Car Detailing - What products are your go to?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by bfets

Any good recommendations for a dressing to use in the engine bay?

I wanted to try Koch Chemie Motorplast, but its out of stock everywhere.

https://www.detailstore.com.au/produ...39302017613879

The Detail Store recommended Angelwax Elixir as an replacement since they dont have an ETA on motorplast.

https://www.detailstore.com.au/colle...dressing-500ml

I'd like something thats not going to attract a lot of dust and will just leave a nice new OEM type look to the engine bay.

I have been wanting to try Motorplast for a while now, has been out of stock for nearly 10 months now. I think there is a shortage of ingredients that go into these sort of dressings, many similar products are also out of stock across the world.

If you have CarPro Perl, that will work just fine on engine bays.

However, if you can get your hands on some Meguiars D170 Hyper Dressing, then this would be the next best thing to Motorplast.

https://www.sparesbox.com.au/part/me...46ml-drtu17032
https://www.repco.com.au/en/car-care...032/p/A5576809



Hyper dressing is available only in Ready-to-use form or 3.8 litre undiluted bottles in Australia. Skip the larger size, there is no way you will use that much Hyper Dressing.

Hyper Dressing can be used on all unpainted exterior and interior plastics, tyres and engine bays. Like Motorplast, Hyper Dressing is self leveling and can be used on wet or dry surfaces. Simply clean the engine bay, mist with product and walk away. Follow up the next day to remove any excess.

Check out this video on a GT-350 using Hyper Dressing -

[bfets]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I have been wanting to try Motorplast for a while now, has been out of stock for nearly 10 months now. I think there is a shortage of ingredients that go into these sort of dressings, many similar products are also out of stock across the world.

If you have CarPro Perl, that will work just fine on engine bays.

However, if you can get your hands on some Meguiars D170 Hyper Dressing, then this would be the next best thing to Motorplast.

https://www.sparesbox.com.au/part/me...46ml-drtu17032
https://www.repco.com.au/en/car-care...032/p/A5576809

image

Hyper dressing is available only in Ready-to-use form or 3.8 litre undiluted bottles in Australia. Skip the larger size, there is no way you will use that much Hyper Dressing.

Hyper Dressing can be used on all unpainted exterior and interior plastics, tyres and engine bays. Like Motorplast, Hyper Dressing is self leveling and can be used on wet or dry surfaces. Simply clean the engine bay, mist with product and walk away. Follow up the next day to remove any excess.

Check out this video on a GT-350 using Hyper Dressing -

Thats exactly the type of alternative I was looking for DFB. Thanks again. I'll go and look for some Hyper Dressing and give it a go.

Another question. Do you use a inspection light to find swirls and micro scratches? I was thinking of getting a Scangrip Colour MatchPen R.

https://www.detailstore.com.au/produ...31726797127735

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by bfets

Thats exactly the type of alternative I was looking for DFB. Thanks again. I'll go and look for some Hyper Dressing and give it a go.

Another question. Do you use a inspection light to find swirls and micro scratches? I was thinking of getting a Scangrip Colour MatchPen R.

https://www.detailstore.com.au/produ...31726797127735

Scangrip are the industry leader for detailing lights, although that does mean a price premium too.

I bought a Scangrip Sunmatch3 last year and it's pretty bloody good. But then it would want to be for $249. While Scangrip use their Scandinavian heritage to market the brand, annoyingly they are made in China.

https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...rip-sunmatch-3









I have also been toying with getting a MultimatchR or Take Now 20W -

https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...tch-r-new-2019
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...s/take-now-20w

Having said that, I do like the look of the MatchPen R and its convenient size.

Have a look through what is available here -
https://detailingshed.com.au/collections/lighting
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections/lighting
https://www.detailstore.com.au/colle...etail-lighting

Just be aware that may find more scratches and marring than you care to know about!

[bfets]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Just be aware that may find more scratches and marring than you care to know about!

I know right

Luckily I'll soon have my new polishers to sort those scratches with.

I did look at the other more expensive Scangrip lights as well. Didnt really want to spend +-$250 on a light. I thought I'll start with the small hand held one and see how I go. Those are only around $80.

[bfets]

Originally Posted by bfets

I know right

Luckily I'll soon have my new polishers to sort those scratches with.

I did look at the other more expensive Scangrip lights as well. Didnt really want to spend +-$250 on a light. I thought I'll start with the small hand held one and see how I go. Those are only around $80.

Mind you this one from TakeNow looks good as well. More power and features than the $80 Scangrip.

https://www.detailstore.com.au/colle...etailing-light

Decisions, decisions

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by bfets

I know right

Luckily I'll soon have my new polishers to sort those scratches with.

