Beginner Detailer

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Jmoran

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So I've been detailing cars for a while but I've never really actually gotten an in depth look at the detailing world, of course once I visited Autogeek for the first time my mind was blown. I couldn't believe how many products there was and how little of a detail I was doing to cars. That being said I want to make changes and start using higher class products. Can anyone comment with their favorite...

-Car wash soap
-Polish/Glaze
-Wax
-Paint Sealant
-Clay
-Engine degreaser
-Tire dressing
-Wheel cleaner
-Odor eliminator
-Carpet/Upholstery cleaner
-Vinyl/Rubber protectant
-Leather cleaner/protectant

Keep in mind I don't want sky high prices but quality is a major factor. Thanks in advance Autogeek! I look forward to seeing your replies. :xyxthumbs:
 
Basically a mix of Optimum + Poorboy's will work for you.
These are top quality stuff, meaning it won't inflict damage on the car.

Always buy by the gallon, it may seem a bit pricey at first, but it will last A LOT longer, meaning less money wasted.

As for compound and polisher, Meguiars 105 and 205 is kind of a industry standart now, altough Optimum Hyper combo is excellent too.
 
Do you have any type of machine for machine polishing?

I posted this earlier in another thread but it fits here...


Definitely step up to a machine. If you've never used a machine before then the easiest tool to learn how to use and master is the PC style DA Polisher.

Porter Cable 7424XP
Meguiar's G110v2
Griot's Garage 6" ROP


Lots of pad options, chemical options and backing plate options. Once you get a little experience you can create a show car finish following just the basics as demonstrated last Thursday night here,


Video and Pictures - 1967 AC Cobra and 1949 Packard Show Car Makeovers!


CobraPackard002.jpg


:xyxthumbs:
 
@Mike I don't own one but I am looking for one, thanks for the suggestion, i'll check it out!
@Bmwgalore i'll check out the odor eliminator

So i'm thinking about getting Wolfgang Paintwork Polish Enhancer, Lexol Leather Cleaner, Pinnacle Clay, and Detailers Pro Series Engine Degreaser. Any reviews on these? They seem like they're some of the best products I can get.. Also I'm debating between Black Fire Crystal Seal and Wolfgang Deep Gloss Sealant 3.0. Which one of these two would give a more shiny look and smooth finish? Preferably a deep wet look.
 
Do you have any opinions on Paint sealants? What about Trim for the exterior? Thanks for the replies!
 
Sealant - Blackfire Wet Diamond
Trim - UTTG or CG New Look Trim Gel
 
Car soap:Chemical Guys Citrus Wash and Clear
Clay: Blackfire Poly Clay
Compound/Polish: M105 and Menzerna PO106FA(Super Finish)
Sealant: Blackfire Wet Diamond
Wax: Blackfire Midnight Sun
All Purpose Cleaner: Meguiar's APC+
Tire and trim dressing: Chemical Guys VRP
Odor Eliminator: Dakota Odor Bombs
Leather care: Chemical Guys Leather Conditioner

I would pick up a Dual Action polisher with a assortment of Lake Country 5.5 inch pads for compounding, polishing and waxing your vehicle.
 
I stick to high quality basics to cut down on cost
Wash soap-Meguiars gold class
tire and wheel Cleaner- Mothers tire and wheel cleaner
tire shine, Meguiars hot shine
wheel brush -daytona speed master
shop vac-rigid or craftsman
wax -Ibiz or meguiars #26
compound -M105
 
Would a compound be too aggressive for "okay" paint? I'm looking for a polish that isn't too aggressive but also not weak.
Also for the all purpose cleaner I would want something that leaves a shine but without a greasy feel to it, any products out there like this? What are you guys's opinion for long lasting Tire shines?

@Rider9195 would the type of clay really matter? Sorry i'm a beginner in all of this :/
 
Full on engine detail products? Ex: Degreaser, shine/protectant?
 
This is what is on my cart so far!

Wolfgang Paintwork Polish Enhancer
Pinnacle Ultra Poly Clay Special
3 Pack Dakota Odor Bomb Car Odor Eliminator
Chemical Guys Pure Leather Conditioner
Sprayway Glass Cleaner 16 oz.
Meguiars D103 All Purpose Cleaner Plus
Chemical Guys Extreme VRP Dressing 16 oz.
And a sample of Blackfire wet diamond all finish paint protection

Anything I should add/remove?
 
If i had to choose 1 product these would be them

Wash - Duragloss #901
Clay - Mothers
Compound - PG 1000 – PowerGloss Compound (POS34A)
Polish - PF 2500 – Power Finish Polish (PO203)
Finishing Polish - SF 4000 – Super Finish Polish (PO106FA)
Sealant - Ultima Paint Guard Plus
Wax - Collinite 845
Spray Wax -Optimum Spray Car Wax
Tire Cleaner - Meguiar's Super Degreaser
Tire Treatment - CarPro PERL
Trim - Ultima Tire and Trim Guard
Wheel Cleaner - Meguiar's Wheel Brightener
Wheel Protectant -Optimum Opti-Coat 2.0
Glass Cleaner - Meguiar's Glass Cleaner
Glass Treatment - Aquapel
All Purpose Cleaner - Optimum Power Clean
Interior Protectant - Meguiar’s M40
Chrome & Stainless Steel - BLACKFIRE Wet Diamond Metal Acrylic Sealant
 
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