Car Detailing - What products are your go to? - Page 90

**DFB FGXR6** · 11-09-2023, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by real time

@dbf have you any recommendations for ceramic coating new rims? thanks.

First of all, well done you!

Product wise, you have a few options. Firstly, you can simply use any paint coating, but longevity will be limited due to heat and added contamination that wheels have to deal with. Expect 6 - 12 months from this solution.

Personally, I prefer dedicated wheel coatings for longevity. Depending on how you use the car, you can expect 12-18 months from a dedicated wheel coating. I will say that most wheel coatings are "stickier" to apply, not as slick as you would hope for and lack some of the hydrophobics typical with regular paint ceramic coatings. The slickness and hydrophobics are easily dealt with by using a topper, the sticky application is just something to be aware of.

On my Mustang, I used NV Wheel. I then maintain the coating with NV Boost and Carpro Hydr02 to re-introduce some of the slickness missing from the base layer coating. Well priced too.

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/nv...nt=17948582532

Carpro DLUX is another good option that can also be used to coat plastic trim and headlights. Again, not a slick coating, which can be fixed by a layer of Gliss or by using a topper like I do with NV Wheel. DLUX is said to be one of the more durable wheel coatings.

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ca...iant=641821829
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/bo...40579857645657
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ca...=7538833162268

Another product, one that you will need to order from the USA to get some, but Armor Detail Supply's Wheel Coating is what I intend to use next month on a project I have coming up. Expensive, but it delivers the slickness that I want without having to apply a secondary layer like you would with DLUX.

https://armourdetailsupply.com/colle...eramic-coating

Application wise, ceramic coating brand new wheels is far easier than applying a coating to existing wheels. As such, you typically skip all the decontamination steps and can go straight to the IPA wipe down and apply the coating.

Personally, I would have the tyres and wheel weights installed before coating. It's bulkier to work with, but you then eliminate issues with wheel weights not sticking or having to clean fitment soap from your freshly coated wheels.

For a detailed instructional, have a read the following post -

https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...postcount=1197

A couple of things to add to that -

- Use a microfiber coating applicator, this is more appropriate compared to traditional block and suede applicators that Carpro and NV supply. I'm going to use the small Carpro/Gyeon finger mitts next time.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...d1c1dd56&_ss=r
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...62ac1dd9&_ss=r
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...39569904533593

- Apply a layer of Carpro Reload, Gyeon Cure or NV Jet after application to protect the coating while it cures over the next couple of weeks. This will also prevent spotting during the initial 12-hour cure period. (Just buy the sample size, a little goes a long way).

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ca...40406212149337
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/nv...nt=17910570116
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...b736963e&_ss=r

- Have a healthy supply of towels. These don't need to be ultra plush, that will actually work against you. Choose a low gsm towel and have at least 4 to 8 on hand. These towels are binned or demoted after use, so don't overspend here.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...68989a69&_ss=r
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...21e30085&_ss=r

- You will also need an IPA type product prior to application. I like Carpro Eraser and Gyeon Prep for this, I would avoid NV Clarify as its terrible.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...72b0c55d&_ss=r
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ca...iant=641822121

- A wheel stand is also nice to have -

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...-wheel-coating
https://www.detailstore.com.au/produ...39628079104055

Some helpful videos to have a look at -

DLUX & Gliss -

Armor Detail Supply -

real time · 12-09-2023, 05:57 AM

Hi. dfb thanks for the info its much appreciated

jgmdat · 12-09-2023, 08:30 AM

I need a hoist like Matt used in the last video. I believe detailing the wheel wells would be very satisfying.

**DFB FGXR6** · 12-09-2023, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgmdat

I need a hoist like Matt used in the last video. I believe detailing the wheel wells would be very satisfying.

If I ever get sorted and start building a shop, then a lift will be factored in from the very beginning. Rather than deal with ramps, I want to do it in-ground like they did............

Even if you did end up having to cut and repour concrete like they did, the Swisstrax would cover that up and deliver the clean finish.

I wish I had the same multi-skillset that Mike does. I know Matt ruffles feathers, he has ruffled mine a few times, Mike on the other hand is a natural in front of the camera and a complete opposite to Matt. He actually just bought a 911 GT3, which I think is a well deserved reward for his hard work.

jgmdat · 12-09-2023, 06:42 PM

That's a pretty cool set up, can't believe there is no reo in that slab though.

