New To Detailing a Car - Which Products Should I Consider?
Folks,
I finally have a garage, and ready to start taking washing/waxing my own car. Any advice on products to use, from washing to waxing? Here is what I have so far:
Car:
Alfa Romeo Gulia
Vesuvio Gray Metallic
Products I Currently Have:
Foam Cannon
Wash Bucket with Grit Guard
Microfiber towels
I'm looking for advice on what to purchase from wash up to waxing. I prefer to do this by hand, rather than a buffer, because I'm scared of ruining my car with one. Thanks to everyone in advance for any advice!
Appreciate any help!
-Bill
Re: New To Detailing a Car - Which Products Should I Consider?
Don't be scared of using a DA machine. It's the only way to get your cars paint corrected in the proper manner.
They really are "idiot proof". Please do a little reading/video watching on these machines. You won't regret it.
As for product recommendation, oh boy......... You're going to get as many opinions on that as there are members on here.
A quick list of my favorites include:
*Griot's synthetic clay and/or NanoSkin sponges.
*Griot's Speed Shine (QD + clay lube)
*Meguires Hyper Wash car soap, or Optimum Car Wash.
*Griot's 6" polisher w/5" backing plate.
*Lake Country flat pads. (5.5")
*3D Speed (formally HD Speed).
*Griot's Creams. (Fast Correcting, Correcting, Perfecting).
*Collinite 476s wax. (845 is also popular).
*Wolfgang Exterior Trim Sealant. (WETS) or McKee's Trim restorer.
Re: New To Detailing a Car - Which Products Should I Consider?
Thanks, appreciate the reply. Should I clay the car, given it's new?
Re: New To Detailing a Car - Which Products Should I Consider?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
757CA
Thanks, appreciate the reply. Should I clay the car, given it's new?
Do "the baggie test".
Slip a plastic baggie over your hand, and feel the paint with your fingers. Does it feel rough? If so, you should use a clay or synthetic.
If you do clay, It is generally accepted as "best practice" to machine polish afterward, but not a 100% must.
Re: New To Detailing a Car - Which Products Should I Consider?
If you can swing it take one of Mike Phillips classes. I’m a hobbyist and was overwhelmed when I started detailing 1.5 years ago so I took his class last June and the rest is history.
Re: New To Detailing a Car - Which Products Should I Consider?
I'm new to the modern scene of detailing and its plethora of products, but hands down the best thing I have bought (so far) are the Griot's PFM drying towels. They are simply amazing !
Re: New To Detailing a Car - Which Products Should I Consider?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
57Rambler
I'm new to the modern scene of detailing and its plethora of products, but hands down the best thing I have bought (so far) are the Griot's PFM drying towels. They are simply amazing !
Glad you didn't balk on them like I did for a long time.
Still kicking myself.
It's been a few years now, and I am still amazed every time I dry the truck.
Re: New To Detailing a Car - Which Products Should I Consider?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
757CA
Folks,
I finally have a garage, and ready to start taking washing/waxing my own car. Any advice on products to use, from washing to waxing? Here is what I have so far:
Car:
Alfa Romeo Gulia
Vesuvio Gray Metallic
Products I Currently Have:
Foam Cannon
Wash Bucket with Grit Guard
Microfiber towels
I'm looking for advice on what to purchase from wash up to waxing. I prefer to do this by hand, rather than a buffer, because I'm scared of ruining my car with one. Thanks to everyone in advance for any advice!
Appreciate any help!
-Bill
:welcome: to AGO!
pick up a DA, they are safe and you'll get the hang of it no time. trust me, you'll wish you would of picked one up a lot sooner (it's now or never, right?). guaranteed!!
some great info below, please check these out if you haven't already...
Here's what you need to get into machine polishing - Recommendations for a beginner by Mike Phillips
How To Detail Your Brand New Car by Mike Phillips
Re: New To Detailing a Car - Which Products Should I Consider?
If you want to use hand applied products, consider Zymol HD Cleanse to remove paint defects, and one of the waxes to finish with.
Very easy to work with, and the results may surprise you.
Re: New To Detailing a Car - Which Products Should I Consider?
Thanks guys! Appreciate all the advice!