want to start detailing my own car

shadowpr

shadowpr

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I recently got my car detailed, and it came out amazing. I was very happy with the results.

Now I just want to be able to get similar results on my own.

This is my list, what do you think, and what would you change?


Shopping Cart
Item Options Unit Price Qty. In Stock Cost
SONAX Tire & Wheel Kit
$49.99 1 Yes $49.99
Detailer's Krystal Vision Clean Glass Combo
$19.99 1 Yes $19.99
Detailer's High Performance Glass Restorer
$19.99 1 Yes $19.99
Griots Garage Paint Glaze
$18.99 1 Yes $18.99
Detailer's Total Interior Combo
$36.99 1 Yes $36.99
Autogeek Pressure Washer Foam Cannon HP Kit - FREE BONUS
Choose fitting : Karcher K-Series
$119.99 1 Yes $119.99
Detailer's Xtreme Foam Formula Auto Shampoo
$19.99 1 Yes $19.99
Pinnacle Complete Detailing Bag Kit
$195.00 1 Yes $195.00
Sheepskin Wash Mitt
$16.99 1 Yes $16.99
Pinnacle Twins & Meguiars G110v2 Dual Action Polisher Kit FREE BONUS
$199.99 1 Yes $199.99
5 Gallon Professional Wash Bucket with Grit Guard - RED
$19.99 1 Yes $19.99
Waffle Weave Microfiber Glass Towel
$9.99 1 Yes $9.99
Cobra Guzzler HD Waffle Weave Drying Towel, 16 x 24 inches
$19.99 2 Yes $39.98
5 Gallon Professional Wash Bucket with Grit Guard - BLACK
$19.99 1 Yes $19.99

Thanks for looking
 
Big list :)
What are you using for a wax or sealant?

Sent from my iPhone using AG Online
 
Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
Been working on offline projects, first I've seen of this thread...

Your list is fairly complete, which buffing pads are you getting for your G110v2? See this article,

5 inch Backing Plates on Meguiar's, Griot's and Porter Cable DA Polishers
Thanks, I'll take a look.


:)
Click to expand...

Jomax said:
Big list :)
What are you using for a wax or sealant?

Sent from my iPhone using AG Online
Click to expand...

I thought the wax came in the kit, and would the Griots Garage Paint Glaze count as a sealant?
 
shadowpr said:
I recently got my car detailed, and it came out amazing. I was very happy with the results.

Now I just want to be able to get similar results on my own.
Click to expand...
Welcome to the obsession known as detailing. Once you start, there's no turning back, only new products to try. Your car looks as good as it does mostly because of the effort and experience your detailer put into it. How your car will look, will depend mostly on the effort you put into learning how to do it. Products help.
Good luck and enjoy the obsession.
 
shadowpr said:
I thought the wax came in the kit, and would the Griots Garage Paint Glaze count as a sealant?
Click to expand...

Haven't used it but, from the description, it appears to be a pure glaze. It has limited to no protection ability.
 
hmm. guess i have to look for one to add that.

bear in mind, i have never even washed my car on my own. i always used to bring it to a place. so i'm still new to all these different products.

i'm also open to any and all suggestions.
 
Watch Mike's videos and, possibly, buy his book. Contains tons of info for those starting out.

Backfire Wet Diamond is a fantastic sealant.
 
I would go for the mothers all rim and tire cleaner. Its much cheaper than sonax and does about the same of a job. I would also check mikes reccomendations and start to look for meguiars pads I would reccomend the pro line red cutting pad and black finishing pad
 
shadowpr said:
I recently got my car detailed, and it came out amazing. I was very happy with the results.

Now I just want to be able to get similar results on my own.

This is my list, what do you think, and what would you change?


