Car Detailing - What products are your go to?

[bangm001]

The smell of the Meg soft wash just reminds me of good times and summer!! I love it! HAHA!

[DFB FGXR6]

Well, I caved.....................

[bfets]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Well, I caved.....................



image



image

Ooooh! Is that going on the Mustang?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by bfets

Ooooh! Is that going on the Mustang?

I think so. Kinda has to now, it's not a cheap coating to leave sitting on the shelf.

[bfets]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I think so. Kinda has to now, it's not a cheap coating to leave sitting on the shelf.

I'm also going to experiment with mine. Don't want to spend 10k+ on PPF for the whole car, so only getting the front, quarters and roof done in Xpel. Coating the rest. I've been a wax only guy up until now. Looking forward to seeing what the fuss is about.

[bfets]

Another question for you @DFB FGXR6

Do you think Bilt Hamber Touchless would be too harsh for frequent maintenance washes on PPF and a ceramic coating? Should it really just be reserved for those times that the car is very dirty, or is it safe to use every wash?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by bfets

Another question for you @DFB FGXR6

Do you think Bilt Hamber Touchless would be too harsh for frequent maintenance washes on PPF and a ceramic coating? Should it really just be reserved for those times that the car is very dirty, or is it safe to use every wash?

Touch-less is supposed to be coating safe, likewise safe on the various unpainted rubber and plastic parts that heavy alkaline products can discolor over time. However, I can't back that up as I think "we" are still early days as to the long-term use of this product.

Like any soap, its use can be tailored to suit the cleaning ability needed...................

The new Touch-Less formula can be applied at between 0.5% – 2% panel impact ratio (PIR), giving you twice the power of the old formula. For dirty cars use 2% PIR for slightly soiled cars it's suggested to try a 0.5% PIR. Touch-Less is a bio-degradable sugar-based product that provides a truly exceptional level of cleaning without altering your ceramic coating.

In other words, use it as required.

The new version of Touch-less is still on the way and should be available from the end of October. The older version needed twice as much product for any given PIR, and if you have a higher flowing pressure washer like I do, you end up running it undiluted to get sufficient PIR.

[bfets]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Touch-less is supposed to be coating safe, likewise safe on the various unpainted rubber and plastic parts that heavy alkaline products can discolor over time. However, I can't back that up as I think "we" are still early days as to the long-term use of this product.

Like any soap, its use can be tailored to suit the cleaning ability needed...................



In other words, use it as required.

The new version of Touch-less is still on the way and should be available from the end of October. The older version needed twice as much product for any given PIR, and if you have a higher flowing pressure washer like I do, you end up running it undiluted to get sufficient PIR.

Yep. I was going to grab some v2 as soon as it comes in. I want to try some Traceless as well.

I'm just a little worried about the long term effects of such a high pH soap when I might not really need all that cleaning power. I might just stick to normal neutral soap for normal washes and then pull out the BH when the car really needs it.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by bfets

Yep. I was going to grab some v2 as soon as it comes in. I want to try some Traceless as well.

I'm just a little worried about the long term effects of such a high pH soap when I might not really need all that cleaning power. I might just stick to normal neutral soap for normal washes and then pull out the BH when the car really needs it.

To be honest, you are never going to need Touch-less unless you are dealing with heavy traffic film, bugs and dirt. The only time I use it is if I'm detailing someone else's car, it really helps lift away the baked-on stuff and then makes it quicker and easier to do the contact wash.

Traceless on the other hand, well that is something I really want to try as well, everything I've heard suggests its a game-changer.

[DFB FGXR6]

For those who want to try or restock Bilt Hamber Touch-less, Detailing Shed and PPC have it back in stock and I'm told its moving fast. This is the latest formulation, which is double the concentration. On my high-flow pressure washer, I've been having to use it undiluted in the foam cannon to achieve the desired panel impact ratio (PIR).

https://www.ppcco.com.au/products/bi...bp9ED0tMoPcbCj
https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...ash-touch-less



Also now in stock, Trace-less glass cleaner. From what I have seen, and I normally refrain for using this term, Trace-less is a game changer.

https://www.ppcco.com.au/products/bi...49138053087536
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...45462170894551





Touch-less is not something I always need, but it's a real time saver on filthy vehicles. Trace-less on the other hand is very enticing, I think we all hate cleaning glass, especially discovering a rouge smudge afterwards.

