Car Detailing - What products are your go to?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by DJM83

Thoughts on this product.
https://www.autoglym.com.au/polar-blast
image
Bought it as i ran out of NV Snow and didnt really find anything else i wanted locally. And i was too late ordering online
Used it on the better halves car. It was fairly dirty and i feel it was average.
I might try it on my car which only has a light layer of dust
Also bought their foaming car wash which i found worked pretty well.

I was scarred for life after using their terrible Bodywork Shampoo Conditioner, so haven't bothered with any of their newer soaps.

I think the best auto-store soap on the market is Gyeon Bathe, but that isn't offered in larger quantities at Repco, just the tiny 400ml bottle.
https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-pa...g_q=hyper+wash

While I haven't used it for a long time now, I do remember enjoying Meguiar's NXT, which is on clearance at Supercheap at the moment.
https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...cgid=SCA010112

If your Repco has stock, Meguiar's Hyper Wash is apparently very good. From what I have learned, it's not pH neutral, leaning slightly alkaline at around 8.5 or so. Super thick like NXT though, making it harder to measure out.
https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-pa...001/p/A5466213

And, against my normal Chemical Guys stance, their soaps are apparently very good. I have a mate who swears by Honeydew Snow Foam, and Mr. Pink is good also.
https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...cgid=SCA010112
https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...cgid=SCA010112

Like the Meg's though, the CG soaps are pretty overpriced for what they are. When you look at what NV Snow offers for the money, even when shipping is factored in, it's such a remarkable product for price and performance.

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I was scarred for life after using their terrible Bodywork Shampoo Conditioner, so haven't bothered with any of their newer soaps.

I think the best auto-store soap on the market is Gyeon Bathe, but that isn't offered in larger quantities at Repco, just the tiny 400ml bottle.
https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-pa...g_q=hyper+wash

While I haven't used it for a long time now, I do remember enjoying Meguiar's NXT, which is on clearance at Supercheap at the moment.
https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...cgid=SCA010112

If your Repco has stock, Meguiar's Hyper Wash is apparently very good. From what I have learned, it's not pH neutral, leaning slightly alkaline at around 8.5 or so. Super thick like NXT though, making it harder to measure out.
https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-pa...001/p/A5466213

And, against my normal Chemical Guys stance, their soaps are apparently very good. I have a mate who swears by Honeydew Snow Foam, and Mr. Pink is good also.
https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...cgid=SCA010112
https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...cgid=SCA010112

Like the Meg's though, the CG soaps are pretty overpriced for what they are. When you look at what NV Snow offers for the money, even when shipping is factored in, it's such a remarkable product for price and performance.

Polar blast
I used it on my ute, although as i said it was hardly dirty as not been driven, worked well.

But on the missus car, it battled to removed much if anything.

Lesson learned.
Ill order some more NV Snow next week, ive loved the results its delivered. Even on missus car thats driven daily i agree its one of the best ive used.

The foam wash isnt 'too' bad ill admit. But had its work cut out on a dirty car, and the foaming aspect wasnt that great.

[stannoplan]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I think the best auto-store soap on the market is Gyeon Bathe, but that isn't offered in larger quantities at Repco, just the tiny 400ml bottle.
https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-pa...g_q=hyper+wash

Fully agree.

A few drops of Bathe to prime my TRC Cyclone wash pad and its super slick and sudsy. I am preferring it over Snow and Reset when the car is relatively clean and only dusty. A bargain when Repco have the 30% off, its around $22. Another hidden gem is their Gyeon Restart, I find it freshens the coating up similar to Reset but smellier and sudsier. To complete the trio I am waiting for the next sale to try the Gyeon Bathe+ for my friends who don't coat their cars.

Also, Autobarn (https://autobarn.com.au/ab/search/?text=303 have the superb Aerospace Protectant and Graphene Nano Graphene Sealant (as recommended by Sandro) at 25% off . Its a pretty good saving. You can see the black graphene in the sealant and you need to let it flash to white over 5-10mins. The result was very nice gloss and slickness, I will see how it beads and lasts.

[DFB FGXR6]

Latest article on a topic that I find so fascinating, vehicle decontamination -

https://detailingshed.com.au/blogs/a...inate-your-car

If there is one area of detailing where I have evolved the most in recent years, save for pressure washing, it's the preparation of the paint prior to polishing and the application of an LSP, ie decontamination.

I remember my first uses of a clay bar back in the mid-2000's, a California Gold Clay Bar kit sold at Autobarn.



