Product buying guide with pics
Discussion
After a few forum members contacted me about what to use on their cars, i thought i would put the guide on here with links to the products and what they look like.
Lets begin.
The subject for today is a V8V in meteorite. This isnt a write up of a detail, but just to help with when to use the products.
WHEELS
The first thing to do is clean the wheels. For this i would use an ez-detail wheel brush (for the inside) and a sponge or swissvax wheel brush for the outside:
As you can see, they are very dirty. What i normally do is give the wheels a coat of wheel cleaner, one by one and then go and rinse off in the same order with the presure washer.
http://www.autoperfection.com/shop/EZ-Detail-Brush...
As for wheel cleaner, i would go for bilberry or autosmart smart wheels if you can get it, both diluted 50/50 with water. Neat if heavy soiled:
http://www.autoperfection.com/shop/Valet-Pro-Bilbe...
I would then clean the tyres and arches with bilt hamber surfex hd degreaser, but for what most people will want, a scrub with a brush or old towel when you foam the car should do.
WASHING
The best thing to do is always try and make the car as clean as you can before you lay a hand on it. The best way to do this in to use a pressure washer and a foam lance. You foam the car up, leave it to dwell for a few mins and then pressure wash the car from bottom to top. This will remove pretty much all the dirt from the car, leaving only a film over the paint.
You can get the lance and foam (i would use megs hyperwash) from here:
http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/pa-foam-la...
If you dont have a pressure washer, make sure you spray/rinse as much dirt off as you can with the end of the hose.
From these pics, it is clear why foaming/spraying as much loose dirt off before you touch it is highly recomended.
The best thing to wash the car with is a lambs wool mitt:
http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/easirider-...
I would use one for most of the bodywork and one for the sills and lower parts of the bumpers. Using the 2 bucket method of one clean wash bucket and one rinse bucket.
For door/boot shuts, a swissvax brush and radiator brush are best:
used with a degreaser or all purpose cleaner.
For the shampoo, i would use swissvax car bath, its still my fave shampoo:
http://www.swissvax.co.uk/products/wash-products.a...
DRYING
This is an important step, as a dirty or rough towel/cloth will swirl the paint in no time at all. I use these towels:
http://www.autoperfection.com/shop/Autoperfection-...
If the car is waxed, use an open hose to rinse off the car and there should be hardly anything to mop up, but these towels are super soft and safe. You'll only need one if the car has been waxed, but best to have 2 if it hasnt.
WAXING
This is where i get biased. For a very good wax, i would go for swissvax best of show:
http://www.swissvax.co.uk/products/wax-products.as...
It might seem like alot of money, but one layer will give months of protection, and a tub will last you a few years easy.
For todays car, i used divine, which i applied by hand.
You need the pre wax cleaner fluid first though:
http://www.swissvax.co.uk/products/cleaning-produc... (250ml)
Applied with a cotton pad: (bottom of page) and buffed off.
http://www.swissvax.co.uk/products/wax-products.as...
buy 2, one for the cleaner fluid and one for the wax.
CLOTHS
The best towels to use are a good quality microfibre like these ones:
http://www.autoperfection.com/shop/Autoperfection-...
I would get 4-5 of them, though 1 or 2 would do to remove the wax from the car.
TYRES
If you like the matt look like me, i would go for a bottle of swissvax pneu:
http://www.swissvax.co.uk/products/wheel--tyre-pro...
Just spray it around the tyre and job done.
WHEEL WAX
I would use swissvax autobahn:
http://www.swissvax.co.uk/products/wheel--tyre-pro...
A little goes a long way and lasts ages. Just like the wax, its best to use the cleaner fluid on the wheels first, with a cotton pad like this:
GLASS
I would use swissvax crystal and a dodo juice glass towel (mint mirkin)
http://www.swissvax.co.uk/products/wash-products.a...
http://www.autoperfection.com/shop/Dodo-Juice-Mint...
EXHAUST/grill
I would use swissvax metal polish or meguires nxt metal polish from halfords and an old cloth: Or 00 grade wire wool is really bad. (exhaust)
http://www.swissvax.co.uk/products/metal--wood-car...
I think that pretty much covers it. I tried to keep the products to as few shops as possible.
Now all this lot wont be cheap, though it might seem like a big outlay, all this lot will last you a very long time.
Here are a couple of shots after waxing. The tyres still need to be dressed, glass cleaned etc. Like i said, this wasnt a write up of a detail. Also i clayed the car too, but i didnt put this step, as not everyone would be comfortable with doing this.
