To the OP:
Its all good in the hood if you have the money to burn on this stuff.
Im more of a keep it simple, budget kinda guy. And to be honest, my car looks better than 98% of other detailers cars. I used to buy tons of products. I have essentially wasted my money over the years. Just like any industry/hobby, you have the flavor of the month/must have products. I say thats all unnecessary.
My current regimen/products is simple.
Wash car weekly with 2 bucket method, grit guard, good quality towels, leaf blower, etc... Use cheap, decent OTC meguiars/mothers products. Use spray wax after each wash as a protectant/drying agent.
I keep some waterless wash and some good microfibers in my trunk, attack bird poop/bugs in the parking lots ASAP.
I break out the Harbor Freight DA with M105/205 and some clay when defects arise. Cheap products, readily available, and enough for 95% of any defects. Proper use of these 2 products will 110% result in a show car finish. No need for any of that fancy crap.
Keep car garaged.
Apply quality sealant after full correction each season..
Wash the car correctly. NEVER touch the paint when it has dust on it. Never rub hard on the paint in circles for any reason.
Thats all you really need to do. Sure, you may have to do the occasional wet sanding for a scratch (again, all technique) or working on trim, headlights etc.. The guys here on the forum will help you out with that kind of stuff. But really, washing you car correctly (and not using automatic washes) is CRITICAL. Just like Junkman2000 says. Technique trumps product 24/7 365...... Just keep up on your stuff and use the right techniques and your car will look awesome without spending a fortune....
Seriously, watch junkman2000 videos on YouTube. He tells it like it is....
