Follow a system

[Jeff120]

How many of you are systematic detailers? For example you use Wolfgang, soap, clay, polish, sealant, wax, detailer, ect or any brand? Im kinda a system person, I try to stick to similar lines per car, then polish and switch it up.

 

[Scott DeBrun]

I'm still trying out products and what I have found is that each wax has it's own characteristics(sp). Some bring out the candy in the candy apple or the metallic or the red. I am still getting my permanent lineup in order and Pinnacle is definately in the running. I guess I'm more of a freestyler at this point.

 

[JonMiles]

I have always been a systematic detailer, I have 4 different chemical crates with different product lines in them. I have a meguiars crate, four star/ ultima crate, zymol crate, and an economy crate.

The economy crate is for beat up cars that the customer just wants everything shining with minimal cost, nothing but glaze, high gloss stuff, and strongs APC's...its kind of like my eager beaver in a box.

The meguiars crate is my typical one to grab, its economical but not just shine in a bottle. The products can impress most customers and do everything I need them to do, also the line is well known and people love seeing Meguiar's on the bottles. I use this crate for mostly maintenance packages.

My four star/ultima crate is my favorite one to use, the products are superb quality and give a great look and feel to everything. However, the quality and feel come at a price and I reserve this crate for mostly new car preps and full correction jobs. I can't afford to use ultima on a $35 wash and vac job.

My zymol crate is used almost exclusively for show car preparations, these customers are picky and feel that 2nd place in a concours event is not acceptable. Try pleasing 3 customers like this at the same time who are all entering the same event...not possible, but making all 3 cars stand out in the crowd helps. I have used my zymol crate on 6 total cars.

 

[Rob T]

I think that there is something to be said for this approach. The closest I have got to doing this is with Optimum. I would use Opti-Seal, No Rinse for washing, and Optimum Car Wax for maintenance, as well as Optimum Instant Detailer. They all seemed to work very well together.

 

[WRAPT C5Z06]

When it comes to LSP's, I never have topped with another brand. This seems to be very common, but not for me. I use Zaino Z2 as my LSP on my z06, and I only use Zaino quick detailer. I will only use the same brand QD as my LSP. When it comes to compounding and polishing, I normally use the same brand. M105/M205, or WG TSR/WG FG. I don't like to mix and match compounds and polishes. As far as soap, APC's, clay, tire dressings, glass cleaners, I use all types of brands because they don't need to work together. :dblthumb2:

 

[Kurt_s]

I mix and match. I tend to find products or product lines that I really like and stick with them. I look for synergy, value, durability/consistancy and for a certain look. If I don't get the look that I'm after, I move on.

I've been experimenting of late, but want to settle back into a comfortable relationship with products that are predictable. So many products and so little time...

One thing that I really appreciate about this forum is the opportunity to learn what works for you and get insights into products that may help me settle back into a comfortable relationship. rops:

 

[Jeff120]

Im thinking if I commit to stick to a system then I will be less likely to buy more stuff that I dont need! Maybe every year buy 1 or 2 complete systems. Im still accumulating products though!

 

[parboy]

Im still accumulating products as well, so I mix and match trying to find what I like. Right now I have WG TSR and FG but also Menz 85rd. My sealants include the klasse twins and DP poly seal. For LSP I have Souveran paste and Souveran liquid. I use megs apc+ for tire/wheel/general cleaning and DP or OB gel or megs hyper dressing for tire dressing. I use DP interior protectant for the inside stuff.

 

[Kurt_s]

When it comes to LSP's, I never have topped with another brand. This seems to be very common, but not for me. I use Zaino Z2 as my LSP on my z06, and I only use Zaino quick detailer. I will only use the same brand QD as my LSP. When it comes to compounding and polishing, I normally use the same brand. M105/M205, or WG TSR/WG FG. I don't like to mix and match compounds and polishes. As far as soap, APC's, clay, tire dressings, glass cleaners, I use all types of brands because they don't need to work together. :dblthumb2:

Hey Mark,

Didn't realize that you used Zaino. I've never used it but tried to learn about it when I was trying to figure out what LSP to use after I corrected my bimmer last year. Do you use their whole process from precleaner through the various sealant steps?

I was also thinking about car washes as part of the "system." I finally tried the DG 901 that you sent me last week and the look of my wife's car after washing with the 901 is "different" from using Megs' Gold Class, OG's Blue 33 and ONR. I bought more by the way. Thank you again!

Do you think that car wash soaps with their different polymers affect the look of the LSP's finish too? Does your car look different immediately after zaino application, when you use the Zaino detailer and when you use something like 901?

I'm asking philosophically from a system standpoint not a what's the best look standpoint.

 

[Rob T]

I didn't know that Mark was using Zaino either. I'm guessing that this is a new development?