If you want the best finish for your car however, it would be best to get it detailed by a professional before hand and then you just keep on top of it.
Any questions are most welcome.
Francis
Lets begin.
The subject for today is a V8V in meteorite. This isnt a write up of a detail, but just to help with when to use the products.
WHEELS
The first thing to do is clean the wheels. For this i would use an ez-detail wheel brush (for the inside) and a sponge or swissvax wheel brush for the outside:
As you can see, they are very dirty. What i normally do is give the wheels a coat of wheel cleaner, one by one and then go and rinse off in the same order with the presure washer.
http://www.autoperfection.com/shop/EZ-Detail-Brush...
As for wheel cleaner, i would go for bilberry or autosmart smart wheels if you can get it, both diluted 50/50 with water. Neat if heavy soiled:
http://www.autoperfection.com/shop/Valet-Pro-Bilbe...
I would then clean the tyres and arches with bilt hamber surfex hd degreaser, but for what most people will want, a scrub with a brush or old towel when you foam the car should do.
WASHING
The best thing to do is always try and make the car as clean as you can before you lay a hand on it. The best way to do this in to use a pressure washer and a foam lance. You foam the car up, leave it to dwell for a few mins and then pressure wash the car from bottom to top. This will remove pretty much all the dirt from the car, leaving only a film over the paint.
You can get the lance and foam (i would use megs hyperwash) from here:
http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/pa-foam-la...
If you dont have a pressure washer, make sure you spray/rinse as much dirt off as you can with the end of the hose.
From these pics, it is clear why foaming/spraying as much loose dirt off before you touch it is highly recomended.
The best thing to wash the car with is a lambs wool mitt:
http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/easirider-...
I would use one for most of the bodywork and one for the sills and lower parts of the bumpers. Using the 2 bucket method of one clean wash bucket and one rinse bucket.
For door/boot shuts, a swissvax brush and radiator brush are best:
used with a degreaser or all purpose cleaner.
For the shampoo, i would use swissvax car bath, its still my fave shampoo:
http://www.swissvax.co.uk/products/wash-products.a...
DRYING
This is an important step, as a dirty or rough towel/cloth will swirl the paint in no time at all. I use these towels:
http://www.autoperfection.com/shop/Autoperfection-...
If the car is waxed, use an open hose to rinse off the car and there should be hardly anything to mop up, but these towels are super soft and safe. You'll only need one if the car has been waxed, but best to have 2 if it hasnt.
WAXING
This is where i get biased. For a very good wax, i would go for swissvax best of show:
http://www.swissvax.co.uk/products/wax-products.as...
It might seem like alot of money, but one layer will give months of protection, and a tub will last you a few years easy.
For todays car, i used divine, which i applied by hand.
You need the pre wax cleaner fluid first though:
http://www.swissvax.co.uk/products/cleaning-produc... (250ml)
Applied with a cotton pad: (bottom of page) and buffed off.
http://www.swissvax.co.uk/products/wax-products.as...
buy 2, one for the cleaner fluid and one for the wax.
CLOTHS
The best towels to use are a good quality microfibre like these ones:
http://www.autoperfection.com/shop/Autoperfection-...
I would get 4-5 of them, though 1 or 2 would do to remove the wax from the car.
TYRES
If you like the matt look like me, i would go for a bottle of swissvax pneu:
http://www.swissvax.co.uk/products/wheel--tyre-pro...
Just spray it around the tyre and job done.
WHEEL WAX
I would use swissvax autobahn:
http://www.swissvax.co.uk/products/wheel--tyre-pro...
A little goes a long way and lasts ages. Just like the wax, its best to use the cleaner fluid on the wheels first, with a cotton pad like this:
GLASS
I would use swissvax crystal and a dodo juice glass towel (mint mirkin)
http://www.swissvax.co.uk/products/wash-products.a...
http://www.autoperfection.com/shop/Dodo-Juice-Mint...
EXHAUST/grill
I would use swissvax metal polish or meguires nxt metal polish from halfords and an old cloth: Or 00 grade wire wool is really bad. (exhaust)
http://www.swissvax.co.uk/products/metal--wood-car...
I think that pretty much covers it. I tried to keep the products to as few shops as possible.
Now all this lot wont be cheap, though it might seem like a big outlay, all this lot will last you a very long time.
Here are a couple of shots after waxing. The tyres still need to be dressed, glass cleaned etc. Like i said, this wasnt a write up of a detail. Also i clayed the car too, but i didnt put this step, as not everyone would be comfortable with doing this.
If you want the best finish for your car however, it would be best to get it detailed by a professional before hand and then you just keep on top of it.
