Clarkitect
12-21-2018, 06:10 PM
Noob greetings to all you Autopians. Not sure where to begin, but came across Autopia after my wife and I came into possession of our third minivan. I know, I know, I hunted down a car detailing forum after picking up another kid hauler? However, this is the nicest vehicle we have had the pleasure to own, and I promised the wife since it was in such good shape we would try and keep it that way...which led me here.
Then, I fell down the rabbit hole.
So, I began compiling what I was learning and it was pretty haphazard at first. I kept poking around some more, started looking at product manufacturers, YouTube videos, and cross reference back to the Autopia forums. I began haphazardly throwing things in a shopping cart in the Autopia store until I started to see the total rack up. As an architect by trade, we put out books of specifications outlining the products to be used in a building. So I began putting together my own noob car detailing spec to help me think through all the process/product/accessory information I was drowning in. I put together my detail manual as a step-by-step process of how I would want to wash and detail the van, and the products and accessories to execute the job. I kept it open spec with three acceptable manufacturers: OPT, 3D, and Gyeon. Below is the spec I have put together after a couple weeks of doodling on my iPad, and was hoping I could get some further advice/instruction/criticism to even further refine what I have been able to cobble together (product pitfalls, process dos & don`ts, accessories to avoid or definitely get, etc.). It should be noted the "new" van is a 2018 Kia Sedona, under 10,000 miles. The paint is in great shape, and no noticeable swirling from my investigation. There are a few minor scratches on the hood and rear panels, but nothing earth shattering. I also have a spreadsheet that lists all the pricing found below to allow me to plug and chug some formulas to analyze and breakdown different pricing scenarios.
WASH:
1. Prepare a 5 gal bucket half full of water with 1oz of waterless car wash. Add a microfiber wash mitt/sponge to soak in the mixture while the rest of the setup is being completed.
Product:
Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine (32oz) $16 ($0.50/oz)
Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine (1gal) $40 ($0.31/oz)
3D Green Waterless (1gal) $32 ($0.25/oz)
Gyeon Bathe (1L [33oz]) $25 ($0.75/oz)
Gyeon Bathe Essence (400mL [13.5oz]) $23 ($1.70/oz [0.17 oz/wash=80 washes] ~$0.30/wash)
Accessories:
5gal bucket & grit guard $20
Cyclone Microfiber Sponge $11
2. Fill 2 Gallon compression sprayer with water and add 1oz of waterless. Pump up and set aside.
Accessories:
2gal compression sprayer $35
3. Spray Power Clean on to wheels and tires as required with 1.5 IK Foam Sprayer. Leave to dwell for a few minutes and then agitate all areas of the wheel with brushes as necessary. Rinse wheels completely with ONR pressure sprayer.
Product:
Optimum Power Clean (1gal) $36 (2:1 [16oz/32 oz sprayer] $4.50/wash)
3D Orange Degreaser (1gal) $26 (4:1 [8oz/32 oz Sprayer] $1.63/wash)
Gyeon Bug & Grime (400mL [13.5oz]) $12 (Full Strength [~1/2 bottle/wash] $6/wash)
Accessories:
1.5 IK Foam Sprayer $31
Mothers Tire, Wheel, & Well Brush Kit $18
Grey Mini Miner 5-Pack (10x10) $6
4. Spray car completely with compression sprayer, focusing special attention on any areas that are particularly dirty. Spray until the bottle is completely empty for this one, regardless of how long it takes.
5. Wash car with mitt/sponge using slow, straight lines, making sure to rinse the microfiber mitt off in the bucket regularly. If everything above has been done previously, this should result in a fairly clean bucket afterwards.
