"DP" Detail & Review: 2004 Escalade

justin30513

Mobile Detailing Services
Well, I just couldn't wait to try out all of my new DP stuff. I got a call Friday morning at 8:30am. The customer wanted her Escalade cleaned up for an upcoming trip. I asked what she wanted done to it....wash/vac? wax? She said she would just drop it off at her real estate office and for me just to make it new again. Didn't ask about price......my kind of customer! I've washed it before a couple of times and knew I had my work cut out for me. She has 3 kids and they just run crazy in it with food. Oh well, it's been a while since a full interior clean up so what the hay! This was the perfect candidate for a full DP detail and review!



Here's the process....

Start Time:

10:00am

Finish Time:

4:00pm

Payment:

375.00



Meguiars's NXT Car Wash

(Used EDGE wash ShMitt and dried with Cobra's Guzzler)

Previously clayed it about 2 months ago and was just fine. I know I said this was a full DP review but I had already made my wash bucket up!



DP's Gel Wheel Cleaner

(Used EDGE Wheel ShMitt on tires and wheels)

I was most eager to try this product out. I sprayed the tires and wheels down. I did one side at a time. I intentionally did not wear any gloves to feel the effects on my skin. I let sit for about 2 minutes. I put my Wheel ShMitt on and went to work. Man, the combination of the ShMitt and Gel did a number on the dirt and dust. I rinsed out my mitt and black grime just poured out. The Gel left the tires clean and black and the wheels like spoked mirrors.



DP's Super Swirl Eliminator

(Used EDGE2K Green Medium Cutting Pad at a #5 PC setting)

I could tell from the texture that this stuff had some bite to it. I just about went to a polishing pad but didn't. I wanted to see the effects with this setup first. Once I got started, I could see alot of oils lubricating. There was a film that appeared as the abrasives broke down. Never a hint of dust though. I wiped the paint clean to reveal no marring and no swirls. I just let it breakdown a little longer than XMT. About 5 minutes per panel. It really worked well in the sun too. This was not a great smelling product but one that just worked. After more inspecting, I decided it was ready for waxing without the need of a finishing polish.



DP's Max Wax

(Applied by hand with foam applicator)

Most of you know that this is one of my favorite waxes I've ever used. It just does a great job. I have never seen a wax so easy to use. Factor in the looks it gives and the price and you have simple the best deal out there in my opinion. If you're looking for a wax to step up to but do not want to pay a premium, this is for you!



DP Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner

(Sprayed on to surface...removed with Micro Fiber towel)

I've been using Woolite and Meguiar's APC for my carpet cleanings. I vacuumed an area clean and then sprayed the cleaner on it. I then moved on to vacuuming another area then sprayed it. I repeated this process untill the vehicle was vacuumed and pre-treated. This one of my time saving tips. I then come back with a wet, green Cobra Micro Fiber and agitate the sprayed areas. I rinse and then re-vacuum removing any dampness. This cleaner pulled up stuff that I could have never imagined. The smell was incredible too. Not chemically but a pleasant, floral scent. I also used it on the mats along with my pressure washer. Came out very clean.



DP's Total Interior Cleaner

(Sprayed on to surfaces.....removed with Micro Fiber towel)

I wanted to remove any protectives that I had previously used. I sprayed it onto every plastic and leather surface I could see. I let it soak for about 1 minute and removed with another Green Cobra Micro Fiber. It left all the plastic clean with a matte finish. Same for the leather with no discoloration. The smell was clean and harmless. From the looks of my towel rinse water, this chemical worked well.



DP's Interior Surface Protectant

(Sprayed on to surfaces.....removed with Micro Fiber Mitt)

The label states that this product can be used on all surfaces including leather. I wet my mitt generously and wiped down everything in site. The smell was fruity and clean. There was not any oily residues showing. Just a clean, low-shine sheen. The leather became soft and more pliable as it sat. I really like how well it covered with very little product.
 