At the time, I thought that using a clay bar was 100% necessary 100% of the time. When in fact the use of a clay bar is best used on as-needed basis. Truth be told, I never liked using a traditional clay bar, they are hard to manage and just feel all wrong. Naturally, they still have their place on heavier contamination.

But with so many advancements in both chemical and clay technologies, using a lump of clay is increasingly less likely these days. Listening to a chemical expert talking about this subject the other day confirmed my thoughts on the whole decontamination topic. To truly decontaminate your car, you need to tackle the problem from different angles in order to remove each type of contamination effectively and deliver that clean slate to work from.

Hence the topic of the article, exploring a more holistic approach rather than washing the car with a strip wash, rubbing the paint with a clay bar and calling it done.

[DFB FGXR6]

Unveiled pre-SEMA, Rupes have finally joined the battery party with the release of the HLR-15 and HLR-21.

https://www.rupes.com/new-bigfoot-ib...s-hlr21-hlr15/



While the electric LHR-15 and LHR-21 are widely considered the benchmark long-throw polishers, Rupes have been conspicuously absent from the larger battery powered sector.

Rupes launched their first battery powered polisher many years ago, the revolutionary iBrid Nano. The term iBrid refers to the dual power ability, running on battery or as a corded machine.



That same iBrid concept continued with the 3-inch HLR-75, or the "Stiletto" in reference to its rather unique design.



Rupes are now finally fleshing out the range with the HLR-15 and HLR-21. I say finally because the likes of Flex, ShineMate and Milwaukee have had a big head start with their battery powered 3, 5 and 6-inch dual action polishers.



Considering how late they are, here's hoping that has allowed Rupes to study the market and build the best possible machine. Prices have yet to be announced locally, but I would expect these two to be $1200 to $1500 machines, perhaps even more.





For a hobbyist, I still think the ShineMate machines provide a better value proposition, although Flex seems more competitively priced compared to when I went shopping a few years ago. So, it will be interesting to see how the new Rupes duo will land on the market.

[fordomatic]

Sister dropped off her 2008 Subaru Impreza RS today. My job is to prepare it for sale. Manual, 140,000km, pretty clean for its age, she’s the second owner. I corrected it 11 years ago, checked out the paint today and it’s not actually that bad. Plan is for a one step with minimal decon as the buyer won’t appreciate it, just need to make it shiny. Needs a deep clean as well. Will do my best to document as I go and share the pics.

She offered it to me for 4k, was tempting to use as a daily for about 5 seconds.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by fordomatic

Sister dropped off her 2008 Subaru Impreza RS today. My job is to prepare it for sale. Manual, 140,000km, pretty clean for its age, she’s the second owner. I corrected it 11 years ago, checked out the paint today and it’s not actually that bad. Plan is for a one step with minimal decon as the buyer won’t appreciate it, just need to make it shiny. Needs a deep clean as well. Will do my best to document as I go and share the pics.

She offered it to me for 4k, was tempting to use as a daily for about 5 seconds.

Do you have an all-in-one product, that could be a real time saver.

Believe it or not, I have a gen-3 Forester booked for a pre-sale in a couple of weeks. I'll never get it perfect, but the aim is to get the paint nice and glossy so it presents well for the sale.

While I have some Carpro Essence in stock, I want to try the Uno-Protect + Bead Maker combo. Uno-Protect can be used on varying foam or wool pads depending on what sort of cut you need.

https://sydneytools.com.au/product/r...sh-and-sealant
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ru...32113941184601

The method is to work your way around the car, panel by panel without wiping the residue off. By the time you have worked the last section, the sealant will have bonded on the first, you then mist the panel with Bead Maker and wipe the residue, again, panel by panel.





The Bead Maker aids the removal of the Uno-Protect, while bonding to the sealant and giving a huge increase in gloss. You won't achieve the highest level of correction, but that's not the goal.

In theory, you could do the same with Essence, teamed with EliXir as the wipe off agent.

[fordomatic]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Do you have an all-in-one product, that could be a real time saver.

Believe it or not, I have a gen-3 Forester booked for a pre-sale in a couple of weeks. I'll never get it perfect, but the aim is to get the paint nice and glossy so it presents well for the sale.

While I have some Carpro Essence in stock, I want to try the Uno-Protect + Bead Maker combo. Uno-Protect can be used on varying foam or wool pads depending on what sort of cut you need.

https://sydneytools.com.au/product/r...sh-and-sealant
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ru...32113941184601

The method is to work your way around the car, panel by panel without wiping the residue off. By the time you have worked the last section, the sealant will have bonded on the first, you then mist the panel with Bead Maker and wipe the residue, again, panel by panel.





