Author Topic: Frustrated Beginner  (Read 9571 times)

Offline EssexMiles

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Frustrated Beginner
« on: 02 July 2012, 18:05 »
Hi everyone im looking for some help, i bought my first golf gti 1.8t 6 months ago and its the first car ive had which i am proud to own and want it to look nice and clean but i cant get that wet glossy polished look im trying to achieve. The colour is LC7V which is a greyish blue colour incase that makes a difference to the products i need to use.

Just so you can guide me ill tell you what ive been doing and what problems im having.

I was the car using the 2 bucket method using products below and the car was clayed few months ago
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_166524_langId_-1_categoryId_165682
and
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_776671_langId_-1_categoryId_165609
Now thinking about it this probably isnt the best wash to use as it contains a wax which would get in the way of me trying to polish the car? or am i wrong?

I then use the hose with no attachment to rinse the car of and so it glides of and leaves less drying.
Now this is where my frustration starts, i dry using a shamy which seems to get dirty and also does a terrible job of drying the car streak free, and by the time ive dried one panel the rest of the car has dried which what looks to me dusty water marks. So now i wet each panel with the hose and dry it with the shamy which gets dirtier as i go along even though ive given the car a real good clean. Live in a hard water area if that makes a differnce.

Now when i finally get it dry it needs polishing as the paintwork just looks dull now although when i first bought the car it was nice with a deep glossy shine.

So im polishing using these below
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_199031_langId_-1_categoryId_165527
Although when buying i did think i picked up
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_199087_langId_-1_categoryId_165527
and rub this in using
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_776723_langId_-1_categoryId_165609
Which i hate using, seems to give my hand cramp and would be alot better if it was like a glove and my hand didnt just move about inside it. So i need help on which products i need to buy as im pretty sure im using the wrong stuff.

I then bought this wax below but havent really used it as i cant get the rest of the stages right and have well and truely lost all motivation by this point.
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_172190_langId_-1_categoryId_165527

Im happy with the products im using for glass, interior and wheels as they all come up really well but the paint is just getting on my nerves and i now feel like i dont even want to wash the car never mind spend a day trying to polish it ect.

All help and advice is greatly appreciated and i understand im probably going to have to chuck away most of these products.

cheers
« Last Edit: 28 August 2012, 18:30 by EssexMiles »

Offline Pinky 1959

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Re: Frustrated Beginner
« Reply #1 on: 02 July 2012, 18:16 »
try www.detailingworld.co.uk lots of advice and ideas for new stuff there .
and get rid of the chamois ! !

Offline JonnyG

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Re: Frustrated Beginner
« Reply #2 on: 02 July 2012, 20:34 »
If I was you I think I'd find a good car detailer who lives close by and have him show you some good techniques.  They will be able to put you straight if you have any bad habits (like the shammy  :wink:)

Ideally you really need to get a full machine polish, with paint correction, to get the paintwork looking as best it can.  Then it's just a matter of keeping on top with a very gentle wash with the best equipment (generally sheepskin wash mitts, drying towels and mild car shampoo with two buckets).

For drying you need to invest in some good size drying towels and ditch the shammy.  Get some detaling spray and keep the whole car wet with spray as necessary as you dry. 

Here's a starter :-

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=27
Current : Seat Cupra Lux, DSG, Magnetic Grey, Sept 2019
Gone :    Golf Mk 7 R, 5dr DSG, Pure White, March 2017
Gone :    Golf Mk 7 R, 5dr DSG, Tornado Red, March 2015
Gone :    Audi RS3, Daytona Grey, 7sp S-Tronic, Sept 2012
Gone :    Golf R, Rising Blue, 5dr DSG Mar 2010
Gone :    Golf R32, DBP, 5dr, DSG, Nov 2008
Gone :    Golf GTi ED30, Mar 2007

Offline Guy

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Re: Frustrated Beginner
« Reply #3 on: 02 July 2012, 21:42 »
try www.detailingworld.co.uk lots of advice and ideas for new stuff there .
and get rid of the chamois ! !

whats the point of just directing someone to another site when there are plenty of very knowledgeable users on here?  :huh:

Offline Guy

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Re: Frustrated Beginner
« Reply #4 on: 02 July 2012, 21:46 »
in response to the OP... if you want to make a real difference you need to step away from the halfords everyday consumer products

try looking on the waxamomo site for some product ideas... Chris will help you out with product advice no problem.

if you have already clayed then a decent polish and a decent wax will see you right... you don't need to spend a fortune and won't necessarily need a machine polish to get a deep shine (although it does help)

also... have you looked in the Detailing FAQ's for some pointers?

Offline scarr89

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Re: Frustrated Beginner
« Reply #5 on: 02 July 2012, 22:38 »
Have a look around forum/s classifieds for some 2nd hand products if you cannot afford brand new ones, this is a good way to get some experience with some quality products IMO. As Guy says, try to steer clear of everyday Halfrauds kit.

As for the drying and leaving marks...you could use a quick detailer to get rid of the streaks if you do not intend on polishing and waxing, this will leave a real slick finish and will probably add a bit of protection to your already last stage protection if you have one. Other wise I woudln't worry too much if you are going to give it a polish after...

As for the fear of pressure washing...Don't do it 10mm from the door! If the dirt doesn't come off with a sensible blast then it will probe require a mitt and some products.

Waxamomo is a top site (with a good forum for help also  :lipsrsealed:). You will be able to get some good starter products from there.

