Hawhyen51

I think this was done awhile back. I figured it's time to update for the simple reason we've been getting a lot of newbies on the site. So, Enthusiasts and Pros, fill in the blanks to your favorite/go to products. Feel free to add (I may have missed something) and comment as necessary. For the Zainoists - enter the product in the appropriate category, for example; Z-2 Pro would be classified as a sealant. Z-PC Fusion is defintetly a polish. I'm not sure where to place Z-5 Pro. Someone comment on that one. Anyway, here are the categories. I'll start it off.

CLAY: Excel fine Grade (yellow), Clay Magic
CAR WASH/SHAMPOO: Megs NXT
WATERLESS WASH:
BRUSHES:
BUFFER: Porter Cable 7336 w/6" BP
POLISHING PADS:Excel Propel/Erasure
PRE WAX CLEANER: AIO
PAINT CLEANSER: PB Pro Polish
POLISHES/SMR: PB SSRs, Optimum
SEALANT: UPP, EX-P
PASTE WAX: PB Natty's Blue
SPRAY WAX: UPPS, OSW
QUICK DETAILER (QD/ID): PB S&G
APC: Simple Green (diluted for specific needs)
BUG/TAR CLEANER: Stoners Tarminator
TRIM PROTECTANT/DRESSING: PB Trim Restorer
INTERIOR PROTECTANT: 303
LEATHER CLEANER: 5:1 Woolite/H2O solution
LEATHER CONDITIONER: Four Star
WHEEL CLEANER: PB Spray & Rinse
WHEEL WAX: PB Wheel Wax
TIRE CLEANER:
TIRE DRESSING: PB Bold n Bright
GLASS CLEANER: Stoners Invisible Glass
MF TOWELS: CG Elite Ultra Plush (buffing), Costco (all purpose)
MF WAFFLE WEAVE: Excel Monterey, Big Blue

SSMTL01

what is this PB brand? better than zaino?

CLAY: need to get some
CAR WASH/SHAMPOO: Megs gold class
WATERLESS WASH: no thanks
BRUSHES: wheel brush/paint brush for interior
BUFFER: no name 6 inch
POLISHING PADS: bathroom towels
PRE WAX CLEANER: p21s
PAINT CLEANSER: p21s
POLISHES/SMR: megs
SEALANT: need to get some
PASTE WAX: megs nxt tech
SPRAY WAX: megs nxt tech
QUICK DETAILER (QD/ID): megs nxt tech
APC: Simple Green (diluted for specific needs)
BUG/TAR CLEANER: simple green/something that can scrub
TRIM PROTECTANT/DRESSING: megs interior detailer
INTERIOR PROTECTANT: megs interior detailer
LEATHER CLEANER: megs gold class
LEATHER CONDITIONER: megs gold class
WHEEL CLEANER: megs hot rims
WHEEL WAX: huh?
TIRE CLEANER: megs hot rims
TIRE DRESSING: megs tire gel
GLASS CLEANER: Stoners Invisible Glass (best stuff ever.. this is a good multipurpose cleaner as well)
MF TOWELS: bathroom towels..
MF WAFFLE WEAVE: eggo?

kobechrome

CLAY: Zaino Clay
CAR WASH/SHAMPOO: Zaino Z7, Meguiar's Gold Class
WATERLESS WASH:
BRUSHES:
BUFFER:
POLISHING PADS:
PRE WAX CLEANER: Dawn
PAINT CLEANSER:
POLISHES/SMR: Z2 Pro, Z5 Pro
SEALANT: Z2 Pro
PASTE WAX: Turtle Wax
SPRAY WAX: Megiuar's Quick Wax
QUICK DETAILER (QD/ID): Z6
APC:
BUG/TAR CLEANER:
TRIM PROTECTANT/DRESSING:
INTERIOR PROTECTANT: Megiuar's Quick Detail (Interior)
LEATHER CLEANER: Lexol
LEATHER CONDITIONER: Lexol
WHEEL CLEANER: Meguiar's Wheel Cleaner
WHEEL WAX: Left-over Zaino
TIRE CLEANER: Left over Z7 from the car wash
TIRE DRESSING: Meguiar's Hot Wheels Shine
GLASS CLEANER: Windex
MF TOWELS: Meguiar's XL MF (buffing), Walmart (all purpose)
MF WAFFLE WEAVE:

kobechrome

Poor Boy's. It's a matter of preference.

