say “you can do mine next”? Never gets old. Actually it gets real old, real fast.

I’d also like a new foam gun as I’m not convinced the Karcher one is too great.

Yes, that question gets old. I think I'll just spray them with the foam cannon from now on, as in "you asked for me to clean you next yeah?".

Man, you need to get yourself a new foam cannon! Those Karcher foam cannons are a token gesture at best.

Plenty of options out there now. I would suggest getting one with a slightly wider bottle base to help with balance. The older style foam cannon bottles had terrible balance, and that gets old real quick.

The best, and by far the most expensive being the MTM PF 22.2 -
https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...22-foam-cannon

A great value compromise -
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...nt=35822060625

These Autobrite ones have a good name too -
https://www.carcareproducts.com.au/p...-k-series.html

Similar to my old foam cannon -
https://www.detailstore.com.au/colle...now-foam-lance

Notice that each of these foam cannons have the ability to fit a variety of pressure washers via an adapter.

This is my old Waxit foam cannon, still working beautifully after 10 years.





And the MTM PF22.2 -





The Autobrite and MTM ones I have linked are available with spare bottles. I shuttle between soaps quite often, so having a extra bottle comes in handy.



Also, foam cannons come with a dial on the top to vary the amount of solution used. When you get it, wind the dial to full and leave it there for forever.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by FTE217

Yep you get anal and at times it drives me nuts.
I sometimes wished I didn’t get like this.

Ha ha! I celebrate it now!

[CyberWasp]

Here is a short demo on how to use a snow canon..... I think....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlKXQY1FRNw

[Top_Ghia]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

Here is a short demo on how to use a snow canon..... I think....



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlKXQY1FRNw

I’m doing it wrong.

[GCRXR6]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

Here is a short demo on how to use a snow canon..... I think....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlKXQY1FRNw

Stupid video. I can't get past 0:35.

[prydey]

In the colder months, I often find myself still out washing the car once the optimal drying conditions have long gone. Dew point can be higher this time of year, so the car is impossible to dry.

The obvious solution is wash the car earlier in the day but that isn't always possible.

What would be a good quick detailer type spray (or even a recipe I can mix myself in a spray bottle) that I can give the car a quick going over with the next morning, or earliest opportunity, just to get rid of any residual marks from the drying attempt the night before.

Just something to spray on and simply wipe off.

[galaxy xr8]

Originally Posted by prydey

In the colder months, I often find myself still out washing the car once the optimal drying conditions have long gone. Dew point can be higher this time of year, so the car is impossible to dry.

The obvious solution is wash the car earlier in the day but that isn't always possible.

What would be a good quick detailer type spray (or even a recipe I can mix myself in a spray bottle) that I can give the car a quick going over with the next morning, or earliest opportunity, just to get rid of any residual marks from the drying attempt the night before.

Just something to spray on and simply wipe off.

Mequiars quick detailer is one option.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by prydey

In the colder months, I often find myself still out washing the car once the optimal drying conditions have long gone. Dew point can be higher this time of year, so the car is impossible to dry.

The obvious solution is wash the car earlier in the day but that isn't always possible.

What would be a good quick detailer type spray (or even a recipe I can mix myself in a spray bottle) that I can give the car a quick going over with the next morning, or earliest opportunity, just to get rid of any residual marks from the drying attempt the night before.

Just something to spray on and simply wipe off.

Any Quick Detailer or Waterless Wash would be fine for this, although I would avoid one with a wax or sealant, just not needed in this situation.

I would use Meguiar's Final Inspection or Last Touch for this. Also have a look at Optimum No Rinse (ONR) or CarPro ECH20. Bowdens Boss Gloss would be good too, and like the two Meg's products, is available through the usual Big Box stores. All of these products can be used as a drying aid.





https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...20-concentrate
https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...ts/optimum-onr

[DFB FGXR6]

I came across this pic on a detailing forum I frequent.



This guy subcontracts at a local new car dealership, and this is their set-up.

Quote - "....this is what gets used at the dealer I work for to “detail” your new car or truck...."

Now obviously not all dealerships are like this, but THIS is why you should never let the dealer "wash" your car when it's in for a service, and why many insist on their brand new car not being "detailed" prior to sale.

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I came across this pic on a detailing forum I frequent.

image

This guy subcontracts at a local new car dealership, and this is their set-up.

Quote - "....this is what gets used at the dealer I work for to “detail” your new car or truck...."

Now obviously not all dealerships are like this, but THIS is why you should never let the dealer "wash" your car when it's in for a service, and why many insist on their brand new car not being "detailed" prior to sale.

An American forum by the looks

[Top_Ghia]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I came across this pic on a detailing forum I frequent.



image



This guy subcontracts at a local new car dealership, and this is their set-up.



Quote - "....this is what gets used at the dealer I work for to “detail” your new car or truck...."



Now obviously not all dealerships are like this, but THIS is why you should never let the dealer "wash" your car when it's in for a service, and why many insist on their brand new car not being "detailed" prior to sale.

I’ve worked at 2 Ford dealers in Vic.
Both detailing teams have been very good with generally good equipment with good people. I wouldn’t have an issue with them detailing my new car(except I just did my Mustang myself).
However the service car washer is another matter all together. This is usually some young guy on minimum wage. They may have to wash 30 cars a day and don’t have the time to take any care at all with your car. I would never get my car washed while it’s getting serviced.

