Detailing Starter Buys

[Seanl]

Washing I use Megs Gold Class
If its a first proper going over, possibly a dodo juice supernatural clay with born slippy lube.
Dodo Juice lime prime, or Chemical Guys Jetseal 109 so seal. Both have micro abrasives so will get it shining nicely and rid some minor swirls if using by hand.
Its not imperative you wax after sealing, as it offers the same protection, but wax just adds another layer without improving the overall look on top of sealant. Maybe a Dodo juice colour specific panel pot wax to see how you get on first.  

[waxamomo]

First of all thanks to all the guy's who have mentioned me, much appreciated.

Right onto products, I may recommend things you already have or below/out of budget, if so just reply and let me know and I will try and recommend other products.

Wash - For this you need a good quality shampoo and wash mitt (I'm guessing you already have a bucket? If not get down to B&Q  )

Shampoo - Dodo Juice Born to be Mild - £8.95 for 250ml
Wash Mitt - Dodo Juice Tribble Mitt or Supernatural Sponge (both are good, just which you prefer? - Both around £9-£10)

Clay - This makes your car feel silky smooth, getting rid of any contaminants that a shampoo doesn't - dead easy to use so don't be scared. The cheapest options are:

Lube - Dodo Juice Basics Clay Lube - £5.95
Clay - Dodo Juice Basics Clay Bar - £4.95 for one or £8.95 for pack of two

Polish - As you will be doing it all by hand you aren't going to get rid of scratches and things, so I would go with a nice polish that will add a little shine, something along the lines of:

Dodo Juice Lime Prime - £12.95 for 250ml
or
Auto Finesse Tripple All in One - £7.95 for 250ml

Wax/Protection - This is really down to personal preference and budget. You can go for a paste wax, liquid wax, sealant, or spray sealant. All need applying and buffing off and all have advantages and disadvantages. Sealants generally last longer, whereas waxes normally add a little more shine.

Some recommended products are:

Paste Wax - Dodo Juice Rainforest Rub - £29.95
Liquid Wax - Poorboy's Natty's Liquid Wax - £13.95
Sealant - Poorboy's EX Sealant - £13.95
Spray Sealant - Auto Finesse Tough Coat - £19.95

All the above products have been picked for their ease of use.

If you go for a wax you will also need some applicator pads and microfibre cloths, however if you go the spray sealant route, you will only need microfibre cloths.

I hope that has explained the basic process and recommended some products for you to look at. If you want cheaper or more expensive products to be recommended just let me know. Some products you may just not like the look of, again let me know and i'll try and recommend others for you.

Let me know what you think,

Chris

[scarr89]

What Chris said ^^

[kane1210]

cars only 8 months old do u reckon i should clay it?

[scarr89]

I think people say to clay your car maybe twice a year minimum. So...clay it baby! It's good fun and if you have never done it before you will be amazed at the crap that comes off!

[kane1210]

yea ok ill give that a go and for that u need some quick detailer right?? and i can use sealant after?

[kane1210]

so can i ......wash clay then sealant?

[scarr89]

Yes you will need some quick detailer, don't be shy when using it. Better to have too much on the car than not enough!

Wash, clay, polish, then seal 

[kane1210]

Brilliant thanks guys on waxamomo now .......

[Tazzy]

alot is said about bodywork, but windows, wheels, tyres, interior fabrics, interior plastics and engine bay all get forgotten about 

thats when you need to start raising the bar of your budget

my mate once asked me to write out a list for him of what he needs, where from and how much, just for the exterior, it came to £70, and that was being realistic to what he could afford that will do a good job for him, then he realised it would be cheaper for him to bring his car to me to wash with all my cleaning gear!