Detailing chat

Richard88 · 24-05-2019 08:18AM

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

Wash mitt
Shampoo
Clay bar & lube
Tar Remover
Maybe glass cleaner
Maybe polish
Wax
Maybe tyre shine

Plenty of micro fibers and a couple of detailing brushes!

MetzgerMeister · 24-05-2019 09:40AM

Richard88 wrote: »

Plenty of micro fibers and a couple of detailing brushes!

You'd buy those separately rather than as part of what you'd expect in an off-the-shelf kit.

Richard88 · 24-05-2019 10:22AM

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

You'd buy those separately rather than as part of what you'd expect in an off-the-shelf kit.

I read it as if he was trying to buy the basics to make his own starter kit!

In either case I saw d and d detailing doing a kit for 250euro - which included practically every thing you’d need that doesn’t have a plug! Could be an option if you were starting from scratch! There’s propbably better value out there though!

celticsfan · 24-05-2019 01:34PM

Bawnmore wrote: »

This might be a bit of a basic question, but I couldn't find it anywhere else.

What does an exterior detailing starter kit look like to people here? If someone was to go out and pick up what would be considered the basics to get started with detailing, what would they be? Or is that possibly too broad a question?

You could buy the deluxe kit direct from bilt hamber for 132quid,great products and good value... just get a couple of buckets with grit guards then and you are on your way..

I buy from the UK stores anyway,as even with delivery they are cheaper than the shops here on most stuff...

Hardtochoose · 24-05-2019 02:54PM

celticsfan wrote: »

You could buy the deluxe kit direct from bilt hamber for 132quid,great products and good value... just get a couple of buckets with grit guards then and you are on your way..

I buy from the UK stores anyway,as even with delivery they are cheaper than the shops here on most stuff...

Yeah I buy from slims detailing. Great value even with shipping.

h3000 · 24-05-2019 04:57PM

Can anyone recommend a handheld/car vacuum cleaner?

27-05-2019 06:10PM

Just putting together an order on slims at the moment here, wondering if anyone has pulled the trigger on the instafinish products? I've seen some talk on DW that its Chemical Guy's under a different guise, but bot sure if its true.

Black_Knight · 29-05-2019 01:40PM

Any suggestions on a good APC? Preferably not online (unless there's decent savings vs brinks and mortar shops). Halfords is the only B&M shop that comes to mind that's near me.

Also a good, low sling, tire dressing?

Ryath · 29-05-2019 03:10PM

Bilt Hamber Surfex HD is really good. I bought it for the car but use it for loads of cleaning around the house now. You dilute it so even the 1L bottle lasts ages.
Don't know what part of the country you're in but these all have brick and mortar shops. You'll have it in a day or two ordering online anyway. My last order from reflect came in the morning next day despite only ordering late in the afternoon.

https://www.reflectautocare.ie/Detailing-Products/Bilt-Hamber/Bilt-Hamber-Surfex-HD

https://www.autopia.ie/product/9199/

https://detailingemporium.com/shop/bilt-hamber-surfex-hd/

Stallingrad · 29-05-2019 03:32PM

Maybe a dumb question but what do people use APC for?

I have dedicated interior cleaners, wheel cleaners, bodywork, etc, so just not sure where APC fits in.

PsychoPete · 29-05-2019 08:30PM

Stallingrad wrote: »

Maybe a dumb question but what do people use APC for?

I have dedicated interior cleaners, wheel cleaners, bodywork, etc, so just not sure where APC fits in.

I use it for interior plastics,door shuts, engine bay, stubborn dirt on paint or glass and a few other jobs

MetzgerMeister · 30-05-2019 09:39AM

Stallingrad wrote: »

Maybe a dumb question but what do people use APC for?

I have dedicated interior cleaners, wheel cleaners, bodywork, etc, so just not sure where APC fits in.

I use it for All Purpose Cleaning :pac:

Seriously though, I mainly use it after tar remover to break down the greasy film left behind, on tyre walls to remove old tyre shine and on engine bay parts.

Basically anywhere there's grease where you don't want grease.

Stallingrad · 30-05-2019 10:14AM

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

Basically anywhere there's grease where you don't want grease.

My car is 100% grease free courtesy of my OCD, so guess I don't need any! :pac:

DuckSlice · 30-05-2019 02:26PM

what would a good APC be? there is so much choice I never know which one to get. Saying that I don't really know what I would use it for :O

ianobrien · 30-05-2019 04:19PM

I use BH Surfix, diluted down to various concentrations;
*1:3 water under bonnet, suspension parts, wheel liners, tyres, etc
*1:5 on the likes of door shuts, steps, etc
*1:10 as a bug remover (if the soaked microfiber doesn't work) and to remove black streaks from Motorhome/Caravan bodies

Badger2009 · 01-06-2019 08:20PM

Koch Chemie green star is the best value I could find in an APC and its as good if not better than Surfex. I use it for most things at 1:10.

PsychoPete · 01-06-2019 08:29PM

Badger2009 wrote: »

Koch Chemie green star is the best value I could find in an APC and its as good if not better than Surfex. I use it for most things at 1:10.