Any questions are most welcome.
Francis
The girlfriend just asked what id like for my birthday, Think you just solved the problem.
Thank you for the advice and product info.
I`ve never come across clay although been around the paint shops for years,would it be possible for a similar insight in to that please as my Vanquish looks like a ice ring.
Im not one for cleaning cars now,twice yearly bath if they`r lucky .
I will have to get the children in the street trained up.
Thank you for the advice and product info.
I`ve never come across clay although been around the paint shops for years,would it be possible for a similar insight in to that please as my Vanquish looks like a ice ring.
Im not one for cleaning cars now,twice yearly bath if they`r lucky .
I will have to get the children in the street trained up.
Well, claying the car will remove the bonded contaminents that are stuck to the paint, but to remove the ice ring effect (swirls) you will have to get it machine polished. My advice would be to get it detailed, so the hard work is done and the swirls are removed and then all you have to do is keep on top of it.
Great write-up, thanks.
Two questions: 1) I currently use microfibre mits for washing, but you prefer lambswool -- do you think the lambswool is much better? My car is Onyx Black and I obviously want to keep swirls and scratches to a minimum. I use two mits and two buckets. 2) What do think of dusters? I have used a California Duster (paraffin wax-treated) in the past on other cars, and now I have a lambswool duster -- http://www.zymol.com/zymolwoolduster1pk.aspx -- that some have said is better. I would only dust the car if it is only dusty, not dirty, and I have a soft indoor car cover.
Thanks for any advice.
Two questions: 1) I currently use microfibre mits for washing, but you prefer lambswool -- do you think the lambswool is much better? My car is Onyx Black and I obviously want to keep swirls and scratches to a minimum. I use two mits and two buckets. 2) What do think of dusters? I have used a California Duster (paraffin wax-treated) in the past on other cars, and now I have a lambswool duster -- http://www.zymol.com/zymolwoolduster1pk.aspx -- that some have said is better. I would only dust the car if it is only dusty, not dirty, and I have a soft indoor car cover.
Thanks for any advice.
A lambs wool mitt is better, as it allows the dirt to move up into the pile and away from the paint and is much softer than a microfibre one that could in time inflict marring.
Both dusters are good, though I would say that if the car has been outside, don't dust it off, as it would need to be washed rather than dusting. If it's not been outside and the dust is light, you could use one then (lightly) in straight lines.
Both dusters are good, though I would say that if the car has been outside, don't dust it off, as it would need to be washed rather than dusting. If it's not been outside and the dust is light, you could use one then (lightly) in straight lines.
very useful write-up thank you very much!!... I've decided to take the plunge and have bought most of the kit you suggested. A couple of questions if that's ok :
1) is it better to use the sqaure cotton pads with the paint cleaner or should I order the 'swissvax cleaner fluid applicator' (white)?
2) Do I need to calculate the flow rate of my pressure washer in order use the correct amount of Hyper Wash? There were no instructions with the foam lance, but I seem to remember reading some time ago that this is important to get the right snow foam effect...
Thanks
Richard.
1) is it better to use the sqaure cotton pads with the paint cleaner or should I order the 'swissvax cleaner fluid applicator' (white)?
2) Do I need to calculate the flow rate of my pressure washer in order use the correct amount of Hyper Wash? There were no instructions with the foam lance, but I seem to remember reading some time ago that this is important to get the right snow foam effect...
Thanks
Richard.
If you mean after the car has been polished, waxed etc and you've just washed it, using a detail spray (quick detailer) that's fine. I would use zaino z8, as this is also a sealant spray and will add a bit more protection. You just spray it lightly on, wipe with one towel and then go round the car with another.
Polishing another meteorite vantage today. Still not done a morning frost one. Onyx black and morning frost are my favorite colours.
Francis
Polishing another meteorite vantage today. Still not done a morning frost one. Onyx black and morning frost are my favorite colours.
Francis
Having purchased pretty much all the bits Francis suggested, I thought a quick bit of feedback was warranted.
So far I've only had time to wash the car 'properly' so can't comment on the wax etc yet.. However..
1) Foam lance : great fun but not sure the foam does a great deal
.. but does justify the purchase of the pressure washer (just as well I'm divorced LOL).
2) Billberry wheel cleaner : top marks.. best wheel cleaner I've used.
3) Wheel cleaning bush.. excellent.
4) Swissvax foam wash.. think the directions are wrong as it said just us half a cap full in 20 litres of water.. wasn't very foamy. More next time.
5) Lambswool mitt : liked it a lot.