[Top_Ghia]

Dog hair. How do I deal with a lot of dog hair?
I’m buying a cheap Hyundai i30 that got traded in at work. I was looking for a cheap third rainy day/shopping cart for times the Dark Horse needs to stay home. Besides the front bumper paint peeling off it’s pretty straight.
But the interior is quite a mess. There’s a lot of rubbish everywhere and a lot of dog hair. What’s the best method to remove it?
Will it just vacuum up? Do I use a brush on a drill? Do I comb it up somehow?
I’m actually looking forward to this little restoration project.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

Dog hair. How do I deal with a lot of dog hair?
I’m buying a cheap Hyundai i30 that got traded in at work. I was looking for a cheap third rainy day/shopping cart for times the Dark Horse needs to stay home. Besides the front bumper paint peeling off it’s pretty straight.
But the interior is quite a mess. There’s a lot of rubbish everywhere and a lot of dog hair. What’s the best method to remove it?
Will it just vacuum up? Do I use a brush on a drill? Do I comb it up somehow?
I’m actually looking forward to this little restoration project.

You will get it eventually by vacuuming alone, but it will be long and tedious. A couple of "helpers" I have discovered -

Lily Brush (or similar) - these are rubber combs that help drag the pet hair into a single point, you can the suck it up with the vac. I have the Lily Brush, but Detail Factory have a range of them now.............on special now at the moment too.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...y-pet-care-kit







Fur-reel - This is a vacuum attachment that has rubber prongs that grab the hair out of the carpet as you vac. Again, they "help".

https://www.willysgarage.com.au/prod...and-fang-combo



Quick Detailer - this works as an anti-static agent. I use Paint Gloss, but any non-protective quick detailer will do (think Boss Gloss, Megs Last Touch ect). Simply mist onto the surface you are vacuuming, again, use with the above for the full effect.

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

You will get it eventually by vacuuming alone, but it will be long and tedious. A couple of "helpers" I have discovered -

Dog hair is easy to remove just by wetting your hands and wiping over the surface with them.

[OneMadMan]

Originally Posted by roKWiz

Dog hair is easy to remove just by wetting your hands and wiping over the surface with them.

Agree Rocky...
I use a pair of washing up gloves, dry. Just put on the gloves, wipe all of the hair to one spot, pickup the majority of it, vacuum up the rest. Simple. No money involved apart from the 10 pack of washing up gloves from major supermarket chain.


One Man.

[BENT_8]

Looking for advice to restore moderate oxidization on RV gelcoat finish.
Would assume its similar to boat gelcoat.

Anyone got experience or can direct me to the right products?
I have a 9" rotary buff and auto polishing experience but many years ago now.

[Trendseeker]

I just noticed that Meguiars have a “coming soon” product that might do the job.

https://www.meguiars.com.au/product/...-hair-remover/

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Trendseeker

I just noticed that Meguiars have a “coming soon” product that might do the job.

https://www.meguiars.com.au/product/...-hair-remover/

Typical Meguiar's, lets everyone else innovate and invest in new products, sits on their hands, then arrives a decade later with their version proclaiming it to be the latest and greatest. Been like this ever since 3M took over.

[Trendseeker]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Typical Meguiar's, lets everyone else innovate and invest in new products, sits on their hands, then arrives a decade later with their version proclaiming it to be the latest and greatest. Been like this ever since 3M took over.

Agreed. They’re also getting into protective paint coating, “coming soon”.

https://www.meguiars.com.au/product/...paint-coating/

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Trendseeker

Agreed. They’re also getting into protective paint coating, “coming soon”.

https://www.meguiars.com.au/product/...paint-coating/

LOL!

That paint coating went on sale this time last year at SEMA. And it's still hasn't arrived in Australia?

