autogeekonline car wax, car care and auto detailing forum Autogeek on TV
car wax, car care and auto detailing forumAutogeekonline autogeekonline car wax, car care and auto detailing forum HomeForumBlogAutogeek.net StoreDetailing Classes with Mike PhillipsGalleryDetailing How To's
 
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 13
  1. #1
    Junior Member Whalerfreak's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2020
    Posts
    51
    Post Thanks / Like

    Umm... opinions on everything please

    So... I really want to get serious with detailing. I still need a bunch of stuff though and want to put my money where it counts. I’ll try to ask say 5 questions a week... so here goes.

    Steam cleaner
    What is the best overall steam cleaner for my money?

    Ozone generator
    You tell me.

    Pads
    What is the best overall brand of pads? Like for everything from wax to polish

    Clay
    What is the best overall brand? My use will probably need harsher stuff mostly.

    Clay Lube
    Should I just buy it or should I venture to make my own.





    Sent from my iPhone using Autogeekonline mobile app

  2. #2
    Super Member PaulMys's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    Eastern L.I. NY
    Posts
    10,769
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Umm... opinions on everything please

    Hey there, man.

    First, let me help you help yourself....

    This post will not get all of the best replies. Why? Because few will ever take the time to answer your many inquiries in one answer.

    I know the feeling of wanting to learn EVERYTHING. I was there once too. Lol

    Try breaking down your questions to one or two products at a time, and you'll get more replies.

    I promise.
    It is no coincidence that man's best friend cannot talk.

  3. Likes Bruno Soares liked this post
  4. #3
    Super Member WillSports3's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    Toronto, ON
    Posts
    1,453
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Umm... opinions on everything please

    Steam cleaner
    What is the best overall steam cleaner for my money? Probably an industrial strength one, you're looking at some around at least 2k

    Ozone generator
    You tell me. I don't really do interiors that are that bad

    Pads
    What is the best overall brand of pads for polishing and waxing. I use a long throw polisher so I'll use anything made by Lake Country or Buff & Shine made for Long throw. You wanna get crazy, stock literally only Scholl Concept spider pads. Polisher dependant.

    Brushes
    I need brushes for everything what should I get? A lot of brushes. Brushes for wheels, interior, crevices, brushes for tires and general scrubbing tires. Also get a brush pad that goes on a polisher for tires.

    Towels
    What all towels do I need? what of microfiber? What about chamois and other things like that? Everything. You need a lot of drying towels and a lot of general use towels, dedicated wheel/tire ones, interior ones that you can cheap out on kind of, as well as just good quality microfibre.

    Applicator pads
    What do I need for applicator pads Pick the one with the colour you like the most.

    Wax
    Very broad I know but what do I spend my money on. I don't use wax, I pretty much only use coatings. I wax my dads car but thats because he washes his RAV4 with a mop. Not a joke. For my Dads car I have a reserved bottle of McKee High-Def paint sealant. Reason I use it? It smells nice. It's gonna be washed by a mop, so I might as well just make the experience enjoyable for myself.

    Polish
    What kind of polishes do I need? Sonax Cutmax, Sonax Cut and Finish, Sonax Perfect finish. Lot of other choices, this is just mine.

    Soap
    What soaps do I need? I use Reset. Great for coatings, can strip some wax and sealants.

    Dressings
    What about dressings? For tires, trim, and everything else that needs it SiO2 coating. I use Gyeon. For trim, I just use whatever coating I'm using at the time.

    Interior cleaners
    What interior cleaners do I need. You need a good solid APC. CarPro MultiX. Then you need something for the interior, a more gentle cleaner. CarPro Inside or Gyeon Leather Cleaner.

    Iron decon
    What do I invest in? They all work about the same so whichever packaging you like the most.

    Glass cleaner
    What should I use? CarPro Clarify is life changing.

    Wheel cleaner
    What’s the best? APC and iron dissolver.

    Tire cleaner
    Same question. I like Gyeon Tire. Expensive though, but works great to me. Also invest in mineral spirits. Wipe a tire down with some mineral spirits on a rag first, thank me later.

    Degreaser
    You know by now. CarPro Multi-X

    Clay
    What is the best overall brand? My use will probably need harsher stuff mostly. Pick a reputable brand, then pick your favourite colour.

    Clay Lube
    Should I just buy it or should I venture to make my own. Don't be a chemical guy.

    And last but not least...

    Waterless wash
    What is the best waterless wash? I like McKee 37s Rinseless wash, leaves nothing behind. Also Ultima Waterless Wash is pretty top notch. If you get a full three stage correction then maybe Pinnacle Black Label Waterless Wash.

