Car Detailing - What products are your go to?

[Mechan1k]

Don't go too hard with the pads and compounds straight up.
my FG looked atrocious to start with ... and I actually used an Orange pad to start with .... and it cleaned it up well with Megiuars Ultimate compound.

The Scholl S20 is meant to be better again.

So be wary. Best to work your way up in cutting ability than the other way around.

[T3rminator]

Can one use general buffing compound to clean up the headlights? Or do I need to get something specifically made for it?

I have spare Meguiars Ultimate Compound lying around, and was thinking of cleaning up the headlights.

[fiestaz]

Originally Posted by T3rminator

Can one use general buffing compound to clean up the headlights? Or do I need to get something specifically made for it?

I have spare Meguiars Ultimate Compound lying around, and was thinking of cleaning up the headlights.

I’d be interested in this too. I have some light scratches on my headlights that I wouldn’t mind getting rid off if at all possible.

[T3rminator]

Originally Posted by fiestaz

I’d be interested in this too. I have some light scratches on my headlights that I wouldn’t mind getting rid off if at all possible.

Being someone who doesn't like to wait, I went ahead anyways . Can confirm it doesn't ruin it haha, seems to clear it up a little, but I literally spent 1 minute on each side. It has removed some of the obvious scuff marks on it.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by T3rminator

Can one use general buffing compound to clean up the headlights? Or do I need to get something specifically made for it?

I have spare Meguiars Ultimate Compound lying around, and was thinking of cleaning up the headlights.

I know this answer is a bit late now but, yes, polishing compound can be used on headlights.

However, you will remove any remaining UV coating in the process. Now, I'm of the belief that if a headlight is looking crap then the UV coating is gone anyway so polish away.

Keep in mind that if a headlight is showing UV damage, ie yellowed and hazed, polishing will make them look great again but the result will be short lived. In this case, either continue to polish as the yellowing returns in a few months, or replace the headlight. Having said that, there are headlight restoration kits that include a clear coat/UV protector.

These Subaru headlights were pretty damaged. I hit them with a blue pad on my 3 inch machine and Scholl S20. While the end result was not perfect, they looked way better.





I also did something similar using a iBrid on a yellow pad with Scholl S20.

[FormulaFG]

Loving this thread, great info in here.

Sorry if this has been asked but what are you guys recommending for cutting compounds/ cut and polishing?

I've used Farecla G3 in the past and it's great, but it's expensive and I need something I can go to Supercheap and buy straight away. I've just applied some Bowdens paint restore and the paintwork needs a lot more work before using that product.

Should add that it's not my car so needs to be budget-friendly, otherwise, I'd get the G3.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by FormulaFG

Loving this thread, great info in here.

Sorry if this has been asked but what are you guys recommending for cutting compounds/ cut and polishing?

I've used Farecla G3 in the past and it's great, but it's expensive and I need something I can go to Supercheap and buy straight away. I've just applied some Bowdens paint restore and the paintwork needs a lot more work before using that product.

Should add that it's not my car so needs to be budget-friendly, otherwise, I'd get the G3.

It sounds like the paint you are dealing with is going to need a cutting compound rather than a finishing polish.

In terms of price, Meguiar's Ultimate Compound at $29.99 for 450ml could be up your alley. That said, I have used this in the past and found it pretty hard to use. It will do the job you are asking for though.
https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...ml/214309.html

I'm a big fan of Scholl S20 Black, although this could be above your budget at $39.99 for 500ml.
https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...=7360288882745

For the extra $10 over Ultimate Compound, you get a product that is easy to use, easy wipe off and low dusting. S20 Black is an all-in-one so it can cut then finesse in one step.



Scholl also make a few heavier cutting compounds but will require a follow up finishing polish step.

https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...choll-concepts

[CyberWasp]

This thread has to stop. You are all giving me evil ideas that will cost time an money......

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

This thread has to stop. You are all giving me evil ideas that will cost time an money......

[FTE217]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

This thread has to stop. You are all giving me evil ideas that will cost time an money......

Look at it like a grown up kids candy store for your pride and joys

[TICKFORD220]

Meguiars mostly,they are not the best or most expensive but ive never had an issue with them,my machine polisher is one i purchased from an old sponsor from here some time ago,most likely "waxit",it works good,came with some scholl cutting and polishing stuff and a few pads etc,just had a look at their site and they dont sell my polisher anymore,still works really good though.
I dont detail often because it wastes so much time but its very satisfying once its done,even though my old body feels fully dead afterwards....