[fiestaz]

Had my i30 in for service last week.
Don’t wash it please. They did offer to vacuum. Could have probably said yes to that. Still didn’t.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

How often do the neighbours say “you can do mine next”? Never gets old. Actually it gets real old, real fast.

Just circling back to this observation, what annoys me more is this -

A neighbor/s who stop me mid wash for a chat. I will either have soap applied to the car or water sitting on the paint surface. I am of course polite but behind the smile, all I want is the interaction to finish so I don't end up with soap drying on the paint of ending up with water spots.

Aren't I a nice person!

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

I’ve worked at 2 Ford dealers in Vic.
Both detailing teams have been very good with generally good equipment with good people. I wouldn’t have an issue with them detailing my new car(except I just did my Mustang myself).
However the service car washer is another matter all together. This is usually some young guy on minimum wage. They may have to wash 30 cars a day and don’t have the time to take any care at all with your car. I would never get my car washed while it’s getting serviced.

I guess its a case of fear of the unknown. Most new-car consumers would never see the detailing area of the dealership. For those who care about this sort of thing, I would be showing some caution letting the dealer loose on your brand new special car.

Having bought multiple cars from my local Ford dealer, I have noticed where the new-car prep was being done, and it was primitive at best. Two flat-pack sheds joined together and an open wash bay on the side of the spares department. This dealer has had significant building upgrades since I last bought a car there so I would hope things have improved in this department.

As Top_Gear has said, this is not to say all dealers are like this. The dealers job is to sell product, not fine detailing of cars. 99% of consumers do not care about this sort of thing, people like me are the rare 1%.

[Top_Ghia]

Not getting a new car detailed would be extremely rare. It would be like 1 in 1000.
I’m in the country and probably only 5% of people keep their car what I would consider clean. Probably 30% of cars only get washed when they come in for a service.
The really clean ones we will not wash for fear we will scratch them.

[anobserver]

Just started with the carpro elixir, and its straightup a more difficult product to apply evenly than the bowdens boss gloss i have been using.

In its defence it does claim to be hydrophobic, which the boss gloss does not.

I probably need to use better cloths and work on smaller areas at a time.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by anobserver

Just started with the carpro elixir, and its straightup a more difficult product to apply evenly than the bowdens boss gloss i have been using.

In its defence it does claim to be hydrophobic, which the boss gloss does not.

I probably need to use better cloths and work on smaller areas at a time.

CarPro EliXir is a combination of their water-less wash/quick detailer (ECH2o) and their spray sealant (Reload). The Reload component is what makes it a little bit more challenging to work with.

I have found with EliXir that less is more, apply to much and it will streak badly. I know that can be hard to grapple with, we want more shine so we use more product, right?

I use two towels when using a product like this, one for the initial wipe, and one for the final buff. Firstly, prime your towel with a couple of sprays then a couple very light sprays per panel. Hope that helps.

[Top_Ghia]

Am I mad about thinking of getting a black car next? Has anyone who actually cleans their car regularly regretted buying a black car?
What extra care is needed with a black vehicle?

[FTE217]

Depends how anal you will or can be.
I have 2 black ones - daily hilux I dont give it anywhere near the luv a d attention to the Sprint obviously.
Black you see everything straight away being with our trained eyes whereas most passer bys or friends just go wow it looks superb.
Clear coat is the obvious being careful with especially to wash.
Without diligent 2 bucket method good soaps and not applying pressure and constant same wipe flow direction you could have a heart attack soon enough seeing the swirl cob web marks.
Do it right you’ll be fine.
Lots of instant gratification for it’s so obvious seeing the fruits of your work.
Pleasure - think black panther show good and sleek they look - that’s my Sprint to me and tuff.
I’ll buy black again no worries there’s something sinister I like about it.

[CyberWasp]

You can always compromise like I did.
Only the roof is black on my car.

[FPV0002]

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

Am I mad about thinking of getting a black car next? Has anyone who actually cleans their car regularly regretted buying a black car?
What extra care is needed with a black vehicle?

I have a black FPV, it gets used in fine weather mostly and never sees daily driving duties, always stored in a clean garage, first and probably the last black car I would ever own, it simply does not stay visibly clean for more than an hour after its washed and dried lol. It is the ultra fine layer of dust that is present on every car that is quite noticeable on shiny black paint! It is in what I would call excellent condition but any paint imperfections are magnified x10. However, and it is a big however is that it looks absolutely amazing when it’s spotless. Something about a black car and in the right shape and model looks damn cool. I’m very particular so the appearing clean drives me nuts, be careful and using the right cleaning methods and it will be fine.

[anobserver]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

CarPro EliXir is a combination of their water-less wash/quick detailer (ECH2o) and their spray sealant (Reload). The Reload component is what makes it a little bit more challenging to work with.

I have found with EliXir that less is more, apply to much and it will streak badly. I know that can be hard to grapple with, we want more shine so we use more product, right?

I use two towels when using a product like this, one for the initial wipe, and one for the final buff. Firstly, prime your towel with a couple of sprays then a couple very light sprays per panel. Hope that helps.

image

Have tried using two cloths and that much reduces the streaking. Opportunely, supercheap have a sale so i might browse for some decent microfibre towels just for when i apply the elixir, and the reload.

However, i will probably end up grabbing another boss gloss too, its just so easy with good results.