    To be quite frank, This is what I use and I deal with pretty much only coated cars. If you're doing production detail... don't buy any of the stuff I mentioned. It's not worth the price for you if you're doing production detail. But if you have the customer base where you're removing carbon fiber spoilers and bits and pieces off your customers car to put aside and polish individually before re-assembling and hand applying a 5000 dollar SwissVax carnauba wax so your customer can trailer a car to a car show with a winning prize of $100, 000, then maybe look into some of the stuff I'm talking about. I do cars mostly on the side, and it's not my livelihood so I pick and choose. I mostly take on really beat up daily drivers so I can get paid a bit of cash to experiment products on.
    2016 Mazda 3 Sports GT
    2015 Lexus IS250 F Sport

  5. #4
    Super Member WillSports3's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    Toronto, ON
    Posts
    1,453
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Umm... opinions on everything please

    Quote Originally Posted by PaulMys View Post
    Hey there, man.

    First, let me help you help yourself....

    This post will not get all of the best replies. Why? Because few will ever take the time to answer your many inquiries in one answer.

    I know the feeling of wanting to learn EVERYTHING. I was there once too. Lol

    Try breaking down your questions to one or two products at a time, and you'll get more replies.

    I promise.
    Sorry had to prove you wrong Paul.
    2016 Mazda 3 Sports GT
    2015 Lexus IS250 F Sport

  6. Likes PaulMys, Jayfro liked this post
  7. #5
    Junior Member Whalerfreak's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2020
    Posts
    51
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Umm... opinions on everything please

    Quote Originally Posted by Whalerfreak View Post
    So... I really want to get serious with detailing. I still need a bunch of stuff though and want to put my money where it counts. I’ll try to ask say 5 questions a week... so here goes.

    Steam cleaner
    What is the best overall steam cleaner for my money?

    Ozone generator
    You tell me.

    Pads
    What is the best overall brand of pads? Like for everything from wax to polish

    Clay
    What is the best overall brand? My use will probably need harsher stuff mostly.

    Clay Lube
    Should I just buy it or should I venture to make my own.





    Sent from my iPhone using Autogeekonline mobile app
    Here’s the improved version


    Sent from my iPhone using Autogeekonline mobile app

  8. #6
    Super Member spazzz's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    Madison
    Posts
    1,013
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Umm... opinions on everything please

    Quote Originally Posted by Whalerfreak View Post
    Here’s the improved version


    Sent from my iPhone using Autogeekonline mobile app
    I use the multiple mitt method of washing. When I clay before polishing I save a mitt to slop soap water ahead of my claying work area.
    I like this better than any clay lube I have used so far. After you are done just rinse.

    Lake Country pads cover the gamut.

  9. #7
    Regular Member Epilogts's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
    Location
    Boulder, CO
    Posts
    168
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Umm... opinions on everything please

    I’m mostly a lurker here but have been compiling lists about what many around here have recommended or have had exceptional experience with.

    We’ll see how I do...

    Quote Originally Posted by Whalerfreak View Post
    So... I really want to get serious with detailing. I still need a bunch of stuff though and want to put my money where it counts so that being said IÂ’ll launch in.
    Pads
    What is the best overall brand of pads for polishing and waxing
    Brand:
    Lake County
    Rupes,
    Scholl



    Brushes
    I need brushes for everything what should I get?
    Detail Factory,
    Race Glaze,
    takaVu,
    Speedmaster


    Towels
    What all towels do I need? what of microfiber? What about chamois and other things like that?
    Ha Ha Ha... so many... all for different usages
    Cobra
    The Rag Company
    Griots


    Wax
    Very broad I know but what do I spend my money on.
    How much money you got?
    -Waxes
    Wolfgang Fuzion
    Dodo juice blue velvet pro hard wax
    Fusso Soft 99
    Collinite 476s

    -Sealants
    Wolfgangs DGPS 3.0 or SiO2 sealant
    Jescar powerlock


    Soap
    What soaps do I need?
    -Non coated
    Duragloss 903
    Wolfgangs Uber Si02

    Optimum No Rinse (ONR)

    -coated
    Carpro Reset
    Angelwax Enigma
    Gyeon Bathe+


    Dressings
    What about dressings? For tires, trim, and everything else that needs it
    Ultima Tire and Trim (UTTG)

    Interior cleaners
    What interior cleaners do I need.
    P&S Xpress(cleaner does not protect)

