car detailing

[fourbanks]

Does anyone here do this and if so what polish do you use 

[Obsidian Estate]

I've got a vast array of stuff. Some of which I've paid silly money for. I mainly either use SRP or Blackhole as unlike some of the other products I have they're easy to use. No faffing just apply, work in and buff off.

I've also got some proper machine polishes but as I'm lazy my DA hasn't been out in years, so if I can deal with any marks by hand I do.

 

[TonyHSD]

I do valet my car once a week including undercarriage spray with a lots of water for the obvious reason particularly in the winter - salt salt salt. 
Once or twice a year I do engine bay wash too for the same reasons as above. Exterior hand polish (wax) once or twice a year too. My car is old and there is not much left to protect, it’s full of dings and dots, paint pealing, and some deeper scratches however I like clean cars and for maintenance reasons. I recently bought this pre wash Snow Foam and works great, https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B072VFY5MN?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_AYQGHJQRTGQSD4RE7YKR

it gives the car plastic trims a new life like appearance and smells great. 

Then I use hand wash bucket with mitt and this shampoo https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00MA75TZC?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_6TC7MBZ7Z0QTK79RNVQ6 Results are great.
 

In winter I also use tfr mixed with water on the wheels , arches and half the doors and engine bay. Car plan orange is currently what I have non acidic. 

For wax some members recommended this one : https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002P3ZO2E?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_M3DN7JZR8TJ4G8YC7WJH

I haven’t bought yet as I still have some stuff left over my valeter years 😉👍

I also used clay bar set from these brand https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001MPSTK0?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_1SP9379BHM3HHD8FQXEV

Perhaps you may not need on a new car, but the rest of the stuff are good, tested by me. 👌👍

[fourbanks]

1 hour ago, TonyHSD said:

I do valet my car once a week including undercarriage spray with a lots of water for the obvious reason particularly in the winter - salt salt salt. 
Once or twice a year I do engine bay wash too for the same reasons as above. Exterior hand polish (wax) once or twice a year too. My car is old and there is not much left to protect, it’s full of dings and dots, paint pealing, and some deeper scratches however I like clean cars and for maintenance reasons. I recently bought this pre wash snow foam and works great, https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B072VFY5MN?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_AYQGHJQRTGQSD4RE7YKR

it gives the car plastic trims a new life like appearance and smells great. 

Then I use hand wash bucket with mitt and this shampoo https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00MA75TZC?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_6TC7MBZ7Z0QTK79RNVQ6 Results are great.
 

In winter I also use tfr mixed with water on the wheels , arches and half the doors and engine bay. Car plan orange is currently what I have non acidic. 

For wax some members recommended this one : https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002P3ZO2E?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_M3DN7JZR8TJ4G8YC7WJH

I haven’t bought yet as I still have some stuff left over my valeter years 😉👍

I also used clay bar set from these brand https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001MPSTK0?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_1SP9379BHM3HHD8FQXEV

Perhaps you may not need on a new car, but the rest of the stuff are good, tested by me. 👌👍

Thanks, Tony, most useful to know 

[anchorman]

Keep in mind there’s polish and wax.  Polish is a fine abrasive that restores the shine.  It shouldn’t need doing frequently.  Wax is the water repellent to protect the paint.  I recommend Collinite 476 which is extremely durable and easy to use.   Autoglym Super Resin Polish is a good compromise because it’s a wax with a fine abrasive combined.  

[Rav4ster]

I try to do it at least once a month, theses what I use
Snow foam:
https://bilthamber.com/product/touch-less/
About 300ml in 1l bottle with the Karcher pressure washer, apply to dry body work.

All purpose cleaner for wheels and tough spots, diluted at 10% and at 5% can be used on interior:
https://bilthamber.com/product/surfex-hd/

iron contaminants remover:
twice a year
https://www.autoglym.com/liquid-clay-5-l
have a small spay bottle and about 800ml is enough to do RAV4

Car Shampoo:
https://www.costco.co.uk/Tyres-Automotive/Car-Maintenance/Car-Cleaning/Simoniz-Car-Shampoo-with-Carnbuba-Wax-5-Litre/p/179949

Polish:
If need to remove light scratches I use Auglym scratch removal kit and super resin polish
https://www.autoglym.com/scratch-removal-complete-kit

Wax:
Collinite 845 Insulator Wax, last about 6 month. Put it in a bucket of warm water before use, it needs to be very runny to be applied properly.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Collinite-845-Insulator-Wax-473/dp/B000JK2D06

In between Collinite 845 treatment, Touch-On once a month is great.
Once the car is washed, do not dry it and apply with the pressure washer. Dry gently.
https://bilthamber.com/product/touch-on/

Interior trim cleaner:
works well on plastic to.
https://www.autoglym.com/interior-shampoo

Plastic and rubber care:
https://www.autoglym.com/vinyl-rubber-care

 

 

 

[Hornet3D]

I use a ceramic coat from Gyeon, namely the Can Coat Evo which is sort of a half way house between a quality wax and the serious coatings.  I has some self cleaning properties so I do wash and coat every week but only if required.  If the car is still gleaming and the water is beading well I will not bother but three weeks is normally the longest I go.  Can coat looks pricey as £33 but it should do three to four coatings and is meant to last for up to a year.   My plan is to redo every six months so I should get two years for my £33.  Interim washes I just do a top up on the coating.

