Help a Female Newbie - Interior Care Products

Jbirk said:
Why not take care of the exterior yourself, too?

I personally HATE putting my effort into the interior; instead, after a nice polish job I just like to look at it.

Personally, I don't think you can trust many retailers on the exterior... I have seen and heard too many horror stories, and if I were hiring a detailer, he or she would be interviewed unless it was based on reputation and that person was already known-good.

What I am getting at is you do NOT want a swirled car, so immediately buy some quality soap, two grit guards, and your favorite wash mitt (possibly even a foamer)... Other than that you need some microfibers, some Wax (or Sealant) and a little clay... and may be a detailing spray... THAT'S IT.


Provided your car is swirl-free, you wash it without putting ANY swirls into it, clay it with a mild clay, and slap a coat of wax on it. From here on out delicate washes and spray wax, or waterless/rinseless washes or detail sprays.... either way you can probably keep it looking top notch for a year or more if the paint is flawless.

The idea is if you treat it right - it won't likely need to be polished.

When going to a car dealership or service center DO NOT LET THE WASH THE CAR NO MATTER HOW MUCH DIRT IS ON THE CAR.


I took my Infiniti to the dealer and they were surprised how dirty it was being mine is always the cleanest... They could not understand why I refuse the wash.
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Hmmm.....that doesn't sound too hard. I think that I'll try cleaning and coating/sealing/protecting (whatever you guys call it) the exterior plastics and see how that goes before I decide to tackle the paint. The car has been kept garaged and is kept clean. All I've had to do (and I didn't even really HAVE TO do it) is rinse it with water so far. I don't see any swirls or scratches, although I'm sure you pros probably could find some flaws.

I've already read the horror stories about letting the dealership wash the car. That won't be happening. I will have the service rep write on the service order that the car is not to be washed. I'm glad that I was warned before it happened.
 
Hey, where did everyone go?? :help:

I have read some reviews online and am sold on the Car Pro DLux Plastic and Wheel Coating. I even read a review of Car Pro DLux vs the same type of product made by Ultima and the Car Pro fared better.

Okay, so I need another recommendation. The grille is made of alternating rows of black plastic and brushed chrome. I need a tool that will help me apply the DLux in tight spaces. What do you guys suggest? Detailer Q-tips? Finger pockets? Any other suggestions?

I am getting excited about placing my order and getting started but I want to make sure that I have everything I need to apply the Ultima to the inside and the CP DLux to the exterior plastics. I already have MF pads and towels.

Here is my "buy" list so far:

UIGP Ultima Interior Guard Plus 12 oz. ULT-6112-110 $39.99
(interior rubber, vinyl, and dash sealant/protectant)

UISG Ultima Interior Shampoo Gel 22 oz. ULT-6022 $11.99 (sale)
(interior cleaner for leather, vinyl, plastic, headliners, carpet, fabric)

DP Cleanse All Exterior Cleaner 32 oz. DP-320 $19.99
(cleaner for plastics, rubber, painted metal/fiberglass, polished, plated, coated metals)
Dilute 1:1 for painted metal (wheels on the MKC)

Car Pro CQuartz DLux Plastic & Wheel Coating CP-DLUX $39.99
(Semi permanent protection for paint, plastics, rubber, and metals)

Carrand 2 in1 Electrostatic Detail Brush CAR-92049 $6.99
(Cleans electronics, instrument panels, and vents)

1” Round Detailing Brush B-15 $7.99
(Cleans hard to reach areas / will gently apply shampoo to perforated leather seats)

APPLICATOR FOR Car Pro DLux IN TIGHT AREAS??????
NEED HELP WITH WHAT TO GET FOR THIS


SUBTOTAL SO FAR $126.94

WOW!! This stuff adds up fast!! And I've barely scratched the surface. I can only imagine what you guys must spend on this stuff!!

:bowdown: Thanks again to all of you experts. I think what you all do is AMAZING!!
 
Welcome, So jealous of your mkc. I have the escape which is the Ford version. I know it seems overwhelming but over time it becomes much more simple. Choose what you want, while still keeping in the process. My main issue with what you are doing is going all out on the interior and not even looking at the exterior. It is extremely common for women to go for just the interior and then paint over time degrades. Now, paint will be a bit more confusing for you at first, but you will start to understand it too.

First off-Do not use armor all or black magic, horrible brands, not worth it

Second, Do not use the dealer car washes. They "Swirl" your paint and usually never do a good job.

For exterior work, Start with a two bucket wash> move to clay step>then compound then polish only if needed>Then apply your protectant.
 
Your list looks like a winner to me. :xyxthumbs:

Since you've stated you have a pro detailer lined up for the time being for the exterior, I see no problem with focusing on the interior - and will hazard a guess that over time you'll end up doing your exterior stuff too. All of the comments re: exterior are good advice and there are a kazillion threads here to overwhelm you with caring for your car inside and out as you know!

If you're concerned about applying Dlux to your hard to get to grille areas, I'd maybe add a couple extra CarPro Suede applicators to your order and just wrap around something slim - like an old credit card, etc. Or, just folding one over on itself may also work. Oh..Dlux is not difficult to apply IME and taping is always a good idea. Low-tack blue painters tapes works well for me. I believe you mentioned you had a supply of good microfibers - you'll need these for removing excess Dlux as well as other interior work.


Have fun with it and pictures are always cool when you get going!
 
rms64 said:
Your list looks like a winner to me. :xyxthumbs:

Since you've stated you have a pro detailer lined up for the time being for the exterior, I see no problem with focusing on the interior - and will hazard a guess that over time you'll end up doing your exterior stuff too. All of the comments re: exterior are good advice and there are a kazillion threads here to overwhelm you with caring for your car inside and out as you know!