1 litre is 5 pound, ridiculously good value for money

omri · 03-06-2019 11:17AM

Brought my car for a full valet recently and was very disappointed with the final result and felt it was a bit of a rip off. So few days ago after some nasty bird poo decided to wash the car myself. Found it to my surprise quite enjoyable. However all I did was use some tesco car washing sponge and fairy liquid and hosed it down at the end. It was good enough, probably matched the full valet in terms of immediate end result apart few spots I seemed to miss completely for some reason. Any one could give me a list of gear and consumables I should get to do a decent job. I’m not going to be doing this every weekend but from time to time so probably don’t need any high end pro grade stuff. Also something to keep the bright leather upholstery as clean as possible. Thanks

Stallingrad · 04-06-2019 09:19AM

omri wrote: »

Brought my car for a full valet recently and was very disappointed with the final result and felt it was a bit of a rip off. So few days ago after some nasty bird poo decided to wash the car myself. Found it to my surprise quite enjoyable. However all I did was use some tesco car washing sponge and fairy liquid and hosed it down at the end. It was good enough, probably matched the full valet in terms of immediate end result apart few spots I seemed to miss completely for some reason. Any one could give me a list of gear and consumables I should get to do a decent job. I’m not going to be doing this every weekend but from time to time so probably don’t need any high end pro grade stuff. Also something to keep the bright leather upholstery as clean as possible. Thanks

First, burn the sponge and bin the washing up liquid. Next up buy a microfiber mitt and some proprietary car wash in Halfords or similar. Get some Turtle Wax it Wet and a microfibre drying towel, it will leave a great finish.

The above is really the simplest approach and from there you can build and expand to infinity with regard to cleaning if it takes your fancy.

Black_Knight · 04-06-2019 10:01AM

Had the power washer out, so I said i'd rince down the car (twas only washed a few days ago).

Then I noticed water spots below the beltline, so I thought a bit of wax would be no harm, so I quickly washed the car. Then I noticed some light scuffs here and there. Guess I should polish those up before waxing.... oh look, some iron fallout rust spots, better iron-x those bad boys too.

In the end I did somewhat of a half assed job with iron-x, polish and finally waxing about half the car. Through the whole process I kept seeing more reasons to iron-x the entire car but this was supposed to be a 5 minute blast with the washer.

I just wanted to give it a little freshen up! :rolleyes:

This happen to everyone else, all the time?

Hebegeebee · 04-06-2019 11:41AM

Yep, was only planning to snow foam and wash the car on Sunday. Saw some tree sap on bits of it and tar in other spots so ended up snow foaming, washing, drying, de-tarring, de-ironing and washing it. I left it then and yesterday morning I snow foamed it again and clayed it, washed it and finally put some Fusso on it. This morning then it was lashing!!

vectra · 04-06-2019 11:45AM

Hebegeebee wrote: »

finally put some Fusso on it. This morning then it was lashing!!

And we get no beading shots :mad: :pac::pac::pac:

Hebegeebee · 04-06-2019 11:47AM

I know. The body was a bit broken today. I’ll get some later and post them up in the “Today I did some detailing...” thread.

Black_Knight · 04-06-2019 12:15PM

vectra wrote: »

And we get no beading shots :mad: :pac::pac::pac:

And the overnight mist left some lovely beading on the bonnet this morning. Really showed up the lack of wax on the roof.

dastardly00 · 04-06-2019 12:38PM

This probably the silliest question ever... but for those who own Wheel Woollies, how do you clean them after use.
I don't mean how do you use them to clean your wheels. I put my dirty microfibre towels and cloths in the washing machine after use. What do you do with your dirty brushes?

MetzgerMeister · 04-06-2019 01:03PM

dastardly00 wrote: »

This probably the silliest question ever... but for those who own Wheel Woollies, how do you clean them after use.
I don't mean how do you use them to clean your wheels. I put my dirty microfibre towels and cloths in the washing machine after use. What do you do with your dirty brushes?

Run them under the tap and squeeze out as much suds etc as you can. Give them a shake and a dry with a towel and then let them air dry. Don't put them on a radiator.

Black_Knight · 04-06-2019 02:29PM

vectra wrote: »

And we get no beading shots :mad: :pac::pac::pac:

Took a rushed pic at lunchtime there. Not the best pic, but still decent beading.

omri · 04-06-2019 04:52PM

Stallingrad wrote: »

First, burn the sponge and bin the washing up liquid. Next up buy a microfiber mitt and some proprietary car wash in Halfords or similar. Get some Turtle Wax it Wet and a microfibre drying towel, it will leave a great finish.

The above is really the simplest approach and from there you can build and expand to infinity with regard to cleaning if it takes your fancy.

So the microfiber mit is to wash the car with some car specific soap after initial rinse? How do I apply that Wax it Wet? Do I need a power washer? Can I use it for wheels too or use the sponge instead of burning it?

Stallingrad · 04-06-2019 05:59PM

omri wrote: »

So the microfiber mit is to wash the car with some car specific soap after initial rinse? How do I apply that Wax it Wet? Do I need a power washer? Can I use it for wheels too or use the sponge instead of burning it?

Yes to the first question. Just spray on the Wax after cleaning and then dry with drying towel. I wouldn't bother with a power washer, hose and bucket are fine.

For wheels buy a pH neutral wheel cleaner and a soft brush. You can use a mit on the wheels too, just don't ever use the same MIT for both paint and wheels.

omri · 04-06-2019 07:25PM

What do you recommend to use for the interior? Cream leather, darker trim everywhere else. Getting dusty pretty quickly plus some ink transfer on seats.

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