ultimate exterior detailing product recommendations

[The Lizard]

OK all you veteran pros, let a newbie in on some trade secrets.

If you had to put all of your experience into a recommendation for an undeserving creature (lizard) like me, what would you give me as the list of products and steps.

From the car wash, clay, polish, wax, sealant, whatever!! - what brands, etc. What are your favorite products and why?

The subject paint is silver and is 1 year old. It has seen a bit of claying and some MGC. Yes, it has some light swirls (eventual, unavoidable??) from claying and washing. It now screams for the ultimate detail. I await the wisdom of the forum...

[Guess My Name]

Welcome!

Wow to the question. This would be hard to answer as there are many products and everyone has their favorite.

I hate to say it but I suggest reading the product review section and the archives for it as well. This will give you tons of info. There are even a few polls on favorite products as well.

For clay I suggest Clay Magic....Locally available and performs real well.

For window cleaners I suggets Stoners Invisible glass or Eagle 1 20/20.

For window protection from rain I suggest Aquapel or STP vision Blade.

For all purpose cleaner I reco EF high intenmsity cleaner for wheels and tires. Dilute to strength required.

For Sealants ...Blackfire, Klasse or Zaino.

For leather conditioner I love the Zaino leather in a bottle plus I use it on all plastic and Vinyl parts inside as well.

Good Luck.

[Dave C.]

Nice topic Lizard, although I would not consider myself a vet here it goes:
Tire Cleaner= EF High Intensity
Wheel Cleaner= p21s
Wash Soap= Mix of Meg's GC and One Grand Wash n' Wax
Clay= Only tried One Grand, works for me
Polish/Glaze= Numerous 3M products depending on conditions, ex. FI III, IHG, etc.
Sealant= Klasse Twins, never tried anything else
Wax= Blitz, needn't say anything else
Vinyl Cleaner= Mix of Meg's #39 and water
Vinyl Protectant= 303 or Vinylex depending on the look I'm going for
Carpet/Upholstery Cleaner= Woolite, or Mothers
Carpet/Upholstery Protection= 303 Fabric Guard
Plastic Polish= One Grand
Chrome Polish= One Grand
Glass Cleaner= Bon Ami and/or Sprayway
Quick Detailer= One Grand Show-Off
Bug/Tar Remover= One Grand, 3M General Purpose Adhesive Remover, or Rubbing Alcohol
Leather= Don't have enough experience to comment
Did I forget anything??

[Redcar GUY]

Tire Cleaner= Griots rubber cleaner
Wheel Cleaner= Griots
Wash Soap= Zaino
Clay= Zaino
Polish/Glaze= 3m
Sealant= Zaino
Vinyl Protectant= Zaino Z16
Plastic Polish= Zaino
Chrome Polish= Simachrome and mothers mag and alum polish
Glass Cleaner= Stoners Invisible glass
Quick Detailer= Zaino Z6

[Michael H]

For steps (if you want the lot) see:

http://autopia-carport.com/Detailing...ct%20Shine.htm

[drewski59]

I've tried everything out there, and here's what I stick with:
Tires: Eagle One WET Tire Gel
Wheels: Blue Magic Metal Polish
Wheel Cleaner: Eagle One A2Z
Paint: Zaino
Windows: Rain-x and Stoner Invisible Glass
Interior: Armor All Interior(non-grease stuff!)
Wash: Zaino Z-7
Dry: California Water Blade and PVA Sponge Cloth(from Target)
QD: Zaino Z-6 w/ MF towels

That's what I use and love!
Hope that helps!!