**DFB FGXR6** · 13-09-2023, 06:23 PM

Detailing Shed are now carrying DIY Detail products. I have mentioned this brand in the past, which was debuted in Australia by CarCareCo.

https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...ewest-products

The gallon size bottles are still pretty expensive, but there are some that I think are worth trying in the smaller 473ml sizes.

My absolute favorite is Incredible Suds. Like any good soap, it foams like a champ, is ultra slick, cleans superbly and smells fantastic. But for me, it's the rinse off that sets it apart. Some soaps require repeated passes to clear, which is called "re-activation". Not with Incredible Suds, this is the easiest rinsing soap of all I have used. If you were a pro, that time saver would be very useful.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...ncredible-suds

Ceramic Gloss is another favorite, which I use as a drying aid. It teams beautifully with the Rinse-less Wash too. Very, very easy to use!

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...-ceramic-gloss
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...rinseless-wash

I also really like Interior Clean & Protect. Use this as an interior quick detailer, team with a brush to ramp it up if needed.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...-clean-protect

**DFB FGXR6** · 13-09-2023, 06:28 PM

Electric Week at Waxit Car Care -

"This week at Waxit Car Care we are celebrating ELECTRIC WEEK!
Tired of tripping on cables? Save up to 25% off ShineMate and Rupes Cordless Polishers, Takenow and Scangrip Lighting, Aquatouch Electric Sprayers, a range of different Detailing Accessories and much more!"

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...k&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Adam's Spring Clean Sale -

"Top up your detailing supplies and get 25% off your order from 8pm Tuesday 12th September until midnight Friday 15th September. While stock lasts.

Use the code TIME2SHINE at checkout."

https://adamspolishes.com.au/?syclid...=shopify_email

**fordomatic** · 20-09-2023, 08:28 PM

Ok, a rant. DFB, for the first time in a while I gave some advice today and instantly regretted it.

A "professional detailer" who runs a business wet sanded factory paint on an AU. Checked out his profile, the kid is 20 and running his own detailing business (excellent for a young person). I politely asked him why he wet sanded 23 year old factory paint as the clear will be almost non existent as it is. I then went into my experience with Ford paint and why I would only do it in very controlled circumstances.

I received a smart ass reply saying just because he is young doesn't mean I have more experience than him. Then he took it to PM and said I know nothing about paint correction etc etc etc. Anyway, I didn't even reply again, no point. Told him to keep enjoying wet sanding Ford paint and all the best with his business.

Perfect example of why I don't bother. I'm not a professional, neither are you DFB, but we both have a fair amount of experience. The whole detailing world is unregulated anyway. We could go pro tomorrow simply by opening a business. It's why so many "pro" hacks ruin cars and the great detailing businesses make so much money fixing other peoples stuff ups.

**DFB FGXR6** · 20-09-2023, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordomatic

Ok, a rant. DFB, for the first time in a while I gave some advice today and instantly regretted it.

A "professional detailer" who runs a business wet sanded factory paint on an AU. Checked out his profile, the kid is 20 and running his own detailing business (excellent for a young person). I politely asked him why he wet sanded 23 year old factory paint as the clear will be almost non existent as it is. I then went into my experience with Ford paint and why I would only do it in very controlled circumstances.

I received a smart ass reply saying just because he is young doesn't mean I have more experience than him. Then he took it to PM and said I know nothing about paint correction etc etc etc. Anyway, I didn't even reply again, no point. Told him to keep enjoying wet sanding Ford paint and all the best with his business.

Perfect example of why I don't bother. I'm not a professional, neither are you DFB, but we both have a fair amount of experience. The whole detailing world is unregulated anyway. We could go pro tomorrow simply by opening a business. It's why so many "pro" hacks ruin cars and they great detailing businesses make so much money fixing other peoples stuff ups.

And guess who will be learning a very expensive lesson in the near future, if not already?

He may defend his age, but I can guarantee he still has much to learn, "professional" or not. I've been detailing cars since I was 15, so over 20 years now. At age 20, I didn't know squat, and I'm still learning at age 36.

If the guy in question is not receptive to learning from others, then his business won't last long, and if it does, he will be doing it the hard way. And that statement is not confined to detailing, but all industries that require hands on experience.

Just to offer the flipside, I have been grateful for the times when you have provided me advice, it wasn't taken for granted.

**DFB FGXR6** · 22-09-2023, 09:07 PM

The latest version of Optimum No Rinse (ONR) has landed in Australia.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...37851556872351
https://autobuff.com.au/products/opt...r&_ss=e&_v=1.0

ONR was the original rinse-less wash many, many years ago and is now on revision five. The latest version is said to offer more slickness and an easier drying process.