I did look at the other more expensive Scangrip lights as well. Didnt really want to spend +-$250 on a light. I thought I'll start with the small hand held one and see how I go. Those are only around $80.

At the risk of throwing another "must have" at you, but do you have an IPA product for panel prep prior to apply wax/sealant/coating? These remove polishing oils to provide a good bond of your chosen protection product.

I use CarPro Eraser, smells amazing, but you could also look at Gyeon Prep, Gtechniq Panel Wipe, NV Clarity or Bowdens Flash Prep.

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ca...e&_ss=e&_v=1.0
https://www.detailstore.com.au/produ...b6eccd0d&_ss=r
https://www.detailstore.com.au/produ...c4d34d55&_ss=r
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...k-free-cleaner
https://www.bowdensown.com.au/?rf=kw&kw=Flash+Prep

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by bfets

Mind you this one from TakeNow looks good as well. More power and features than the $80 Scangrip.

https://www.detailstore.com.au/colle...etailing-light

Decisions, decisions

Well, you know I would buy both!

That Take Now is a copy of the SunMatch3, for sort of thing we do as hobbyist detailers, it would be more than sufficient. These style of lights are more versatile than a pen light in that they can also be hung or attached to something magnetic.

[bfets]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Well, you know I would buy both!

That Take Now is a copy of the SunMatch3, for sort of thing we do as hobbyist detailers, it would be more than sufficient. These style of lights are more versatile than a pen light in that they can also be hung or attached to something magnetic.

You know if my wife finds you or this thread she is going to kill you.

For only $20 more I might just go with the TakeNow. I think it will be more powerful and versatile than the MatchpenR.

[bfets]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

At the risk of throwing another "must have" at you, but do you have an IPA product for panel prep prior to apply wax/sealant/coating? These remove polishing oils to provide a good bond of your chosen protection product.

I use CarPro Eraser, smells amazing, but you could also look at Gyeon Prep, Gtechniq Panel Wipe, NV Clarity or Bowdens Flash Prep.

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ca...e&_ss=e&_v=1.0
https://www.detailstore.com.au/produ...b6eccd0d&_ss=r
https://www.detailstore.com.au/produ...c4d34d55&_ss=r
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...k-free-cleaner
https://www.bowdensown.com.au/?rf=kw&kw=Flash+Prep

image

Its like you can read my mind DFB. I have some Gyeon Q2M Prep in my cart that I'll order along with the light. I might just change that to Carpro Eraser now.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by bfets

You know if my wife finds you or this thread she is going to kill you.

For only $20 more I might just go with the TakeNow. I think it will be more powerful and versatile than the MatchpenR.

There are worse things to spend money on.

You are protecting your resale value

I always say that I don't drink, smoke, go on expensive holidays, have kids................but I do spend money on detailing products.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by bfets

Its like you can read my mind DFB. I have some Gyeon Q2M Prep in my cart that I'll order along with the light. I might just change that to Carpro Eraser now.

I have not used Prep, mainly because I have always enjoyed using Eraser. I also have NV Clarity but Eraser is the better product. Warning though, you will want to use Eraser all the time, it smells so good. Luckily it also doubles as a good glass cleaner, and I use it to clean my computer.

[CyberWasp]

I haven't even used the 5" yet but have noticed that there is also a 3" Ryobi version in the USA. It is not here yet though.

Will getting a 3" Polisher over the 5" help a lot to get into the smaller areas or do you need to go even smaller?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

I haven't even used the 5" yet but have noticed that there is also a 3" Ryobi version in the USA. It is not here yet though.

Will getting a 3" Polisher over the 5" help a lot to get into the smaller areas or do you need to go even smaller?

image

image

A 5 and 3 inch machine will cover 90 - 95% of your polishing needs.

For doing very intricate sections such as garnishes, around emblems, wing mirrors ect, tyou either do by hand or via a micro polisher.

Gold standard is the Rupes iBrid -
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...oot-nano-ibrid

Although there are cheaper choices these days -
https://www.carcareproducts.com.au/m...no-hybrid.html
https://refractccp.com.au/collection...-polishing-kit

[bfets]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I have not used Prep, mainly because I have always enjoyed using Eraser. I also have NV Clarity but Eraser is the better product. Warning though, you will want to use Eraser all the time, it smells so good. Luckily it also doubles as a good glass cleaner, and I use it to clean my computer.

I ended up ordering this from Waxit:
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ma...sentials-kit-1

With the WAXIT10 code it was only $120. I added some Carpro Eraser as well.

[fiestaz]

Ahh the satisfaction.

Can report the Claying rubber gave massive improvement to the bonnet. Doesn’t feel like sandpaper anymore.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by bfets

I ended up ordering this from Waxit:
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ma...sentials-kit-1

With the WAXIT10 code it was only $120. I added some Carpro Eraser as well.