[CyberWasp]

A funny comparison would be a 2 photo comparison of the the products you use on cleaning your car compared to the products you use on yourself.

[anobserver]

Happy new year, everyone!

The car got its last wash for 2020 yesterday, then a polish, then treated with lustre and jet again. Thanks go to dfb for his tips on jet usage...its more touchy to apply evenly than the products i am used to.

A question.... Is it an issue to keep applying extra coats each wash day? It was only washed a few weeks ago, when i skipped the lustre, just applying another coat of wax then jet over the top.

In the normal scheme of things, it gets washed and polished about once a month.

And one more thing....this time ive tried the Bowdens own Fully Slick next to the Nova Jet on adjacent doors... once i get it out in the open, im keen to see if they look any different.

[anobserver]

Fully Slick on one door, Nova Jet on the other.



I cant see any difference. The front and rear quarters are both wearing Jet.

[T3rminator]

Anyone got suggestions on how to remove products applied to the dash? I miss calculated the ratio of the carpro perl, and now my dash is too shiny and I'm getting that glare on a sunny day.

I've tried wiping it down with a wet towel. It has helped a bit, but still quite glaring.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by T3rminator

Anyone got suggestions on how to remove products applied to the dash? I miss calculated the ratio of the carpro perl, and now my dash is too shiny and I'm getting that glare on a sunny day.

I've tried wiping it down with a wet towel. It has helped a bit, but still quite glaring.

CarPro Perl is water based. I would try a wet cloth again, rinsing and repeating until you get the desired finish.

I'm sure the use of an All Purpose Cleaner would break it down as well but I'm not a fan of using strong APC's on certain interior plastics, especially soft touch and leather look dashboards.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by anobserver

Happy new year, everyone!

The car got its last wash for 2020 yesterday, then a polish, then treated with lustre and jet again. Thanks go to dfb for his tips on jet usage...its more touchy to apply evenly than the products i am used to.

A question.... Is it an issue to keep applying extra coats each wash day? It was only washed a few weeks ago, when i skipped the lustre, just applying another coat of wax then jet over the top.

In the normal scheme of things, it gets washed and polished about once a month.

And one more thing....this time ive tried the Bowdens own Fully Slick next to the Nova Jet on adjacent doors... once i get it out in the open, im keen to see if they look any different.

Lustre and Jet only need to be applied every few months, although I can't see why you couldn't use Jet every second or third wash. I would probably not apply wax over the top of either as it may have issues bonding to the paint, negating your hard work at the next wash.

In terms of polishing, depending on what polish you are using, polishing too much will accelerate the decline of your clear coat. For perspective, I normally polish once a year or two. Applying wax/sealant once a month would be fine, polishing once a month seems excessive.

Another application tip for Nova Lustre and Jet is to apply with a microfibre pad instead of NV's suggested two cloth method.

https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...sponge-pad-3x5

https://www.bowdensown.com.au/produc...k-blue-colours



I like using these as they make much easier to apply these type of products without having to keep refolding the towel. Prime the pad with a few sprays first, mist onto the panel, distribute with the pad then buff with the short nap side of a microfibre cloth.

[Bossxr8]

So gave the Scholl Concepts S20 Black a go. And it's brilliant.

Had some scuff marks on this guard that I haven't be able to get rid of in the past. The S20 got rid of all of them. And the gloss is awesome.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

So gave the Scholl Concepts S20 Black a go. And it's brilliant.

Had some scuff marks on this guard that I haven't be able to get rid of in the past. The S20 got rid of all of them. And the gloss is awesome.

image

image

image

Nice work!

Scholl S20 Black is so easy to use, I love that moment when you wipe it off to reveal a beautifully glossy finish.

[CyberWasp]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

So gave the Scholl Concepts S20 Black a go. And it's brilliant.

Had some scuff marks on this guard that I haven't be able to get rid of in the past. The S20 got rid of all of them. And the gloss is awesome.

What pad and buffer combo did you use to achieve these results?

It looks awesome.

Buying a polisher and pads ect is the last area I have yet to jump into.

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Nice work!

Scholl S20 Black is so easy to use, I love that moment when you wipe it off to reveal a beautifully glossy finish.

The gloss was what impressed me the most. I wasn't expecting it to be so good.

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

What pad and buffer combo did you use to achieve these results?

It looks awesome.

Buying a polisher and pads ect is the last area I have yet to jump into.

I used a Scholl Concepts blue spider pad with the S20. The sealing wax was just some Meguires Ultimate Wax applied with one of their soft foam pads.