Shopping Cart
Item Options Unit Price Qty. In Stock Cost
SONAX Tire & Wheel Kit
$49.99 1 Yes $49.99
Detailer's Krystal Vision Clean Glass Combo
$19.99 1 Yes $19.99
Detailer's High Performance Glass Restorer
$19.99 1 Yes $19.99
Griots Garage Paint Glaze
$18.99 1 Yes $18.99
Detailer's Total Interior Combo
$36.99 1 Yes $36.99
Autogeek Pressure Washer Foam Cannon HP Kit - FREE BONUS
Choose fitting : Karcher K-Series
$119.99 1 Yes $119.99
Detailer's Xtreme Foam Formula Auto Shampoo
$19.99 1 Yes $19.99
Pinnacle Complete Detailing Bag Kit
$195.00 1 Yes $195.00
Sheepskin Wash Mitt
$16.99 1 Yes $16.99
Pinnacle Twins & Meguiars G110v2 Dual Action Polisher Kit FREE BONUS
$199.99 1 Yes $199.99
5 Gallon Professional Wash Bucket with Grit Guard - RED
$19.99 1 Yes $19.99
Waffle Weave Microfiber Glass Towel
$9.99 1 Yes $9.99
Cobra Guzzler HD Waffle Weave Drying Towel, 16 x 24 inches
$19.99 2 Yes $39.98
5 Gallon Professional Wash Bucket with Grit Guard - BLACK
$19.99 1 Yes $19.99

Thanks for looking
Click to expand...
The Sonax Full effect wheel cleaner is stronger than you need for regular cleaning, and is very expensive. I would go with Griot's Garage Wheel cleaner. It is strong enough if you clean once every two weeks and every week easily and has a pleasant smell. It is a lot cheaper, too.
You are considering an Autogeek pressure washer foam cannon. Do you HAVE a pressure washer, or will you be buying one? If not, then you should get a foam gun instead. If you have an air compressor, you could get a Tornador Foam cannon.

Griots Garage makes great stuff, and I suspect their glaze is good, although I have yet to try it.
DP Extreme Foam is a great soap for foam guns. The best I know of.
I use Griots Garage Car Wash for the bucket.

I think I would prefer the Griots polisher over the Meguiars, because I believe it is more powerful. I have a Flex 3401, though. It is the best DA. It is also $330.

I would get two buckets, so you can use the two bucket method. One bucket for rinse water and the other for soapy water. I also would prefer a light colored bucket, like clear, so it is easier to see inside the bucket so you have the best knowledge of how dirty the water is. If you love black or it's on sale though, it's up to you.

The Pinnacle Detail Bag has great stuff in it and has Souveran Wax in it, which looks rich and wonderful but attracts dust and only lasts a few weeks. If you want a rich looking wax that lasts for the money, get Collinite 915. Collinite 476 lasts a bit longer but is clearer and less rich looking IMO. Griots Garage Paint Sealant last 8 months in my experience and is neutral looking, with nice shine, but not rich warm, or cold. Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant is the richest looking sealant. If you want to spend more money, there are lots of other waxes and sealants, that all offer different looks that appeal to different people.


The Guzzler HD towel works well.

A nice glass towel is nice to have. In fact, better to have 3.

I expect that you already have a wet or dry vacuum, but if you don't, it is a must. Being able to vacuum up liquids as part of interior cleaning is more important to me than even a buffer, because if you wash your car properly, you shouldn't need to buff for another year or two. It's still nice to have a buffer, though. If you need to polish, it takes 3 times as long by hand.

A boar's hair detail brush is very helpful for cleaning nooks and crannies. It is essential to make your car look extra clean and crisp.

I don't see a rubber protectant on your list. 303 Aerospace protectant is an excellent choice. You need something like that for your tires and rubber trim.
 
mjlinane said:
Watch Mike's videos and, possibly, buy his book. Contains tons of info for those starting out.

Backfire Wet Diamond is a fantastic sealant.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice. I'll add that to the list.

Bill1234 said:
I would go for the mothers all rim and tire cleaner. Its much cheaper than sonax and does about the same of a job. I would also check mikes reccomendations and start to look for meguiars pads I would reccomend the pro line red cutting pad and black finishing pad
Click to expand...

Saving money is always good. Thanks for the suggestion. I'll change that.


I plan on trying to wash the car once every 2 weeks, but might end up once a month.



