Little Help On What I Should Buy

[FnFast]

Hey guys,

I searched, but there is sooo much information it is quite overwhelming. I haven't been in the detail game for about 4 years and a lot has changed. I watched all AMMO NYC videos and have assembled a small arsenal so far. I use to have the Meguiers 3 Step Process and I am lost with what is out there now! What should I buy to help protect and increase the shine after I wash my car.

Anyone have experience with Ammo's paint regiment?

This is what I have:

3 - 5 gallon buckets (Ammo NYC does it)
3 - grit guards
1 - Gilmour Foam Gun ( http://alturl.com/t38z6 )
1 - Chemical Guys Honey Dew Snow Foam ( http://alturl.com/ocs9d )
1 - Mothers Gunuine Lambswool Mitt
5 - Microfiber towels for drying

What should I get?

[Xdragonxb0i]

I think its better to have more a separate microfiber towel for each segment of washing. Then I dry with a shammy

[FnFast]

Originally Posted by Xdragonxb0i

I think its better to have more a separate microfiber towel for each segment of washing. Then I dry with a shammy

I have a shammy, but heard too many things about creating scratches during the drying process. I have more microfibers, but they are cheap so I can always buy more.

[asia_minor]

with what you have, the Garry Dean Perfect Wash Method is perfect for you:

[regnak]

Buckets: If you're going for a foam gun, I'd only have 1 bucket and a grit guard [or two] for rising the wash mitt. Unless if you're using the foam gun as presoak only then still perform a traditional wash in which case 2 or 3 of each is fine.

Drying: Get a waffle weave drying microfiber. I use the Ultimate Guzzler but I think you could pull off a Supreme Guzzler with the size of the BRZ (they're the same thing just different sizes)

Wheels/Exhaust: Get a cheap wash mitt and a few cheap mf towels for these and ONLY use them for these. Don't want to mix your wash media between paint and the really gross stuff.

That should be it for general up keep of the exterior. If you want to go further:

Claybar / Clay Lube: In the US the only difference between clay is grade (fine, medium, coarse), weight (or amount) and price. So I'd just find a cheap readily available clay if I was you. Most bars are a medium grade which should work well for most people although if your car hasn't seen too much of the elements a fine bar would work well too. If you're claying you MUST use some sort of clay lube; I personally use Griot's Speed Shine but a lot of people will suggest using Optimum's No Rinse or Gary Dean's Infinite Use Detail Juice is another very cost effective option.

Polish: Lot of different polish systems. I'm not too familiar with this topic so I'll leave it to someone else

Waxes/Sealants: Depends how much time you want to spend with your car. If you want something cheap and effective, maybe look at Collinite 845 (although a little difficult to apply since you need it so thin). Or if you want to be at it a long time you can layer different products such as Klasse AIO then put a layer or two of Klasse Sealant Glaze, CG Ez-Cream Glaze then Blacklight then Pete's 53 or V7, CG Jetseal than 5050... there's a lot of options.

[FnFast]

My only concern is the polishes and waxes. The difference in pros and cons.

[regnak]

For waxes, what are you looking for. Durability, Ease of use, appearance...? Are you opposed to using multiple products or do you just want a one and done product?

[FnFast]

Originally Posted by regnak

For waxes, what are you looking for. Durability, Ease of use, appearance...? Are you opposed to using multiple products or do you just want a one and done product?

Appearance and Durability. I am willing to use multiple products.

[Richard Cranium]

I recently took the plunge in to Adam's Polishes products. They have a great video series regardless of what products you're using as well.

I got their 3 step machine polish set, Buttery Wax & quick detailer...did a full exterior detail this weekend on the FR-S and my wifes Land Rover LR2, both black. Great products on the first go-around with them.

http://www.adamspolishes.com/t-videos.aspx

Edit: And I agree with a poster above that mentions drying with a waffle weave towel. I used normal chamois forever until a year or two ago when I switched to waffle...I'll never go back

[FnFast]

I was considering Adam's, but was lost as far as what to buy. I will be watching the videos and see what best fits my needs. Thanks man!

I will have to look at those waffle weave clothes.

[Richard Cranium]

It's really just a matter of how much work you want to do. White is much easier to maintain than black, so already you can get away with doing a little less work in terms of having to cut and polish as often.

If I were in your shoes, in addition to what you already have, I'd get the following (I'll go the Adam's route since we're on topic)...

-Clay (doesn't make a difference who it's from - it's all the same)
-Detailing Spray (I'd recommend Adam's for the smell alone!)
-Polish
-Sealant
-Wax/glaze

Adam's has both hand and machine kits for all of those depending on which route you want to go, but you'll never be able to accomplish by hand compared to what you can with a machine.

For your wheels, get some wheel woolies or off brand wands for your spokes. Then a long handled brush like they show in the Adam's videos for the wheel wells - "the best looking wheel well is an invisible one." We used the same saying at the detail shop I worked at in college.

In all, again, it's about how much work you're willing to go through to be satisfied. The Adam's videos (I'm sure there are many others out there, but again, they're just want I'm most recently familiar with) are a great guide in terms of process and technique. Anything they sell in terms of "tools" you can get anywhere else and off-brand for much cheaper (this is the route I go). But their actual wash/polish/wax products are top shelf, FWIW.

[FnFast]

Awesome. I am going to research later tonight and prolly buy stuff around your advice. Heard nothing but good things about Adams and it falls in my price range.

Will

[regnak]

I don't have any experience with Adams although have heard good things. Some other options would be:

Klasse Twins:

Klasse All In One
Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze: 1 to 3 layers

A little difficult to apply (well, remove really, the sealant can be quite finicy if you use too much product). Long lasting protection and leaves kind of a wet look.

If you really want to make things pop, use this as a base and then add a layer of carnuba wax on top of it.

Zaino System:

ZFX as a base
Z5 on top

Easy to use, durable and looks good

Hard Core Zaino System:

Check this guy's post out: http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-det...sal-zaino.html

I personally use the Klasse Twins (and will continue until I run out... so years from now, hahaha) but everyone has their own preferences.

Also, I know there are products specific for white cars and even products intended to bring out the metallic/pearl aspect of your paint, it's all about what you want but there are tons of good options and really, just about anything you pick up will treat you well.