The DA is just an old Bosch unit. Nothing special.

[FTE217]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

I used a Scholl Concepts blue spider pad with the S20. The sealing wax was just some Meguires Ultimate Wax applied with one of their soft foam pads.

The DA is just an old Bosch unit. Nothing special.

Stunning finish Boss, well done !

[DFB FGXR6]

I found this flow chart online that could be helpful.



https://www.zas.com.au/tutorial/4/De...chart_download

[bangm001]

Hi DFB, can we talk about car polishes please.
Tell me what I need to know. I have always done all my cars by hand but as already mentioned on the prev page, getting older now and its a little harder than it used to be!
I probably only polish once a year so dont need to spend big bucks but just seeing what i should be looking at, bunnings supercheap would probably be fine if they have something ok? Cars dont need anything harsh at all they are actually not too bad. I have been reluctant to do it by machine as dont want to go through the clear etc.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by bangm001

Hi DFB, can we talk about car polishes please.
Tell me what I need to know. I have always done all my cars by hand but as already mentioned on the prev page, getting older now and its a little harder than it used to be!
I probably only polish once a year so dont need to spend big bucks but just seeing what i should be looking at, bunnings supercheap would probably be fine if they have something ok? Cars dont need anything harsh at all they are actually not too bad. I have been reluctant to do it by machine as dont want to go through the clear etc.

Once you transition to a machine, you will wonder why you ever did it by hand. Besides polishing / paint correction, a machine can also be used to apply wax's and sealants with the correct pad.

For someone new to polishing by machine, it's generally recommended to use a Dual Action polisher and not a Rotary. Blowing through the clear with a DA would be pretty hard to do, a rotary if not used in experienced hands can create a variety of undesirable results.

So having said that, what would be recommended?

A quick search on the Supercheap & Bunnings websites reveals some products that I would be either scared to use or feel would be unlikely to give a decent result.
https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/sh..._term=polisher
https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/p...Size=60&page=1

Looking here gives me more confidence in recommending a polisher to suit.
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...-machines-kits

I think a 5 inch machine with a 6 inch pad would be a good starting point. These are available in kits or as a standalone machine. The kits are currently sold out but represent decent value when you consider the cost of adding pads and polish compounds to the standalone machine.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...order-may-30th
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...a-polisher-kit
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...-polishing-kit

I like when you buy a machine from the likes of Waxit they will support the product, answering questions about pad and compound choices for example.

Good luck!

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Once you transition to a machine, you will wonder why you ever did it by hand. Besides polishing / paint correction, a machine can also be used to apply wax's and sealants with the correct pad.

For someone new to polishing by machine, it's generally recommended to use a Dual Action polisher and not a Rotary. Blowing through the clear with a DA would be pretty hard to do, a rotary if not used in experienced hands can create a variety of undesirable results.

So having said that, what would be recommended?

A quick search on the Supercheap & Bunnings websites reveals some products that I would be either scared to use or feel would be unlikely to give a decent result.
https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/sh..._term=polisher
https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/p...Size=60&page=1

Looking here gives me more confidence in recommending a polisher to suit.
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...-machines-kits

I think a 5 inch machine with a 6 inch pad would be a good starting point. These are available in kits or as a standalone machine. The kits are currently sold out but represent decent value when you consider the cost of adding pads and polish compounds to the standalone machine.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...order-may-30th
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...a-polisher-kit
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...-polishing-kit

I like when you buy a machine from the likes of Waxit they will support the product, answering questions about pad and compound choices for example.

Good luck!

I would also add this to the list if you want something a bit more affordable. 15% off at the moment too.
https://www.carcareproducts.com.au/m...r-das6-v2.html

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by bangm001

Hi DFB, can we talk about car polishes please.
Tell me what I need to know. I have always done all my cars by hand but as already mentioned on the prev page, getting older now and its a little harder than it used to be!
I probably only polish once a year so dont need to spend big bucks but just seeing what i should be looking at, bunnings supercheap would probably be fine if they have something ok? Cars dont need anything harsh at all they are actually not too bad. I have been reluctant to do it by machine as dont want to go through the clear etc.

With a regular da and light polishes and pads you would have to be seriously trying to rub through the clear. It’s so much better doing it with a da. Doing it by hand is so much harder to do. Saves heaps of time.

Just jump right in and use light cut pads and polishes and you will be fine.

[CyberWasp]

It looks like a lot of people bought the kits over Christmas as so many of them are sold out.

[bangm001]

Cheers again guys!! ;-)