Hi all,

 

As I've just got the car back I've found myself buying all these lotions and potions for cleaning and detailing the car.

 

I have a few friends who are in to this in a big way and take 3-4 days cleaning a car.

 

Im not going that far in to it but i have bought some nice products and though some advice im just keeping the products to a minimum.

 

Just thought I'd ask if anyone else is in to detailing and what products you use?

 

There is so much out there and I'm finding a lot of it conflicting and confusing.

My routine as such now is:

Pressure wash.

Snow foam.

Pressure wash.

Lamb wool wash mitt with 2 bucket method with grit guards.

Dry off with microfiber drying towel's.

Polish

Wax

Sealant

And that's without all the different lotions and potions for trims wheels windows etc.

 

I'm finding all these different types of microfiber towel's abit to much do you ever notice much difference between the grades?

 

Won't be long and I'll get bored of this and let the guys in tesco car park to wash it lol

 

 

Thanks Dan

Edited August 21, 201510 yr by GIBSTER-TT

Bucket of water and a sponge that's all i use

Speak to Max at Fairfield...... He valets the new and used BMW's for them......... and is very experienced......

I am getting him to do a full valet and detail on mine before heading up to JAE....

I rarely wet-wash my Z as it seldom gets dirt on it, just very light brake dust and flies. I mostly do quick 10 minute wipedown with Megs quick detailer after I've driven it. What's underneath has a good 4 or 5 coats of wax on it.

 

I do have quite a lot of kit in the garage though for all sorts of applications. The main manufacturers I use are Zymol (the wax and leather cleaner), Autoglym glass polish and SRP, I also have some Collinite 476. I have Balglom Alu and Autosol metal cleaners. I don't use wheel sealants as I find that a quality wax generally does the job as my car doesn't see harsh environments - so I apply Zymol wax to the wheels. I have Gummi Pflege Stift rubber care stick for window trims, in terms of tyre dressing, I have found a dirt cheap tyre wax spray that makes a mess, but leaves the tyres super glossy - only good for car shows really.

 

I rarely clay it as it just never gets the chance to pick up any contaminants, I don't snowfloam, again for that reason and I don't use the 2BM / grit guard as again, it just never gets large particles stuck to it and it's always garaged.

Edited August 22, 201510 yr by Funkysi

Danny, look up AMMO NYC on YouTube. Larry does some great educational vids about methods, techniques and products. Some really good stuff on there which will help you keep your new paint looking amazing

I don't bother with snow foam or pressure-washing - my cars generally don't get dirty enough to need that; and they are always sporting a few coats of wax, which keeps them cleaner. That said, I might pressure-wash the underside and wheel arches during the winter to prevent mud and salt build-up.

 

Zymol car shampoo is fantastic - and smells great too - plus it does not strip off your wax:wink: And after taking advice from Peach on here, I apply Chemical Guys Jet Seal after polishing but before waxing. 2 coats of Jet Seal, leave for 24 hours and then apply a decent carnauba wax - and for the hell of it, I'll re-apply the wax every 4-6 weeks on the SLK and Land Rover; but 3 monthly on the Zed (as it's not outside every day). I currently use Valet Pro Beading Marvellous - and it is...... Plus at £30 on Ebay, it's a bargain!

Just as I'm gearing myself up for a big clean using all these techniques and products the weather has been shocking. Oh well maybe next year lol

 

I see zymol products in Costco but wasn't sure on the brand as it's all new to me.

 

So you apply a sealant before a wax? I thought it was the other way round?

 

I'm waiting to use Auto glym HD wax and the soft 99 fosso sealant.

 

Thanks Dan

Edited August 24, 201510 yr by GIBSTER-TT

Poorboys stuff is very good and reasonably priced. No fancy labels etc but the products are great. Actually learning how to apply polish makes a big difference.

I'm a fan of poorboys stuff I have the tyre dress and clay bar lube.

I've read some apply wax in backwards and forwards motions rather than circular motion

Most people wipe it on, let it dry then wipe it off. Failing completely to polish anything.

if anyone is up for it a step by step guide for us detailing virgins would be nice ...