DFB
Well-known member
- Aug 12, 2019
- 5,814
- 4,992
DETAIL FACTORY OVERVIEW & BUYERS GUIDE –
The Detail Factory make the best brushes in the business. Full Stop! No other brand has innovated more, in the process making superior brushes that last longer, are more ergonomic, and even look better. And its not just brushes, the Detail Factory have been introducing an expanding range of detailing tools and accessories as well.
Prior to the Detail Factory, detailing brushes had remained static for decades, basically it was a case of everyone walking the same road and not daring to stray from that beaten track. From handle design and comfort, to bristles types and textures, the Detail Factory changed the game, and in the process, lead other brands to follow. And while there are many, many Detail Factory imitations now, none match the longer-term quality.
What I love about Detail Factory brushes and accessories is the attention put into ergonomics and user comfort. Think rubberized handles, soft touch coatings to prevent accidental damage, and the shape of the handle and how it feels in your hand with prolonged usage. I love how they use colour, which at first glance might seem pointless, but it can actually help you colour code brushes and tools to specific tasks or areas of the car. So instead of mono-tone boredom, here is a company willing to keep the product line fresh, enticing and………………fun.
Detail Factory have also challenged the accepted wisdom with regard to bristle material, length and density. Think ultra soft synthetic bristles for situations where a traditional boars hair is inappropriate. Softer than usual tire brushes. Or the XL-sized brushes that increase efficiency for a range of detailing tasks. Handle design has also evolved by offering differing lengths to accommodate different situations or user preferences. I also like how they have been designing superior versions of existing detailing essentials, in turn improving the quality and functionality. Think the trim removal tools, pet hair removal brushes, or the Clean Screen grit guards.
With such a diverse and ever expanding range of brushes and accessories, for a first time buyer it can be a little confusing as what it is a must have purchase, what’s nice to have, and what’s best to ignore.
MUST HAVES –
Tire Scrub Brush – There are two versions of this brush, the small one can be used on any tyre but is ideal low profile tyres, while the XL is geared toward large SUV and pickup tyres. Prior to this, tyre brushes had ultra-stiff bristles that didn’t follow the contours of the tyre sidewall, and in some cases could leave witness marks in the rubber. So, the DF version actually has some flex to the bristles, which conforms to the various textures, lettering and curvature of the sidewall, in turn cleaning better. If I had to pick one, it would be the smaller version as its more versatile. These brushes are excellent on rubber floor mats too. Probably my favourite from Detail Factory.
Curveball – I have two roles for these XL-sized synthetic bristle brushes, wheel cleaning and tyre dressing. For cleaning wheel faces, these are SUPER ergonomic and time efficient. For tyre dressing, they density of bristles helps evenly distribute dressing into all of the cracks and crevices of a sidewall. Yes, this is an expensive way to apply dressing, but the Curveball will out live 5000 foam applicators. One use of this brush for tyre dressing and you’ll never go back to foam or flag-tipped brushes again.
Screwball – With the same XL-sized handle as the Curveball, this brush swaps the synthetic bristles for boars hair. The Screwball has a narrower footprint, making it ideal for applying dressing to low profile tyres. Again, this is an expensive brush, and again, it will last indefinably. As per the Curveball, this is a super ergonomic and efficient tool to have.
Ultra-Soft Synthetic Brushes – From what I can tell, the Detail Factory were the first to offer this style of bristle in detailing. Common to cosmetic brushes, these soft bristles are best suited to delicate surfaces such as gloss trims, gloss black wheels, even dusting air vents. I think you’d have three of these in differing colours for identification; one for interior use, one for exterior use, one for wheels. Available in long or short handle with a plastic or rubberized finish, round or Tri-Grip handle, I’d narrow that down to the long handle versions for superior balance.
Boars Hair Brushes – There isn’t anything unique about boars hair bristles, so in this case you are choosing these Detail Factory versions for the superior handle and bristle attachment. As per the synthetic brushes, these have a single piece handle rather than the two- and three-piece competitors. They are also metal free and devoid of sharp edges. That means superior durability and less failure points, especially important with repeated wet and dry cycles. And compared to other boars hair brushes, the Detail Factory feel softer and safer. Again, you’d have at least three of these in long handle format for interior, exterior and wheels.
Wheel Clean Brushes – These come in two sizes, the original large and the new mini. While I prefer the Microfiber Madness Incredi-Brush for its flexible shaft, the Detail Factory alternative has a better handle and is supplied with interchangeable microfiber socks, which you use will depend on the level of cleaning ability required. In most cases, the mini is the one to go for, it will still reach to the back of the barrel, but will better deal with small rotor to wheel clearances or narrow spoke openings.
Wheel Face Brush – In terms of handle length and bristle type, there probably isn’t a clear advantage over competitor wheel face brushes. Dig a little deeper and there are some subtle improvements made to this type of brush. As per other Detail Factory items, the soft-touch rubber coating helps improve your grip, while also providing impact safety. I also really like the length and thickness of the bristles, which are also nicely soft. Everyone needs a brush like this, be that for use on wheels, or even engine bays and fender wells.
