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General => Detailing => Topic started by: savvasa on 23 September 2010, 08:59
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Morning guys (and girls),
I've got an 06 MK5 GTi in black, which I was intending to do some mods to, but as there are some problems with the engine (see my other posts for details), I've not got the money to do both.
So the plan is to detail the car to a decent level so it is at least nice and shiny :cool:
I've drawn up a quick step guide (nicked from another post), shopping list and a rough costing, but would appreciate any advice on what to buy and where from etc.
1. Rinse car down
2. Two bucket method + snow foam http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/elite-big-blaster-foaming-spray-head.php?cPath=65 2.55
(Any suggestions on which snow foam/shampoo to get??)
3. Rinse
4. Meguiars clay http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/index.php?cPath=79&sort=&filter_id=6 £22.99
5. Dry with Meguiars towel http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/meguiars-terry-towel.php?cPath=21_60_62 £5.99
6. Meguiars Paint Clean http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/meguiars-deep-crystal-step-1-paint-cleaner.php?manufacturers_id=6 £7.99
7. Meguiars Polish http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/meguiars-deep-crystal-step-2-polish.php?manufacturers_id=6 £7.99
8. Meguairs Liquid Wax (2 coats) http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/meguiars-gold-class-clear-coat-liquid-wax.php?manufacturers_id=6 £13.28
All in total that lil lot would cost around £60 (which is less then getting a pro to do it) and take about 4-5 hours (maybe more, as I've never done this before).
What do you guys think?
Thanks in advance
Sav
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2. Two bucket method + snow foam
Snowfoam is designed to produce a foam over the car and is used to soften/loosen dirt prior to washing with 2BM. You need enough air and water to produce a foam and unless you have a snowfoam lance, it's a complete waste of money. If you're going to use a sprayer, you can get a cheap one that fits on the end of a hose. It's not a snowfoam lance but it's better than nothing. I'd honestly say use an all-purpose cleaner since you can spray these over the car with good effect.
4. Meguiars clay http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/index.php?cPath=79&sort=&filter_id=6 £22.99
The smooth surface clay kit is great for beginners but there are better products out there. I think for similar money, you can get a clay bar and dodo juice born to be slippy (which has cleaning agents in the lubricant). Or Bilt Hamber clays which require only water as a lubricant.
5. Dry with Meguiars towel http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/meguiars-terry-towel.php?cPath=21_60_62 £5.99
There are much, much better towels out there. Type towel into elite's search engine and have a look. Chemical Guys miracle dryer is very big and covers a lot of area. I think it depends on whether you wipe dry (which can potentially inflict swirls) or pat dry. For the latter, look at waffle weave towels.
6. Meguiars Paint Clean http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/meguiars-deep-crystal-step-1-paint-cleaner.php?manufacturers_id=6 £7.99
Again, different products. I quite like Dodo Juice Lime Prime - the standard version has abrasives in it to polish the paint as well as cleanse the paintwork and impart gloss. The Lite version has no abrasives but does have glaze oils to give that wet look and also cleans the paint. Use the standard version when polishing; use the lite version if not polishing.
7. Meguiars Polish http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/meguiars-deep-crystal-step-2-polish.php?manufacturers_id=6 £7.99
Can't really comment since I've not used this particular product. Depends on whether you're machine polishing or hand polishing. Remember the latter requires a lot of elbow grease. Autoglym Super Resin Polish is recommended for polishing by hand.
8. Meguairs Liquid Wax (2 coats) http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/meguiars-gold-class-clear-coat-liquid-wax.php?manufacturers_id=6 £13.28
So many other waxes to choose from. Soft waxes IMO are better than liquid waxes. Dodo Juice are quite popular. The thing that's important is what you want from your wax and how much do you want to spend?
Two questions: firstly, why are you using lots of Megs products? Do you have some kind of megs discount or something? Secondly, you've missed out a lot of other areas:
- windows
- rubber/plastic trim
- wheel cleaners
- wheel sealant
- tyre dressing
- interior
That's the difference between someone like you and a professional detailer - the detail!
In the end, it's your car and your time and money. Doing it all properly would literally take all day (about 10-12 hours for me), but that includes polishing.
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Thanks for the detailed reply stealth, its always nice to read something like that.
The only reason I was suggesting Megs products is because i've read some really good things about them. The other areas on the car are in decent condition (to the eye) so I was going to work on them over time rather then in one big job.
