Must have kit for a newbie spongemonkey?

[powwerr]

Alright guys! Not been in here before but looking for some advice. We all know theres nothing like spending a few hours getting a good shine and a bit of self satisfaction on the way!

So what im asking, what 5-10 items would be in the experts "must have" kit??

Obviously not counting a pressure washer/mitt/bucket(s)


annnnddd go!

[ian_uk1975]

Well, I don't consider myself an expert and I'm also not a detailing addict, but I've dabbled and I now consider the following to be essentials...

1. Clay bar
2. Quick Detailer (also doubles as clay lube)
3. Tyre dressing
4. Black trim restorer and/or silicone spray
5. Selection of microfibre towels

[belleair302]

Simples eekkk.

Two buckets with grit guards
A decent wash mitt (sheepskin) or a natural wool sea sponge
A good quality shampoo, Chamical Guys, Dodo Juice or Bilt Hamber
A decent fluffy drying towel
A decent wheel cleaner (Bilberry)
Autoclay
Lubricant
Polish
Sealant
Quick detailer
Wax (Collinite or Dodo Juice)
Applicator pads
A number of Microfibres
Glass Cleaner
Trim cleaner
A number of brushes for wheel arches and tyres
All purpose cleaner for the tyres
Tyre dressing
Wheel wax

And you can then start your collection from here....

[powwerr]

Thank you. Here have an e-beer

[Tanguero]

belleair302 said:

... or a natural wool sea sponge ...

I really want to see the sheep that comes from!

[belleair302]

The Wool sponge is the "Cadillac" of sponges. They are extremely durable, and can easily last 10 years or more. For use cleaning the car, truck or boat or for use in the bath and shower, sponges naturally inhibit the growth of bacterica, unlike washcloths. All of our sponges are harvested locally in the Gulf of Mexico. This is the world's best location for natural sea sponges. Wool sponges feel like silk and is what we recommend for detailing cars and bathing with. Sponges do not harbor bacteria or mold.

Well in the Gulf of Mexico you have seen or heard about the sea cow....well they also have the sea sheep!!!!!

Edited by belleair302 on Friday 25th February 18:40

[sospan]

"sea sheep"?
you often "see sheep" in the mountains of wales!
Some of the locals have been baaaaaaad boys
they were warned they mutton do it again

[JonBoy1]

Hi All

Been trying to learn as much as possible from your comments recently, and I have decided to get a proper kit for the car. Based on your suggestions, ive come up with the following list of wants.

Would really appreciate your input on any shortages, alternatives or unnecessary items and also whether the pricing is reasonable or i should look elsewhere.

The car itself is a crystal grey 2005 Impreza. Car has done few miles so paintwork is in good condition already.

Look forward to your comments

£7.95 - 1 x Basics Of Bling Drying Towel (DODO JUICE)
£6.25 - 1 x Hi Foam Interior Shampoo (AUTO GLYM)
£12.95 - 1 x Mellow Yellow Wheel Cleaner (DODO JUICE)
£32.95 - 1 x Finis-Wax (BILT HAMBER)
£11.95 - 1 x Auto Clay - Soft (BILT HAMBER)
£23.95 - 1 x Lime Prime - 500ml (DODO JUICE)
£10.99 - 1 x Lambswool Wash Mitt (MEGUIARS)
£9.95 - 1 x Auto-Wash Car Shampoo (BILT HAMBER)
£37.98 - 2 x Bucket & Grit Guard Set (MEGUIARS)
£11.99 - 1 x Grit Guard (MEGUIARS)
11 items In Your Basket
Items Total: £137.23

Delivery: £0.00

VAT: £27.45

Total Amount: £164.68

Cheers
Jon

[Mattt]

Look on Detailing World, can often get 5% or so discount codes for the major suppliers

[Eviltad]

Where are you shopping?

[JonBoy1]

http://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/

Cheers
Jon

[Eviltad]

How does it compare to rubbishboys?

[paddyhasneeds]

JonBoy1 said:

Hi All

Been trying to learn as much as possible from your comments recently, and I have decided to get a proper kit for the car. Based on your suggestions, ive come up with the following list of wants.

Would really appreciate your input on any shortages, alternatives or unnecessary items and also whether the pricing is reasonable or i should look elsewhere.

The car itself is a crystal grey 2005 Impreza. Car has done few miles so paintwork is in good condition already.

Look forward to your comments

£7.95 - 1 x Basics Of Bling Drying Towel (DODO JUICE)
£6.25 - 1 x Hi Foam Interior Shampoo (AUTO GLYM)
£12.95 - 1 x Mellow Yellow Wheel Cleaner (DODO JUICE)
£32.95 - 1 x Finis-Wax (BILT HAMBER)
£11.95 - 1 x Auto Clay - Soft (BILT HAMBER)
£23.95 - 1 x Lime Prime - 500ml (DODO JUICE)
£10.99 - 1 x Lambswool Wash Mitt (MEGUIARS)
£9.95 - 1 x Auto-Wash Car Shampoo (BILT HAMBER)
£37.98 - 2 x Bucket & Grit Guard Set (MEGUIARS)
£11.99 - 1 x Grit Guard (MEGUIARS)
11 items In Your Basket
Items Total: £137.23

Delivery: £0.00

VAT: £27.45

Total Amount: £164.68

Cheers
Jon

From the dates you've probably already sorted some kit out however my two pence worth is, in a nutshell, it's all about the prep.

If you can get the paint in decent shape there's arguably not much between a cheap wax/sealant and an expensive one - so whilst there's nothing wrong at all in your list, you could probably lose a few quid there if you wanted to, even Autoglym SRP is bloody good and bloody cheap when used correctly.

Equally I'm not a fan of expensive detailing buckets. Grit Guards are useful, got 2 myself, and to be fair at least with the kits you know the grit guards will fit the buckets (they're made for a standard sized US bucket and there seems to be no such thing in the UK) but it's still a little galling to pay £9 for a bucket when a B&Q one is a quid.

One thing I don't see is microfiber towels - simply put, you can never have too many. For plastics and glass and wheels cheap ones are fine, have half a dozen decent quality ones for removing polish residue and buffing product off.

Also some sort of all purpose cleaner, Daisy is about a quid at Tesco. Also possibly some quick detailer - that is best purchased in bulk simply because 500ml will probably cost you £8-10 vs. £25 for 5L and then you won't feel like you're counting each pull of the trigger. Oh, and some spray bottles.

As to where to buy from, the ultimate finish are fine. Equally don't underestimate Halfords - they sell Auto Glym and Meguiars, they often have 3 for 2's on, and detailing is full of snobbery IMO - of all the product categories you've listed above, the only one you couldn't tackle admirably at your local halfords is cloths and mitts in my view, and perhaps clay but that's more to do with cost than availability locally.

[JonBoy1]

Thanks for your input Gents. Not bought anything yet as been away.

I just did a price comparison with rubbish boys and they are definately cheaper.

Many thanks
Jon

[PJ S]

Ben is a sound guy, and I always recommend him, when he has the items other more well known places carry too.
Nothing against Chris, but it's nice to support the little guys when you can.