The Bead Maker aids the removal of the Uno-Protect, while bonding to the sealant and giving a huge increase in gloss. You won't achieve the highest level of correction, but that's not the goal.

In theory, you could do the same with Essence, teamed with EliXir as the wipe off agent.

Hey mate, I was actually just going to use Rupes UNO by itself. I'll need to use something with more cut for the roof as it has scratches all over it from something like a box that was left on there, and a couple smaller scratches down drivers side. Might get some beadmaker and give it a go. I'll break my rule though as i've always said i'll never buy beadmaker haha.

[stannoplan]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

While I have some Carpro Essence in stock, I want to try the Uno-Protect + Bead Maker combo. Uno-Protect can be used on varying foam or wool pads depending on what sort of cut you need.

I can confirm that Essence and either Beadmaker or Mirch Detail Bliss works pretty well as a combo. I keep coming back to Essence as it can cut reasonably well using a URO fibre pad and finishes super nice with an Orange or White pad.

Love to see and hear your UNO-Protect experience.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by fordomatic

Hey mate, I was actually just going to use Rupes UNO by itself. I'll need to use something with more cut for the roof as it has scratches all over it from something like a box that was left on there, and a couple smaller scratches down drivers side. Might get some beadmaker and give it a go. I'll break my rule though as i've always said i'll never buy beadmaker haha.

From what I have learned, Uno-Protect can do some real work when teamed with a wool pad, Rupes even suggest the heavy cut blue wool pad will work fine. Your other option would be to spot treat those sections with something more aggressive. I would expect the Uno-Protect with an appropriate pad would deal pretty well with soft Japanese paint.

With Bead Maker, I get it. That product is a victim of its success and I think people expect too much from it. Bead Maker is a polymer sealant rather than a ceramic sealant, longevity will never be its strong suit. It can be a bear sometimes, but that is normally Bead Maker not playing well with what has been laid down previously. The Uno-Protect-Bead Maker combo is proven to work though. But the gloss, slickness and scent are the hallmarks.

For that size of car, you would probably get by with the 473ml bottle, but you do need to be generous with the application, so probably go the 946ml size to be sure. You never know, you may end up loving it?

Just be careful with you towels, wash them ASAP afterwards, both Bead Maker and Uno-Protect will turn them into product pushers if allowed to dry in the fibers.

[bfets]

https://cerakoteceramics.com/cerakot...paint-coating/

Cerakote has released their own ceramic coating and has a 40% discount at the moment. You can get a kit with two bottles shipped to Australia for around $140.
A friend and I am sharing a kit which means its essentially $70 per bottle. I'm going to use this as a practice coating on a less important car. A dip my toe into ceramic coating pond so to speak.

[prydey]

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/carpro-clarifyphobic

Anyone familiar with this product?

I currently have carpro clarify as my glass cleaner. I know it doesn't rate that high on most glass cleaning lists but it works ok. The only issue I find is although the glass looks invisible after cleaning, sometimes in the sun glare etc you can see the wipe marks across the screen.

I think I'll give it a go.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by prydey

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/carpro-clarifyphobic

Anyone familiar with this product?

I currently have carpro clarify as my glass cleaner. I know it doesn't rate that high on most glass cleaning lists but it works ok. The only issue I find is although the glass looks invisible after cleaning, sometimes in the sun glare etc you can see the wipe marks across the screen.

I think I'll give it a go.

Sorry for the delay, paying the bills today.

ClarifyPhobic is a brand-new product from Carpro, announced alongside a selection of new releases at SEMA this week. So, you will be one of the first to try it.

The only thing I have tried like that is Opti-Coat Glass Clean & Protect. If you don't have a glass coating, then using something like this will add some hydrophobics to the glass. On coated glass, it's like a topper for the coating.

https://www.zas.com.au/product/911/o...ect_473ml.html
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...-protect-504ml



Definitely don't use these products for interior glass, especially on window tint films.

Capro Clarify (the regular version) doesn't get much love, but I don't mind it.

This goes against my usual MO, but the best glass cleaner is readily available at Supercheap/Autobarn, Stoner Invisible Glass. No scent and no colorant, its just a glass cleaner.

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...gid=SCA8003855
https://autobarn.com.au/ab/Autobarn-...002-/p/CC05886

[prydey]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Sorry for the delay,...

This goes against my usual MO, but the best glass cleaner is readily available at Supercheap/Autobarn, Stoner Invisible Glass. No scent and no colorant, its just a glass cleaner.

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...gid=SCA8003855
https://autobarn.com.au/ab/Autobarn-...002-/p/CC05886

No need to apologise.

