Detailing products... What do you use?

[Zoom6]

I have a confession to make here guys... I hate detailing cars.

Man it feels good to get that off my chest!

That said, I really only do it once or twice each year. I'd like to see about upping my game as far as what products I use, and maybe my process, but I don't really know the first thing about any of this stuff.
I usually use some off-the-shelf wash soap, then another off-the-shelf claybar, then a paste wax of some sort. Oh, and I'll usually wash the wheels and tires with the same wash bucket after the paint is washed, and apply some kind of crappy tire shine the the tires after.

I know a few of you ([MENTION=2071]katzenjammer84[/MENTION], [MENTION=2098]EuroTrash[/MENTION] for example) are really into it and far more experienced than I am. What would you recommend I use for my yearly detail on each car? One is black (BMW) and has a ton of imperfections in the paint, and the other is blue (Mazda) and has less imperfections. I wouldn't be opposed to getting products that are geared more toward the color of each if such a thing even exists.

Thanks guys!

[EuroTrash]

I dont know of any color specific products that are not gimmicks:

So here is what you need to do a basic wash, and frankly what you should be starting with:

Two buckets (HD Homer buckets fit grit guards)
- http://www.homedepot.com/p/Homer-Buc...LHD2/100087613
Grit guard
- http://www.amazon.com/The-Grit-Guard.../dp/B000N3W8J0
Microfiber wash mitt
- http://www.amazon.com/Griots-Garage-.../dp/B003POJ1DU
Soap (Best over the counter is Megs Gold Class)
- http://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G7164.../dp/B0009IQXFO
Hose + Spray nozzle (Probably should have a shower function)
- http://www.homedepot.com/p/Melnor-7-...-173/100659504
2-4 Microfiber drying towels:
- http://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guys-.../dp/B001TZBQ0S

In addition to the above products I have a foam cannon and a few different car wash soaps. I prefer to use chemical guys maxi suds II with the foam cannon as it strips old wax.

http://www.amazon.com/Gilmour-95QGFMR-Foamaster-Cleaning-Sprayer/dp/B000Y190WE

http://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guys-CWS_101-Maxi-Suds-Shampoo/dp/B003TPW5YM

These are the products I use and will get you started. Where you go from here really depends on the condition of your paint. A clay bar will be needed to decontaminate the surface, frankly all are the same. You can use quick detailer to lubricate the surface so the clay slides and does not stick or just soapy water.

Speaking of quick detailing products I buy this by the gallon:

https://www.detailersdomain.com/Adams-Detail-Spray-Version-2--1-gal_p_885.html

If you want to get into machine polishing to remove swirl marks you are looking at ~$200 MINIMUM investment for the cheapest but still serviceable option. If you want to machine polish a DA polisher is very beginner friendly, the Porter Cable 7424XP is the standard DA. Harbor Freight has a Porter Cable 7424XP equivalent, it comes with a terrible backing plate. Grab a 5/5" uber plate from detailers domain, some uber pads, and a bottle of optimum polish and optimum compound. Optimum is very beginner friendly as it doesn't dry right away.

The best over the counter wax I used is Megs NXT 2.0, this provides good protection but you are f**ked if you get it on black plastic trim. I currently am infatuated with Autoglym HD wax, I cant say enough good things about it. P21s is a honorable mention.

[Zoom6]

Are there any specific consumables that you'd recommend? I'm ok with ordering stuff if it's going to be a quality product. I'm talking about wash, clay, clay lube, wax, etc.

EDIT: I see you edited your post with A LOT more info. Thanks!

[packofqtips]

i got a whole kit from adams polishes at a detail clinic
i really like the stuff

[packofqtips]

http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-99-adams-new-essentials-detail-kit.aspx

[EuroTrash]

Adams makes nice stuff, but try not to get too hung up on brands. After you've been doing this for a while you start to notice a lot of these brands sell the same products in different packaging. Sometimes a different color or scent.

Products that I use in addition to what I listed in the earlier post:

I use uber clay bars from detailers domain, you missed their 20% off holiday sale:

https://www.detailersdomain.com/Uber-Gray-Clay-Bar_p_406.html

Try to avoid those 2oz bars that come packaged with some QD spray and a small MF towel, they can be used but are really expensive for what you get with them.

I use Optimum tire dressing, the 32oz bottle I have seems to be a lifetime supply:

https://www.detailersdomain.com/Optimum-Opti-Bond-Tire-Gel-Rubber-Tire-Dressing_p_174.html

I use a cheap foam applicator, tires look matte and I never have any sling. The only other product that I can recommend is Megs interior cleaner, the one in the black/purple bottle. It works just as good as 1Z einszett cockpit spray but is 1/3 the price.

I *hate* wheel cleaner products. They have a very limited use but everyone seems to think hosing down their wheels with Sonax before every wash is a good idea, its not. I bought three bottles of Sonax and that is enough to last me forever. Unless there is a ton of baked on brake dust just use soap and water. It wont damage the wheel finish or discolor metal like a harsh cleaner will.

[Zoom6]

I like those videos that guy did. I really like his use of quick coupler fittings. Just leaving this here as a note to remind me later to look into them.

[EuroTrash]

Junkman of has a bunch of good videos on youtube.

[k2500diesel]

god i wish i loved the exterior of my vehicles even a quarter of what you guys do.
im a horrible person.
much respect.


dontttt mean to thread jack buttttt
any recommendations for cleaning under the hood?
i do keep it pretty tidy under there

[EuroTrash]

Just dont use simple green, it discolors aluminum. The extreme version of simple green (Blue bottle) is safe for aluminum. Also be mindful of what you use around rubber seals and gaskets. A air compressor to blow away the sand that accumulates over winter, and some WD-40 and a small paint brush will get the nooks and crannies looking nice.

Adams makes a spray called in and out that you can just hose the engine bay and undercarriage down with and everything looks clean. They had to reformulate it, dunno how version 2.0 of the spray works.

[Th3Juggernaut]

+1 for Adams stuff I used a few of their productz b4 when I had the Audi, good stuff

[Zoom6]

dontttt mean to thread jack buttttt
any recommendations for cleaning under the hood?
i do keep it pretty tidy under there

No worries, I want to learn as much as I can about detailing everything on the car. Ask away!

[KeiserX13]

good info

my cars have some much needed attention in this area

[KeiserX13]

not sure if this pertains to this but any recommendations on
hazed headlights
yellowing on carbon

[EuroTrash]

not sure if this pertains to this but any recommendations on
hazed headlights
yellowing on carbon

Both caused by UV. Headlights can be saved, compound to remove the yellow layer, then polish. Protect with wax.

Carbon fiber is bad news. If its in the clear it may be saveable, otherwise its not going to get better.