Even if you don't perform rinse-less washes, ONR is super handy to have around. I mostly use ONR for door jambs, engine bay wipe downs, and as a super safe interior cleaner/duster. I also like it for quickly maintaining leather between more serious deep cleaning. For interior work, ONR doesn't create a greasy or glossy appearance.

Because this product comes as a concentrate, you can tailor it to suit a variety of tasks.

Quick Detailer: 16:1

Rinse-less Wash - 256:1

Waterless Wash/Pre-Soak - 128:1

Clay Lubricant - 64:1

Glass and Interiors - 256:1

**DFB FGXR6** · 02-10-2023, 05:01 PM

Latest delivery................

bfets · 03-10-2023, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Latest delivery................

image

How have you been finding the DIY Details products DFB? I've been watching some videos on their YouTube channel. Their ceramic coatings look super user friendly and easy to apply.

tbro4123 · 03-10-2023, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbro4123

[QUOTE

Now while I'm here, what would everybody recommend that I do with this, I know I need to clean with Eraser or similar product to get the dirt out but what products to protect after I've cleaned them.

image

image

This is on my new to me BT50.

Terry aka Tbro

Howdy all,
Purchased some product to give these plastic bits a chance of surviving up here in QLD.

After cleaning and washing and a second clean, still looked like youknowwhat! So thought I would try this,

image

I had some Bowdens black stuff on the Ranger and to be honest it underwhelmed me something fierce, lots of mess, a bastard to clean off and just a waste of energy.

So I gave the So2 stuff a go and we'll see how it goes,

image

Door rubbers all though scratched look better, time will tell

image

This stuff is "supposed" to last 24 months, if it goes 6 months I'll be happy.

Stay safe

Terry aka Tbro[/QUOTE]

So 10 weeks or so, a few long trips and being left to fend for itself, this rear bar and window rubbers are looking real good.

I think if your fussy and garage your beast all the time this will last for the 2 years they say it will.

PICs

Probably help if I washed it more often but I'm slack!

Stay safe

Terry aka Tbro

**DFB FGXR6** · 03-10-2023, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bfets

How have you been finding the DIY Details products DFB? I've been watching some videos on their YouTube channel. Their ceramic coatings look super user friendly and easy to apply.

There are some excellent products in the DIY range. Apparently local supplies have been selling super strongly.

Incredible Suds is my favorite. The first thing you notice is the scent, then the ultra thick foaming ability. But the big winner for me is how easily it rinses off the paint, no reactivation at all. Easily one of the freest rinsing soaps I have used. If this product was cheaper in Australia, I would use it more often, 473ml is $34.95, a gallon $179.95!!!!!

I will also note that this soap is described as "pH balanced" rather than neutral. This means it will lean toward alkaline if not diluted enough. From what I can gather, that was intentional so that users could decide how much cleaning power they needed.

Ceramic Gloss and Interior Clean and Protect are also worth looking at, and I quite like the rinse-less wash too. Avoid the tire dressing, its only meh.

**DFB FGXR6** · 03-10-2023, 08:32 PM

As mentioned in my garage thread, I'm now writing blog posts for Detailing Shed. The goal is to revamp the blog section, providing clear and easy to follow product and how-to articles. What I'm writing about is along the lines of what I've been writing about for years now, just in a slightly different format and platform. All those years of practice is making it easy and enjoyable.

Last week featured wheel and tyre care, this week is on the differences between waxes, sealants, spray coatings and ceramic coatings.

https://detailingshed.com.au/blogs/a...n-wheels-tyres
https://detailingshed.com.au/blogs/a...gs-differences

I've been a Detailing Shed customer from the beginning and have seen the store go from strength to strength over the last few years. To be playing a small part in the business is such a thrill and I feel a really good fit for me and where I'm currently at. Let's just say, working from the comfort of my home is delightful.

**DFB FGXR6** · 07-10-2023, 08:03 PM

The Rag Company launched a range of detailing air tools two weeks ago. These tools are a rival to the Tornador range, with the TRC versions aiming to deliver value for money. Some of that was possible via Chinese manufacturing, some of it by not offering replaceable parts or interchangeability.

https://theragcompany.com/

I note these tools have arrived in Australia this week......................

https://carcareco.com.au/product-cat.../?orderby=date
https://autobuff.com.au/collections/air-tools

Explain to me though how these products are more than double the price in Australia?

The basic gun is $41.95 in the USA but is more 2.4 times the price in Australia at $99.95. The original Tornador equivalent is actually less at $94.10.