I also use a blower, which is the automotive equivalent to a hair drier and it is a great bit of kit, dries the car without contact and with the water beading it just runs of the panel.  Also tends to remove the water from behind any badges that then to appear after drying and while you are trying to wax the car.

[Hornet3D]

There is a lot of related information on a thread called 'to wax or not' in the Aygo club forum.

[Obsidian Estate]

1 hour ago, anchorman said:

Keep in mind there’s polish and wax.  Polish is a fine abrasive that restores the shine.  It shouldn’t need doing frequently.  Wax is the water repellent to protect the paint.  I recommend Collinite 476 which is extremely durable and easy to use.   Autoglym Super Resin Polish is a good compromise because it’s a wax with a fine abrasive combined.  

Correct. Something that a lot of people get confused about. There are also sealants. I'm current using Poorboy's EXP which although it isn't hugely durable does have really nice beading and sheeting properties. If you're in to that sort of thing.. it's also really easy to use.

I've had a can of Colly 476 for quite a number of years, it was one of the first products I bought. I'm not sure if it's seen the light of day since we moved to our current house in 2014.

[AndrueC]

I have a chap who does it. He's based at my local dealer and he does it annually 🙂

[Hornet3D]

24 minutes ago, AndrueC said:

I have a chap who does it. He's based at my local dealer and he does it annually 🙂

That is quite a rare find, hang on to him.

[Hornet3D]

5 hours ago, anchorman said:

Keep in mind there’s polish and wax.  Polish is a fine abrasive that restores the shine.  It shouldn’t need doing frequently.  Wax is the water repellent to protect the paint.  I recommend Collinite 476 which is extremely durable and easy to use.   Autoglym Super Resin Polish is a good compromise because it’s a wax with a fine abrasive combined.  

I found out the hard way, I was using an Autoglym polish on a brand new limited edition (Jordan) Honda Civic and was horrified to see the polishing rag go bright yellow.  That was many years ago now and the way look after my cars has changed massively, I guess then I just used to clean them, these days I detail them.

 

[TonyHSD]

30 minutes ago, AndrueC said:

I have a chap who does it. He's based at my local dealer and he does it annually 🙂

With the service right 👌👍

[anchorman]

15 hours ago, Hornet3D said:

I found out the hard way, I was using an Autoglym polish on a brand new limited edition (Jordan) Honda Civic and was horrified to see the polishing rag go bright yellow.  That was many years ago now and the way look after my cars has changed massively, I guess then I just used to clean them, these days I detail them.

 

In the days of oil based paints, the colour coat was on top but in most cases today even colours are lacquered to provide the shine.  The trick is to not cut through the lacquer when trying to achieve that super glossy shine.  

[anchorman]

21 hours ago, Rav4ster said:

I try to do it at least once a month, theses what I use
Snow foam:
https://bilthamber.com/product/touch-less/
About 300ml in 1l bottle with the Karcher pressure washer, apply to dry body work.

All purpose cleaner for wheels and tough spots, diluted at 10% and at 5% can be used on interior:
https://bilthamber.com/product/surfex-hd/

iron contaminants remover:
twice a year
https://www.autoglym.com/liquid-clay-5-l
have a small spay bottle and about 800ml is enough to do RAV4

Car Shampoo:
https://www.costco.co.uk/Tyres-Automotive/Car-Maintenance/Car-Cleaning/Simoniz-Car-Shampoo-with-Carnbuba-Wax-5-Litre/p/179949

Polish:
If need to remove light scratches I use Auglym scratch removal kit and super resin polish
https://www.autoglym.com/scratch-removal-complete-kit

Wax:
Collinite 845 Insulator Wax, last about 6 month. Put in a bucket of warm water before use, it needs to very runny to be applied properly.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Collinite-845-Insulator-Wax-473/dp/B000JK2D06

In between Collinite 845 treatment, Touch-On once a month is great.
Once the car is washed, do not dry it and apply with the pressure washer. Dry gently.
https://bilthamber.com/product/touch-on/

Interior trim cleaner:
works well on plastic to.
https://www.autoglym.com/interior-shampoo

Plastic and rubber care:
https://www.autoglym.com/vinyl-rubber-care

 

 

 

I once had every colour label of Autoglym all in a line!   The only cleaner I use on the dash top is Meguires Interior Detailer these days.   Car makers spend millions on making matt surface dash boards that don’t reflect in the windscreen and it took me a long time to realise that what I was doing was not a good idea.  The Meguires product cleans but drys to the original dull finish.   It’s the only one I’ve come across but it’s very hard to get hold of - I get mine in the USA.  Failing that I’d use very weak washing up liquid and warm water  or very weak all purpose cleaner and warm water.  

