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General => Detailing => Topic started by: Shady Pioneer on 20 April 2008, 23:17
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So my car could do with looking a bit sexier and cleaner, looking into alloys and lowering to make this happen, but it still needs to be clean.
I don't have anything atm, other than a shammy and a hose, so I'm gonna need it all. I just want to have enough so I clean the car, and wax or polish it to give it a good long lasting shine.
I will need clay as well correct?
I need mitts and cloths or somthing to apply polish or wax. And the final thing is a trim restorer, so the trim at the bottom front, sides and rear I can make black again (oh and the door handles).
I'm a tight budget so be gentle.
Regards.
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go to halfords where i think they still have a 3 for 2 offer on cleaning products. be clever and do several transactions so you buy three similarly priced items at a time (you get the cheapest item free)
buy a lambswool mitt, some meguiars microfibres (3 pack) and some meguiars applicators (2 pack of little foam discs)
buy some shampoo, either meguiars NXT, gold class or autoglym shampoo
buy the meguiars stage 1 and 2 polishes and either a NXT wax or similar.
buy the quick clay kit, if you can afford it. good as clay does make alot of difference and it also comes with bonus products.
buy either autoglym bumper stuff or meguiars trim detailer.
thats 9 products, so 3 lots of 3 for 2's so if you're clever you get more for your money. ie if you got a quick clay kit, NXT shampoo and the polish applicators in one transaction you'd get the pads free... bad! get the three most expensive things first, then next three, then next three... lot of effort i guess but worth it if you want the best savings.
then get two buckets and read the "two bucket method" and lastly get a drying towel from here: http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=64&products_id=196
and thats a good start without spending a fortune.
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Thanks alot man, didn't realise Halford's had an offer on, so I'll pop up there tomorrow. Cheers for the quick reply as well.
Wasn't looking into spending much more than £40 if that, so if this offers a good one, guess it'll be the more expensive items first, take them to the car, come bac 10 mins later and get the rest :evil:
Thanks again.
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Went into Halfords today and they didn't have the 3 for 2 on. So I'm looking at buying online instead, on Elite Car Care, could you point me to all the links to the right stuff because I'm such a noob lol!
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Went into Halfords today and they didn't have the 3 for 2 on. So I'm looking at buying online instead, on Elite Car Care, could you point me to all the links to the right stuff because I'm such a noob lol!
you can find most of the megs stuff that Joe mentioned here
http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/index.php?manufacturers_id=6 (http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/index.php?manufacturers_id=6)
although I would opt for the bilt hambler auto wash instead of the megs stuff... I've used both and the bilt hambler stuff is amazing... you only need 5ml per wash http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=57&products_id=421 (http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=57&products_id=421)
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I can highly recomend the Dodo juice range. Has done wonders to the 30 year old paint on my wifes mini.
NIck
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So...
Meguiars Mitt
http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=34
Meguiars Trim Detailer
http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=41
Meguiars Foam Apllicators
http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=44
Meguiars NXT Wax
http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=438
Meguiars NXT shampoo
http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=381
Sonus Green Clay
http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=363{7}77
What am I missing?
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A polish! Dodo juice lime and prime is a cracker.
Nick
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Link pretty please?
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here you go... drop the megs NXT wax and the megs foam applicators and go for this with the collinite wax, foam applicators and 3 microfibres (you'll need microfibres)
http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=67&products_id=402 (http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=67&products_id=402)
this is the lime prime... a good pre-wax polish
http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=27&products_id=386 (http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=27&products_id=386)
you'll need some detailing spray for the clay (you can use the microfibres from the collinite pack)
http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=68&products_id=36 (http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=68&products_id=36)
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Some brilliant replies! Detailingworld.co.uk comes highly recommended for any questions.
There are some brilliant guides here, Polished Bliss (http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/guides.html). I have a formidable collection of cleaning products, but all generic off the shelf stuff - I only grabbed some good stuff recently. I cleaned my car recently... (http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=49436.msg686261#msg686261)
Washing the car, strangely enough, Tesco's Pink Car Shampoo gets a MASSIVE thumbs up from the cleaning world. For the price of it, it definitely produces good results. I've got Autoglym Shampoo and Conditioner and don't really like it - not many suds and doesn't feel like its doing anything, even when mixed very rich.
