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Cleaning and detailing?

Discussion in 'Detailing' started by Spielightdude, Feb 5, 2022.

  1. Feb 5, 2022 at 9:41 AM
    #1
    Spielightdude

    Spielightdude [OP] New Member

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    Hi everyone ,

    What do you all use for washing waxing and exterior and interior detailing tools and products?

    All my old stuff is shot and very old so want to start fresh and new.
    I do not have the leather interior.

    Any and all comments and suggestions are welcome!

    Thanks
     
  2. Feb 5, 2022 at 1:13 PM
    #2
    frichco228

    frichco228 Valued Member

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    You can really get deep in the rabbit hole with detailing if you want.

    I keep it simple myself and have had great results with:
    Never wash with a brush
    Dont use auto car wash places
    Use a microfiber wash pad on a pole or mitt
    Use a good drying towel, specific for auto drying. Cotton bath towels are not what you want

    I use snow foam with a foam cannon for prewash soak
    then rinse/powerwash
    hand wash with same snow foam soap
    dry
    then use Mequiars ultimate wax/sealant and follow it up with a top coat of Beadmaker (lots of topcoat products, so choose what works for you)

    That keeps my paint clean, protected and hydrophobic for 3-4 months with weekly washing before I need to do the wax process again.
    And I have a black truck, which makes a difference.
     
    forzamrit and Spielightdude[OP] like this.
  3. Feb 5, 2022 at 1:14 PM
    #3
    Spielightdude

    Spielightdude [OP] New Member

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    Mine is the magnetic Grey metallic paint
     
  4. Feb 15, 2022 at 6:03 AM
    #4
    eagleguy

    eagleguy New Member

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    I have been washing my vehicles with a quality car brush for years and have zero issue with scratches etc. Its an old wise tail unless you use a dirty brush!
     
  5. Feb 15, 2022 at 6:09 AM
    #5
    eagleguy

    eagleguy New Member

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    I have the same color 21 truck. You can use FK1000 or the NEW IMPROVED Ultimate Wax for longevity especially if the vehicle is outside. The older version of UW did not last which is why it was reformulated. For weekly washing use Meguiars Gold Class wash or for even better results use Meguiars Wash and Wax to boost the longevity and shine. As I said prior the "don't use a brush" is an old wise mans tale. That is unless you were to buy a crappy brush and/or use it when dirty. I have NEVER scratched any of my vehicles using a brush but I only use expensive ones that are softer than the hair on your head. LOL
     
    WILLINH likes this.
  6. Feb 15, 2022 at 6:12 AM
    #6
    Blueknights75

    Blueknights75 040 IS THE FASTEST

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    There are some amazing threads regarding this topic, just use the search icon…
     
  7. Feb 15, 2022 at 6:58 AM
    #7
    Adam

    Adam New Member

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    If you breathe on a black truck wrong it will get micro scratches. If it is an old wives tale then why do ALL the professionals say to never use a brush on your paint?
     
  8. Feb 15, 2022 at 7:04 AM
    #8
    Adam

    Adam New Member

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    I love how they say use at your own risk for the super soft bristles.....upload_2022-2-15_9-4-12.jpg
     
    dspilot likes this.
  9. Feb 15, 2022 at 7:53 AM
    #9
    frichco228

    frichco228 Valued Member

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    Eibach Pro Truck Stage 2 suspension, HD RAS, 285/75-18 Nokian Outpost AT, LoPro bed cover, TRD rear sway bar, DD 10 inch exhaust, and various other goodies
    Happy that works for you.
    I have been washing and detailing my vehicles for over 40 years and have had a different experience, even using the softest of brushes. Newer paints/vehicles are much more prone to scratching, never had a problem washing with a brush on any of my 70/80s models autos. And its is not something you notice after a few washes. You may not even notice much after a year of weekly washing. But over the years those micro scratch become more and more visible. You can polish them out each time you wax, but that thins todays already very thin paint over time. Switching to microfiber only has been one of the more impactful things in keeping my vehicles looking new. I have been asked repeatedly if my black 2016 Tundra is a brand new 2021.

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Feb 15, 2022
    Ace96, Sundog and War Machine like this.
  10. Feb 15, 2022 at 4:26 PM
    #10
    briarpatch

    briarpatch New Member

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    Basically, you need to wash, dry and protect. For soap/shampoo, Car Pro Reset is king, but pricey. To me, the best value out there is Meguiars HyperWash, but its not available in stores. I like the microfiber 'noodle mitts', and get those from Autogeek.net. I stopped the 'two bucket' method years ago, and prefer the 'lots of mitts/one bucket method'. For cleaning wheels and tires.....unless the wheels are really bad, an all purpose cleaner (APC) will do. You can spend less, but I like Optimum Power clean and use it in different dilutions for different situations. As far as brushes go....you can not beat the Tuff Shine brush for cleaning tires. I have some smaller detailing brushes that you can get very inexpensively on Amazon, as well as a Wheel Woolies boars hair brush for the wheel faces. If you have wheels that are really bad, Griots Garage Heavy Duty wheel cleaner can be purchased at several different auto parts stores, including Autozone and Advance Auto Parts. For drying towels, you will find Griots Garage PFM drying towels are expensive, but tough to beat. The suggestion of Griots Interior Cleaner is a good one, and is also likely locally available.

    There is the entire decontamination step, which involves an iron remover (I use Iron-X) and either a clay bar or mitt. I'm not sure if you want to go that far. As far as protection, Griots Garage 3 in 1 Ceramic Wax (liquid) is tough to beat for value, ease of use and longevity. It's also locally available

    Hope this helps.
     
    Last edited: Feb 15, 2022
  11. Feb 16, 2022 at 4:36 PM
    #11
    eagleguy

    eagleguy New Member

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    I detail for a living and have been doing so for over 30 years. If you use a brush that cost more than $20 it's actually better than a sponge as far as my experience. I you think a microfiber set up works than I say go for it. I have done many deep colored vehicles after recommending good brushes and have NEVER had to deal with any scratches! If there were I would be out of business based on poor results. You Tube is not the best source of information. Think about it, if the detailer was that good where would he find the time to put something on You Tube as he would be too busy!
     
    Last edited: Feb 17, 2022
    War Machine and Brettstation37 like this.
  12. Feb 16, 2022 at 4:54 PM
    #12
    Brettstation37

    Brettstation37 New Member

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    Does anyone on this thread recommend an electric power washer over gas and why? Any recommendations on brand or style?
     
  13. Feb 16, 2022 at 6:26 PM
    #13
    briarpatch

    briarpatch New Member

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    Your decision really depends on your budget, what you want to use it for, how tolerant you are of the noise, and how mechanically inclined you are. I picked up a SunJoe SPX3000 a few years ago on a Black Friday sale, and it has been going for three years without issue. Do you plan on using the unit for other tasks? I've used mine for small pressure washing jobs and washing cars. Generally speaking, the electric ones are cheaper, quieter, and have more than enough power for washing cars. You can spend a bunch of money on an electric if you go to something like a Kranzle. One thing to keep in mind....GPM is more important than PSI when it comes to washing cars. Mine also has an 'auto off' feature....the pump does not run unless the trigger is depressed.
     
  14. Feb 17, 2022 at 2:36 PM
    #14
    Brettstation37

    Brettstation37 New Member

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    I mainly will use for washing my vehicles however power washing my my house and wood decks etc…I guess what I’m asking is an electric power washer capable of handling those tasks?
     
  15. Feb 17, 2022 at 2:46 PM
    #15
    frichco228

    frichco228 Valued Member

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    I use an electic PW and love it. Its 2000 psi greenworks from Lowes. Had it for years and it works nicely. Think a spent 100, 120 buck when it was on sale. https://www.greenworkstools.com/2000-psi-pressure-washer-5107402vt

    Washing vehicles, used it to clean deck, vinyl siding, even remove stains and crud from my concrete steps. I would suggest spending a little more than I did and getting their 2300psi unit if you are going to use for home items. Mine works great but some extra power would be good for household use like washing brick or concrete. But what I have is perfect for washing vehicles. They also have 2700 and 3000 psi models.
     
  16. Feb 17, 2022 at 2:50 PM
    #16
    frichco228

    frichco228 Valued Member

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    Who would use a sponge on auto paint? Never. Only use I have for a sponge when detailing is to apply tire dressing.
     
  17. Feb 18, 2022 at 3:54 AM
    #17
    War Machine

    War Machine SSEM # 5 3MW

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    I’ve been using an older version of this one for over 4 years. Works great for washing vehicles, and well enough for other tasks.
    A gas pressure washer probably does a little better on driveways, etc, but in my experience they’re finicky as hell. You really have to baby them to keep them working. That, along with the noise a gas powered one makes is why I switched. Unless you’re doing some hardcore deep cleaning of something the gas one is more than enough to justify the trade off.

    Just way easier to use overall.

    https://www.greenworkstools.com/pro-2300-psi-brushless-pressure-washer-gpw2301
     
  18. Feb 18, 2022 at 3:54 AM
    #18
    War Machine

    War Machine SSEM # 5 3MW

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    On MGM I always recommend Jescar Powerlock as a sealant. Don’t know what it is, but it really makes MGM pop better than other products to my eye.
     
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  19. Feb 18, 2022 at 4:00 AM
    #19
    War Machine

    War Machine SSEM # 5 3MW

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    I doubt the method you use is comparable to the average person cleaning just their own car. I’m going to assume you are extremely thorough and careful with brushes.
    As a professional, you’re going to pay way more attention to keeping it clean of debris than most would. The guys using the brushes at car washes aren’t doing that. If they were worried about it they wouldn’t be using them.
    I’ve used those brushes on my wheel wells and tonneau cover, but that’s it. I’m sure it can be done, but I just prefer to use a shitload of towels. No surface touches the paint twice.
     
    frichco228 likes this.
  20. Feb 22, 2022 at 9:55 AM
    #20
    briarpatch

    briarpatch New Member

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    There are electric pressure washers capable of those tasks, but odds are, they are going to be pretty expensive.
     
  21. Feb 22, 2022 at 10:57 AM
    #21
    BrunoTheRescuePup

    BrunoTheRescuePup New Member

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    I use a brush during the winter so cold water doesn't run down my arm. Regardless, what I believe is critical is the two bucket method to rinse the grime off the brush/mitt prior to re-soaping.
     

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