Again, typical Meguiar's, and more specifically, Meguiar's Australian importer/distributor. And that's before I mention how totally outdated both US and AUS websites are, everything is out of date, while some products are not even represented despite being in stores. At the end of the day, they are geared towards bricks and mortar retailing, so a up to date website doesn't seem to be a priority.

[CyberWasp]

A Question for DFB FGXR6

Have you had any experience with this Product from Collinite?

I saw it on a Video being applied on top of anther brands coating and it came up like glossy glass.

If it is really that good I would like to see what it did if applied it on top of the Wolfgang Gloss Sealant you have had much success with.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

A Question for DFB FGXR6

Have you had any experience with this Product from Collinite?

I saw it on a Video being applied on top of anther brands coating and it came up like glossy glass.

If it is really that good I would like to see what it did if applied it on top of the Wolfgang Gloss Sealant you have had much success with.

image

Sorry, I haven't had any experience with Collinite products outside of 845 Insulator Wax. I went looking for posts on Bead-Coat on Autogeek with no valuable information worth sharing, its virtually unknow. That's about all I can say.

[DFB FGXR6]

Some Aussie AMMO content from when he was here a few months ago.

[stannoplan]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

A Question for DFB FGXR6

Have you had any experience with this Product from Collinite?

I saw it on a Video being applied on top of anther brands coating and it came up like glossy glass.

If it is really that good I would like to see what it did if applied it on top of the Wolfgang Gloss Sealant you have had much success with.

I believe Jon from Forensic Detailing included it on his latest sealant test, there are 3 in the series
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHbBwzS05pM

ah, and a stand-alone video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ip0if7DcHbs

Anyone treiwd the SiRamik Lustrous the poms rave about?

[DFB FGXR6]

Bilt Hamber Touch-less v2

While I was late to the Bilt Hamber Touch-less party, I now see it as valuable addition to my cabinet. Touch-less is a sugar-based biodegradable pre-wash soap that contains no phosphates, solvents, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) and caustic soda. This makes it's safer to use, and unlike solvent-based soaps, is free rinsing. Touch-less also contains corrosion inhibitors.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...QTmmfn05gfNxhe
https://autobuff.com.au/products/bil...Ixd7LweIBrbNaL
https://www.ppcco.com.au/products/bi...Sfo2fib8EFINaf
https://www.carcareproducts.com.au/p...ess-v2-foam-5l

The main claim to fame with Touch-less is it's ability to make the subsequent contact wash considerably easier and safer. It's important to note that while the product is called "Touch-less", that doesn't mean completely touch-free washing, rather you "touch" the car "less"...............if that makes sense.



There were two reasons why I resisted Touch-less, the ultra-high alkalinity and the convoluted process of arriving at a dilution ratio. The pH concern is valid, but it seems the alkalinity of Touch-less works very differently to other high-pH products. Touch-less was designed to work with modern surface protection, it can break down surface level dirt and grime but leave your coating or sealant intact.

As for the dilution process, well that is a little more complicated. Rather than offering a recommended dilution ratio, Bilt Hamber want you to calculate a specific number to suit your individual application methods and achieve an accurate "Panel Impact Ratio" (PIR). Doing it this way helps account for your specific foam cannon, pressure washer or pump action sprayer, which then means the soap will work as designed.

The latest v2 version of Touch-less now available, which is significantly more concentrated than before to help account for high flow pressure washers. For the original version, I had to run at near full strength due to it being diluted too much by my setup. So, let's look at how we calculate the desired PIR when using a pressure washer and foam cannon. Bilt Hamber want you to achieve between 0.5 and 2.0% PIR's, for dirtier vehicles go straight to 2.0%, then adjust down as needed.

First, you need to measure the flow rate of your pressure washer and foam cannon set up. A higher flow pressure washer will naturally dilute the soap more, a lower flowing machine the opposite. To start, fill up the foam cannon bottle to the full mark, which is typically 1000ml. Also make sure the foam dial is set to maximum. Next, discharge the foam cannon into a bucket until the cannister is empty. If your bucket has a lid, use that to partially cover the bucket and prevent splashing. Also, make sure the syphon straw is not sucking air when you as you approach empty, you will skew your measurement otherwise.