6. Dry with microfiber towel
Accessories:
(2) - Dry Me A River Waffle Weave Towel (20x40) $22 ($11/ea)
(2) – Platinum Pluffle Hybrid Weave Towel (20x40) $30.50 ($15.25/ea)
DECON:
1. Rinse with Iron & Tar Remover (3D BDX, OPT Ferrex, GYEON Iron Remover, CarPro IronX), and Gyeon Q2M Tar and wipe off with microfiber towel
Product:
Optimum FerreX Iron Remover (17oz) $20 ($1.18/oz)
3D BDX (24oz) $17 ($0.71/oz)
CarPro IronX (500mL [17oz]) $20 ($1.18/oz)
Gyeon Iron Remover (500mL [17oz]) $20 ($1.18/oz)
Gyeon Tar (500mL [17oz]) $18 ($1.06/oz)
Accessories:
Edgeless 300 Blue 10-pack (16x16) $14
2. Clay mitt (Blackfire Clay Mitt) with lubricant (3D Final Touch, OPT ONR, Dodo Juice Born Slippy Clay Lube)
Product
Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine (1gal) $40 ($0.31/oz [2oz/gal for lube] $0.62/clay)
3D Final Touch (24oz) $8 ($0.33/oz [12oz/clay] $4.00/clay)
Dodo Juice Born Slippy (250mL [8.45oz]) $14 (10:1 [35mL/350mL (1.2oz/clay)=7 clay] $2.00/clay)
Gyeon Clay Lube (500mL [17oz]) $16 ($0.94/oz [12oz/clay] $11.30/clay)
Accessories:
Blackfire Clay Mitt $24
Nanoskin AutoScrub Fine Grade Mitt $50
3. Rinse
POLISH:
1. Correction (3D One Hybrid, OPT Hyper Compound) Orange or White LC CCS Pads (6 - 1 Hood, 1 Roof&Trunk, 2 ea side). Place used pads in a bucket of ONR to clean. Wipe with Microfiber cloth.
Product:
3D One Hybrid (16oz) $23 ($1.44/oz)
OPT Hyper Compound (18oz) $30 ($1.67/oz)
Gyeon Q2M Compound (120mL [4oz]) $14 ($3.50/oz)
Accessories:
Griots Garage 6-inch Random Orbital Polisher $150
Dual Action Flexible 5-inch backing plate $18
Lake Country 5.5-inch CCS Pads 6 Pack (White) $45
Edgeless 300 Yellow 10-pack (16x16) $14
2. Polish (3D One Hybrid, OPT Hyper Polish) Green or Blue LC CSS Pads (4 - 1 Hood, 1 Roof&Trunk, 1 ea side)
Product:
3D One Hybrid (16oz) Purchased
OPT Hyper Polish (18oz) $25 ($1.39/oz)
Gyeon Q2M Polish (120mL [4oz]) $14 ($3.50/oz)
Accessories:
Lake Country 5.5-inch CCS Pads 6 Pack (4-Blue & 2-Black) $45
(4) - Edgeless 365 Microfiber Yellow (16x16) $10.60 ($2.65/ea)
3. Finish (3D One Hybrid, OPT Finish) Black LC CCS Pads (2 - 1 ea side)
Product:
3D One Hybrid (16oz) Purchased
OPT Finish Polish (8oz) $12 ($1.50/oz)
Gyeon Q2 Primer (120mL [4oz]) $16 ($4.00/oz)
Accessories:
Lake Country 5.5-inch CCS Pads 6 Pack (4-Blue & 2-Black) Purchased
Eagle Edgeless 350 5-pack Lavender (16x16) $20
https://www.autopia.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=35649&stc=1
4. Prep for sealant with microfiber (Gyeon Prep, OPT Paint Prep)
Product:
Gyeon Prep (500mL [17oz]) $16 ($0.94/oz)
OPT Paint Prep (17oz) $13 ($0.76.oz)
Accessories:
Eagle Edgeless 350 5-pack Lavender (16x16) Purchased
SEAL:
1. Seal (3D Poxy, OPT Opt-Seal)
Product:
3D Poxy (16oz) $15 ($0.94/oz)
OPT Opt-Seal (8oz) $25 ($3.13/oz)
Accessories:
Eagle Microfiber Detailing Applicator (3x5) $12 ($4/ea)
Eagle Edgeless 500 5-pack Multi (16x16) $24
OR
1. Seal Systems (3D HD Nitro Seal, OPT Gloss-Coat, Gyeon Q2 Syncro)
Product:
3D HD Nitro Seal (KIT) $70
OPT Gloss-Coat Paint Coating $60
Gyeon Q2 Syncro (KIT) $180
OR
1. Super Seal
Product:
Kamikaze
Miyabi 2x (300mL [10oz]) $120 ($12/oz)
ISM Coat V2.0 (30mL [1oz]) $150 (lol)
PolishAngel
Glasscoat Cosmic V2 Coating 2x (50mL [1.7oz]) $70 ($41/oz)
2. Wax (OPT Wax, FK 1000)
Product:
OPT Car Wax (17 oz) $15 ($0.88/oz)
3D Cherry Wax (16 oz) $19 ($1.19)
Finish Kare 1000P Hi-Temp Paste Wax (15oz) $18 ($1.20/oz)
Accessories:
Eagle Edgeless 500 5-pack Multi (16x16) Purchased
OR
2. Super Wax
Product:
Kamikaze Infinity Wax $150 (lol)
PolishAngel Rapid Waxx (500mL [17oz]) $45 ($2.65/oz)
3. Finish Coat (3D Final Touch, OPT Instant Detailer)
Product:
3D Final Touch (24oz) $8 ($0.33/oz)
OPT Instant Detailer (17 oz) $10 ($0.59/oz)
Accessories:
Everest Ultra Plush 1100 3-pack (16x16) $22
OR
3. Super Finish Coat
Product:
Kamikaze Overcoat (100mL [3.4oz]) $50 ($14.70/oz)
PolishAngel Glasscoat Cosmic Spritz (200mL [6.75oz]) $75($11.11/oz)