I agree that the main difference between me and a pro is the detail, but there is also the price, my £60 (even if you called it £100 to add on the other areas) compared to the substantially more that a pro would charge.
From the prices that I have seen, there inst that much difference between getting a pro out to do a full on job, and getting the car resprayed.
I don't mind spending the time doing it right, even if that means over the course of a couple of days.
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Megs are a bit like Autoglym - great for the average person who washes their car with a bucket and sponge, but if you want that bit extra, there are tonnes of far better products. They not wholly crap and quite a few of their products are very good.
I don't think you've seen a true detailer in action. A full on detail including paintwork correction will cost around £500. A respray is in the order of £3-4000 and still won't beat the finish from a detailer. The car looks better than new.
I've spent around £600-700 on detailing stuff and it's easy to get sucked into detailing once you get into it.
I also tend to split my detail up over several days as it makes life much, much easier.
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Im relatively new to detailing, but over the last few months i've been keeping a beady eye on this section of the forum, and i can tell you that you wont be far wrong with the kind words of regular enthusiasts and of course the words of the pro's and sponsors.
Stealthwolf has got it pretty spot on and i would like to add my thoughts and experiences. I've been using Megs polish/tech wax 2.0 liquid for a couple of years and as stealthwolf says, its ok up to a point. Im about to upgrade to the DodoJuice kit for a better quality finish.
Here are my recommendations:
2 bucket method and a microfibre mitt - im sure you've got it sorted.
Drying towel - i've got one of these http://www.waxamomo.co.uk/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=256&idcategory=79 and i have to say it is brilliant - its massive and soaks up water with one pass
Claying - dont bother with the Megs kit - i've had it and its ok, but the Dodo Supernatural kit is better quality and you do get more clay. Plus, you dont really need the cleaner polish from the Megs kit - it aint that great. Dodo kit can be found here: http://www.waxamomo.co.uk/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=264&idcategory=4
Paint clean: http://www.waxamomo.co.uk/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=186&idcategory=7 - Dodo Lime prime Lite - gets good reviews - i haven't got some myself but i will be doing soon.
KEY INGREDIENT: Chemical Guys JetSeal109 - 2 thin coats - http://www.waxamomo.co.uk/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=78&idcategory=8 - yes, it is expensive but worth every penny - best product i use by a long way
Wax: I've been using the Megs Techwax and its ok - but i'll be buying the Dodojuice Purple Haze soon - plus, the best thing is that you can buy a panel pot (apparently enough for 3-4 layers) to try it out first. As can be seen here: http://www.waxamomo.co.uk/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=413&idcategory=37
Tyre/black plastic dressing: I use this stuff http://www.fasteronline.co.uk/Autoglym-autoglym-rubber-cleaner-p-3275.html - i have a mate who is an Autoglym stockist and lets me have it for £20 - really good stuff - i like it a lot
Get a non acid based wheel cleaner - http://www.waxamomo.co.uk/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=85&idcategory=81 and do not use the same bucket/water to clean the wheels as the one you've cleaned the body work with.
Glass: Autoglym fast glass does for me - (you can clay glass too first - works well)
Interior needs a hoover, elbow grease and regular cleaning - ive you keep on top of it (brush the mats every couple of days) it will keep looking good for a while!
Chris at Waxamomo offers great service - and for £5 off your first order, type gimme5 into the coupons/vouchers box on checkout
Sorry for the long post - hope my advice helps!
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There's a lot better stuff out there than Megs products. As Steathwolf said they're more big brands that are atypically "everyman" products. I started with Megs and Autoglym and discovered a whole new world of detailing products after a while. :smiley:
Victoria Concours is a gorgeous wax and when combined with Poorboy's Black Hole Glaze, creates such an amazing finish.
Collinite 845 is a very good insulating wax and perfect for Autumn/Winter condition to protect your paintwork over the harsh weather. It is so easy to use as well.
Patting dry is the best method to dry the car as it drastically reduces the chances of putting swirls in to the car.
Bilt Hamber clay is also brilliant. The fact you can use it with water just makes it so easy.