Blackthorn One said:
The Sonax Full effect wheel cleaner is stronger than you need for regular cleaning, and is very expensive. I would go with Griot's Garage Wheel cleaner. It is strong enough if you clean once every two weeks and every week easily and has a pleasant smell. It is a lot cheaper, too.
You are considering an Autogeek pressure washer foam cannon. Do you HAVE a pressure washer, or will you be buying one? If not, then you should get a foam gun instead. If you have an air compressor, you could get a Tornador Foam cannon.

Griots Garage makes great stuff, and I suspect their glaze is good, although I have yet to try it.
DP Extreme Foam is a great soap for foam guns. The best I know of.
I use Griots Garage Car Wash for the bucket.

I think I would prefer the Griots polisher over the Meguiars, because I believe it is more powerful. I have a Flex 3401, though. It is the best DA. It is also $330.

I would get two buckets, so you can use the two bucket method. One bucket for rinse water and the other for soapy water. I also would prefer a light colored bucket, like clear, so it is easier to see inside the bucket so you have the best knowledge of how dirty the water is. If you love black or it's on sale though, it's up to you.

The Pinnacle Detail Bag has great stuff in it and has Souveran Wax in it, which looks rich and wonderful but attracts dust and only lasts a few weeks. If you want a rich looking wax that lasts for the money, get Collinite 915. Collinite 476 lasts a bit longer but is clearer and less rich looking IMO. Griots Garage Paint Sealant last 8 months in my experience and is neutral looking, with nice shine, but not rich warm, or cold. Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant is the richest looking sealant. If you want to spend more money, there are lots of other waxes and sealants, that all offer different looks that appeal to different people.


The Guzzler HD towel works well.

A nice glass towel is nice to have. In fact, better to have 3.

I expect that you already have a wet or dry vacuum, but if you don't, it is a must. Being able to vacuum up liquids as part of interior cleaning is more important to me than even a buffer, because if you wash your car properly, you shouldn't need to buff for another year or two. It's still nice to have a buffer, though. If you need to polish, it takes 3 times as long by hand.

A boar's hair detail brush is very helpful for cleaning nooks and crannies. It is essential to make your car look extra clean and crisp.

I don't see a rubber protectant on your list. 303 Aerospace protectant is an excellent choice. You need something like that for your tires and rubber trim.
Click to expand...

Thanks for breaking my list down like that. I'll look at the wheel cleaner.

My dad has a pressure washer I just got him for Fathers Day, so I'll be using his until I move out o state.

I'll look into the polisher as well. How does the products it comes with compare?

I have 2 buckets on my list. A red and black. They match my car. I can easily get a clear one though. No big deal and a good idea.

I'll add more glass towels, detail brush, and rubber protectant.

what you said about the wax, and sealants is interesting. i'll look into all of those. if they would work better, then i might as well not get the starter kit and just piece together my own.

i do not have a vacuum. why is this so important? can't i just use a regular vacuum on the inside, and then use the products to wipe everything down? I don't allow anyone to really eat or drink in my car, so i have no stains on the seats. also have all weather ruber floor mats, so no stains on the carpet.

Thanks everyone. keep suggestions coming
 
shadowpr said:
Thanks for the advice. I'll add that to the list.



Saving money is always good. Thanks for the suggestion. I'll change that.


I plan on trying to wash the car once every 2 weeks, but might end up once a month.





Thanks for breaking my list down like that. I'll look at the wheel cleaner.

My dad has a pressure washer I just got him for Fathers Day, so I'll be using his until I move out o state.

I'll look into the polisher as well. How does the products it comes with compare?

I have 2 buckets on my list. A red and black. They match my car. I can easily get a clear one though. No big deal and a good idea.

I'll add more glass towels, detail brush, and rubber protectant.

what you said about the wax, and sealants is interesting. i'll look into all of those. if they would work better, then i might as well not get the starter kit and just piece together my own.

i do not have a vacuum. why is this so important? can't i just use a regular vacuum on the inside, and then use the products to wipe everything down? I don't allow anyone to really eat or drink in my car, so i have no stains on the seats. also have all weather ruber floor mats, so no stains on the carpet.

