I'm new to the site. So please bare with me if my grammar isnt the best. Last year i got a professional to detail the exterior of my car for ~400 bucks. This year im looking to do it myself, to save a bit of money, and teach myself how to properly do it. I would really love a few recommendations as what I should purchase to approach this. Keeping in mind that I wont be making this a FULL time job, just a hobby and to save me some bucks in the long run. I drive a 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour, I have a few minor mobs on it. Not everyones favourite car... My roof is vinyl wrapped in shiny Black. In the following weeks I'm planning to Plasti-Dip my Chrome trim around the windows. My Chrome Door handles are showing the imperfections. Front is fully 3M'd; Grill, Mirrors, Front Lip, hood, and bumper. I would love suggestions as to what to purchase to make it look "new". By looking at that picture it looks shiny and new haha. Suggestions such as clay bars, towels, porter cable or whatever they are called; i have a few things at home already but its just soley based on what i see on the internet and what other people use. If you guys have recommendations for specific brands feel free let me know also. Along with that, i'm looking for things to clean up my interior. Not going to lie, I'm pretty OCD when it comes to having my car Clean, so my interior is still pretty minty, but the Driver seat is showing a bit of wear and tear, nothing tooo major though. I will probably be purchasing a lot of the items in Edmonton, AB. I live in Calgary, AB, unless the product recommended isnt available, and is praised by a lot of you. TIPS AND TRICKS help too... If this isnt enough information let me know
Not as sure what's available in Canada but I'll give you a few things I like as a weekend warrior detailer. Phil has a package on the Griot's Dual Action Polisher. If I were to get a new one that is what I'd get. I like ONR (optimum no rinse) for washing - it makes things so easy. I like Prima Slick for a quick detailer and Prima Clarity for glass. Clay bars have all seemed pretty similar to me but haven't tried them all. Optimum Car wax (OCW) is pretty easy to use for a sealant. Lot's of new sealants out there. Is you interior leather? if so look at leather masters stuff. Just a few random things that came to me and not an exhaustive list.
Thanks for the Quick reply cptzippy. If it helps ill be purchasing a lot of the stuff from http://www.autoobsessed.com/shop/index.php, they are setting up shop soon, and i plan on visiting them when i get a chance within the next month or so. I live off a main road in Calgary, so I dont feel comfortable washing my car with the soap and everything. My plan is to drive to the car wash which is 2 blocks away, not sure if thats a bad idea or not though... Currently i have Invisible Glass for my windows, is that good enough? or should i get the ones you recommended? I have leather interior, some plastics on the dash and soft touch material. I have a stain on my carpet from snow during the winter months of last year. so far these are the recommendations ive gotten Is griots more Beginner friendly vs wolfgang??
Griot's is the polisher I'd get as I said so I think you're good there. Sonus is a good clay IMHO. See that they have CG Luber - haven't used it personally but know some folks who really like it. Towels look ok. Not familiar with the QD as I haven't tried any of the CG stuff. Invisible glass works fine, I just prefer the Clarity. As far as driving to the car wash, that's one advantage of the ONR - you can do it with one bucket in a garage or driveway in twenty minutes or less. If you want to stick with the two bucket wash I see that they have the Griot's car wash which I know at least one good detailer really likes. For either, they have the griots microfiber pads that I've had for about 5 years and like. WIth what that store has, I'd try 1Z Einzett Cockpit Premium for your dash and interior trim For the carpet, try folex that you can get at the home improvement store.
They do have slick and hydro by Prima for QDs (slick is more of a cleaner where hydro is more of a spray wax) They also have leather masters products for your leather. Might look into Optimum Opticlean - it's like ONR but doesn't even need the bucket. It works really well for anything up to a moderately dirty car.
Do you have any tips or suggestions as to which package i should get with the griots? And steps I would do certain things. Before doing all this on my car, i might wnat to do it on my dads car HAHAA. Those mircofiber towels are used for the body of the car right? and Its better to use the Waffle Weave for the windows? As for the 2 bucket method. Wouldnt i have to do it a few times? like before the initial cleaning, after claying and at the end?? After the Polishing and everything i use the QD? What is ONR? and CG? I have so much to learn...
Hit up phil....... he may have some good advice, plus he does kits. Remember, dealing with a vendor directly here; if you have an issue you can get a response faster then with some of the other companies. Opticlean is an outstanding product for knocking off dust and dirt, i keep a bottle in all my cars. as for products for beginners, I would suggest Adams they have a very comprehensive line.
ONR is Optimum No Rinse as seen here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLIGQ5hTnj4 ---> all it takes is a sponge, a 5 gallon bucket, and those microfibers you linked to wash you whole car. CG is chemical guys and they make the QD you link. Best use for a QD for me is as a drying aid - spraying just before you dry your car. You don't' necessarily have to wash after each phase of the process - just as the initial cleaning. As to what pads/polishes to get with the griots - I'll defer to others as I'm trying to decide what to get next. Might help if you would show how much correction needs to be done on your car (or your dads). If it has deep scratches it will need something different than if you have very minimal swirling.
Email Troy or just stop by autoobsessed once it opens. I'm sure the staff will be more than willing to help you find exactly what you are looking for. And it is a great opportunity to look at the products before you purchase.
thanks a lot guys, so far ive been watching the adam's polishes videos... haha, im more of a visual learner so reading things dont help me as much. I wish troy and company carried Adam's now, but im pretty sure by going into the store when it opens i can find alternatives
I was gunna recommend the Adam's Videos as that's what sparked my interest in detailing. I myself am just as new to all this as you are. To start I went with an Adam's package with the Porta Cable, this way with the kits you get everything you need to get started, then you find out what you like and replace what you do not like. The Adam's line makes it easier for us beginners as they're stuff is dummy proof haha. I cannot suggest much in the way of products because I am so new myself, but my advice is to talk to the guys at the shop near you or to Phil at Detailer's Domain. They would easily be able to tell you what you need. I have slowly gathered stuff as I need it. Look out for specials and discounts to scoop up some good stuff =)
browsed Adams polishes watched all his videos. decided to get the detailing kit with the flex polisher
Haha, goood to know a few people from calgary frequent this site. I have no idea what zeps orange is.. i googled it and it came out as hand cleaner among other things... :S LOL
Zep's Orange is an APC. At different dilution ratios it can serve different purpose. From as aggressive as wheel cleaner to as gentle as interior (not leather) cleaner. Pick up a couple chemical resistant spray bottle from HD and a jug of ZO, and it should cover about 80% of heavy duty cleaning, and will definitely last you a while. Enjoy detailing!:thumb:
Here it is! http://www.homedepot.ca/product/zep-citrus-cleaner-378l/903433 Along with the items GloomyX listed, it is also excellent for cleaning pads, wheel wells, engine bays, and exhaust tips. Definitely an economical purchase.