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look like my work here is done! :laugh:
there isn't much to add to what stealth and musicman and katy have said
one of my key cleaning items is an APC... if you're on a budget you can use it in varying strengths on door shuts, wheels, degreasing pre-wash, interior, headlinings etc... I use autosmart G101 and would utterly lost without it
I agree with a lot of what has been suggested though, especially
wheels - bilberry (although I use autosmart smart wheels bilberry is as good, if not better, just can't buy it in the 25L containers I use)
clay lube - dodo born slippy... dilutes very well
hand polish/pre wax cleanser - dodo lime prime
sealant - CG Jetseal 109 (an all time fave)
wax - many different waxes available and it is all down to choice and expense... Autosmart 'WAX' is getting great reviews although perhaps try Collinite 915 as it is very protective and gives a good finish
interior - use an APC diluted 1:10 and spray onto a microfibe and wipe over, use a clean dry paintbrush or detailing brush for crevice work, and vacuum thoroughly
the key I have found is getting products that work over the long term and don't get used up immediately...
a prime example of this is Bilt Hamber Autowash, its a terrific shampoo that costs about the same as the other shampoos, if not a bit cheaper... its non-corrosive and enviro friendly, but here is the good thing.. you only need 5ml per wash... giving you 60 washes from one bottle... smart thinking :wink:
just been looking at the bilt hamber site - third one down for £27 looks like a great deal, for a wash, clay and a wax
http://www.bilthamber.com/bilthamber-special-offers.php (http://www.bilthamber.com/bilthamber-special-offers.php)
anyhoo... if you're looking at doing this seriously you'll need to get a pressure washer for your pre-wash, door shuts, arches, wheels etc and it makes life sooo much easier... Nilfisk get good reviews (I don't use them myself) and they won't break the bank... you won't need an ultra powerful one... 110 bar is plenty
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Just a quick note ...
Ive used Autosmart Cherry Glaze as a quick polish after a quick wash, and im not going to lie, it adds a very good bright glaze to my paintwork, more so than Collinite 915 WAX which I also own. (Obviously Colli probably protects the paintwork better)
So I wouldn't be suprised if Autosmart 'WAX' is very good ... Ill definitely be trying that.
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Just a quick note ...
Ive used Autosmart Cherry Glaze as a quick polish after a quick wash, and im not going to lie, it adds a very good bright glaze to my paintwork, more so than Collinite 915 WAX which I also own. (Obviously Colli probably protects the paintwork better)
So I wouldn't be suprised if Autosmart 'WAX' is very good ... Ill definitely be trying that.
glazes dont protect paint at all so you are correct in saying a wax will proberly protect better.
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yeah... thats like comparing chalk and cheese... cherry glaze is a polish and colli is a good wax...
now... combine cherry glaze with AS WAX and that should be a pretty good combo!
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Looks like I need to sit down and read this again :laugh:
Thanks for the advice all, I'll get some products in and take some pics once I get round to detailing.
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This looks like an impressive little bag of goodies, esp for the money!
How does Bolt Hamber compare to other brands?
just been looking at the bilt hamber site - third one down for £27 looks like a great deal, for a wash, clay and a wax
http://www.bilthamber.com/bilthamber-special-offers.php (http://www.bilthamber.com/bilthamber-special-offers.php)
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the megs deep crystal stuff is pretty good, gives a nice finish, but i've not used other paint cleaners (stage 1) the polish is ok, not tried any of the premium brands to give a comparison.
black hole worked really well on my indigo blue car, made the paint look much deeper
wax: i've got chemical guys natty paste - seems ok, cant complain although there is probably better products out there but for 14 quid or so its not gonna bust the bank
as for window cleaner, i find windowlene cream works better than most of the car window cleaners i've tried.
i'm not a detailler or valeter, so dont have a lot of experience in these matters.
for sealant i used jetseal wet mirror. wasn't that impressed with this imo, didn't seem to make much difference to the look of the paint.
hth
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This looks like an impressive little bag of goodies, esp for the money!
How does Bolt Hamber compare to other brands?
just been looking at the bilt hamber site - third one down for £27 looks like a great deal, for a wash, clay and a wax
http://www.bilthamber.com/bilthamber-special-offers.php (http://www.bilthamber.com/bilthamber-special-offers.php)
Bilt Hamber is a very good brand. Their products are high quality and well researched, they concentrate on anti-corrosion as their USP.
have a read of this thread regarding auto-balm. http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=64787 (http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=64787)
you won't go wrong with the other products mentioned. imo that £27 package is a VERY good deal for a shampoop, clay and protection combo. Leaves you £33 for other goodies like APC, bilberry and other shizzle :wink: