My new superb 3 estate should be getting delivered in about a week. I've never done more than wash a car ever before but this being my first new one I'd like to look after it right from the start. Having spent the last 3 weeks absorbed into detailing forums I now realise detailing is a whole new world and so much is down to personal preference and I have so much to learn.

I'm getting a quartz grey car that will be used everyday.

 

So far I've got:

Meguiars Wash and Wax (Will be used with 2BM and Meguiars Wash Mit)

AF Crystal Glass Cleaner

AF Verso All Purpose Cleaner

DODO Supernatural Tar and Glue Remover (100ml Sample size to have a try)

G3 Ferecla Clay Mit. (Ive seen mixed reviews on whether this can be used with very soapy water or if it requires a lube, maybe Dodo Born Slippy?)

Do i need a speciific wheel cleaner or would the AF All Purpose be good enough?

 

I am still a little lost though on choosing between a wax and sealant. Ive never bought or applied either so I’m looking for something easy to apply.

 

Thought so far are

FK1000P wax

Or

AF Tough Prep with AF Tough Coat.

Or

Dodo SN micro Prime with Dodo Acrylic Spritz

Or

Collonite 845

 

With 3 kids and a million different clubs to take them to on a weekend I never have loads of time and as usual always on a budget.

 

Any and all help/advice is always gratefully received.

Welcome.

 

I've used that clay mitt with extra soapy water, absolutely fine.  I used clay mitt on one hand, wash mitt on the other, dunk both, swish swish with wash mitt on a section, wipe wipe with clay, swish swish wipe wipe. Repeat on next bit of panel.

Edited 19 February, 201610 yr by neiln

I've used the FK1000P and found it was easy enough to apply and buff. I can't comment on any of the other specific products you've listed, although I've got a couple of Dodo products that I like. I would suggest you get a quick detailer spray for topping up your finish after a wash. Sonax BSD is rather good.

I just noticed you are missing a fall out remover, such as iron X.  

Cheers neiln I will try the swish swish wash wash method.

Does fallout remover need to be used every wash or just before claying. Does it remove the wax/sealant like claying does.

The FK1000P does appear very popular and I like that a lot of people use it to protect wheels too. When you've used it do you usually use a cleanser first or straight onto washed and dried paint. Read/watched quite a few reviews on the Sonax BSD today too and it does look good and a reasonable price. Think that is definatley on my shopping list.

Edited 19 February, 201610 yr by mrmulti

If your dealer's valeters are anything like mine, you won't let them prepare your new car...in fact, you won't let them within 50 metres of it. The paintwork on my new car was so badly scratched, I refused to keep it and insisted they order me a new one. After a little heated "discussion", the Sales Manager agreed that the car was not acceptable and did order a replacement...and they got a mobile valeter in to prepare it (he did a brilliant job).

The moral.....inspect the paintwork properly in good strong light (and not in the rain!) BEFORE you leave the forecourt!

No need for fall out remover every wash,, once or twice a year is fine unless you live by a metal works or something.   Use it on the wheels a bit more often though, it shifts the metal from the brake dust.   I think it leaves wax untouched, but I'm not sure, I've read differently on here.

If your dealer's valeters are anything like mine, you won't let them prepare your new car...in fact, you won't let them within 50 metres of it. The paintwork on my new car was so badly scratched, I refused to keep it and insisted they order me a new one. After a little heated "discussion", the Sales Manager agreed that the car was not acceptable and did order a replacement...and they got a mobile valeter in to prepare it (he did a brilliant job).

The moral.....inspect the paintwork properly in good strong light (and not in the rain!) BEFORE you leave the forecourt!

I had always assumed a new car would have immaculate paintwork, until recently when I've read similar stories. Had been debating about whether to stop them but spoke to dealer today and car is ready to collect. It will be in the showroom when I collect so plenty of light to have a thorough inspection of paintwork, I'm already armed for a possible argument over the quality of valeting.

Neil I watched a couple vids of iron x doing its magic today. It will def be on order

Hey mrmulti.

You're right, it's an absolute minefield!!

You've got everything you will need to get the job done. The two bucket method is the most important part of the armoury so far. I would add a pressure washer, snow foam lance and snow foam to this to really minimise the swirls if funds allow. You scratch the car every time you wash it unfortunately. This is caused by rubbing the dirt into the paint as you remove it with your mitt. So the cleaner the paint is when you touch it with your mitt, the less swirls you will inflict.

I found Megs Wash and Wax pretty poor. If you want to keep it Megs then their Glod Class Shampoo is much better. Others I have used and find excellent are Wolfs Chemicals White Satin (20ml of product in a 10l bucket is all thats needed), Britemax Cleanmax (same dilution as White Satin) 50cal Tracer Shampoo (again, same dilution). There are hundreds and my list is not exhaustive, but they are the best of the best that I've used.

Wheels should only see a wheel cleaner every month or two, when they are really dirty and could do with a freshen up. Normal shampoo will do for the weekly wash. They really benefit from sealing first though. If you go for the likes of FK1000P then this will seal the wheels too.

This brings us on to the sealant/wax. This is extremely subjective. From the vibe of your thread you need durability which will look great on your grey car. If I could only have one wax for this colour, it would be Dodo Juice Supernatural Hybrid. It is extremely durable and gives a great warm show like gloss. I found it more durable than FK1000P. The likes of Bilt Hamber Double Speed Wax should not be ignored, but I haven't used that one, but I know Ben (BT22) rates it highly, and he knows his onions!!

As Neil Pointed out, strong soapy water is fine for your clay mitt, but again this can cause swirls, so I do it twice a year and always follow it up with an All in one polish like Autoglym Super Resin Polish as a minimum. But I normally get my rotary out and use a finishing polish. I've heard great things about Dodo Juice Micro Prime, so consider it. It's pricey, but something I will try when my Dodo Juice Lime Prime is used up.

Some great advice above, as always. This is just my take. Hope you found it usedful. If you've got any further questions, just fire away.

Neil

Cheers neil.

I only really went with the Meguiars because of a good offer. The megs new car kit (wash and wax, endurance tire, ultimate polish, MF, washmit, applicator and drying towel) was in halfords. The box was nearly non existent and held together with bodge tape. Last one on shelf so asked manager what he'd sell it for to get rid. £10.50 so I couldn't say no.

I have a 15% off for PerfectlyCleaned so I've been trying to see what I can get from them as the prices are already decent. I've now added dragons breath fallout to my list from lots of recommendations.

Your right durability will be my main area. Have you used AF Triple AIO. Appears popular and thought it may be a good base/cleanser for any wax?

Thats a great deal on the megs kit. There's 30 quids worth of applicators and cloths in it!!

Not used triple but it gets decent reviews. Would be a safe choice mate. And you're absolutely right, it would be a decent base for any of the waxes and sealants you mentioned!

I think a nilfisk pressure washer will be my next purchase in a couple of months. Paid a bigger deposit to keep the car repayments down so it will have to wait, but i would like to snow foam the car first as a prewash.

 

As oxonboxn said above a lot will depend on the initial quality of the paintwork, but i will find out on Monday night when i go to collect. (Im like a kid waiting for xmas).

 

Does Tar Remover and Fallout remover remove any LSP? I understand claying can remove wax, depending on how recently it was applied but wasn't sure how wax stands up to other products.

Edited 20 February, 201610 yr by mrmulti

I think a nilfisk pressure washer will be my next purchase in a couple of months. Paid a bigger deposit to keep the car repayments down so it will have to wait, but i would like to snow foam the car first as a prewash.

 

As oxonboxn said above a lot will depend on the initial quality of the paintwork, but i will find out on Monday night when i go to collect. (Im like a kid waiting for xmas).

 

Does Tar Remover and Fallout remover remove any LSP? I understand claying can remove wax, depending on how recently it was applied but wasn't sure how wax stands up to other products.

 

You have had some good advice above.

 

AF Tripple is great and is my favourite AIO. Seal in with a nice wax, as Hunty says i recommend Bilt Hamber Double Speed - unbelievable wax at its price point. FK sits alright on Tripple as well. 

 

To begin with if cash is tight and you have no pressure washer get yourself a cheap garden pump sprayer and Bilt Hamber Auto Foam - mix that at 5% for your pre wash - its the best one I've found as a cleaner and even better when used as a pre wash like this.

 

Tar remover is usually solvent based so will strip most waxes. Fallout remover depends, if it is pH neutral like Bilt Hamber Korrosol or AutoSmart Red7 then it won't. As Hunty says though only really needed twice a year on paint. More so on wheels though.

 

I hope this helps somewhat - if there is anything else you want to know just ask. Extremely helpful bunch who visit this section. 

Also - check out polished bliss - they aren't a million miles away from you - they do free shipping on all their products and stock some good stuff. They will be stocking Bilt Hamber shortly too!

Also - check out polished bliss - they aren't a million miles away from you - they do free shipping on all their products and stock some good stuff. They will be stocking Bilt Hamber shortly too!

Didn't know that they were stocking Bilt Hamber. That will be useful!!

My new superb 3 estate should be getting delivered in about a week. I've never done more than wash a car ever before but this being my first new one I'd like to look after it right from the start. Having spent the last 3 weeks absorbed into detailing forums I now realise detailing is a whole new world and so much is down to personal preference and I have so much to learn.

I'm getting a quartz grey car that will be used everyday.

 

So far I've got:

Meguiars Wash and Wax (Will be used with 2BM and Meguiars Wash Mit)

AF Crystal Glass Cleaner

AF Verso All Purpose Cleaner

DODO Supernatural Tar and Glue Remover (100ml Sample size to have a try)

G3 Ferecla Clay Mit. (Ive seen mixed reviews on whether this can be used with very soapy water or if it requires a lube, maybe Dodo Born Slippy?)

Do i need a speciific wheel cleaner or would the AF All Purpose be good enough?

 

I am still a little lost though on choosing between a wax and sealant. Ive never bought or applied either so I’m looking for something easy to apply.

 

Thought so far are

FK1000P wax

Or

AF Tough Prep with AF Tough Coat.

Or

Dodo SN micro Prime with Dodo Acrylic Spritz

Or

Collonite 845

 

With 3 kids and a million different clubs to take them to on a weekend I never have loads of time and as usual always on a budget.

 

Any and all help/advice is always gratefully received.

The same colour that SWMBO want's, & I'm in the same place as you, I've only ever washed a car.......

 

DC

Cheers Guys

I've got some valet pro Dragons Breath which is ph neutral so that should be fine. And I'll remember to re-protect any areas I've used Tar Remover.

I had thought about using a pump sprayer for some kind of prewax but never thought of using the BH auto foam. I do like the sound of that, and will look out for the sprayer.

I'm going to go with the FK1000P, have to start somewhere and try some products.

I priced everything I wanted on a couple of sites and PerfectlyCleaned won due to the 15% Off (MY15 is the code) but polished bliss will be my next choice because of the free delivery.

I have just treated myself to a Dooka Wash Pad. They have them on a group buy at the minute so price was pretty good. Without a pressure washer I thought I'd go with something as safe as possible for cleaning.

Only 24 until I get the car so next weekend will be my first chance at any exterior cleaning. I'm sure I will be back with plenty more questions by then.

Cheers

Ooh, If you've not ordered yet, be aware that the FK 1000P is available in a trial size (2 ounces) if you don't want to commit to a big tin, although it doesn't look like PerfectlyCleaned stock that. I went that way, there is enough to do my Octavia twice.

Ooh, If you've not ordered yet, be aware that the FK 1000P is available in a trial size (2 ounces) if you don't want to commit to a big tin, although it doesn't look like PerfectlyCleaned stock that. I went that way, there is enough to do my Octavia twice.

Doh. Never realised there was a smaller tin. I would have went with that too, but order was submitted and already had an email saying its prepared/dispatched.

 

Im going to keep my eyes open for sample size products and give a few a go over time. 

 

Cheers

Collected the beast and the paintwork is near immaculate. Had a full search for marring and swirls, of which I could find only a couple of swirls low down on one door. Very very fine and only just visable. Looking forward to the weekend to do some cleaning polishing and waxing.

Nice! That's a beauty.

Good to see the dealer prep wasn't as bad as we expected it to be. Enjoy the new car!

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Very nice.

That's lovely! Great colour choice! Hope the weather is respectable for you!

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Collected the beast and the paintwork is near immaculate. Had a full search for marring and swirls, of which I could find only a couple of swirls low down on one door. Very very fine and only just visable. Looking forward to the weekend to do some cleaning polishing and waxing.

 

 

Very nice indeed - looks like a lovely colour to detail! Enjoy

Awesome! Enjoy buddy.