The Plus version with the chemical canister is $54.95 in the USA, $139.95 in Australia, more than 2.5 times the price.

The Spray Applicator is $49.95 USD, compared to $139.95 AUD.

The Engine Blaster sits at $54.95 USD, $139.95 AUD.

Granted, there is currency conversion and shipping costs to account for, but not that much.

What was a nice, obtainable line of tools has translated to just another collection of over-priced Chinese-made tools masquerading as some sort of premium product. My advice, just buy the original Tornador versions instead, at least that is supported with replacement parts.

**DFB FGXR6** · 09-10-2023, 11:30 PM

This week's article is a general guide to interior cleaning. I've written this in the order I typically follow when detailing an interior, but you can be pick up from any point you choose.

https://detailingshed.com.au/blogs/a...o-finish-guide

The articles feature a lot of links to the products I'm talking about, in some ways that could be seen as pushy from a sales point of view. But anyone who has read my detailing posts will know that I've been doing that for years anyway.

As someone who is also in retail sales, my approach to selling is to share information. I've never been a pushy salesman, mainly because I hate being in that position myself. If someone is ready to buy something, then they will. My role, both in detailing and in retail, is to guide that person to the right product or tool.

When you speak with enthusiasm about something, that gives the customer confidence to buy from you. So, while I'm not responsible for selling detailing products, I'm sharing information about what enthuses me and the products that excite me the most. That in turn helps Detailing Shed sell the right products to the right customers.

bfets · 11-10-2023, 12:45 PM

DFB, what's your opinion on the DIY Detail Gold standard polish? Tried it yet?

I've watched many of Ivan's videos and he has some refreshing new ideas. I like how he only uses one spray of polish and one type of pad on just about everything. Its very simple and less intimidating for new detailers.
Watching some of the detailing channels they just drown the viewer in so many do's and don'ts and different types of products and paint types etc. I find it refreshing that someone is at least attempting to make it less intimidating and simple.

**DFB FGXR6** · 11-10-2023, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bfets

DFB, what's your opinion on the DIY Detail Gold standard polish? Tried it yet?

I've watched many of Ivan's videos and he has some refreshing new ideas. I like how he only uses one spray of polish and one type of pad on just about everything. Its very simple and less intimidating for new detailers.
Watching some of the detailing channels they just drown the viewer in so many do's and don'ts and different types of products and paint types etc. I find it refreshing that someone is at least attempting to make it less intimidating and simple.

A lot of the DIY range mimics what Ivan was involved with when he worked for Optimum / Opti-Coat, so the idea of sprayable polishing liquids has carried into the DIY range.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...ish-512ml-3-8l
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...spray-compound
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...ish-512ml-3-8l
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...ish-seal-512ml

Those who have used it say the Gold Standard polish is very, very good.

From what I have learned about Ivan, he comes from a commercial/production detailing background, where speed and efficiency are top of mind. The sprayable polish and single pad are part of that, as is a lot of his more "out there" or "new ideas".

For the average enthusiast detailer, as you say, the above is somewhat refreshing, as in he is taking some of the pomp out of the usual industry norm and making the whole experience easier to approach, easier to understand, and easier to perform. For someone who just wants their car to be clean and shiny, this approach has a lot of merit.

The flipside is to compare Ivan's approach to someone like Obsessed Garage. For someone who is crazy about perfection and wants to chase those final few %, then this where the DIY system would be surpassed by multi-step pad and polish combinations. Believe it or not, chasing ultimate perfection is something I don't subscribe to myself, but I can see the appeal.

T3rminator · 13-10-2023, 10:07 AM

Hey guys, if I want to just polish a panel, is it safe to use "wax and grease remover" to prep the area rather than having to give it a wash?

Top_Ghia · 13-10-2023, 07:52 PM

A isopropyl alcohol mix would be ideal. But wax and grease remover won’t hurt it.

**DFB FGXR6** · 13-10-2023, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T3rminator

Hey guys, if I want to just polish a panel, is it safe to use "wax and grease remover" to prep the area rather than having to give it a wash?

I personally wouldn't. If you want a redably available product, Repco sell Gyeon Prep and Bowden's Flash Prep.

https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-pa...g_q=gyeon+prep
https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-pa...20flash%20prep

I wouldn't recommend Flash Prep though, probably one of my least favorites in the category. If you have a Sydney Tools near you, they also sell Rupes Reveal which is a very nice product. I would stick with the yellow Lite version.

https://sydneytools.com.au/product/r...esidue-remover

Keep in mind dedicated prep sprays have been designed to have a longer flash time to better break down oils, while also having a lubricant that won't leave a residue behind.