Depending on the state of the paint, your going to need to go through a pretty thorough routine. I clayed my car for the first time the other day, and it is DEFINITELY recommended, the feel of the paint is unbelievable. Following some advice, I get the Meguairs Quik Clay Kit as its easy to work for beginners and not very abrasive.
For polish, Autoglym SRP gets the best reviews for hand polishing (http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=10656). If there is swirl marks, deep scratches or marring - your going to need a more abrasive polish, such as Farecla G3 cutting compound or Meguairs #86. They take a bit of practice and getting used to - so try to practice on a spare panel or somewhere discreet.
For wax, Collinite get the best rep for long lasting and hard wearing but it won't necessarily provide the best deepest shine. I've used the cheap Turtle waxes and don't make much of it - and it has a lot of dust. The Meguairs 3 stage doesn't actually get raving reviews among the detailing world - its good, but you can get a better mix of products that bond better with each other and produce a better finish.
For wheel cleaning - use a stiff brush, try and avoid very acidic/alkaline cleaners as they can damage the lacquer or chrome finishes. Old clay can be used to dissolve tar spots and clean up the wheels (and windows!).
In terms of apparatus you need, jump down to B&Q and get 2 buckets. You'll need a nice deep pile lambswool washmit to stop scratch and swirl marks that a sponge usually creates. And when you're applying polish - a damp sponge is what you use. For wax, use a damp cotton cloth wrapped into a ball. For buffing off both you're best using a Microfibre towel - same stuff you use to dry the car. I cheaped out and bought a bag of 20 microfibre towels for about £5 from my local wholesaler, 3 towels dry the entire car bone dry. Then I use a towel to dry quick detailer, buff off wax and polish.
Blah blah blah - I could go on all day, but everyone is going to have their own opinion of what to get, but the combination of products I use tends to get a good review from detailer's for adhesion and finish. I use, Farecla G3 (only for deep scratches), Meguairs Quik Clay kit, Autoglym SRP, Collinite 476s - I bought all mine off eBay (seemed to be the best prices), the seller Detailed Obsession (http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/detailedobsession) got me my stuff next day with a little letter explaining how to get the best results out of a product - was well chuffed.
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Thanks for the replies guys. But now I'm left a little worse for wearl lol!
I'm still not sure about everything I should go for...how about this, I'll say I've got £50, someone link me to all the various bits and pieces I need based on my budget, whoever does it I'll love you :grin:
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here's my effort... decided that the lime prime and the trim detailer were unnecessary as you have green bumpers and the lime prime can be a treat to yourself once you get hooked and want better results!
Eurow 100% Sheepskin 2 in 1 Wash Mitt
£6.49
http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=143 (http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=143)
Collinite #476s Paste Wax Detailing Kit
£18.49
http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=400 (http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=400)
Meguiars Quik (Mist & Wipe) Detailer
£6.99
http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=36 (http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=36)
Bilt Hambler Autowash
£8.95
http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=421 (http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=421)
Eurow Medium Waffle Weave Microfibre Drying Towel - 17" x 24"
£4.99
http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=267 (http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=267)
Sonus Green Ultra Fine Detailing Clay - Quantity 1 bar
£6.99
http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=363{7}77 (http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=363{7}77)
£52.90
FREE SHIPPING FOR ORDERS OVER £60 so you might as well get something else...
either..
swap the collinite kit for this better one...
http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=402 (http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=402)
and add this applicator pad
http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=402 (http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=402)
= £60.36
or...
keep the original suggestion of a cheaper collinte wax, remove the applicator and add a non-caustic wheel cleaner to keep your rims shiny?
http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=93 (http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=93)
total: £60.89
so my final suggestion...
1 x Eurow 100% Sheepskin 2 in 1 Wash Mitt
1 x Meguiars Quik (Mist & Wipe) Detailer
1 x Bilt Hambler Autowash
1 x Eurow Medium Waffle Weave Microfibre Drying Towel - 17" x 24"
1 x Sonus Green Ultra Fine Detailing Clay
1 x Collinite #476s Paste Wax Detailing Kit
1 x Muc-Off Wheel Cleaner
£60.89
you're getting quite a lot for your bucks there I think... you'll need two buckets on top of this
whatever you get it won't be enough once you get into it... there will always be the next wax to try, the next polish, the next something or rather.... :smiley:
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Thank you very much for them suggestons man, I love you :tongue:
I'll make up the extra money by adding a trim detailer...as I have black trim around the bottom of the car...which to go for though...? lol!