SSMTL01

link?

Hawhyen51

Poorboys World .... Also available at Autogeek, Exceldetail, Detail City and several other online detail sites.

exceldetail

CLAY: Excel fine Grade (yellow)
CAR WASH/SHAMPOO: Optimum
WATERLESS WASH: Optimum NRWS
BRUSHES:
BUFFER: Porter Cable 7336 w/6" BP
POLISHING PADS:Excel Propel/Erasure/P2
PRE WAX CLEANER: Four Star
PAINT CLEANSER: Four Star
POLISHES/SMR: PB SSRs, Optimum, Four Star Body Shop
SEALANT: UPP (There is no other!)
PASTE WAX:
SPRAY WAX: UPPS, OSW
QUICK DETAILER (QD/ID): Clearkote QS
APC: Castrol Super Clean
BUG/TAR CLEANER: Naturalizer
TRIM PROTECTANT/DRESSING: One Grand Do It All, or ERV
INTERIOR PROTECTANT: 303
LEATHER CLEANER: Four Star
LEATHER CONDITIONER: Four Star
WHEEL CLEANER: Charliesoap
WHEEL WAX:
TIRE CLEANER: Charliesoap
TIRE DRESSING: One Grand ERV
GLASS CLEANER: Eagle One
MF TOWELS: Excel Supreme, Elite, Edgeless and Trop-Excel
MF WAFFLE WEAVE: Excel Monterey

cmschmie

Almost all my stuff is OTC.

CLAY: Meguiar's Clay (only one they have I think)
CAR WASH/SHAMPOO: Meg's Deep Crystal (will try NXT Gen next)
WATERLESS WASH: N/A
BRUSHES: Advanced Auto Brush used on tires, Wal-mart brush for crevice wax removal
BUFFER: N/A (maybe will try and get one for x-mas)
POLISHING PADS: See above
PRE WAX CLEANER: Is this necessary?
PAINT CLEANSER: Meg's Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner (and Scratch-X)
POLISHES/SMR: Meg's Deep Crystal System Polish
SEALANT: What's this??
PASTE WAX: N/A, I use liquid waxes, Meg's NXT Gen Tech Wax and Meg's Cleaner Wax
SPRAY WAX: None (at least not yet)
QUICK DETAILER (QD/ID): Meg's NXT Gen Speed Detail, Meg's Quick Detail (came with clay)
APC: huh?
BUG/TAR CLEANER: I call it elbow grease
TRIM PROTECTANT/DRESSING: N/A
INTERIOR PROTECTANT: N/A (at least not yet)
LEATHER CLEANER: I am going to go with the Woolite idea
LEATHER CONDITIONER: Lexol and Meg's Gold Class Leather Wipes (in between Lexol uses)
WHEEL CLEANER: Meg's Hot Rims All Wheel Cleaner
WHEEL WAX: One of the waxes above, usually Cleaner Wax
TIRE CLEANER: Brush from above and car wash soap (when rest of car is done)
TIRE DRESSING: Black Magic Tire Wet, spread with Eagle One Tire Swipes
GLASS CLEANER: Stoner's
MF TOWELS: Meguiar's XL MF, Target Zoom (the big one), Walmart (all purpose)
MF WAFFLE WEAVE: Meg's Water Magnet and new one from Excel Riptide WF
I also have The Absorber synthetic chamois and use cloth diapers on the windows

Hawhyen51

No big deal, as I've always said, it's the results that matter. If you're happy with it, it's all good. This is mostly an info type thread should someone have a question about what members use/prefer. I'll write up (in a separate thread) an FYI on where to purchase online.