From here, you need to measure out how much water was discharged into the bucket(s). In my case, I'm running a Kranzle KHD/10 that flows 10-litres per minute, paired with an MTM FP22.2 foam cannon. In this test, this setup discharged 17-litres / 17000 ml into the bucket.

From here, we get into the numbers. To achieve a 2% PIR, 17000ml is multiplied by 0.02 to arrive at 340 ml of Touch-less and 660 ml of water. At the other end of the scale, a 0.5% PIR would be 17000 x 0.005 to arrive at 85 ml of Touch-less and 915 ml of water. Obsessed Garage also provide a PIR calculator on their web listing for Touch-less, you just select your unit of measurement, the foam cannon discharge number and desired PIR.

https://www.obsessedgarage.com/colle...ber-touch-less





So, while it might sound complicated, once you have measured the flow of your foam cannon, you can write the various PIR rates on the bottle and you are set.

How to Use -

Touch-less is best applied to a dry vehicle and allowed to dwell for as long as possible. You will unlikely use a full 1000ml of Touch-less on a single vehicle, you should get two to three cars per dilution, so having a separate bottle to store this in is a good idea. The longer Touch-less is on the surface, the more it will break down contamination. I would however caution against letting it dry, you certainly don't want that. I've found you can lightly mist sections that are drying faster than ideal to keep it active. After the dwell period, thoroughly rinse the car and move onto the contact wash.

You will notice Touch-less is a runny foam, not shaving cream thick. This doesn't necessarily mean your PIR is too weak or compromise the dwell period. It does however help with the rinse-off.

I have tested Touch-less on a filthy service loan car, foaming it on, leaving to dwell, then rinsing off. I then hit it with Hydr02 and air dried the car. The end result was a loan car that went back clean and shiny, and a stunned service advisor..................all without even touching the paint.









You can see the dirt has been emulsified and drawn from the vehicle in this image -



Stupidly, I didn't take an end result image, so you will have to take my word for it regarding the results. Would I have taken a towel to the paint after that without a contact wash, unlikely. But what it did do is demonstrate the products ability.

Touch-less is a product you won't always need. For a well-maintained garage queen, I have never needed it. But on heavily soiled vehicles driven in all conditions, Touch-less significantly reduces your effort come contact wash, easily removing bugs, road film, dust and dirt without the need for specific products. Yes, it is expensive, but NO other soap of this type can come close to Touch-less.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

A Question for DFB FGXR6

Have you had any experience with this Product from Collinite?

I saw it on a Video being applied on top of anther brands coating and it came up like glossy glass.

If it is really that good I would like to see what it did if applied it on top of the Wolfgang Gloss Sealant you have had much success with.

image

Just to circle back to this question, the following is some first use comments by a friend of mine on Autogeek...........

I reached for Collinite Bead Coat sealant, hadn't used it yet so I went for it! Since the directions said to apply it to your microfiber, work it in and buff with a seperate towel. I chose my 350 GSM Eagle edgeless mfs and what a great choice, control due to 150 less GSM and no grabbing...PERFECT

This product got great reviews by Jon @Forensic Detailing and I can see why, finished WITHOUT any streaking or haze, just a simple wipe with that 2nd towel and SMOOTH & GLOSSY finish!

[fordomatic]

I am considering this, so stupidly cheap

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...32271049588825

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by fordomatic

I am considering this, so stupidly cheap

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...32271049588825

VERY cheap! I'd guess they don't sell many of those 21mm 6-inch, hence the ultra-sharp price to clear them.

[CyberWasp]

Please don't post any more of these links or promotions.

You all know this will keep going until you find yourself setting up something like this.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

image

Please don't post any more of these links or promotions.

You all know this will keep going until you find yourself setting up something like this.

I initially loved those lights, but they are absolutely useless for detailing as they create shadows. Notice how dark that room is despite there being a LOT of light fixtures. And the hex shape reflections in the paint is distracting and very harsh on your eyes. Hex lights are probably best for detailing studio customer presentation bays and not an actual working bay. The Rag Company actually just removed them from their studio for these reasons.

[CyberWasp]

Maybe Tunnel Lights might be a better option.

I just wish I had the space and budget to attempt to build it.