Expert advice needed

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v1ru5879

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Just getting started in the detailing world and would eventually like to expand into a side business. After countless hours of reading I'm still not finding what I'm looking for. Hopefully you all will be kind enough to chime in.

I'm looking for the most "bang for your buck" items in the detailing world, I'm taking products cleaners, wash, wax, polish, towels, tools accessories. Basically anything detailing related I wanna know what you all feel is the most cost effective.

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Meguiar's Detailer line.
Enough said.

There should be tons of threads on bang for buck, Im surprised you couldnt find them.
 
I found many different categories such as glass cleaner certain towels the best for clay lube but all scattered about. I think a one stop for a list of everything bang for buck would be a great sticky that covers everything from chemicals to towles spray bottles buckets you name it

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L.A. awesome APC from dollar tree

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I should also mention I'm not looking for absolute dirt cheap products, I'd like to also know about what you all feel are also quality as cost effective

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Some pro detailers use simple green for their APC so if dirt cheap works for them i don't see why out wouldn't work for anyone else

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raysanni said:
Some pro detailers use simple green for their APC so if dirt cheap works for them i don't see why out wouldn't work for anyone else

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Yeah there we go, I'm wanting more people to chime in like this. Dirt cheap but also works well! Thank you for chiming in

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My input is that Sonax products always get over looked for the most part. When using any Sonax product less is always more.

I buy Sonax Sonax Multistar and mix it 40:1 and the amount of power it has is better than any other APC I have used

Most people tend to over use most products.

Give Multistar a shot.


 
I found the Maguires glass cleaner by the gallon is very bang for the buck at $18.49 for a gallon of concentrate you can't go wrong

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v1ru5879 said:
I found the Maguires glass cleaner by the gallon is very bang for the buck at $18.49 for a gallon of concentrate you can't go wrong

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Click to expand...

Don't overlook 3D 50:1 Glass Cleaner--for $7.99 you get enough concentrate to make over 6 gallons of cleaner. Even less expensive if you buy it by the gallon ($29 for enough concentrate to make 50 gallons of RTU cleaner)

In general 3D and HD products are well priced and work very well so you might want to take a look at those.

BTW--I don't think allot of detailers use Simple Green as their APC. While it's a great product you have to be careful with it as it doesn't do well with anything aluminum.

I don't think you're going to get many all inclusive responses as everyone has their own favorites and to compile a complete list work take a lengthy post, but if you dig around here on AG you'll find the information you're looking for.
 
ski2 said:
Don't overlook 3D 50:1 Glass Cleaner--for $7.99 you get enough concentrate to make over 6 gallons of cleaner. Even less expensive if you buy it by the gallon ($29 for enough concentrate to make 50 gallons of RTU cleaner)

In general 3D and HD products are well priced and work very well so you might want to take a look at those.

BTW--I don't think allot of detailers use Simple Green as their APC. While it's a great product you have to be careful with it as it doesn't do well with anything aluminum.

I don't think you're going to get many all inclusive responses as everyone has their own favorites and to compile a complete list work take a lengthy post, but if you dig around here on AG you'll find the information you're looking for.
Click to expand...
Thanks! I appreciate the input! I've been digging around every night which carries into the early morning hours ha-ha my amazon wish list has grown tremendously!

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v1ru5879 said:
Just getting started in the detailing world and would eventually like to expand into a side business. After countless hours of reading I'm still not finding what I'm looking for. Hopefully you all will be kind enough to chime in.

I'm looking for the most "bang for your buck" items in the detailing world, I'm taking products cleaners, wash, wax, polish, towels, tools accessories. Basically anything detailing related I wanna know what you all feel is the most cost effective.

Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

I'm sorta in the same boat as you except for the "side business"...I may do 4-8 cars spring/summer besides taking care of my DD and "somewhat" "Garage Queen".