APC = All Purpose Cleaner

cmschwartz59

CLAY: Sonus ultra fine
CAR WASH/SHAMPOO: Zaino
WATERLESS WASH: N/A
BRUSHES: Meguiar's tire brush, OXO for tires
BUFFER: PC 7234 (Or is it 7324??)
POLISHING PADS: Edge 2000, Propel 4 inch
PRE WAX CLEANER: Huh?
PAINT CLEANSER: Klasse AIO, FK 215
POLISHES/SMR: Optimum Polish, Griot's Machine Polish #3
SEALANT: FK 2180, Jeff's Acrylic Jett, Duragloss 105 and 111
PASTE WAX: FK 1000p, FK pink wax, Natty's blue
SPRAY WAX: Duragloss AW, FK-100
QUICK DETAILER (QD/ID): FK 425, FK 146, Zaino Z6 and Z8
APC: N/A
BUG/TAR CLEANER: N/A
TRIM PROTECTANT/DRESSING: 303 Aerospace
INTERIOR PROTECTANT: 303 Aerospace
LEATHER CLEANER: Haven't used yet
LEATHER CONDITIONER: Griot's but will switch to Zaino
WHEEL CLEANER: Griot's
WHEEL WAX: FK-100 sealant
TIRE CLEANER: Griot's
TIRE DRESSING: PB B&B
GLASS CLEANER: Stoner's, and Duragloss AW
MF TOWELS: Cobra, exceldetail towels, Griots, target, Viking
MF WAFFLE WEAVE: Griot's big WW towel

West6MT

CLAY: Pinnacle Poly Clay (yellow), opticlay
CAR WASH/SHAMPOO: 4* UAW, PB's SS&S
WATERLESS WASH: PB's S&W, Optimum NRWS
BRUSHES:
BUFFER: Porter Cable 7424 w/6" BP
POLISHING PADS:Excel Propel, LC 6.5"
PRE WAX CLEANER:
PAINT CLEANSER: 4* UPC, Megs
POLISHES/SMR: PB SSRs, 4* USMR
SEALANT: UPP
PASTE WAX: PB Natty's Blue
SPRAY WAX: OSW
QUICK DETAILER (QD/ID): 4* UGE, Megs QD
APC: some orange stuff,....and woolite diluted for the interior
BUG/TAR CLEANER: PB's BS
TRIM PROTECTANT/DRESSING: PB Trim Restorer, 303
INTERIOR PROTECTANT: 303
LEATHER CLEANER: Woolite, Lexol
LEATHER CONDITIONER: Lexol
WHEEL CLEANER: PB Spray & Rinse
WHEEL WAX: dont bother
TIRE CLEANER:
TIRE DRESSING: PB Bold n Bright
GLASS CLEANER: Stoners Invisible Glass
MF TOWELS: Cobra, PB's new silk edged MF's (best), some randoms, Costco (all purpose)
MF WAFFLE WEAVE: Cobra, PB's

Mach30SiR

CLAY: Excel fine Grade (yellow)
CAR WASH/SHAMPOO: Meg
WATERLESS WASH: Not Yet
BUFFER: Porter Cable 7336 w/5" BP
POLISHING PADS: Propel P2
POLISHES/SMR: Optimum Polish, Optimum Compound, and Optimum Hyper Compond
SEALANT: UPP
PASTE WAX: Natty's Blue
SPRAY WAX: Not Yet
QUICK DETAILER (QD/ID): Not Yet
APC: 8:1 Woolite
TRIM PROTECTANT/DRESSING: One Grand ERV (Cant wait to try)
INTERIOR PROTECTANT: 303
LEATHER CLEANER: 8:1 Woolite
LEATHER CONDITIONER: Four Star
WHEEL CLEANER: Eagle One All Tire and Wheel
WHEEL WAX: Not Yet
TIRE CLEANER: Eagle One All Tire and Wheel
TIRE DRESSING: One Grand ERV
GLASS CLEANER: Stoners
MF TOWELS: Costco
MF WAFFLE WEAVE: Excel Monterey