Wow, I'm teaching you well!

Does your wife know?

[bfets]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Wow, I'm teaching you well!

Does your wife know?

I think my Mustang is going to love and thank you once I get it. My wife... not so much.

[bfets]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Wow, I'm teaching you well!

Have you ever thought of making your own Youtube channel? I figure you would do well putting your knowledge out there.

[DFB FGXR6]

Some bead porn of Gyeon Q2 Wax..............

[DFB FGXR6]

Adam's Australia have 15% off storewide until April 18th.

Code at checkout - EASTER

https://adamspolishes.com.au/

In general, Adam's products are pretty expensive but there are some gems in the mix.

Their Tire & Rubber Cleaner is apparently very good -
https://adamspolishes.com.au/product...-cleaner-16-oz

Slick & Slide is a fantastic drying aid -
https://adamspolishes.com.au/collect...ck-slide-16-oz

They also have a large range of Graphene products for those who want to join the hype.
https://adamspolishes.com.au/collect...int-protection

I have used their Car Shampoo as well, a pretty good product that foams very well and can be used in the sun. It's a little thick for easy decanting though.
https://adamspolishes.com.au/collect...-shampoo-16-oz



And for anyone who does a lot of mixing or decanting of chemicals, I absolutely love these screw on threaded funnels.
https://adamspolishes.com.au/collect...hreaded-funnel

[Top_Ghia]

Bowdens Own Flash Prep smells like bananas.

[prydey]

Used my new drying towels for only the second time today and again felt compelled to come on here and sing their praises.

https://www.detailstore.com.au/produ...r-drying-towel

The gauntlet by the rag company. Get on board.

Yet to buy any sort of blower for air drying and with these towels, I'm not sure I'll bother. I might just buy a 3rd larger one for the Territory.

[39ClevoUte]

Every three or four months a bucket of warm water, half a cup of truck wash and half a cup of kero. The Kuga comes up a treat! Thats it!

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by 37Clevo

Every three or four months a bucket of warm water, half a cup of truck wash and half a cup of kero. The Kuga comes up a treat! Thats it!

Not sure I can get on board with the use of Kerosene.

https://www.autopia.org/forums/car-d...ter-trick.html

"Kerosene is an oily solvent that will not only remove your wax, it could dry out your plastic trim as well as leave an oily film behind too. Not a good way to wash a car. For the same price, buy a cheap car wash soap."

"Its fine for older cars from 40`s to 70`s but protection stripping could be a problem

But no way should you do this with modern 2K baked enamel, acrylic laquer and other aftermarket paint systems with clearcoat"

[fordomatic]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Not sure I can get on board with the use of Kerosene.

https://www.autopia.org/forums/car-d...ter-trick.html

"Kerosene is an oily solvent that will not only remove your wax, it could dry out your plastic trim as well as leave an oily film behind too. Not a good way to wash a car. For the same price, buy a cheap car wash soap."

"Its fine for older cars from 40`s to 70`s but protection stripping could be a problem

But no way should you do this with modern 2K baked enamel, acrylic laquer and other aftermarket paint systems with clearcoat"

My uncle washes his Kenworth every weekend with kero, pains me to watch, especially when he uses good detailing products on his weekends cars

[bfets]

Yay! Guess what I'm playing with over the weekend.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by bfets

Yay! Guess what I'm playing with over the weekend.
image

Bloody brilliant!

Make sure you clue up on what pad does what. That kit includes three pad types that should have you sorted dealing with a new car.

Shine Mate Yellow - Medium to Heavy cut
Shine Mate Blue - Intermediate, Moderate to light defect removal
Shine Mate Red - Light defect removal and finishing

In most cases when using Scholl S20, I use the blue pad. I also use the gray ultra-soft pad for wax/sealant applications.

At the risk of causing another spending spree and landing you in more trouble with the wife, I would also add a couple of each pad to your war chest so that you have enough of each to go around the whole car.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...31701204795481

Also have a look at Car Crafts video on the Shine Mate cordless polishers -

[bfets]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Bloody brilliant!

Make sure you clue up on what pad does what. That kit includes three pad types that should have you sorted dealing with a new car.

Shine Mate Yellow - Medium to Heavy cut
Shine Mate Blue - Intermediate, Moderate to light defect removal
Shine Mate Red - Light defect removal and finishing

In most cases when using Scholl S20, I use the blue pad. I also use the gray ultra-soft pad for wax/sealant applications.

