Help a new guy...

B

Brosekiah

New member
I have been doing a lot of reading on this site for the last week or so and I am feeling overwhelmed with all of the different products and acronyms. I found the acronym decoder but I think it will just take some time before I get to know all the products names.



I am going to start detailing my Jeep...previously I thought this meant a wash, wax and vacuum. Even though I thought I was taking care of my Jeep I can feel that paint feels nothing like running my hand over glass. So, I want to make a shopping list of detailing products. I know I will get lots of different recommendations but I would like to find a good product that wont break the bank. From what I have read here is what I think I will need:



1) Wash (I have some Armor All brand stuff...I dont know how good it is comparatively)

2) Clay (my dad picked up a Meguires claybar but I'm hesitant to use it till I hear if its any good)

3) Polish (I have no idea what to get)

4) Wax (I have been using Meguires cleaner wax...again I dont know how good it is)

5) Buffer (Im thinking the PC or the UDM)

6) Interior Supplies (I usually just wipe down with a damp MF...but I dont really know much about shampoo chemicals, deodorizers, etc.)



Any help with picking out some good products that wont kill my wallet would be appreciated. I will keep reading and learning...and now Im thinking about starting a mobile detailing business after I learn a lot more.



Thanks

Mike
 
Here's my suggestions if you don't want pricey stuff that still does the job. Most are over-the-counter products.



1) Try Meguiar's Gold Class Car Wash

2) The Meguiar's clay works great so go ahead and use it.

3) I use Meguiar's Deep Crystal Polish and it works good to give paint depth.

4) Cleaner wax is a paint cleaner/polish/wax. If you want a pure wax, try Meguiar's NXT wax it's very easy to use and the results are great.

5) The PC and UDM are basically the same machines so either is fine for starters.

6) For interior plastic/vinyl you can use Meguiar's Quik Interior Detailer. It cleans and gives good UV protection. There are many other supplies for carpets, etc. but I'm sure others can give more advice on this.
 
If you're going to buy an orbital, then you might as well get some real polish. That Deep Crystal stuff is part of the Meg's 3-step and is mainly meant for use by hand. Look into Menzerna, Optimum, etc. and choose what kinds you think you need for your clear coat condition/hardness.
 
Buegie said:
If you're going to buy an orbital, then you might as well get some real polish. That Deep Crystal stuff is part of the Meg's 3-step and is mainly meant for use by hand. Look into Menzerna, Optimum, etc. and choose what kinds you think you need for your clear coat condition/hardness.
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I beg to differ. I've tried Deep Crystal with the DA and got great results. I'm just suggesting them in case the OP is looking for lower priced, over the counter products.
 
rebelde33 said:
I beg to differ. I've tried Deep Crystal with the DA and got great results. I'm just suggesting them in case the OP is looking for lower priced, over the counter products.
Click to expand...



and I beg to differ also



"Deep Crystal Polish and it works good to give paint depth"

yes this true because it is a glaze not a polish(it uses oils to hide defects, it does not remove them)



so if you are going to use a machine to "polish" your car

IMO a polish that removes defects would be a better choice



but if you are working by hand and want to hide the swirls it is fine for that
 
I have always been pretty a pretty loyal customer once I find a brand I like. Are there any brands out there that are good for wash, clay, polish and wax? Or would I be better off mixing and matching different brands for different types of products?



Thanks for the replies.
 
If you really wanted to stick to a certain brand, then I'd go with Meguiars. You can get their Gold Class Wash, Claying Kit, #95 or #105 for compounding, and #21 as an LSP.



I wouldn't be afraid to mix and match though, I don't think I've ever used one brand for an entire detail. You'd probably get better results if you did some research one what products are best for each stage of the job.
 
Ok, Ill keep researching and make a list of products.



I have a craftsman 9" Random Orbital Buffer/Polisher...I have been using this for waxing. Should I keep this for waxing with a wool bonnet or should I use a PC?
 
BigJimZ28 said:
and I beg to differ also



"Deep Crystal Polish and it works good to give paint depth"

yes this true because it is a glaze not a polish(it uses oils to hide defects, it does not remove them)



so if you are going to use a machine to "polish" your car

IMO a polish that removes defects would be a better choice



but if you are working by hand and want to hide the swirls it is fine for that
Click to expand...

I never mentioned the polish should be used to remove swirls. That's what the paint cleaner is for.
 
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