6) Drying towel : SUPERB!! the biggest surprise of the lot.. really worked well.
All in all, money well spent... I Love cleaning Astons Looking forward to a good waxing
So far I've only had time to wash the car 'properly' so can't comment on the wax etc yet.. However..
1) Foam lance : great fun but not sure the foam does a great deal
.. but does justify the purchase of the pressure washer (just as well I'm divorced LOL).2) Billberry wheel cleaner : top marks.. best wheel cleaner I've used.
3) Wheel cleaning bush.. excellent.
4) Swissvax foam wash.. think the directions are wrong as it said just us half a cap full in 20 litres of water.. wasn't very foamy. More next time.
5) Lambswool mitt : liked it a lot.
6) Drying towel : SUPERB!! the biggest surprise of the lot.. really worked well.
All in all, money well spent... I Love cleaning Astons
Looking forward to a good waxing Glad you like the stuff. The foam lance is good fun and it removes loose dirt from the car before you put a hand to it, helping prevent swirls.
Plus you can foam the car up a second time and wash it with the mitt. Just helps give a bit more lubricity.
oh, when you wash the towels, dont use fabric softener.
Plus you can foam the car up a second time and wash it with the mitt. Just helps give a bit more lubricity.
oh, when you wash the towels, dont use fabric softener.
Edited by paddy328 on Monday 22 March 08:53
What do you do about washing the towels etc? Do you lump them all together in the WM with some washing powder? I sometimes worry that the ones I have used for waxing will 'pollute' the other ones. Also, for some reason my microfibre cloths are always light colours and there are marks left even after a wash, is this swirling my paint?
Great write up, I am forwarding this to my friends that know nothing of washing cars.
I drink milk from only swiss cows.
Seriously, these products are on here because they are the best at what they do. Ive spent thousands buying everything you can think of, but these are what work for me.
I wouldnt follow the directions of the car bath, but ratherjust pour some in the bucket, fill it up and if you want it really sudsy, give it a blast with the pressure washer. Its not a foamy shampoo, but i love it.
The wheel sealant could be swapped with the gtechnic one, but is a pain to use if you dont know what your doing.
To wash my cloths, i put them in at 60 degrees, with persil liquid. Liquid is better than powder, as powder that isnt completely disolved could cause marring. I press the extra rinse button and then i use some chemical guys microfibre wash, so im washing them twice, but this isnt needed really.
you can get it from www.carwashnwax.com
For the drying towels i use the microfibre wash.
Seriously, these products are on here because they are the best at what they do. Ive spent thousands buying everything you can think of, but these are what work for me.
I wouldnt follow the directions of the car bath, but ratherjust pour some in the bucket, fill it up and if you want it really sudsy, give it a blast with the pressure washer. Its not a foamy shampoo, but i love it.
The wheel sealant could be swapped with the gtechnic one, but is a pain to use if you dont know what your doing.
To wash my cloths, i put them in at 60 degrees, with persil liquid. Liquid is better than powder, as powder that isnt completely disolved could cause marring. I press the extra rinse button and then i use some chemical guys microfibre wash, so im washing them twice, but this isnt needed really.
you can get it from www.carwashnwax.com
For the drying towels i use the microfibre wash.
I wouldnt say that they were the cause, sometimes they just get stained, but the best way to tell is to use the back of a cd and wipe it over that, if it marks the cd bin it, if not keep it.
The best way to wash the car is to use straight lines in one direction and do one panel or half a panel, depending one how big or dirty it is and then into the rinse bucket and back into the wash one.
The best way to wash the car is to use straight lines in one direction and do one panel or half a panel, depending one how big or dirty it is and then into the rinse bucket and back into the wash one.
I would foam the car first and let it dwell for a few mins an then pressure wash as normal.
Alot of astons out there have some sort of film and with this, I would treat the same way as the paint, in that I would pre wax cleanse it and then wax it. If it's in good condition that is.
Hope this helps.
Alot of astons out there have some sort of film and with this, I would treat the same way as the paint, in that I would pre wax cleanse it and then wax it. If it's in good condition that is.
Hope this helps.
Hi again Francis, after going bananas on buying most of the bits, I'm almost ready to blitz my cars, however I've got a question for you regarding one of the stages in detailing. After cleaning and drying off, you mention using the pre-wax cleaner before waxing, however my bone question is that I need to apply polish to my cars, at what stage would I need to use the pre-wax cleaner. I washed, polished & waxed my cars 4 weeks ago (not had chance to get near them since)and just gone over them with the detailing spray to pep them up.
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