At the risk of causing another spending spree and landing you in more trouble with the wife, I would also add a couple of each pad to your war chest so that you have enough of each to go around the whole car.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...31701204795481

Also have a look at Car Crafts video on the Shine Mate cordless polishers -

The wife has already started to roll her eyes at me for the last week. Whenever she is looking for me I have my phone in the hand and headset on looking at car detailing and polishing videos. I've been studying the process and taking in as much as I can. She says most people dread washing their car yet I can stare at videos of other people washing cars all night long.

She might be right... I think there is something wrong with me

Anyway, the kit came with the three types of pads, yellow, blue and red. From what I've seen, a safe way to go (and I know one can deviate from this) is to use S30+ and the red pad for polishing/light swirl removal. Use S20 and the blue pad for medium swirls and scratches or anything the red combo doesnt want to remove. And then S2 and the yellow pad, I'll be very careful off because thats for heavy compounding and will remove even more clearcoat.
I know its a complex topic and hard vs soft paint can change things etc. I'll just start with a small section first on my older test car and see how I go. This is exactly why I bought everything now and not later. By the time I get my Mustang I need to be confident and skilled in the detailing world.
In terms of the grey pads... are they really that much softer and gentle than the red ones? I see the red ones are supposed to be used for polishing/finishing.

I must say I really love the Car Craft Auto Detailing channel. Sandro is so awesome in explaining everything. Just a level headed guy with good reasoning and thought processes. Its a pity I dont live in Melbourne or I would have taken my Mustang to him when it arrived. I wish I knew a skilled person like him here in Perth where I am.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by bfets

The wife has already started to roll her eyes at me for the last week. Whenever she is looking for me I have my phone in the hand and headset on looking at car detailing and polishing videos. I've been studying the process and taking in as much as I can. She says most people dread washing their car yet I can stare at videos of other people washing cars all night long.

She might be right... I think there is something wrong with me

Anyway, the kit came with the three types of pads, yellow, blue and red. From what I've seen, a safe way to go (and I know one can deviate from this) is to use S30+ and the red pad for polishing/light swirl removal. Use S20 and the blue pad for medium swirls and scratches or anything the red combo doesnt want to remove. And then S2 and the yellow pad, I'll be very careful off because thats for heavy compounding and will remove even more clearcoat.
I know its a complex topic and hard vs soft paint can change things etc. I'll just start with a small section first on my older test car and see how I go. This is exactly why I bought everything now and not later. By the time I get my Mustang I need to be confident and skilled in the detailing world.
In terms of the grey pads... are they really that much softer and gentle than the red ones? I see the red ones are supposed to be used for polishing/finishing.

I must say I really love the Car Craft Auto Detailing channel. Sandro is so awesome in explaining everything. Just a level headed guy with good reasoning and thought processes. Its a pity I dont live in Melbourne or I would have taken my Mustang to him when it arrived. I wish I knew a skilled person like him here in Perth where I am.

Ha ha, the eye rolling stopped a long time ago in this household, no point now!

YouTube is excellent for this sort of thing. I am a visual person, I learn from seeing what others do in both photos and videos. There is however a degree of "noise" and everyone will have a different take on detailing. So take it all in and follow what makes you comfortable. Sandro is good example of that, he has a great way of showing and explaining what he is doing with a reasoned approach. Every car and it's paint is different, so being able to go with the flow and adapt is crucial.

You are on the right track with pad and polish selection, trialing a small spot first and accessing what needs to used where/when.

As for the grey pads, they are really only needed for use when applying a wax or sealant. Not an essential pad to have as hand application of wax is generally not that hard. However I use my 5 inch machine to apply these products because it's easier to apply a thin, even coating and also as it speeds up the application.

[jgmdat]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I have been using Koch Chemie GSF since December 2020, which I immediately fell in love with due to it's slickness and amazing scent especially. This is a product that just makes washing your so pleasurable.

image

image

image

Due to it's popularity and the troubles with shipping, GSF along with many other Koch Chemie products have been out of stock since mid-2021. A little frustrating on my end, but a massive headache for those who are trying to sell product that is clearly in demand.

I'm told that stock allocated to Australian distributors ended up being diverted to New Zealand due to bottlenecks. As such, product has now been air-freighted into the country, which means a hefty increase in retail prices. So the initial price of a 1 liter bottle of GSF has gone from $39.95 to $69.95!

Even when considering that GSF is on of the best soaps on the market, is it worth $69.95? Probably not, especially considering CarPro Reset is still just on $40 for the same quantity and equally good to use.

Having a good relationship with Detailing Shed, probably the best and most complete detailing supplier in the country, meant I did decide to order some. I'm happy to support this company, I like how they have built up the store to have such a great lineup of products. Other retailers have increased the price to the same figure.

Hey DFB, my bottle has arrived thanks to you again ha ha. How do you dilute for the foam cannon. Now I have this and NV snow, might toss a coin to see which one gets used first.