Continued next post......................
The Detail Factory make the best brushes in the business. Full Stop! No other brand has innovated more, in the process making superior brushes that last longer, are more ergonomic, and even look better. And its not just brushes, the Detail Factory have been introducing an expanding range of detailing tools and accessories as well.
Prior to the Detail Factory, detailing brushes had remained static for decades, basically it was a case of everyone walking the same road and not daring to stray from that beaten track. From handle design and comfort, to bristles types and textures, the Detail Factory changed the game, and in the process, lead other brands to follow. And while there are many, many Detail Factory imitations now, none match the longer-term quality.
What I love about Detail Factory brushes and accessories is the attention put into ergonomics and user comfort. Think rubberized handles, soft touch coatings to prevent accidental damage, and the shape of the handle and how it feels in your hand with prolonged usage. I love how they use colour, which at first glance might seem pointless, but it can actually help you colour code brushes and tools to specific tasks or areas of the car. So instead of mono-tone boredom, here is a company willing to keep the product line fresh, enticing and………………fun.
Detail Factory have also challenged the accepted wisdom with regard to bristle material, length and density. Think ultra soft synthetic bristles for situations where a traditional boars hair is inappropriate. Softer than usual tire brushes. Or the XL-sized brushes that increase efficiency for a range of detailing tasks. Handle design has also evolved by offering differing lengths to accommodate different situations or user preferences. I also like how they have been designing superior versions of existing detailing essentials, in turn improving the quality and functionality. Think the trim removal tools, pet hair removal brushes, or the Clean Screen grit guards.
With such a diverse and ever expanding range of brushes and accessories, for a first time buyer it can be a little confusing as what it is a must have purchase, what’s nice to have, and what’s best to ignore.
MUST HAVES –
Tire Scrub Brush – There are two versions of this brush, the small one can be used on any tyre but is ideal low profile tyres, while the XL is geared toward large SUV and pickup tyres. Prior to this, tyre brushes had ultra-stiff bristles that didn’t follow the contours of the tyre sidewall, and in some cases could leave witness marks in the rubber. So, the DF version actually has some flex to the bristles, which conforms to the various textures, lettering and curvature of the sidewall, in turn cleaning better. If I had to pick one, it would be the smaller version as its more versatile. These brushes are excellent on rubber floor mats too. Probably my favourite from Detail Factory.
Curveball – I have two roles for these XL-sized synthetic bristle brushes, wheel cleaning and tyre dressing. For cleaning wheel faces, these are SUPER ergonomic and time efficient. For tyre dressing, they density of bristles helps evenly distribute dressing into all of the cracks and crevices of a sidewall. Yes, this is an expensive way to apply dressing, but the Curveball will out live 5000 foam applicators. One use of this brush for tyre dressing and you’ll never go back to foam or flag-tipped brushes again.
Screwball – With the same XL-sized handle as the Curveball, this brush swaps the synthetic bristles for boars hair. The Screwball has a narrower footprint, making it ideal for applying dressing to low profile tyres. Again, this is an expensive brush, and again, it will last indefinably. As per the Curveball, this is a super ergonomic and efficient tool to have.
Ultra-Soft Synthetic Brushes – From what I can tell, the Detail Factory were the first to offer this style of bristle in detailing. Common to cosmetic brushes, these soft bristles are best suited to delicate surfaces such as gloss trims, gloss black wheels, even dusting air vents. I think you’d have three of these in differing colours for identification; one for interior use, one for exterior use, one for wheels. Available in long or short handle with a plastic or rubberized finish, round or Tri-Grip handle, I’d narrow that down to the long handle versions for superior balance.
Boars Hair Brushes – There isn’t anything unique about boars hair bristles, so in this case you are choosing these Detail Factory versions for the superior handle and bristle attachment. As per the synthetic brushes, these have a single piece handle rather than the two- and three-piece competitors. They are also metal free and devoid of sharp edges. That means superior durability and less failure points, especially important with repeated wet and dry cycles. And compared to other boars hair brushes, the Detail Factory feel softer and safer. Again, you’d have at least three of these in long handle format for interior, exterior and wheels.
Wheel Clean Brushes – These come in two sizes, the original large and the new mini. While I prefer the Microfiber Madness Incredi-Brush for its flexible shaft, the Detail Factory alternative has a better handle and is supplied with interchangeable microfiber socks, which you use will depend on the level of cleaning ability required. In most cases, the mini is the one to go for, it will still reach to the back of the barrel, but will better deal with small rotor to wheel clearances or narrow spoke openings.
Wheel Face Brush – In terms of handle length and bristle type, there probably isn’t a clear advantage over competitor wheel face brushes. Dig a little deeper and there are some subtle improvements made to this type of brush. As per other Detail Factory items, the soft-touch rubber coating helps improve your grip, while also providing impact safety. I also really like the length and thickness of the bristles, which are also nicely soft. Everyone needs a brush like this, be that for use on wheels, or even engine bays and fender wells.
Continued next post......................