I was aware stoners is generally the 'go to' glass cleaner but I don't get around much so wasn't aware it was available locally. I'm assuming that would work equally as well in non automotive applications so might grab some of that too.

I'm also aware that with so many good products across various brands you really can't be a brand snob when it comes to car care however there's something about the carpro branding that appeals to me so I'll probably still buy some of their new glass cleaner.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by prydey

No need to apologise.

I was aware stoners is generally the 'go to' glass cleaner but I don't get around much so wasn't aware it was available locally. I'm assuming that would work equally as well in non automotive applications so might grab some of that too.

I'm also aware that with so many good products across various brands you really can't be a brand snob when it comes to car care however there's something about the carpro branding that appeals to me so I'll probably still buy some of their new glass cleaner.

Not going to lie, Carpro appeals to me for the performance AND the look of their branding.

Invisible Glass is perfectly safe for exterior and interior glass and is tint safe. My other favorites are Gyeon Q2M Glass (available at Repco as well) and P&S True Vue (available in concentrate or RTU).

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...41186137440415
https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-pa...ch=q2m%20glass

[DFB FGXR6]

With CEMA in full swing, various brands hold back new product launches for the event. Carpro and Gyeon have been most prolific this year.

The following are Carpro's latest additions to the lineup, which for a change are actually available right NOW. (Normally, it takes 2 to 4 months before they arrive)

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...ted-descending











The new coatings look interesting, in particular Dquartz GO, the consumer version of the nano-diamond coating that launched last year for professional use only. G-Force is a new glass coating, although I'm not sure if it replaces FlyByForte.

[DFB FGXR6]

Gyeon's SEMA release is extensive, starting with a redesigned labeling system for all current and new products.



The new products are basically additions that didn't already exist within the line.







The Total Remover sounds interesting, apparently strong enough to remove just about anything on the paint, including a ceramic coating. Probably not for the average/occasional detailer.



ECO Wash will definitely be on my shopping list, a new rinse-less / water-less wash / drying aid concentrate.

[CyberWasp]

Thanks for the updates on these products.

I don't know why, but I was thinking CarPro might have done some sort of incremental improvement on their Hydro2.
Not that it really needs it, just that it has been around a while now and there is plenty of competition now in that market that it didn't have when it 1st came out.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

Thanks for the updates on these products.

I don't know why, but I was thinking CarPro might have done some sort of incremental improvement on their Hydro2.
Not that it really needs it, just that it has been around a while now and there is plenty of competition now in that market that it didn't have when it 1st came out.

I think their focus has been on filling gaps in the lineup, as well as expanding into the PPF film and tool sector.

[DFB FGXR6]

A couple of extra Carpro items surfaced last night -



I'd be up for this wheel brush............





Gyeon also added revealed a new interior Purify line. No readily available images at this time, if you are on Facebook, then follow this link -

https://www.facebook.com/gyeonofficial

"CLEAN. PROTECT. MAINTAIN.
REMOVE AND PREVENT BACTERIA, MICROBES & FUNGI.
REMOVE ODOURS AND UNWANTED SMELLS."

[DFB FGXR6]

Ok, it would seem Carpro's new G-Force glass coating is based on the nano-diamond technology, and only requires a single application compared to the older FlyBy Forte, which required multiple layers.

[DFB FGXR6]

Koch Chemie (KCx) have been busy too.

The biggest news being that KCx have acquired ColourLock Leather Care, absorbing the company with the intent of taking the brand to the next level.

Some of the following products surface pre-SEMA, but worth mentioning.

First, an alkaline wheel cleaner to rival Brake Buster and Megs D143.



Next, a new line of exterior brushes with removable heads.









A ceramic foaming soap (ala Carpro Hydr02 Foam)



Reactivation Shampoo is a highly acidic coating maintenance soap, apparently even stronger than Carpro Descale.



A new high-gloss tyre dressing -

[DFB FGXR6]

Over the last week, with several brands uncovering new products at SEMA, it's perplexing to me why very little to none of this is represented on the brands websites. And if they do, it's either hidden or hard to find.

Perhaps being a trade show, providing easily digested information to the general public is not top of mind, rather the show being a place for retailers to touch and feel new products before they become available. Now, that theory would have made sense 30 years ago and pre-internet, but that really doesn't apply with the way news and information is shared globally these days.

And get this, both Gyeon and Carpro did not even have a stand at SEMA, all of their announcements were made digitally. And yet, the Carpro website is completely missing any mention of the new products, only a shielded teaser image, and Gyeon has provided only minimal coverage.

So, if a nut job "professional shopper" like me can't track down information, how the hell is anyone else?

