Detailer on a budget.. Need some help.

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2gHiBoost

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Hi everyone, this is pretty much my first post other than agreeing or disagreeing on minor/off topic subjects. I've already tried to take care of my car properly, but never had the right knowledge. I thought by washing my car (1 bucket method of course..lol) before dirt, grime or bugs sat on the paint too long, I was doing the most that I could.

I've found AG and made a few purchases and am now looking for help finishing off my products. I am going to be doing this as a very small side business (maybe friends and family?) My attention to detail makes me believe that if I set my mind to producing great results, I'll do exactly that (with the help of the AG forum and members :props: )

Here is what I already have:
2 Buckets w/ Grit Gards
2750 psi Pressure Washer & Foam Cannon
80 Gal. Air Compressor
Griot's 6" DA
5" BP
5.5 LC Flat Pads (3 Orange, 2 White & 1 Black)
64 oz. DP Xtreme Foam
64 oz. DP Wash N Gloss
32 oz. Pinnacle Souveran
32 oz. DP Poli-Coat
32 oz. Meg's 105
32 oz. Meg's 205
2 Bars DP Clay
Some Microfibers (Could maybe use a few more if on special)

Here is what I have in my cart as we speak. Will wait for others to reply before I order. Thanks in advance!

NewOrder.jpg


And finally, here is what I'm working on.

FirstShotFreshPaint.jpg
 
I just got one of those 11" brushes and the smaller one too. Look pretty good, but haven't have a chance to use them yet. As for products, follow Mike's advice - Find something you like, and use it often.
 
Second on the lugnut brush. I've got 5 in different sizes and use them more than any other tool in my cabinet. Wheels, door jambs, engine, trunk jamb, interior (keep that one separate from the others). They are a must have.
 
vet said:
I just got one of those 11" brushes and the smaller one too. Look pretty good, but haven't have a chance to use them yet. As for products, follow Mike's advice - Find something you like, and use it often.
Click to expand...



I have those brushes and they work well - but they absolutely stink like body odor when wet. I have no idea why, but they do. The smell, of course, doesn't affect the performance at all.
 
Skip the DP Interior cleaner and get the Ultima Interior Shampoo.
Better cleaner and better price
Ultima Interior Shampoo Gel, interior cleaner, upholstery cleaner

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/product-reviews/31246-review-ultima-interior-shampoo-gel.html

I have other suggestions that are my favorites but that doesn't mean they will be yours so I'll keep quiet.

However if you prefer a nice "new" finish without the gloss than get the Ultima Interior Guard Plus

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...3-review-ultima-interior-guard-plus-uigp.html
The price is actually 6$ cheaper now than it was at the time of that review...

Instead of the DP Interior Protectant
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...ailers-pride-interior-surface-protectant.html
 
Flash Gordon said:
The Daytona Brush is junk. Get this one instead:

11 Inch Wire Wheel Brush

And get one of these too...

Lug Nut Brush,Clean Wheel Brush,clean brake calipers, clean lug nuts, boar's hair wheel brush, best wheel brush, wheel lug nuts
Click to expand...

I saw that one too and was hoping this post would bring some good information. Thanks for the heads up on the brush. I'll have to update my cart once I get home from work.


CEE DOG said:
Skip the DP Interior cleaner and get the Ultima Interior Shampoo.
Better cleaner and better price
Ultima Interior Shampoo Gel, interior cleaner, upholstery cleaner

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/product-reviews/31246-review-ultima-interior-shampoo-gel.html

I have other suggestions that are my favorites but that doesn't mean they will be yours so I'll keep quiet.

However if you prefer a nice "new" finish without the gloss than get the Ultima Interior Guard Plus

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...3-review-ultima-interior-guard-plus-uigp.html
The price is actually 6$ cheaper now than it was at the time of that review...

Instead of the DP Interior Protectant
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...ailers-pride-interior-surface-protectant.html
Click to expand...

My question is, how much better is Ultima Interior Shampoo Gel? Cause right now Ultima is 12.99 for 22oz. whereas with the DP Interior Cleaner, you get 64 oz for 17.99. Is Ultima better in a normal situation or even in this situation with the BOGO?

I will look into UIGP as well...
 
2gHiBoost said:
I saw that one too and was hoping this post would bring some good information. Thanks for the heads up on the brush. I'll have to update my cart once I get home from work.




My question is, how much better is Ultima Interior Shampoo Gel? Cause right now Ultima is 12.99 for 22oz. whereas with the DP Interior Cleaner, you get 64 oz for 17.99. Is Ultima better in a normal situation or even in this situation with the BOGO?