Gotta thank Pat (exceldetail) again for helping with the selection - Now I can't wait for it all to arrive. The addiction has begun.

lembowski

iTrader: (1)

CLAY: Meguiars
CAR WASH/SHAMPOO: Do it yourself car wash brand.......
WATERLESS WASH: nope
BRUSHES: wheel brush no brush on paint
BUFFER: my hand
POLISHING PADS: zaino
PRE WAX CLEANER: zaino
SEALANT: z1
PASTE WAX: z2
SPRAY WAX: z6
QUICK DETAILER (QD/ID): zaino z6 or mothers, which ever I have on hand
BUG/TAR CLEANER: stuff I got from a detailer, no name but damn it will take it off
TRIM PROTECTANT/DRESSING: meguiars
INTERIOR PROTECTANT: 303 Aerospace
LEATHER CLEANER: 303 Aerospace
LEATHER CONDITIONER: 303 Aerospace
WHEEL CLEANER: soap
TIRE CLEANER: soap
TIRE DRESSING: meguairs
GLASS CLEANER: Stoners Invisible Glass
MF TOWELS: mf towels

aaronng

CLAY: Japanese fine grade & Clay magic blue
CAR WASH/SHAMPOO: NXT
WATERLESS WASH: None
BRUSHES: Soft Kitchen bristle brush for rims
BUFFER: Bosch PEX400AE
POLISHING PADS:Excel Propel
PRE WAX CLEANER: Klasse AIO
PAINT CLEANSER: Klasse AIO
POLISHES/SMR: PB SSRs
GLAZES: Meg's #7
SEALANT: Meg's #21
PASTE WAX: P21s
SPRAY WAX: None
QUICK DETAILER (QD/ID): NXT Speed detailer & Meg's Final Inspection
APC: None
BUG/TAR CLEANER: None
TRIM PROTECTANT/DRESSING: 303
INTERIOR PROTECTANT: 303
LEATHER CLEANER: Not needed
LEATHER CONDITIONER: Not needed
WHEEL CLEANER: Dynamo
WHEEL WAX: NXT
TIRE CLEANER: Dynamo
TIRE DRESSING: 303 + Gold class trim detailer
GLASS CLEANER: Autoglym
MF TOWELS: Excel Supreme
MF WAFFLE WEAVE: Excel Monterey

johnny--2k

CLAY: meguiars
CAR WASH/SHAMPOO: NXT
WATERLESS WASH: None
BRUSHES: interior detailing only (vents, etc...)
BUFFER: Milwaukee Orbital
POLISHING PADS:meguiars
PRE WAX CLEANER: meguiars
PAINT CLEANSER: meguiars
POLISHES/SMR: meguiars
GLAZES: Meg's #7
SEALANT: Meg's #21
PASTE WAX: Mothers Carnuba
SPRAY WAX: Meguiars
QUICK DETAILER (QD/ID): NXT Speed detailer & Meg's Final Inspection
APC: None
BUG/TAR CLEANER: None
TRIM PROTECTANT/DRESSING: Mothers Back to Black
INTERIOR PROTECTANT: N/A
LEATHER CLEANER: N/A
LEATHER CONDITIONER: Cook Auto Supply (local)
WHEEL CLEANER: Dupont Teflon/soap & Water
WHEEL WAX: Any'
TIRE CLEANER: N/A
TIRE DRESSING: Black Magic
GLASS CLEANER: Autoglym
MF TOWELS: ?
MF WAFFLE WEAVE: ?

Hawhyen51

I've added DG AW as my QD. Simple to use, effective and inexpensive; gotta love the stuff.

Costco

I found this thread very useful and informative. I'm a newbie when it comes to washing cars; I know the basics, but I haven't really detailed a car with success. The only thing I've done in the past is simple shampoo on, then rinse off. Can anyone help me out here and see if I would be doing this right? I'll just list my procedure then if anyone can fix it it would be greatly appreciated.