After running through some scenarios in my spreadsheet, I have developed a poor man`s starter wash/wax only package, a "preferred" package for wash/decon/polish, and a separate breakdown for the different sealer options (ranked good, better, best or maybe more apt as economic, expensive, and ludicrous). I think I can get the wife convinced to go with the poor man wash/wax package to start, keep the van washed often, and begin to add to this with the rest of my "preferred" package, and then perhaps moving on up into ludicrous territory. Always open to suggestions, if anyone has gotten this far down the page.
Wash/Wax only Package $67:
-Gyeon Bathe Essence
-3D Orange Degreaser
-Finish Care 1000P Wax
Equip/Accessories: $201
TOTAL: $268
Preferred Package $140:
WASH:
-Gyeon Bathe Essence
-3D Orange Degreaser
DECON:
-Gyeon Iron Remover
-Gyeon Tar
-DODO Juice Born Slippy
POLISH:
-3D One Hybrid
-Gyeon Prep
Equip/Accessories: $483
TOTAL: $623
Preferred Package + Seal Packages:
OPT: $225
Gyeon Q2 Syncro: $320
PolishAngel: $330
Kamikaze: $610
Equip/Accessories: $483
GRAND TOTALS:
OPT: $708
PolishAngel: $813
Kamikaze: $1,093
https://www.autopia.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=35650&stc=1
https://www.autopia.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=35651&stc=1
https://www.autopia.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=35652&stc=1
https://www.autopia.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=35653&stc=1
https://www.autopia.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=35654&stc=1
https://www.autopia.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=35655&stc=1
Then, I fell down the rabbit hole.
So, I began compiling what I was learning and it was pretty haphazard at first. I kept poking around some more, started looking at product manufacturers, YouTube videos, and cross reference back to the Autopia forums. I began haphazardly throwing things in a shopping cart in the Autopia store until I started to see the total rack up. As an architect by trade, we put out books of specifications outlining the products to be used in a building. So I began putting together my own noob car detailing spec to help me think through all the process/product/accessory information I was drowning in. I put together my detail manual as a step-by-step process of how I would want to wash and detail the van, and the products and accessories to execute the job. I kept it open spec with three acceptable manufacturers: OPT, 3D, and Gyeon. Below is the spec I have put together after a couple weeks of doodling on my iPad, and was hoping I could get some further advice/instruction/criticism to even further refine what I have been able to cobble together (product pitfalls, process dos & don`ts, accessories to avoid or definitely get, etc.). It should be noted the "new" van is a 2018 Kia Sedona, under 10,000 miles. The paint is in great shape, and no noticeable swirling from my investigation. There are a few minor scratches on the hood and rear panels, but nothing earth shattering. I also have a spreadsheet that lists all the pricing found below to allow me to plug and chug some formulas to analyze and breakdown different pricing scenarios.
WASH:
1. Prepare a 5 gal bucket half full of water with 1oz of waterless car wash. Add a microfiber wash mitt/sponge to soak in the mixture while the rest of the setup is being completed.
Product:
Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine (32oz) $16 ($0.50/oz)
Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine (1gal) $40 ($0.31/oz)
3D Green Waterless (1gal) $32 ($0.25/oz)
Gyeon Bathe (1L [33oz]) $25 ($0.75/oz)
Gyeon Bathe Essence (400mL [13.5oz]) $23 ($1.70/oz [0.17 oz/wash=80 washes] ~$0.30/wash)
Accessories:
5gal bucket & grit guard $20
Cyclone Microfiber Sponge $11
2. Fill 2 Gallon compression sprayer with water and add 1oz of waterless. Pump up and set aside.
Accessories:
2gal compression sprayer $35
3. Spray Power Clean on to wheels and tires as required with 1.5 IK Foam Sprayer. Leave to dwell for a few minutes and then agitate all areas of the wheel with brushes as necessary. Rinse wheels completely with ONR pressure sprayer.