If you're concerned about applying Dlux to your hard to get to grille areas, I'd maybe add a couple extra CarPro Suede applicators to your order and just wrap around something slim - like an old credit card, etc. Or, just folding one over on itself may also work. Oh..Dlux is not difficult to apply IME and taping is always a good idea. Low-tack blue painters tapes works well for me. I believe you mentioned you had a supply of good microfibers - you'll need these for removing excess Dlux as well as other interior work.


Have fun with it and pictures are always cool when you get going!
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I didn't think about wrapping the suede applicators around something. What a great idea!! I did think about ordering extra Car Pro suede applicators and think I will do that.

I'm starting with the interior because I want to get some confidence doing something that I think I can handle. After I do the interior and exterior plastics, I may decide to do the paint.....or I might decide this detailing stuff isn't for me and hire the pro. I'm hoping it's the former and not the latter.

I still have my other car so I have been mostly driving that until I get the MKC detailed.
 
dancinmama said:
I didn't think about wrapping the suede applicators around something. What a great idea!! I did think about ordering extra Car Pro suede applicators and think I will do that.

I'm starting with the interior because I want to get some confidence doing something that I think I can handle. After I do the interior and exterior plastics, I may decide to do the paint.....or I might decide this detailing stuff isn't for me and hire the pro. I'm hoping it's the former and not the latter.

I still have my other car so I have been mostly driving that until I get the MKC detailed.
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We are not here to scare you, but please be wary of what a hack is and what a detailer is. For just paintwork, not correction but wash>clay>wax and wheel clean, it should be about 100-120. Take note of what they are using and how long it takes, should take about 4 hours how ytmv
 
Bill1234 said:
Welcome, So jealous of your mkc. I have the escape which is the Ford version. I know it seems overwhelming but over time it becomes much more simple. Choose what you want, while still keeping in the process. My main issue with what you are doing is going all out on the interior and not even looking at the exterior. It is extremely common for women to go for just the interior and then paint over time degrades. Now, paint will be a bit more confusing for you at first, but you will start to understand it too.

First off-Do not use armor all or black magic, horrible brands, not worth it

Second, Do not use the dealer car washes. They "Swirl" your paint and usually never do a good job.

For exterior work, Start with a two bucket wash> move to clay step>then compound then polish only if needed>Then apply your protectant.
Click to expand...

I didn't even know there was even such a thing as an MKC until I went to a Ford/Lincoln dealer to test drive the Escape and the Edge. Afterward the sales person showed me the MKC and I immediately knew it was "my car".

Like I said, I'm mostly driving my old car until I get the MKC detailed. Trust me, I'm not ignoring the exterior. I'm just taking small, baby steps to see if I like doing this detailing stuff. I'm pretty "detail oriented" as a general rule, so I think I might like it!!

What's a generally decent sale around here? As I have been making my list I've seen 20% off and 15% off. I couldn't finish my research/buy list in time to jump on either of them. Will there likely be anything better?
 
Bill1234 said:
We are not here to scare you, but please be wary of what a hack is and what a detailer is. For just paintwork, not correction but wash>clay>wax and wheel clean, it should be about 100-120. Take note of what they are using and how long it takes, should take about 4 hours how ytmv
Click to expand...

Okay, Bill; will do.

If I see him coming out with one bucket wearing a spiked belt, I know to run!! LOL!!

Seriously though, I truly understand how important it is to be careful. I'm paying good money for this car (the first brand new car for me that I've ever gotten) and I plan to have it for a very long time which is why I'm trying to take good care of her from the get go.
 
15 percent sales are fairly common, 20 percent a little more unusual. Since I think I saw in another post of yours elsewhere that you're in Florida, you can hit free shipping at either $90 or $95 - can't remember - but still have to pay FL tax.

Don't forget to add a free sample of something you'd like to try out!
 
Okay, I guess I'll wait for another sale to place my order.

I did order some foam tipped applicators (3 different shapes) on Amazon. I saw a review of the product and the detailer doing the review had used a couple of foam tipped applicators so I know they'll work for small, tight spaces.
 
I would add meguiars 39; you need a plastic cleaner in your arsenal, and it is only 8.99.
 
dancinmama said:
I didn't even know there was even such a thing as an MKC until I went to a Ford/Lincoln dealer to test drive the Escape and the Edge. Afterward the sales person showed me the MKC and I immediately knew it was "my car".

Like I said, I'm mostly driving my old car until I get the MKC detailed. Trust me, I'm not ignoring the exterior. I'm just taking small, baby steps to see if I like doing this detailing stuff. I'm pretty "detail oriented" as a general rule, so I think I might like it!!

What's a generally decent sale around here? As I have been making my list I've seen 20% off and 15% off. I couldn't finish my research/buy list in time to jump on either of them. Will there likely be anything better?
Click to expand...

The mkc is based off the escape as said but with a 2inch wider track and interior upgrades and more choices. The mkx is based off the edge. Around the holidays in december you can get 30 percent considering nobody is really detailing their car in the winter months
 
RPM_BR said:
I would add meguiars 39; you need a plastic cleaner in your arsenal, and it is only 8.99.
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Do I? Is that to use on the exterior plastics to prep for the DLux application? I wasn't sure as the car is new. I was hoping that maybe all it would need is a thorough rinse and dry before applying the DLux. I started a thread asking about it because almost everyone preps for the application of DLux differently:
- wash, apply Detailer's Cleanse-All
- wash, apply isopropyl alcohol
- wash with APC and use an eraser

I'm ordering the Ultima Interior Shampoo Gel to clean the interior plastics. Once I apply the DLux, will I need an plastic cleaner for the exterior plastics as well?

Please understand that I've never detailed ANYTHING in my life so I have absolutely NO CLUE what I'm doing.
 
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