While 50/50 IPA and Distilled water can be used, there has been some suggestion that its use can soften clearcoat. It also doesn't have any lubricating element to it, so you may re-introduce minor marring during the wipe off. Also, the faster evaporation rate of 50/50 IPA mix tends to flash too quickly to effectively break down polishing oils.

In Focus · 13-10-2023, 11:05 PM

The Rupes is available at Repco as well.https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-pa...gion_id=100465

**DFB FGXR6** · 13-10-2023, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by In Focus

The Rupes is available at Repco as well.https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-pa...gion_id=100465

Forgot about that, I actually looked at it the other day when I was there. I note they only have the Lite version on the website, but I thought I spotted both on the self.

https://www.repco.com.au/car-care-pa...kwSearch=rupes

The Lite version is for pre and post polishing, where you can spray onto the surface in a more liberal manner. Smells nice too.

The Strong version is pretty expensive, but you do use waaaay less product than the Lite version. Strong is in fact very strong and should never be sprayed direct, rather into the towel. It's good for that final wipe down prior to coating or wax application.

I actually really like these two prep sprays, more than I was expecting. Strangely, none of the usual detailing suppliers who are Rupes dealers bother to stock Reveal.

**DFB FGXR6** · 18-10-2023, 09:11 PM

Well..............................

kangaroo · 19-10-2023, 04:42 PM

Touchless in a pump sprayer is S tier.

Did you get any of their microfibre buffing cloths? they don't seem to be available in Aus but are highly regarded.

**DFB FGXR6** · 19-10-2023, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kangaroo

Touchless in a pump sprayer is S tier.

Did you get any of their microfibre buffing cloths? they don't seem to be available in Aus but are highly regarded.

I was sent a few of their blue microfiber towels bundled with the waxes, they feel very nice.

Interesting to note the clay bars were packaged with wax paper and some sort of talcum powder to prevent them sticking to the plastic containers. Never seen that before.

The soaps certainly smell potent with no scent to speak of. That sort of makes sense as these are heavy duty soaps, no bull in other words.

Strangely, I'm most excited to try the waxes, along with the Atom Mac corrosion inhibitor, which I would use on brake rotors.

kangaroo · 20-10-2023, 09:01 AM

Can you give a comparison, GSM feel etc to cloths you have? Im trying to quell my fomo on these.

Atom mac works great, ive found I struggle to get full coverage on my rotors however so I'm left with a couple of spots of corrosion - way better than the whole rotor I guess.

Ive been occasionally spraying it where I can reach on the underbody, suspension and wherever else rust may occur. I know it works but I cannot workout how durable the protection is.

next purchase will be some dynax so I know for sure im getting at least a year of protection.

Autowash has corrosion inhibitors in it. that may be enough for the wheel wash. - I hope, as once ive used up the rest of my reset this will be my next shampoo.

**DFB FGXR6** · 20-10-2023, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kangaroo

Can you give a comparison, GSM feel etc to cloths you have? Im trying to quell my fomo on these.

Atom mac works great, ive found I struggle to get full coverage on my rotors however so I'm left with a couple of spots of corrosion - way better than the whole rotor I guess.

Ive been occasionally spraying it where I can reach on the underbody, suspension and wherever else rust may occur. I know it works but I cannot workout how durable the protection is.

next purchase will be some dynax so I know for sure im getting at least a year of protection.

Autowash has corrosion inhibitors in it. that may be enough for the wheel wash. - I hope, as once ive used up the rest of my reset this will be my next shampoo.

I was sent two of the dark blue towels, one of the light blue that I can't see represented on their website.

https://bilthamber.com/product/large...buffing-cloth/

Specs wise -

- 60cm x 40cm
- 375gsm
- 70/30 blend

The towel has an overlocked edge, and while thin, it has a very dense feeling to it. I feel it would be very good for sticky polish and wax residue removal. The only issue, which you have discovered, is finding them for sale in Australia.

Comparatively, it's probably closest to TRC's Blue Collar. Although featuring a suede boarder, the 41 x 61cm size, 70/30 blend and 380 gsm are similar. You would also probably compare it to the TRC Edgeless 365 (40 x 40cm, 70/30, 365gsm).

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...e-collar-6pack
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...ss-365-premium

**DJM83** · 21-10-2023, 09:45 AM

Thoughts on this product.
https://www.autoglym.com.au/polar-blast

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.