[Woofwoof]

Most interior cleaners that any valets use leave a horrible oily shiny finish

[TonyHSD]

8 minutes ago, Woofwoof said:

Most interior cleaners that any valets use leave a horrible oily shiny finish

Cheap valet yes indeed. I use dettol antibacterial cleaner no odour one and works great in all plastics and fabrics., even leather and fake leather. Leave streak free Matt finish similar to what car has been when new. 👌

[Gray86]

On 5/17/2022 at 3:05 PM, Rav4ster said:

I try to do it at least once a month, theses what I use
Snow foam:
https://bilthamber.com/product/touch-less/
About 300ml in 1l bottle with the Karcher pressure washer, apply to dry body work.

All purpose cleaner for wheels and tough spots, diluted at 10% and at 5% can be used on interior:
https://bilthamber.com/product/surfex-hd/

iron contaminants remover:
twice a year
https://www.autoglym.com/liquid-clay-5-l
have a small spay bottle and about 800ml is enough to do RAV4

Car Shampoo:
https://www.costco.co.uk/Tyres-Automotive/Car-Maintenance/Car-Cleaning/Simoniz-Car-Shampoo-with-Carnbuba-Wax-5-Litre/p/179949

Polish:
If need to remove light scratches I use Auglym scratch removal kit and super resin polish
https://www.autoglym.com/scratch-removal-complete-kit

Wax:
Collinite 845 Insulator Wax, last about 6 month. Put in a bucket of warm water before use, it needs to very runny to be applied properly.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Collinite-845-Insulator-Wax-473/dp/B000JK2D06

In between Collinite 845 treatment, Touch-On once a month is great.
Once the car is washed, do not dry it and apply with the pressure washer. Dry gently.
https://bilthamber.com/product/touch-on/

Interior trim cleaner:
works well on plastic to.
https://www.autoglym.com/interior-shampoo

Plastic and rubber care:
https://www.autoglym.com/vinyl-rubber-care

 

 

 

Some great products there! I too use Bilt Hamber Snow Foam, but use Collinite 746S or 915 - either of these last a good 6 months, if the paint is prepared properly. Amazing products for the money 

[trashman1965]

+1 for bilt hamber, smells nice too 😁. I use the auto foam, shampoo, QD, cleanser/polish and clay, and their auto wheel on the wheels  which stinks but clears brakedust a treat before a wash with the bodywork.

Internally I use chemical guys combined leather cleaner/protector and invisible cleaner on the carpets and mats with their fabric protector. Meguiars Internally detailer on the plastics which give a nice matt sheen but doesn't last long. Might try aerospace 303 as I like the glossy look and apparently it lasts longer.

Mixed results with cloths, but bilt hambers microfiber towels are nice and stay soft after repeated washes. Tried ultimate finish own brand which are OK but not as good as BH. Tried waffle weave for glass from a few and yet to find anything I'm amazed by vs using the BH microfiber.

[Bozz]

On 5/17/2022 at 11:53 AM, fourbanks said:

Does anyone here do this and if so what polish do you use 

Gyeon bathe 

Gyeon iron wheel cleaner

Gyeon wet coat

Bilt Hamber auto foam

 

[Woofwoof]

FYI tyre  that makes your tyres looking black and shiny actually induces dry rot although few ppl keep tyres for htat long that it has any impact

[twintopp]

i use angel wax shampoo and their other gear and it seems really good , i`d never heard of it but decided to change products did some research and give it a go and must admit i am impressed . 

[Chriss27]

Greased lightning amazing 

[Dylanfan]

13 hours ago, Chriss27 said:

Greased lightning amazing 

I also recommend this stuff, but I always wash the car first. The big advantage of Greased Lightning is that it comes off everything including plastic trim. Also, if you miss a bit it’ll still come off weeks later. I use a mainly on my Xantia that sits in the garage most of the time.

 I also use Liquid Gold - just rinse off and let it dry. I normally whip over with a towel, but it dries with no streaks.

[Llynyfan]

Collinite for me too...as a finishing wax. Our cars have 2 applications a year minimum, usually Autoglym SRP as a starter, finished several hours later after a dusting, with either Collinite Marque d'Elegance which is stunning on dark paint, or my recently aquired 845. The cars bead easily, wash with Autoglym Polar Blast as a foam first, then 2 bucket wash with Autoglym shampoo.

Neither of our cars have seen a car wash since new, as have our last few thinking about it. Both are desperate for a wash at the moment, but all considered, just keeping the windows clean and will give a therapeautic detail when the weather 'improves'.