Car Detailing
Author
Discussion

Z4MCSL

Original Poster:

577 posts

103 months

Wednesday 22nd September 2021
quotequote all
Not sure where to post this, I am interested in getting my car(s) cleaned and have always been interested in what difference a detail would make. Going on a few websites I have no idea where to start. No way I am spending £500! but dont mind spending 80-150 if there is a real difference. I don't own anything really special at the moment so cant justify spending a lot on it but would like to bring out the yellow in my Liquid Yellow Megane and the blue in my Z4 Coupe.

any advice on detailing much appreciated.


Or is it a waste of time, should I spend the money on some nice kit and do it myself?


parabolica

6,936 posts

204 months

Wednesday 22nd September 2021
quotequote all
At that budget you'd be better doing it yourself; a decent wash, clay and polish and wax should have it looking nice - that said most detailers will probably do this as an entry-level service for roughly that price if you don't mind paying for convenience.

Proper detailing can run to thousands of pounds depending on how much correction they need to do/how many hours of cutting and polishing is required to get scratches and defects out of the paint. It's probably worth it for garage queens, not so much for daily drivers. Check out White Details youtube channel if you want to see the dedication some detailers go to.

coldel

9,805 posts

166 months

Wednesday 22nd September 2021
quotequote all
Before spending a single penny research how to detail a car properly. Know your process and buy the stuff you need to support that process.

Also spend some time researching claying, its often missed out but it has such an important role to play!

Antony Moxey

10,159 posts

239 months

Wednesday 22nd September 2021
quotequote all
Try the Auto Finesse web page. I don't use their products but they have a million tutorials on what to do from basics to specifics including specialist detailing projects they've been involved in.

As for products, get yourself a few basics and gradually build up as you get more fanatical(!). As a for instance, most of the basic Autoglym stuff is around a tenner a bottle, although you will pay more for the high end stuff like their UHD products and waxes.

ReverendCounter

6,087 posts

196 months

Wednesday 22nd September 2021
quotequote all
If only this question had been asked before.

Z4MCSL

Original Poster:

577 posts

103 months

Wednesday 22nd September 2021
quotequote all
ReverendCounter said:
If only this question had been asked before.
Yes indeed, I couldnt find the relevant section but now see there are a lot of threads dedicated to this sort of stuff 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

I will peruse now

ziggy328

1,273 posts

234 months

Wednesday 22nd September 2021
quotequote all
I do it myself - when I have the time. Main thing is whether you have the confidence to buy a DA polisher and use it on your car. It's like decorating, if the prep is st it doesn't matter how expensive the polish/wax, it will not give you the results you were hoping for.

I bought a DA and practiced on the wife's car. biggrin

ReverendCounter

6,087 posts

196 months

Wednesday 22nd September 2021
quotequote all
Z4MCSL said:
Yes indeed, I couldnt find the relevant section but now see there are a lot of threads dedicated to this sort of stuff ???????????????

I will peruse now
Beware, try not to get too carried away - some products coming highly recommended are used by pro detailers and have a price to match - bear in mind these products will be business expenses/consumables to them.

Jaz2000

96 posts

62 months

Friday 24th September 2021
quotequote all
When machine polishing for the first time use a non aggressive pad and compound and build up your confidence before using more aggressive products to remove scratches.

Even a light polish will make a big difference on something that has only been washed for a couple of years.

ReverendCounter

6,087 posts

196 months

Friday 24th September 2021
quotequote all
Jaz2000 said:
When machine polishing for the first time use a non aggressive pad and compound and build up your confidence...
And don't do what I did and buy the biggest pads because you think you'll polish the car quicker!

Belle427

11,081 posts

253 months

Saturday 25th September 2021
quotequote all
Just buy the gear yourself and have a go.
To be honest a trip down the Autoglym isle will give you most of what you need to do a decent job.
Ok you won’t get a machine polisher there but how deep do you want to get into it.

The big yin

288 posts

61 months

Saturday 25th September 2021
quotequote all

www.detailingworld.co.uk

A great site for info and advice but be warned it can be addictive and cost £££££££££

Chubbyross

4,807 posts

105 months

Sunday 26th September 2021
quotequote all
The big yin said:
www.detailingworld.co.uk

A great site for info and advice but be warned it can be addictive and cost £££££££££
Addictive indeed. I started four years ago with a cheap DA polisher. I’ve now spent about a grand on Flex cordless polishers. It’s a great hobby.