    Protectant
    Wolfgang Trim Sealant
    Ultima Tire and Trim (UTTG)

    Iron decon
    What do I invest in?
    IronX


    Glass cleaner
    What should I use?
    AutoGlym Fast Glass
    Meguires D12
    0

    Wheel cleaner
    What’s the best?
    P&S Brake Buster
    Duragloss 821
    Meguiar’s non-acid wheel cleaner


    Tire cleaner
    Same question.
    Blackfire Tire and Wheel cleaner
    Ultima TTGP

    Degreaser
    You know by now.
    Optimum Power Clean

    Clay
    What is the best overall brand? My use will probably need harsher stuff mostly.
    Ha, Ha... lots of opinions
    Clay Magic
    Pinnacle
    Adams

    Clay Lube
    Should I just buy it or should I venture to make my own.
    Optimum No Rinse


    And last but not least...

    Waterless wash
    What is the best waterless wash?
    Optimum No Rinse (ONR)


  10. #8
    Super Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Posts
    245
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Umm... opinions on everything please

    This is kind of a loaded question. If everyone on this forum answered. You will more than likely get a different answer from each member. The best for me may not necessarily be the best to everyone else. Try different products and see what fits you best.

    The steamer really depends on your budget. You have options in the range of $100 - $15k.

    Pads: Lake Country would be a good starting point.

    Clay: I would recommend a good clay mitt

    Clay lube: you really have no need for a dedicated clay lube. ONR makes for a great clay lube and has other uses.
    Good luck to you

  11. Likes dcjredline liked this post
  12. #9
    Mike Phillips
    Guest

    Re: Umm... opinions on everything please

    Quote Originally Posted by Whalerfreak View Post


    So... I really want to get serious with detailing. I still need a bunch of stuff though and want to put my money where it counts. I’ll try to ask say 5 questions a week... so here goes.

    Steam cleaner
    What is the best overall steam cleaner for my money?
    If it were me I would get the Vapor Chief Refill 100 Steam Cleaner.

    Review and how-to: Vapor Chief Steam Cleaners by Mike Phillips




    Quote Originally Posted by Whalerfreak View Post

    Ozone generator
    You tell me.
    Autogeek.com at this time does not carry ozone machines. My guess is, when it comes to this technology, you get what you pay for.




    Quote Originally Posted by Whalerfreak View Post

    Pads
    What is the best overall brand of pads? Like for everything from wax to polish
    Lake Country
    Buff & Shine
    RUPES
    Griot's

    It's kind of hard to tell you what brand of pad to get if you don't also let us know what polisher you have?:




    Quote Originally Posted by Whalerfreak View Post

    Clay
    What is the best overall brand? My use will probably need harsher stuff mostly.
    Speed Master Clay Towel with a CAVEAT - I don't use clay or clay substitutes on anyone's car unless I'm ALREADY planning on doing at least one machine polishing step.


    Review: Speed Master Clay Towel and Clay Mitt





    Quote Originally Posted by Whalerfreak View Post

    Clay Lube

    Should I just buy it or should I venture to make my own.
    I normally use SONAX Glass Cleaner.



  13. #10
    Super Member dcjredline's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Upstate NY
    Posts
    3,340
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Umm... opinions on everything please

    Problem with your question is that "the best" means different things to different people. There also is really no universally one best of anything. Some have good luck with a certain product and others have no luck with it. Id say just start reading through the forums. Pick a couple brands and buy the small bottles of the products and try them out...then buy the bigger bottles when you find one you like best. Wish I could give you a one size fits all list man. Good luck
    "Dirt likes detergent so much better than the surface that it's attached to, it'll leave that surface to go hang out with the soap"...aim4squirrels

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. Opinions on wet dry vac?
    By Davidle1787 in forum Auto Detailing 101
    Replies: 21
    Last Post: 10-08-2013, 10:16 PM
  2. Opinions - please let me know what you think!
    By Mg82 in forum Auto Detailing 101
    Replies: 15
    Last Post: 01-05-2012, 10:18 AM
  3. Opinions please!!!
    By Dr Oldz in forum Auto Detailing 101
    Replies: 17
    Last Post: 10-07-2010, 08:50 PM
  4. Need opinions
    By HotRod in forum Auto Detailing 101
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 05-16-2008, 03:09 AM
  5. Need opinions on my car
    By Dark_Tempest in forum Auto Detailing 101
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 03-22-2008, 09:16 PM

Members who have read this thread: 0

There are no members to list at the moment.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

» March 2024

S M T W T F S
2526272829 1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31 123456