Product:
Optimum Power Clean (1gal) $36 (2:1 [16oz/32 oz sprayer] $4.50/wash)
3D Orange Degreaser (1gal) $26 (4:1 [8oz/32 oz Sprayer] $1.63/wash)
Gyeon Bug & Grime (400mL [13.5oz]) $12 (Full Strength [~1/2 bottle/wash] $6/wash)
Accessories:
1.5 IK Foam Sprayer $31
Mothers Tire, Wheel, & Well Brush Kit $18
Grey Mini Miner 5-Pack (10x10) $6
4. Spray car completely with compression sprayer, focusing special attention on any areas that are particularly dirty. Spray until the bottle is completely empty for this one, regardless of how long it takes.
5. Wash car with mitt/sponge using slow, straight lines, making sure to rinse the microfiber mitt off in the bucket regularly. If everything above has been done previously, this should result in a fairly clean bucket afterwards.
6. Dry with microfiber towel
Accessories:
(2) - Dry Me A River Waffle Weave Towel (20x40) $22 ($11/ea)
(2) – Platinum Pluffle Hybrid Weave Towel (20x40) $30.50 ($15.25/ea)
DECON:
1. Rinse with Iron & Tar Remover (3D BDX, OPT Ferrex, GYEON Iron Remover, CarPro IronX), and Gyeon Q2M Tar and wipe off with microfiber towel
Product:
Optimum FerreX Iron Remover (17oz) $20 ($1.18/oz)
3D BDX (24oz) $17 ($0.71/oz)
CarPro IronX (500mL [17oz]) $20 ($1.18/oz)
Gyeon Iron Remover (500mL [17oz]) $20 ($1.18/oz)
Gyeon Tar (500mL [17oz]) $18 ($1.06/oz)
Accessories:
Edgeless 300 Blue 10-pack (16x16) $14
2. Clay mitt (Blackfire Clay Mitt) with lubricant (3D Final Touch, OPT ONR, Dodo Juice Born Slippy Clay Lube)
Product
Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine (1gal) $40 ($0.31/oz [2oz/gal for lube] $0.62/clay)
3D Final Touch (24oz) $8 ($0.33/oz [12oz/clay] $4.00/clay)
Dodo Juice Born Slippy (250mL [8.45oz]) $14 (10:1 [35mL/350mL (1.2oz/clay)=7 clay] $2.00/clay)
Gyeon Clay Lube (500mL [17oz]) $16 ($0.94/oz [12oz/clay] $11.30/clay)
Accessories:
Blackfire Clay Mitt $24
Nanoskin AutoScrub Fine Grade Mitt $50
3. Rinse
POLISH:
1. Correction (3D One Hybrid, OPT Hyper Compound) Orange or White LC CCS Pads (6 - 1 Hood, 1 Roof&Trunk, 2 ea side). Place used pads in a bucket of ONR to clean. Wipe with Microfiber cloth.