CLAY:
CAR WASH/SHAMPOO: Meg's Gold Class
WATERLESS WASH:
BRUSHES:
BUFFER:
POLISHING PADS:
PRE WAX CLEANER:
PAINT CLEANSER:
POLISHES/SMR:
SEALANT:
PASTE WAX:
SPRAY WAX: Meg's NXT Tech Wax
QUICK DETAILER (QD/ID): Meg's Mist & Wipe
APC:
BUG/TAR CLEANER:
TRIM PROTECTANT/DRESSING:
INTERIOR PROTECTANT: 303
LEATHER CLEANER: diluted Woolite
LEATHER CONDITIONER:
WHEEL CLEANER:
WHEEL WAX:
TIRE CLEANER: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Wheel & Tire
TIRE DRESSING: Armor All Extreme Tire Shine
GLASS CLEANER: Windex or Mr. Clean Magic Eraser w/ water
MF TOWELS: Vroom all-purpose
MF WAFFLE WEAVE:

I'll only be using the products mentioned above - am I missing anything to use in conjunction with these products? I was also looking to get some Excel towels soon. Unfortunately I went over my CC limit for this month. If anyone could tell me any additional products I should get (keep in mind I'm a newbie) I would really appreciate it. I got all of my products at Target - maybe I need to visit Costco soon.

I never waxed a car before. Do I rinse-wash-rinse-dry-wax-rinse-dry? I was also wondering if I should use the Mr. Clean AutoDry (for rinsing only) so that there aren't mineral deposits in the water.

TIA!

Hawhyen51

The basic detailing process consists of
1. Wash - removes road film, dirt, debris and contamination from the vehicle's surface. Refer to this thread.
2. Clay - removes imbedded particulates (brake dust, rail dust, industrial fallout) from the painted surface. Highly recommended if not been done before. See this thread on claying.
3. Polish - removes/corrects minor surface defects such as swirls, scratches and oxidation while providing reflectivity and gloss to the painted surface. Refer to Autopia's "How To Polish Paint" article.
4. Seal - protects what you just previously accomplished namely the painted surface of your vehicle. You can use a natural (Carnuba) or synthetic wax (most polymers provide durability and longevity). "How To Wax Your Car" .....

There are a number of online sites that provide info regarding detailing like Autopia, Autogeek and Paint Care-n-Detailing. The forum also has several individuals who are very knowledgeable and have a great deal of experience about detailing. Hopefully this will give you a start....

JB_TSX

CLAY: Clay Magic
CAR WASH/SHAMPOO: Meguiar's Gold Class ad NXT
WATERLESS WASH:
BRUSHES:
BUFFER:
POLISHING PADS:
PRE WAX CLEANER:
PAINT CLEANSER:
POLISHES/SMR: Werkstatt Prime Stron and Klasse AIO
SEALANT: Werkstatt Acryllic Jet Trigger and Megs NXT
PASTE WAX: S100
SPRAY WAX:
QUICK DETAILER (QD/ID): AJ Trigger
APC:
BUG/TAR CLEANER:
TRIM PROTECTANT/DRESSING:
INTERIOR PROTECTANT: 1Z Cockpit Premium, 303 and Sonus Interior Detailer
LEATHER CLEANER: Lexol
LEATHER CONDITIONER: Lexol
WHEEL CLEANER: Eagle one
WHEEL WAX: Meg's Cleaner Wax
TIRE CLEANER: Eagle one
TIRE DRESSING: Turtle Wax Extreme Shine
GLASS CLEANER: Stoner's Invisible Glass
MF TOWELS: Costco Yellow MF Towels
MF WAFFLE WEAVE: Walmart's WW

csj0952

can you guys stop using so many abbreviations or at least if you want to use them, then abrreviate after you've used the full word at least once in your posting...i'm new to this stuff and I don't understand some of the products.