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i love you too sweetie... now can we get back to cleaning cars? :smiley:
1 x Eurow 100% Sheepskin 2 in 1 Wash Mitt
1 x Meguiars Quik (Mist & Wipe) Detailer
1 x Autowash
1 x Eurow Medium Waffle Weave Microfibre Drying Towel - 17" x 24"
1 x Sonus Green Ultra Fine Detailing Clay
1 x Collinite #476s Paste Wax Detailing Kit
1 x Meguiars Gold Class Trim Detailer
2 x Sonus Foam Applicator Pad
£60.89
the megs is a good trim detailer as it is non that silicony... you will need an applicator for this too... and you might as well have a spare as you will start going through these
http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=41 (http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=41)
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Cheers babe :smiley:
Just one last thing, what do I use to lubricate the clay?
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The Quik Detailer :afro:
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Guys,
Don't forget that to get a good deep shine you will need to add in a good polish to the lists given above.
Wax is a last stage protection product which will be fine on paint that is minty mint and not at all aged. Even the very best waxes do not perform well if they are applied to a surface that has not been properly prepared with clay AND a good polish.
If the cars paint is not minty mint you will need to clay to remove any bonded on contaminents and then follow the clay process with a good polish to produce the shine that the wax will then protect and enhance.
As has been said Auto Glym Super Resin Polish can give good results if you invest the time in learning how to use it properly and Lime Prime is excellent if pricey. For what its worth I think Farecla G3 can give a good result but can be difficult to work with and is possibly a little outdated now.
If the paint on the car has any swirling it could be worth going for Bilt Hamber paste wax as this has really good swirl masking properties and some added corrosion inhibitors.
Mark
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I would compile a different package...but I'm at work and don't have time to type up a big list, but I will when I get home ;)
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Guys,
Don't forget that to get a good deep shine you will need to add in a good polish to the lists given above.
Wax is a last stage protection product which will be fine on paint that is minty mint and not at all aged. Even the very best waxes do not perform well if they are applied to a surface that has not been properly prepared with clay AND a good polish.
If the cars paint is not minty mint you will need to clay to remove any bonded on contaminents and then follow the clay process with a good polish to produce the shine that the wax will then protect and enhance.
As has been said Auto Glym Super Resin Polish can give good results if you invest the time in learning how to use it properly and Lime Prime is excellent if pricey. For what its worth I think Farecla G3 can give a good result but can be difficult to work with and is possibly a little outdated now.
If the paint on the car has any swirling it could be worth going for Bilt Hamber paste wax as this has really good swirl masking properties and some added corrosion inhibitors.
Mark
and there speaks the voice of reason... what this man don't know ain't worth knowing! :wink:
i wanted to include lime prime but it kept blowing the budget! :laugh:
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With some many responses so far I'm still gonna hold back on what I buy just for now, until I get a list of things that most can agree is a good choice...and waiting for Ben's reply for a list lol!
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With some many responses so far I'm still gonna hold back on what I buy just for now, until I get a list of things that most can agree is a good choice
Might be along wait, its a very subjective thing this which polish / wax & cleaning kit is the right choice thing :grin:
If you want a swirl free concourse type finish then get ready to spend what many "normal" will consider loads of dosh...
If you want a nice shiny well protected car then you don't need to spend loads.
I'm away from the computer tomorrow but when I get back I will put together a budget kit and a beginners detailing kit using products that work but which might not be obvious choices.
Mark
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That would be great man, thanks.
I'll only buy everything once I'm clear on what it's all gonna do etc, although I do need to buy some trim detailer stuff, so may just pick up some cheap stuff from Halfords or something, because my trim is looking bad lol!
If it helps my car's paint hasn't been looked after really, but I just want to look after it as best I can for now.
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Don't worry about the trim restorer, got some elsewhere so everyone go nuts with £60 on Elite Car Care, and show me what I should be buying.
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With some many responses so far I'm still gonna hold back on what I buy just for now, until I get a list of things that most can agree is a good choice
Might be along wait, its a very subjective thing this which polish / wax & cleaning kit is the right choice thing :grin:
If you want a swirl free concourse type finish then get ready to spend what many "normal" will consider loads of dosh...