Happy detailing  :cool:

Offline ScottA

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Re: Frustrated Beginner
« Reply #6 on: 03 July 2012, 00:35 »
I happen to disagree about Halfords stuff, they sell some good, really underrated products. For example, AG SRP and EGP are great, especially considering they're off the shelf products, and they are often overlooked or avoided as they're available from Halfords. Likewise, Halfords sells Zymol Natural Car Wash which I really rate and Megs Nxt Generation Speed Detailer is pretty good too. I have found Halfords own brand Intensive Glass Cutter to be good, as have many others, although it doesn't beat Cerium Oxide for removing rain repellent etc, even when CO is applied with a MF - infact Cerium Oxide is the only thing I've found that will remove some repellents. You can even pick up a pretty good mitt and drying towels there.

Overall Halfords has less choice than any online detailing shop and may even be slightly more expensive but I certainly don't think it needs to be avoided.

.... and this is coming from someone who really doesn't like Halfords!
« Last Edit: 03 July 2012, 00:37 by ScottA »

Offline Guy

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Re: Frustrated Beginner
« Reply #7 on: 03 July 2012, 06:29 »
I happen to disagree about Halfords stuff, they sell some good, really underrated products. For example, AG SRP and EGP are great, especially considering they're off the shelf products, and they are often overlooked or avoided as they're available from Halfords. Likewise, Halfords sells Zymol Natural Car Wash which I really rate and Megs Nxt Generation Speed Detailer is pretty good too. I have found Halfords own brand Intensive Glass Cutter to be good, as have many others, although it doesn't beat Cerium Oxide for removing rain repellent etc, even when CO is applied with a MF - infact Cerium Oxide is the only thing I've found that will remove some repellents. You can even pick up a pretty good mitt and drying towels there.

Overall Halfords has less choice than any online detailing shop and may even be slightly more expensive but I certainly don't think it needs to be avoided.

.... and this is coming from someone who really doesn't like Halfords!

AG SRP and EGP might be ok... but users tend to use far too much SRP and end up with a very powdery result. SRP also contains a lot of fillers.

I can't comment on the Zymol car wash as I have never used it but £7 for 500ml is very expensive, same goes for the Megs SD.

Halfords does have much less choice than online detailing shops and is more expensive than online... its ok for an emergency sunday afternoon and that is it imo.

We're talking about quality of finish here and you won't achieve that just from products bought at Halfrauds.

Offline EssexMiles

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Re: Frustrated Beginner
« Reply #8 on: 03 July 2012, 12:18 »
thanks for all the comments guys, think ill be ordering some stuff online then. Is the turtle wax wash/wax ok to use or is a straight shampoo better to use. Also can anyone advise me on a polishing product and mit to use, the paintwork is pretty good and doesnt have deep swirl marks or anything just looks a bit dull and flat really where as when i first got it, it looked deep and glossy. Also is the wax any good? Also should i use a differnt mit for axing then i do for polishing, if so could anyone advise on a good mit for waxing.

So far i know i need to order:
1: wash mit and possibly shampoo if mines no good
http://www.waxamomo.co.uk/index.php?app=ecom&ns=prodshow&ref=ddjtm
is this good enough or should i buy
http://www.waxamomo.co.uk/index.php?app=ecom&ns=prodshow&ref=ddjwf

2. Good polishing compound and mit
Need advice on what to buy
Is this a good item to apply polish with?
http://www.waxamomo.co.uk/index.php?app=ecom&ns=prodshow&ref=lccshaw

3. Drying towels
http://www.waxamomo.co.uk/index.php?app=ecom&ns=prodshow&ref=cgmdt
or are these just as good
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LARGE-60cm-X-90cm-HEAVYWEIGHT-MICROFIBRE-CAR-DRYING-TOWEL-VALETING-DETAILING-/170823823112?pt=UK_Car_Accessories_Car_Care_Cleaning&hash=item27c5e4af08 They also do deals on bulk such as 5 for £21 ect

4. Good wax if mine isnt good enough and also something to apply it with.
http://www.waxamomo.co.uk/index.php?app=ecom&ns=prodshow&ref=lccshar
and a wax if mines no good.

cheers

Offline mkviken

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Re: Frustrated Beginner
« Reply #9 on: 03 July 2012, 13:59 »
I use autoglym micro fibre drying towel and meguiars water magnet. I also use the autoglym drying blade which makes it much quicker. You can get all these from halfords though are cheaper online

That zip wax stuff is pretty good IMO. I've tried all kinds of car shampoo and find very little difference between them. Zip wax shampoo is all I ever used on my Clio and it always looked great and got alot of comments. I have tried all the meguiars shampoo and the yellow one (ultimate wash and wax) was sh!te and was expensive. I like meguiars soft wash and NXT wash seems decent enough.

I think you will be fine with zip wax TBH. Just cos it's cheap doesn't mean it's crap. Don't expect it to wax the car though. It's just soap.

That spray wax you have I got too and used a few times in between proper wax apocations but i didn't rate it TBH

My favourite wax is poorboys natty paste. It's a good price is easy on and off and lasts good.

I would spend some money on a decent wash mit though. I have the megs wool mit and its good.

I use the cheap noodle type ones for cleaning my wheel arches and underbody etc the. Bin them after a few uses. Also use a separate one for your wheels.

For applicator pads I use meguiars foam ones and also their white MF type. Try A1 motor store on eBay. Always the cheapest I find.
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