Thanks everyone. keep suggestions coming
Click to expand...
First on the buffer, ZEE BEST recently said that his new Griot's polisher is different than the older ones, and now has less power, so I'm not sure on that over Meguiars anymore.

A vacuum is important for shampooing. When you use a carpet or upholstery cleaner, the carpet and seats get very wet, and a vacuum gets the water out a lot faster than towels can. Plus, should anything spill on the carpet, a vacuum is the best way to get it out, instead of blotting it up with a towel. It is also great for picking up liquid spills on your household carpet. Again, it could takes hours to get a spill out of a carpet with towels, and by then it can soak into the padding. With a vacuum, it is out in minutes, and then you can use a cleaner and repeat, then blot the last of the water with a towel. It sure came in handy when I had a pipe leak in my house. It saved my carpet. Every home should have a wet or dry vacuum, IMO.
 
Blackthorn One said:
First on the buffer, ZEE BEST recently said that his new Griot's polisher is different than the older ones, and now has less power, so I'm not sure on that over Meguiars anymore.

A vacuum is important for shampooing. When you use a carpet or upholstery cleaner, the carpet and seats get very wet, and a vacuum gets the water out a lot faster than towels can. Plus, should anything spill on the carpet, a vacuum is the best way to get it out, instead of blotting it up with a towel. It is also great for picking up liquid spills on your household carpet. Again, it could takes hours to get a spill out of a carpet with towels, and by then it can soak into the padding. With a vacuum, it is out in minutes, and then you can use a cleaner and repeat, then blot the last of the water with a towel. It sure came in handy when I had a pipe leak in my house. It saved my carpet. Every home should have a wet or dry vacuum, IMO.
Click to expand...

wow. thanks for looking into the polisher some more.

i see your point about the vacuum.


when considering these products, does it matter that i have a red car? with really crappy paint. (damn subaru)
 
It doesn't matter what color your car is if you do it right. Some colors will show the quality of your work more dramatically, though, but the steps remain the same. Black and red show results more dramatically than white, for example. If you have single stage (non clear coat paint) then I suggest some Meguiar's no. 7 as well, to rejuvenate the color of the paint while minimizing paint thickness loss. What do you mean by really crappy? Oxidized or clear coat failure? Orange peel or scratches?
 
the paint chips if the wind blows to strong. lol it's a big complaint in the subaru community.
 
I have a few products I can't decide between. here is an updated list

Wash:
Detailer's Xtreme Foam Formula Auto Shampoo
Optimum Car Wash

Clay:
Pinnacle Ultra Poly Clay
Pinnacle Clay Lubricant

Polish:
Griots Garage Random Orbital Polisher & Pad Kit
M105 or WG tsr
M205 or WG finish glaze
M83 (looking for something in between 105 and 205. Not sure if it's really needed though.)

Paint Cleaner/wax remover:
WG paintwork polish enhancer or pinnacle paintwork cleansing lotion
duragloss wax eraser

Sealant: (not sure which one)
wg deep gloss paint sealant
BF Wet Diamond
CarPro CQuartz

Wax: (Not sure which)
Pinnacle Souvern (Think I'm going with this)
WG Fusion Estate
collinite 915
collinite 845

Glass:
Stoner Invisible Glass

Tires:
carpro iron-x
Ultima Tire and Trim Plus

Interior:
303 aerospace protectant
dp total interior cleaner

APC:
Optimum opti clean cleaner and protectant

Other stuff:
AG Foam Cannon
2- 5 gallon wash buckets with grit guard
sheepskin wash mitt
2- waffle weave microfiber glass towel
2- cobra guzzler hd waffle weave drying towel


still need pads for the da orbital, brush for wheels, towel for wheels, interior.


thoughts?
 
shadowpr said:
I have a few products I can't decide between. here is an updated list

Wash:
Detailer's Xtreme Foam Formula Auto Shampoo
Optimum Car Wash

Clay:
Pinnacle Ultra Poly Clay
Pinnacle Clay Lubricant

Polish:
Griots Garage Random Orbital Polisher & Pad Kit
M105 or WG tsr
M205 or WG finish glaze
M83 (looking for something in between 105 and 205. Not sure if it's really needed though.)