Product:
3D One Hybrid (16oz) $23 ($1.44/oz)
OPT Hyper Compound (18oz) $30 ($1.67/oz)
Gyeon Q2M Compound (120mL [4oz]) $14 ($3.50/oz)
Accessories:
Griots Garage 6-inch Random Orbital Polisher $150
Dual Action Flexible 5-inch backing plate $18
Lake Country 5.5-inch CCS Pads 6 Pack (White) $45
Edgeless 300 Yellow 10-pack (16x16) $14
2. Polish (3D One Hybrid, OPT Hyper Polish) Green or Blue LC CSS Pads (4 - 1 Hood, 1 Roof&Trunk, 1 ea side)
Product:
3D One Hybrid (16oz) Purchased
OPT Hyper Polish (18oz) $25 ($1.39/oz)
Gyeon Q2M Polish (120mL [4oz]) $14 ($3.50/oz)
Accessories:
Lake Country 5.5-inch CCS Pads 6 Pack (4-Blue & 2-Black) $45
(4) - Edgeless 365 Microfiber Yellow (16x16) $10.60 ($2.65/ea)
3. Finish (3D One Hybrid, OPT Finish) Black LC CCS Pads (2 - 1 ea side)
Product:
3D One Hybrid (16oz) Purchased
OPT Finish Polish (8oz) $12 ($1.50/oz)
Gyeon Q2 Primer (120mL [4oz]) $16 ($4.00/oz)
Accessories:
Lake Country 5.5-inch CCS Pads 6 Pack (4-Blue & 2-Black) Purchased
Eagle Edgeless 350 5-pack Lavender (16x16) $20
https://www.autopia.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=35649&stc=1
4. Prep for sealant with microfiber (Gyeon Prep, OPT Paint Prep)
Product:
Gyeon Prep (500mL [17oz]) $16 ($0.94/oz)
OPT Paint Prep (17oz) $13 ($0.76.oz)
Accessories:
Eagle Edgeless 350 5-pack Lavender (16x16) Purchased
SEAL:
1. Seal (3D Poxy, OPT Opt-Seal)
Product:
3D Poxy (16oz) $15 ($0.94/oz)
OPT Opt-Seal (8oz) $25 ($3.13/oz)
Accessories:
Eagle Microfiber Detailing Applicator (3x5) $12 ($4/ea)
Eagle Edgeless 500 5-pack Multi (16x16) $24
OR
1. Seal Systems (3D HD Nitro Seal, OPT Gloss-Coat, Gyeon Q2 Syncro)
Product:
3D HD Nitro Seal (KIT) $70
OPT Gloss-Coat Paint Coating $60
Gyeon Q2 Syncro (KIT) $180
OR
1. Super Seal
Product:
Kamikaze
Miyabi 2x (300mL [10oz]) $120 ($12/oz)
ISM Coat V2.0 (30mL [1oz]) $150 (lol)
PolishAngel
Glasscoat Cosmic V2 Coating 2x (50mL [1.7oz]) $70 ($41/oz)
2. Wax (OPT Wax, FK 1000)
Product:
OPT Car Wax (17 oz) $15 ($0.88/oz)
3D Cherry Wax (16 oz) $19 ($1.19)
Finish Kare 1000P Hi-Temp Paste Wax (15oz) $18 ($1.20/oz)
Accessories:
Eagle Edgeless 500 5-pack Multi (16x16) Purchased
OR
2. Super Wax
Product:
Kamikaze Infinity Wax $150 (lol)
PolishAngel Rapid Waxx (500mL [17oz]) $45 ($2.65/oz)
3. Finish Coat (3D Final Touch, OPT Instant Detailer)
Product:
3D Final Touch (24oz) $8 ($0.33/oz)
OPT Instant Detailer (17 oz) $10 ($0.59/oz)
Accessories:
Everest Ultra Plush 1100 3-pack (16x16) $22
OR
3. Super Finish Coat
Product:
Kamikaze Overcoat (100mL [3.4oz]) $50 ($14.70/oz)
PolishAngel Glasscoat Cosmic Spritz (200mL [6.75oz]) $75($11.11/oz)
After running through some scenarios in my spreadsheet, I have developed a poor man`s starter wash/wax only package, a "preferred" package for wash/decon/polish, and a separate breakdown for the different sealer options (ranked good, better, best or maybe more apt as economic, expensive, and ludicrous). I think I can get the wife convinced to go with the poor man wash/wax package to start, keep the van washed often, and begin to add to this with the rest of my "preferred" package, and then perhaps moving on up into ludicrous territory. Always open to suggestions, if anyone has gotten this far down the page.
Wash/Wax only Package $67:
-Gyeon Bathe Essence
-3D Orange Degreaser
-Finish Care 1000P Wax
Equip/Accessories: $201
TOTAL: $268
Preferred Package $140:
WASH:
-Gyeon Bathe Essence
-3D Orange Degreaser
DECON:
-Gyeon Iron Remover
-Gyeon Tar
-DODO Juice Born Slippy
POLISH:
-3D One Hybrid
-Gyeon Prep
Equip/Accessories: $483
TOTAL: $623
Preferred Package + Seal Packages:
OPT: $225
Gyeon Q2 Syncro: $320
PolishAngel: $330
Kamikaze: $610
Equip/Accessories: $483
GRAND TOTALS:
OPT: $708
PolishAngel: $813
Kamikaze: $1,093
https://www.autopia.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=35650&stc=1
https://www.autopia.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=35651&stc=1
https://www.autopia.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=35652&stc=1
https://www.autopia.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=35653&stc=1
https://www.autopia.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=35654&stc=1
https://www.autopia.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=35655&stc=1