Take it from a hobby-driveway detailer who’s spent WAY too much money on WAY too many products over the years.
Are you a hobbyist cleaning your family’s daily drivers? Or, do you have a Gargage-mahal where you painstakingly obsess over your Ferrari, Lambo or vintage NSX?
Figure out your process and identify a single product (or two) for each step. Find a good economical soap, a good quick detailer, all-purpose cleaner and so on. My advice would be to find products sold in gallons because a 16oz bottle of QD or soap will go real quick!
As others have said, search the forums. You’ll quickly find that everyone has their favorite and what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another. That will come up a lot! True sometimes, but you’ll also see some products are [more or less] universally regarded.
I live in WI so I detail in seasons. Last season and this season, I’ve decided to only buy the most bang my your buck products and really streamline my process. I’ve spent enough and read enough to quit buying every new product that comes out, “just to try it.”
I have a soap I like, a spray wax I like, a detailer, a polish and sealant, etc. I don’t stick to one family but I do give Megs Pro line in gallons a look before I buy anything else. They are proven products and they are economical.
I am also to the age where I need to make things easier on myself. Despite being pretty active, the contorting of marathon detail sessions kicks my ass for a couple days afterward. For that reason, I look for tools that make my life easier. A polisher that vibrates less, pads that work the best and good brushes, etc.
Feel free to PM me with specific questions. You are going to get a million answers to your question that may only overwhelm you more. I am not sure what your budget is but make sure no matter what, you are proud of your work when you step back. Notice I didn’t say finished. You’ll never be finished. HA!