Paint Cleaner/wax remover:
WG paintwork polish enhancer or pinnacle paintwork cleansing lotion
duragloss wax eraser

Sealant: (not sure which one)
wg deep gloss paint sealant
BF Wet Diamond
CarPro CQuartz

Wax: (Not sure which)
Pinnacle Souvern (Think I'm going with this)
WG Fusion Estate
collinite 915
collinite 845

Glass:
Stoner Invisible Glass

Tires:
carpro iron-x
Ultima Tire and Trim Plus

Interior:
303 aerospace protectant
dp total interior cleaner

APC:
Optimum opti clean cleaner and protectant

Other stuff:
AG Foam Cannon
2- 5 gallon wash buckets with grit guard
sheepskin wash mitt
2- waffle weave microfiber glass towel
2- cobra guzzler hd waffle weave drying towel


still need pads for the da orbital, brush for wheels, towel for wheels, interior.


thoughts?
Click to expand...
I see a bit of a conflict. If use get CQuartz you probably wont need waxes since CQ is coating.

I love UTTG for trim and it is great on tires, but expensive. I would suggest PERL which has many uses.
 
shadowpr said:
I have a few products I can't decide between. here is an updated list

Wash:
Detailer's Xtreme Foam Formula Auto Shampoo
Optimum Car Wash



Polish:
Griots Garage Random Orbital Polisher & Pad Kit
M105 or WG tsr
M205 or WG finish glaze
M83 (looking for something in between 105 and 205. Not sure if it's really needed though.)



Sealant: (not sure which one)
wg deep gloss paint sealant
BF Wet Diamond
CarPro CQuartz

Wax: (Not sure which)
Pinnacle Souvern (Think I'm going with this)
WG Fusion Estate
collinite 915
collinite 845


Interior:
303 aerospace protectant
dp total interior cleaner






still need pads for the da orbital, brush for wheels, towel for wheels, interior.


thoughts?
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure there is a big difference between Megs 105, which is a pretty coarse polish, and WG TSR, which I think is much milder. If your car isn't that bad,, which being new, I don't see how it would be, I think the WG twins (TSR and Finishing glaze) would be great for you. They are made by Menzerna, so they are great.
105 and 205 are still great product though if you need to do more polishing. Others can comment on this too please.

Sealant: Wolfgang has a richer look that resembles a carnauba wax, and bF Wet Diamond has more of a crystal clear sparkle to it. I believe that is mostly a personal preference issue.
CQuartz is a coating that lasts about 2 years, which reduced maintenance. I prefer the look of the Wolfgang and the BF to it, although I have only personally used the Wolfgang and am very pleased. I have been wanting to try the BF as well. You can't go wrong with either, IMO.

Wax:
the WG Fuzion could not be easier to apply sand remove, as it is a wipe on, wipe off product, which is a hybrid of a wax and a sealant and leaves a wet, rich and vibrant look. I have used it and have been very pleased. It is also somewhat anti static so it attracts less dust in my experience. It lasts about 3 months. It also has a wonderful fruity scent to it, which makes it a pleasure to use.



The Collinites are much more difficult to remove, but are much more durable, and don't have any added fragrance. I have used 915 and while it is nice, I much prefer Fuzion for looks, but then, so do a lot of people. It depends upon what you want.

I like a boar's hair wheel brush for the outside of the wheels, as it is gentle and gets into the contours easily and more quickly than by hand, and a daytona brush for inside of the wheels, along with Griot's wheel cleaner. With the boar's hair brush and Griot's wheel cleaner, I get the outside of a wheel clean in about 10-15 seconds. I take more time with the inside with the daytona because I don't want to get splattered with brake dusty water.
 
Watch all the videos here...if you are just detailing your daily driver, you can do it 3 or 4 products...until you get the detailing addiction, then you'll layer it a bunch.

I do it all with blackfire total polish and seal, and then blackfire crystal seal....I'm done with just this....
 
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