Ok.so its that time of year and I just bought a new vehicle (black truck) I don't have anything but some new microfiber towels from Walmart. I would like (if possible) links to products that I need.looking for buckets, grit guards and whatever else you guys recommend. It would be nice to get everything at once from same place.truck was sealed (diamond gloss treatment)by ziebart here in nyso it doesn't need wax according to them. It does bead up. I know some here are not fans of detail shops. But I would rather pay someone and I did it in the winter. Thanks alot
What products do I need to start from scratch?
- Thread starter cc rider
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WaxAddict
New member
Let me start by saying as far as microfiber, you're off to a good start, IF you are using those for wheel wells and engine bay only.
Two rules of microfiber towels:
1. Buy the BEST you can afford.
2. Take the amount of towels you think you need, multiply it by 2, add 50%, then toss in another 10. That's how many you need.
Try poorboysworld.com for GREAT microfiber towels.
ShaneB
New member
You might think hes joking here... but in my personal experience (and im sure others agree...) hes 100% accurate here
garbledwords
New member
I just read this post - They never seize to amaze me.... Seems familiar. One thing to remember, in most cases you get what you pay for.
There is a lot of good information, especially for starting out at How-To Guides. When I got my Mustang in 2007, I spent a lot of time researching how to detail her and I found the how to guides on Autopia to be good, thorough, and well written. I learned the most form them and then I did what I thought was appropriate for me with out going overboard.
There is a lot of good information, especially for starting out at How-To Guides. When I got my Mustang in 2007, I spent a lot of time researching how to detail her and I found the how to guides on Autopia to be good, thorough, and well written. I learned the most form them and then I did what I thought was appropriate for me with out going overboard.
WaxAddict
New member
Should have mentioned I already have a mortgage and car payment
I hear you brother. Same boat. A tad over $100 get's you going on exterior care. I personally guarantee these items and will gladly buy back any unused portion! :rockon
$25 for 6 Poorboy's World Mega Plush Towels 16x16. With just 6 towels, you may not get an entire project done before needing to do laundry, but you'll be using an amazingly good towel. There's a price break at 6 towels so its worth getting at least that many. This ONE type of towel will work for removing wax or polish, and cleaning prior to wax, and quick detailing and waterless washing.
$15 for 1 Poorboy's Waffle Weave Towel for drying the car.But, use your leaf blower first if you have it, it's "free" and is the safest.
$10 for Megs Ultimate Polish. A fine polish that finishes down brilliantly and is very user friendly, and can be applied by hand with good results. You simply can't beat the price, and if you need more, its at Wally World.
$18 for Collinite 845 Insulator Wax. 'nuff said. Just buy it and don't think.
$13 for (64oz!) Megs Gold Class Shampoo. Unbeatable value and performance.
$9 for Poorboy's World Spray & Wipe. This will change your life. :bow
$6 for Megs Microfiber Wash Mitt. I buy several of these at a time but technically you just need one!
$10 for Autopia's "CCS Euro Foam Hand Applicators Trio". Get Orange and White for polishing and Red to apply wax. This is a REALLY good deal.
$5 for a bucket. You probably have one. If you have a Firehouse Subs near you, they sell their 5 gallon pickle buckets for $2 and it goes to charity
links -------------
poorboysworld.com
Collinite Liquid Insulator Wax No. 845
Poorboy’s World Spray & Wipe Waterless Wash
Meguiars Gold Class Shampoo & Conditioner 64 oz.
CCS Euro Foam Hand Applicators Trio - You Pick!
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Stepping Up in the world:
Microfiber: get towels with a silk edge, or better yet, NO edge. I personally don't have these but would LIKE to. Just remember to fold in the edges of the towel so that they are tucked in.
Polish: Menzerna PF2500. Still hand-applicable and the performance is stunning!
Wax: Maybe you want a sealant instead? I'm not the guy to ask! But ironically, the Collinite 845 is a sealant/wax hybrid and you can't do no better without spending 2x the money. At this time, the only wax I can recommend over Collinie 845 costing less than $35 is Collinite 915! Tons of waxes give as good or even slightly better optic performance than 845 but last MONTHS less.
Car Wash: All of Chemical Guys soaps are great. I use Maxi Suds 2, diluted a bit more than the instructions say.
Detailer: I didn't mention a Quick Detailer because with the Spray & Wipe, you essentially have one, but if you want gloss and a bit of protection when you QD, you got to try Finish Kare FK425. I just got my first bottle a few weeks ago and it's my new favorite thing in the world.
Bunky
Detailing Gnosis
Always have spare microfiber, wash mitts, drying towels, etc. Things happen.
WaxAddict
New member
No matter, I think we lost the OP. I know it's Todd's job to promote Blackfire, but recommending over $500 of product to a novice in order to "get started" ?
Capn Blackie
New member
Nice lists, I mainly have Mega-mart type stuff at the moment but I can see both Todd and WaxAddicts lists to start from.
Really likeing all of the products I am learning about but, Daaaang, there are a lot of them out there.
I really like the CCs pads idea. I currently only have a an old 9" random orbtal that reallt won't get used on our current cars. Love the idea of good hand pads to do this until i step up to a really decent polisher.
Soon, very soon.
I started claying mine not long after I got it and did the GF last week before I threw on a good coat of wax.
I might have to wait to step up to the Blackfire level but its still good to know what to look for.
Really likeing all of the products I am learning about but, Daaaang, there are a lot of them out there.
I really like the CCs pads idea. I currently only have a an old 9" random orbtal that reallt won't get used on our current cars. Love the idea of good hand pads to do this until i step up to a really decent polisher.
Soon, very soon.
I started claying mine not long after I got it and did the GF last week before I threw on a good coat of wax.
I might have to wait to step up to the Blackfire level but its still good to know what to look for.
The Driver
Detailers Workshop
Microfiber towels, well it was said correctly above... You need a lot of them and better to have a few extras! Those towels from walmart will work, they just are not something you want to rub against your paint. Once you feel a quality mf towel you will know what everyone is talking about! Taking care of a car properly is not cheap, but then again having it detailed or repainted because of all of the scratches and years of neglect isn't cheap either.
Goodluck, it looks like there has been a great list put up so far. For claying to save yourself some time you could look at Nanoskin Nano Shock. It's a clay lube and sealant in one.
Goodluck, it looks like there has been a great list put up so far. For claying to save yourself some time you could look at Nanoskin Nano Shock. It's a clay lube and sealant in one.