If you want a nice shiny well protected car then you don't need to spend loads.
I'm away from the computer tomorrow but when I get back I will put together a budget kit and a beginners detailing kit using products that work but which might not be obvious choices.
Mark
listen to this man... if anyone knows what they are on about he does!
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I'm just waiting for him to put up a list :laugh:
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I've decided on this, am I missing anything? (I don't need the trim restorer now as I have that.)
Mitt
http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=143
Detail / polish?
http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=36
Drying towel
http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=267
Clay
http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=363{7}77
Shampoo
http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=421
Wax
http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=402
It totals just under £60 so need something else on there lol! Suggestions?
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can i also recommend http://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/ (http://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/)... free fast delivery and monthly discounts/offers... i use these for all my cleaning need's. and I'm a tight yorkshire man!!
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if you use Elite Car Care enter DW in the coupon / voucher part when checking out - gets you 5% discount :afro:
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I did a silly thing, but I couldn't wait lol!
I went into my local car shop place thingy majiggy, and the guys in there are really cool, and ended up spending £90 on everything I need lol! It's all Maguiars so not the end of the world, but I got it all now...
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I did a silly thing, but I couldn't wait lol!
I went into my local car shop place thingy majiggy, and the guys in there are really cool, and ended up spending £90 on everything I need lol! It's all Maguiars so not the end of the world, but I got it all now...
Now you've got all of the kit, it might be worth having a look on Detailing world - there are loads of good guides on there which will help you get the most out of your new pile of cleaning kit.
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I did a silly thing, but I couldn't wait lol!
I went into my local car shop place thingy majiggy, and the guys in there are really cool, and ended up spending £90 on everything I need lol! It's all Maguiars so not the end of the world, but I got it all now...
Now you've got all of the kit, it might be worth having a look on Detailing world - there are loads of good guides on there which will help you get the most out of your new pile of cleaning kit.
so what did you get then??
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I'm gonna get shot I know I will, but it was all Meguiar stuff, from the mitt to the wax. Please don't hurt me... lol! I've used it all today, and the results are fantastic, the green is so much more vibrant, and the feel of the body is smooth as glass (thanks to the clay.)
Just gotta see how it lasts now.
P.S. When I got my VR splitter today, why the hell was it so hard to put on...people say give it persuasion...I had to give it a promise that I'd let it sleep with my gf!!! LOL!
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I'm gonna get shot I know I will, but it was all Meguiar stuff, from the mitt to the wax. Please don't hurt me... lol! I've used it all today, and the results are fantastic, the green is so much more vibrant, and the feel of the body is smooth as glass (thanks to the clay.)
Just gotta see how it lasts now.
P.S. When I got my VR splitter today, why the hell was it so hard to put on...people say give it persuasion...I had to give it a promise that I'd let it sleep with my gf!!! LOL!
nothing wrong with megs fella... that was about what i spent on my first 'bundle' - it's a slippery slope from here... ask elite how much I have spent with them!
welcome to the OCD society :laugh:
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I'm gonna get shot I know I will, but it was all Meguiar stuff, from the mitt to the wax. Please don't hurt me... lol! I've used it all today, and the results are fantastic, the green is so much more vibrant, and the feel of the body is smooth as glass (thanks to the clay.)
Just gotta see how it lasts now.
P.S. When I got my VR splitter today, why the hell was it so hard to put on...people say give it persuasion...I had to give it a promise that I'd let it sleep with my gf!!! LOL!
nothing wrong with megs fella... that was about what i spent on my first 'bundle' - it's a slippery slope from here... ask elite how much I have spent with them!
welcome to the OCD society :laugh:
LMAO! Phew! I just walked into the shop and thought I can't be arsed waiting for delivery, even if it would of saved me £30 haha! Happy with the Megs results though, got a nice lot of little scratches and dinks out with the paint cleaner which made me smile!
I can also now see myself in the reflection of the paint...never had that before!
What I do need however is black trim restorer that doesn't suck...the one I got is pants!!!
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try cheapy shoe polish - its cheap, so you can buy loads of it. And I heard it is quite good for what it is. Worth a try for like £1 or what eva it is.
LL ;)