I will look into UIGP as well...
Click to expand...

Ahhhh! Forgot about Bogo. On a budget and with what you describe you are doing good to stick with the DP Interior Cleaner. Sorry I didn't think that out better. :dblthumb2:

I haven't tried that other brush Flash mentioned but I love my Daytona brush. I can't imagine that other one would be as safe or versatile.
 
CEE DOG said:
Ahhhh! Forgot about Bogo. On a budget and with what you describe you are doing good to stick with the DP Interior Cleaner. Sorry I didn't think that out better. :dblthumb2:

I haven't tried that other brush Flash mentioned but I love my Daytona brush. I can't imagine that other one would be as safe or versatile.
Click to expand...

:iagree:+10,000
 
For a detailer on a budget you have already spent a lot of money, foam cannon, pressure washer, ect. It seems like you want to buy top end products.

First thing is I would buy more pads. You have just barely enough for your own car, but if you start detailing other peoples car you will want more. Always work clean and its alot easier to just switch pads. I would try the hydro pads by lake country. Also get some wax pads at least 2, unless you are waxing by hand.

Instead of DP interior cleaner just buy some all purpose cleaner. You can buy megs 1 gallon and dilute it 1:10 or 1:4. APC works great on leather, carpets, wheels, tires, wheel wells, ect. Or you can get an over the counter APC a bit cheaper.

instead of wheel sealant just use the collite 845.
 
CEE DOG said:
Ahhhh! Forgot about Bogo. On a budget and with what you describe you are doing good to stick with the DP Interior Cleaner. Sorry I didn't think that out better. :dblthumb2:

I haven't tried that other brush Flash mentioned but I love my Daytona brush. I can't imagine that other one would be as safe or versatile.
Click to expand...

DARK HORSE said:
:iagree:+10,000
Click to expand...

No worries. I like the reviews on the Ultima products, but the difference in amount of product is telling me to go with the BOGO and try the Ultima later.

Also, "safe and versatile" is what I'm after. Thanks for the opinions! :props:

weavers said:
For a detailer on a budget you have already spent a lot of money, foam cannon, pressure washer, ect. It seems like you want to buy top end products.

First thing is I would buy more pads. You have just barely enough for your own car, but if you start detailing other peoples car you will want more. Always work clean and its alot easier to just switch pads. I would try the hydro pads by lake country. Also get some wax pads at least 2, unless you are waxing by hand.

Instead of DP interior cleaner just buy some all purpose cleaner. You can buy megs 1 gallon and dilute it 1:10 or 1:4. APC works great on leather, carpets, wheels, tires, wheel wells, ect. Or you can get an over the counter APC a bit cheaper.

instead of wheel sealant just use the collite 845.
Click to expand...

The foam cannon was a christmas gift and I've had the pressure washer for a few years now. I would like to have quality products, but I'd also like to have everything I need without spending a fortune.

I agree that I need more pads. I was thinking of getting a few h/t pads as well. Would the wax pad be like a red or crimson pad (absolutely no cut?)

As for the APC. I just finished off some Purple Power and was wondering where I go from there. I'll probably go this route in order to save money for other items.

I had heard about using 845 on the wheels from one of the 845 reviews, but didn't know who else used it for that purpose. Sounds like a plan.

Thanks for all the feedback! Everything is appreciated.
 
Thats not even the EZ brush... it looks like a bar-b-q grill cleaner brush or something. :laughing:
 
lol @ BBQ Grill Brush :)

I use the wood handled 11" brush on all my wheels and have never had a problem :dunno:
 
CEE DOG said:
Thats not even the EZ brush... it looks like a bar-b-q grill cleaner brush or something.:laughing:
Click to expand...

Maybe it is a bar-b-q grill cleaner brush. That would explain why there is no protective plastic cap on the end covering the wire:laughing:
 
I concur with adding a few more pads, they are going to tear and separate over time. I've had some last for years and others come apart the first use. Same goes for the backing plate, get a spare. If the budget allows, a gallon of Aquawax and good spray bottle will be something you will never be without once you use it.

With a pressure washer that strong you can easily remove trim and paint so easy does it. As you mentioned more MF towels is a given......get 2-3 times more than you think you'll need. It's not hard to go through a dozen on a single car. Also the Collinite will work on wheels as well. No need for a wheel glaze in addition. You might want to consider a product like Poorboy's Spray & Wipe for those times between washes where a little dust or crud on the car is making you crazy.
 
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i vote to replace po85rd with superfinish (po106fa). same gloss / more cut.

you could follow your 105 with it and finish flawlessly.
 
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