DP's Krystal Vision Glass Cleaner

(Sprayed on to surfaces.....removed with Micro Fiber towel)

I've been using Stoner's and loved it. I've heard that Krystal Vision did really well in the sun and heat. That it had no streaking. Well, the detailers that told me were right. This was the easiest time I've ever had cleaning glass. No huge ammonia smell. Cleaned up fingerprints and grime well and in the sun. Highly recommend this glass cleaner to anyone having problems in this area. I know I have before.



DP's Gloss Tire Gel

(Applied with tire gel applicator)

Most of you know my process for tires; Armor All Foam and Gel. This has been a tried and true combo not for only me but over a dozen others that have PM'd me. I still like to try out new items. This gel was thinner and less greasy than the Armor All Gel and seemed to go farther with less product. The tire seemed to soak it up very well. It left a dry, new tire gloss. I liked this look. Next I'll have to see how durable it is. If it's 4+ weeks, I think we'll have a winner here.



DP's Wheel Glaze

(Applied with terry covered foam applicator)

If anything, this has to be the single best smelling product out there! Grape all the way! Looks alot like pudding and boy a little goes a long way. I scrubbed each wheel pretty hard. It really removed some grime that I had not removed or thought could be removed. I let one wheel dry while I did another. Buffed off easy and revealed a slick reflective finish. We will have to see about the druability though. I bet it's good.



Thanks to everyone reading this. If you have any questions or comment please post them instead of PM'ing them to me. This is so that everyone can learn!



Befores.....



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Products to be used...

(Some that are shown were not used.)

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Looks great as always Justin! I especially enjoyed seeing the interior turn around, looks amazing in the afters!



I will be getting my shipment of DP products in soon and cannot wait to try them out after seeing your results! Thanks for sharing!
 
Thanks guys. This did take a few minutes to write up. It's just a no frills but hard working line of products. They are very reasonably priced as well.



I still have 5 more of their product to test and review. Their rinseless wash, 4 in 1, is one of them!
 
Picus said:
Nice work. I am interested to hear the results of the 4 in 1 review!



Well this will be my first attempt at a rinseless wash. I really will not be able to compare it to Optimum's since I've never used it. I have had some tell me the 4 in 1 seems to have more lubricants in it. I really cannot wait to use it!!! I'm gonna try it on my wife's van first tomorrow.



How big is an oz.? A cap full? Are all caps the same? Maybe, a teaspoon?
 
Excellent write up!



I think the DP Wheel Gel is a real hidden gem. I've been buying it by the gallon long before DP changed their labels and image.



It is also great for paint, convertibles and any exterior surface where you want some safe, extra cleaning punch.



Highly recommended.



Great job!
 
Overall nice work but the tires leave a little to be desired. The sidewalls are cleaned yet the tread is not.



Lorne
 
96snake said:
Overall nice work but the tires leave a little to be desired. The sidewalls are cleaned yet the tread is not.



Lorne



What?

I drove it around the building to get better shots.



Any of you clean and dress the treads?



LOL!
 
justin30513 said:
Any of you clean and dress the treads?



I do! You see, I have a little button by the light switch that enables thrusters that ignite under the car so I can drive it like a hover craft. My treads don't make contact with the road so I need them to look clean and dressed. :p



Dress the treads :rolleyes: What a comment, let alone a waste of product. It rubs off in 5 rotations of the tires not to mention potential skidding issues. If it's a show car, that's one thing.
 
Yes. One of my services is a full tire restoration. We remove any and all traces of dirt and grime on the tire surfaces. It costs $9,000. I don't know why people don't just buy new tires....
 
Nice work justin, as always.

This review has promteded me to want to order the dp line. I have the interior sheild comming so i will try that out. I think after the holidays I will have to order a gallon of everything.



Thank you for the write up
 
Excellent write up like always Justin!



If I recall correctly, you used to do a wipedown with Meguiar's APC+ right? I've noticed that when cleaning light colored, but very dirty leather, if I spray the product, let it sit, and then wipe it off, I get really bad discoloration and cause me to have to rub and clean really well again. So since then I've just sprayed onto my MF towel, and wiped down.



Did you ever have the same problem with APC+? Also, which do you think has more cleaning power? The APC+ or the DP Interior cleaner?
 
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