Hawhyen51

It's just a habit and you'll see it a lot on detail forums. All you gotta do is ask and we'll be happy to oblige. I'll do one better . . . . here's an acronym listing to assist you.

Mach30SiR

'06 Arctic

Thanks to Patrick I can now fill this out!


CLAY: Excel fine Grade (gray) (any difference between gray and yellow besides color?)
CAR WASH/SHAMPOO: Meguir's Gold Class
WATERLESS WASH: Optimum NRWS
BRUSHES: Random cheapies from local autoparts store
BUFFER: Porter Cable 7424 w/6" BP
POLISHING PADS: Excel Erasure
PRE WAX CLEANER: none
PAINT CLEANSER: ????
POLISHES/SMR: Four Star Body Shop LCC
SEALANT: Soon to be UPP, hasn't arrived yet!!!
PASTE WAX: Usually just use liquids
SPRAY WAX: UPPS
QUICK DETAILER (QD/ID): Meguirs
APC: none
BUG/TAR CLEANER: none
TRIM PROTECTANT/DRESSING: none
INTERIOR PROTECTANT: 303
LEATHER CLEANER: Meguirs AIO
LEATHER CONDITIONER: see above
WHEEL CLEANER: Four Star
WHEEL WAX:
TIRE CLEANER: Wesley's
TIRE DRESSING: Eagle one
GLASS CLEANER: Sprayway
MF TOWELS: Excel Supreme
MF WAFFLE WEAVE: Excel Monterey

steve9207

CLAY: Meguirs (looking for something new)
CAR WASH/SHAMPOO: P21S Bodywork Shampoo
WATERLESS WASH: Optimum NRWS (without a doubt)
BRUSHES: 16" brush for wheels (can't remember the name)
BUFFER: UDM w/6.5" pads
POLISHING PADS: Lake Country CCS
PRE WAX CLEANER:
PAINT CLEANSER:
POLISHES/SMR: Optimum Polish (new formula)
SEALANT: FS UPP
PASTE WAX: PB Natty's Blue
SPRAY WAX: DG AW
QUICK DETAILER (QD/ID): Meguirs
APC:
BUG/TAR CLEANER: Turtle Wax
TRIM PROTECTANT/DRESSING: 303
INTERIOR PROTECTANT: 303
LEATHER CLEANER: 5:1 Woolite/H2O solution
LEATHER CONDITIONER: Lexol
WHEEL CLEANER: Meguirs Hot Rims
WHEEL WAX: It's just called Wheel Wax (not sure who makes it)
TIRE CLEANER: Scrub Brush & Meguirs Hot Rims
TIRE DRESSING: Meguirs Gel
GLASS CLEANER: Stoners Invisible Glass
MF TOWELS: Excel Elite Polishing Towel 16x16, Titan Jr Microfiber 12x16, Sams Club (all purpose)
MF WAFFLE WEAVE: Sonus

Big_D

CLAY: Zaino Z-18 or 3M Detailers Clay
CAR WASH/SHAMPOO: Zaino Z-7
WATERLESS WASH: none
BRUSHES: don't use them
BUFFER: hand polish only
POLISHING PADS: Zaino
PRE WAX CLEANER: Zaino Z-5
SEALANT: Zaino Z-2 with ZFX
PASTE WAX: None
SPRAY WAX: None
QUICK DETAILER (QD/ID): Zaino Z-6 or P&S Products Fast Gloss
BUG/TAR CLEANER: None
TRIM PROTECTANT/DRESSING: Zaino Z-7
INTERIOR PROTECTANT: 303 Aerospace
LEATHER CLEANER: Zaino Z-9 or Lexol
LEATHER CONDITIONER: Zaino Z-10 or Lexol
WHEEL CLEANER: Mothers
TIRE CLEANER: soap
TIRE DRESSING: Zaino Z-16
GLASS CLEANER: Windex ammonia free
MF TOWELS: Costco or P&S Products

California Duster between washes