This topic is covered in the below video, a channel I tend to avoid, but I couldn't help but agree with pretty much everything he was saying.

[DFB FGXR6]

Two of Meguiar's newest additions represent the brands first ceramic coatings.

First off, M888 Professional Ceramic Paint Coating -

https://www.meguiars.com/professiona...coating-m88800

From what I have learned, this is a product that failed to launch several years ago but has resurfaced with the M888 product code. Available from January in the US, from all accounts it sounds like it will be expensive.













Secondly, the consumer-friendly ceramic coating. Sitting in the Ultimate range, Ultimate Ceramic Coating is a "ultra-durable cutting-edge ceramic protection with excellent water beading, while also increasing gloss, slickness, and concealing minor paint defects."

https://www.meguiars.com/automotive/...mic-protection

In effect, this is basically a Gyeon Can Coat EVO competitor, with a similar application. Ultimately, it also replaces the dud Hybrid Paint Coating that was priced out of the market and discontinued earlier this year.













In both cases, no durability claims are made other than "multi-year" or "durability beyond wax".

I will be interested to see how these two products sell. Going by past attempts, they struggled to sell due to the lack of visibility in the market and high purchase prices.

[DFB FGXR6]

Sandro's review of the new Carpro Skin Care Kit -

[CyberWasp]

You left out the most important of releases from Armor All......

Yes I am joking but I can't figure out how to get their photos off Instagram to post.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

You left out the most important of releases from Armor All......

Yes I am joking but I can't figure out how to get their photos off Instagram to post.

Hmmm, I don't think we're missing out on much.

[DFB FGXR6]

Latest delivery, restocking InnerQD and OG Drying Aid, TriX is new to me and the rest in anticipation of the next project.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...c6833ddd&_ss=r

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ca...40057471336537
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ca...iant=702361585
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ru...32113755422809
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ru...32113755291737
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ru...32113941184601



I'm also trying to find a small drying aid towel to sit alongside the medium Gauntlet. I've been using FTW's but find them too grabby, the Creature is not holding softness, the Eagle Edgeless doesn't really work well for drying. In this instance, I'm trying the Minx Royal, the small 30x30 Gauntlet and the Platinum Pluffle.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...9943420d&_ss=r
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...b8ed75f2&_ss=r
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...4cc0d5a0&_ss=r



The Minx was the first to be ruled out, too grabby. As expected, the small Gauntlet is brilliant, the Platinum Pluffle seems to be the softest of the trio. Leaning toward the P/P at this stage.

With that, after a purge last year, I seem to have too many towels again. Not sure what to do with the surplus, too good to throw out or relegate to the rag pile, but at the same time they are taking up space for towels I do like.

[bangm001]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Hmmm, I don't think we're missing out on much.

HAHA! Come on now, it was probably armor all that got us into detailing cars in our early days! Don't deny it!! HAHA!

[fordomatic]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Latest delivery, restocking InnerQD and OG Drying Aid, TriX is new to me and the rest in anticipation of the next project.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...c6833ddd&_ss=r

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ca...40057471336537
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ca...iant=702361585
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ru...32113755422809
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ru...32113755291737
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ru...32113941184601

image

I'm also trying to find a small drying aid towel to sit alongside the medium Gauntlet. I've been using FTW's but find them too grabby, the Creature is not holding softness, the Eagle Edgeless doesn't really work well for drying. In this instance, I'm trying the Minx Royal, the small 30x30 Gauntlet and the Platinum Pluffle.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...9943420d&_ss=r
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...b8ed75f2&_ss=r
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...4cc0d5a0&_ss=r

image

The Minx was the first to be ruled out, too grabby. As expected, the small Gauntlet is brilliant, the Platinum Pluffle seems to be the softest of the trio. Leaning toward the P/P at this stage.

With that, after a purge last year, I seem to have too many towels again. Not sure what to do with the surplus, too good to throw out or relegate to the rag pile, but at the same time they are taking up space for towels I do like.

I’ll buy some off you mate, I dropped two last week on the concrete, $50 down the drain.

Impreza update, got the rear spoiler repainted, I took it off and took it in. They did the job well but when I got it back one of the two screw mounts are missing. I left it in as it takes a bit to pull it out, rang them and of course they said it wasn’t them that lost it. $164 from Subaru for a tiny screw, I reckon I’m going to sikka it in, but I really don’t like being stuffed around by inadequate businesses that won’t take ownership of mistakes. It’s like I’m dealing with my 4 year old.

Negative review on google will hurt them, also my recommendation to plenty of mates not to go there anymore.