You can get into some serious cash very quickly, so I hear Ya :xyxthumbs: However, it's often "you get what you pay for" However, However...there are some "Diamonds in the Ruff":

This is what I have and/or will Have:

Foam Gun: Gilmour
Get a Quality Hose or you'll regret it.
Gilmour Hose Nozzle: Rinse, ect ( Get the Quick Disconnects)
DP Extreme and Maxi Suds II
Walmart 5G Buckets (2 bucks/ea I think)
Grit Guards....just pay it :)
Wheel Woolies...just pay it :)
Many Spray Bottles with the Grey Chemical-Resistant Spray Heads, everyone carries them.

Interior Cleaner: Inner Clean (Chemical Guys)

Rubber Seals: 1Z Gummi Pflege Stift...I like saying it.
Trim: 1Z Deep Plastic Cleaner
Metal Polish: Optimum
Glass: Stoners
Clay: Nanoskin (Mitt, Sponge)...just pay it.

Surprisingly, the most important item IMHO is: QUALITY Micro-Fiber Towels!!!!! Anything that is between your Hand and the Paint better be QUALITY or you'll RUE THE DAY....

Eagle Edgeless from the Rag Company for me. However, I'm a MF Towel Addict, so Microfiber Madness (Yellow Fellows (polishes/compounds), Crazy Piles, and Incredimett)...Uber "take out a mortgage" Expensive!!!

I do alot of Waterless Washes, So...

Megs D114: first ballot Detailing Hall of Fame and CHEAP!! Great as a: Clay Lube, Rinseless, Wheel/Tire Cleaner, IPA Replace, depending on Dilution Ratio.

Spray Wax/Sealant: Meg's D-156....AG has a 2 Gallon Deal: Just Do It!!

Sealant: Menzerna Power Lock.

Wax/Sealant: Just get some Collonite #845 and end it !!!! :dblthumb2:

Polisher: GG 6"

Foam Pads: LC HT's/Meg's/Buff and Shine. All are expensive imho. But this is between your hand and the paint !!! (See: above)

Be patient and have all your items in a wish list/cart and when you see 20% Off "No Exclusions".... FIRE FOR EFFECT, stay low SQUEEZE and Hold Down TRIGGER (Full Auto) and Launch Bullets lol and Bring Down the Rain!!!
Pop on AG once a Day (if possible) and see if they have any "STEALS" like the Pinnacle Souveran @ $31.99 fiasco a few weeks back.

Polishes/Compounds (Remember "between your hand" above, don't skimp here): HD Polish/CarPro Reflect/Optimum Hyper Spray/Shine Supply Classic on and on. Haven't settled just yet on the final 3 in my arsenal.

I'm searching for a quality compound but I won't be needing much.

Review these threads intermittently for product reviews and "Pro-Speak"...you'll be able to tell who these people are :props: , for little tips and tricks and PM them if you have a specific question; Most are more than willing to help.

Probably forgot some stuff but....hope it helps
 
Recon 4th 502nd said:
I'm sorta in the same boat as you except for the "side business"...I may do 4-8 cars spring/summer besides taking care of my DD and "somewhat" "Garage Queen".

You can get into some serious cash very quickly, so I hear Ya :xyxthumbs: However, it's often "you get what you pay for" However, However...there are some "Diamonds in the Ruff":

This is what I have and/or will Have:

Foam Gun: Gilmour
Get a Quality Hose or you'll regret it.
Gilmour Hose Nozzle: Rinse, ect ( Get the Quick Disconnects)
DP Extreme and Maxi Suds II
Walmart 5G Buckets (2 bucks/ea I think)
Grit Guards....just pay it :)
Wheel Woolies...just pay it :)
Many Spray Bottles with the Grey Chemical-Resistant Spray Heads, everyone carries them.

Interior Cleaner: Inner Clean (Chemical Guys)

Rubber Seals: 1Z Gummi Pflege Stift...I like saying it.
Trim: 1Z Deep Plastic Cleaner
Metal Polish: Optimum
Glass: Stoners
Clay: Nanoskin (Mitt, Sponge)...just pay it.

Surprisingly, the most important item IMHO is: QUALITY Micro-Fiber Towels!!!!! Anything that is between your Hand and the Paint better be QUALITY or you'll RUE THE DAY....

Eagle Edgeless from the Rag Company for me. However, I'm a MF Towel Addict, so Microfiber Madness (Yellow Fellows (polishes/compounds), Crazy Piles, and Incredimett)...Uber "take out a mortgage" Expensive!!!

