Detailing Products

Mr. Detail · Post by **Mr. Detail** » 12 Oct 2018, 11:13

With all the hundreds of options out there for the DIYer, does anyone know of an inexpensive set of products that actually works for less $$. Maybe one of those detailing kits that include a prep compound and then a wax.
I wish I had a couple of hundred extra bucks to just drop off the car at the local detail shop but I don't. Thanks!

Post by **BlackBart** » 16 Oct 2018, 11:52

but.....you're Mr Detail........

Post by **Rattnalle** » 16 Oct 2018, 12:06

To achieve what? You'd have to be a bit more specific to get good suggestions

But my general suggestion is products like Carpro HydrO2 or Labpcosmetica Beneficia. They really do work as well and as easily as they make it look on YouTube and are long lasting as well, both shine and water beading. Providing the paint is in decent shape underneath of course.

Mr. Detail · Post by **Mr. Detail** » 16 Oct 2018, 13:48

Great response Mr. BlackBart! The devil is in the details.

Ratnalle, just trying to get any and all of that sap and other extraneous stuff that the previous owner has left for me.
The paint is in pretty good shape overall and still has a good shone to it.

Post by **850 LPT** » 17 Oct 2018, 08:54

To get sap and other contaminants off the paint I would recommend using a clay bar and lubricant. You can buy clay bars at Autozone. For a lubricant I use Meguirars Quik Detailer, works really well and is not that expensive:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Meguiar-s-Qu ... 5fdc340e21

Then for polish and sealant I would recommend the Klasse brand which is a synthetic product that lasts a long time:

https://www.amazon.com/Klasse-16-9oz-Se ... sse+polish

I've had really good results with the above. If you have more serious scratches and stuff you will probably need a more aggressive polish. And I would also recommend buying an orbital polisher. This is not needed but makes the work so much easier and faster.

Hope this helps,

Dirk

Mr. Detail · Post by **Mr. Detail** » 17 Oct 2018, 10:50

Thanks much Dirk. I will look into your suggestions.

Post by **velorider** » 18 Oct 2018, 10:02

Recent watched a YouTube video about Mother VLR and magic eraser to clean leather seats. I recently tried it and the results where amazing. Spray the seats, let the VLR rest for a few minutes then gently rub with the magic eraser in circular motion. Make sure you have plenty of VLR so there is good lubrication. Wipe clean with a micro fabric towel.

zanzabar · Post by **zanzabar** » 18 Oct 2018, 11:42

That Mothers VLR stuff works well even on the Volvo fake pleather?

Post by **Rattnalle** » 18 Oct 2018, 12:47

zanzabar wrote: ↑18 Oct 2018, 11:42 That Mothers VLR stuff works well even on the Volvo fake pleather?

No regular cars use non PU-leather. You have to go far far up the price ladder for that.

The magic sponges work wonders with just water. They do wear the leather a bit though so they're not for regular cleaning but rather for that little extra you do a couple times during the cars' lifetime.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 19 Oct 2018, 00:37

For clear coat scratches: Quixx two step paint scratch remover. I let my neighbor, who grew up in a body shop, take a scratch out of my S40, he was impressed. It was the first time he had hear of the product. Quixx two step is not a liquid wax cover up, it is a permanent repair.

He advised me not to waste money on expensive tire and wheel cleaners. He give me a DIY formula for wheel cleaner that his family has been using in their body shop for decades. He claims will take brake dust off just as well as the expensive commercial stuff. I got it mixed tonight, will give it a try in the next couple of days.

For getting your plastic parts from gray to back to black, Forever Black. Caution unlike other products, Forever Black is not a liquid wax that just changes the optics and washes off. Forever Black is a black plastic dye, it will recolor the plastic. Be sure to remove the pieces being redyed or mask off anything you don't want stained. Forever is a permanent repair.