I do alot of Waterless Washes, So...

Megs D114: first ballot Detailing Hall of Fame and CHEAP!! Great as a: Clay Lube, Rinseless, Wheel/Tire Cleaner, IPA Replace, depending on Dilution Ratio.

Spray Wax/Sealant: Meg's D-156....AG has a 2 Gallon Deal: Just Do It!!

Sealant: Menzerna Power Lock.

Wax/Sealant: Just get some Collonite #845 and end it !!!! :dblthumb2:

Polisher: GG 6"

Foam Pads: LC HT's/Meg's/Buff and Shine. All are expensive imho. But this is between your hand and the paint !!! (See: above)

Be patient and have all your items in a wish list/cart and when you see 20% Off "No Exclusions".... FIRE FOR EFFECT, stay low SQUEEZE and Hold Down TRIGGER (Full Auto) and Launch Bullets lol and Bring Down the Rain!!!
Pop on AG once a Day (if possible) and see if they have any "STEALS" like the Pinnacle Souveran @ $31.99 fiasco a few weeks back.

Polishes/Compounds (Remember "between your hand" above, don't skimp here): HD Polish/CarPro Reflect/Optimum Hyper Spray/Shine Supply Classic on and on. Haven't settled just yet on the final 3 in my arsenal.

I'm searching for a quality compound but I won't be needing much.

Review these threads intermittently for product reviews and "Pro-Speak"...you'll be able to tell who these people are rops: , for little tips and tricks and PM them if you have a specific question; Most are more than willing to help.

Probably forgot some stuff but....hope it helps
Click to expand...
Thanks a million! Exactly what I was looking for everyone to chime in so now that I have a good general idea to get started what is recommend care for a DD? I know this isn't going to be a show car or anything close to that so I'm thinking I could get away with a full exterior correction n seal maybe once a year or so. I did a very thorough wash today and the entire care it swirled unfortunately, but on the bright side the car is white so it seems to hide well. The car also has some vinyls so I know I will have to be careful around those if I decide to correct n polish along with waxing and sealing. Any advice on caring for a DD is appreciated
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Bump
Anyone have some input on what products to absolutely avoid?

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Avoid Meguiars Tire Gel. Turns tires brown and has a massive amount of sling.

Be cautious about meguiars wheel brightener.

I recently purchased Poorboy's World Bold 'N Bright Tire Dressing Gel 32 oz. and have had great results. It only takes a little bit to go a long way. Plus its water Based.

Also if your looking to save money on a wheel cleaner look into DUB wheel cleaner by Meguiars. You Can find it at Advance Auto for $5 a bottle. Most places will price match, last time i tried to get it at Advance they tool me i had to purchase it online to get it for $5. So i just had Pepboys price match it instead.
 
ski2 said:
Don't overlook 3D 50:1 Glass Cleaner--for $7.99 you get enough concentrate to make over 6 gallons of cleaner. Even less expensive if you buy it by the gallon ($29 for enough concentrate to make 50 gallons of RTU cleaner)

In general 3D and HD products are well priced and work very well so you might want to take a look at those.

BTW--I don't think allot of detailers use Simple Green as their APC. While it's a great product you have to be careful with it as it doesn't do well with anything aluminum.

I don't think you're going to get many all inclusive responses as everyone has their own favorites and to compile a complete list work take a lengthy post, but if you dig around here on AG you'll find the information you're looking for.
Click to expand...

So far the best advice posted in this thread. Definitely not costco towels or Simple Green. Megs make excellent APC's as does 3D and they are very affordable.
 
And don't overlook Poor Boy's, their entire line is excellent and very affordable.
 
custmsprty said:
And don't overlook Poor Boy's, their entire line is excellent and very affordable.
Click to expand...

I second this. I'm still learning how long to work their polish but excellent stuff.

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Thanks!!! Really appreciate it no w I know which products to not even bother researching for a whole night lol. So I came across a pressure washer at Lowes for $100 its the greenworks 1600 psi 1.2 gpm electric pressure washer can't really find anything bad about it. Any thoughts on this unit?

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