Detailing Products

[jhale2004]

I have thought about some Zaino products but they seem so complicated and expensive. I also thought about trying out the Meguiars ultimate line of polishes and finishes.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G17216-Ulti...3567&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G19216-Ulti...3567&sr=1-4

 

http://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G14422-Ulti...3567&sr=1-3

 

 

http://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G18216-Ulti...3567&sr=1-5

 

 

 

What do you guys think about those? I will also get some clay bar and a ton of nice rags and towels before I dig into polishing.

[brad519]

I used to use Mequiars but have since moved up to Adams Polishes.

I catch hell for continuing to promote them but his products are awesome and simple to use.

 

Having never used the Ultimate Compound I cant say one way or the other but I tried some type of scratch remover used by hand and it didn't accomplish anything. If you want to remove scratches and swirls you really need to look into getting a porter cable.

As for the other Mequiars stuff. I did use those products and they worked well for me. Not as nice as Adams but Adams cost a bit more.

 

One thing for CERTAIN make sure you get some quality microfiber towels or you are just slowly but surely scratching and swirling your paint.

If you want to learn the RIGHT way to clean your truck check out Adams Forums. You dont have to use their products but can still use their car care instructions.

 

And before anyone chimes in....NO I DONT WORK FOR ADAMS

[jhale2004]

How about Turtle Wax Black Box?

http://www.turtlewaxblackbox.com/

[brad519]

How about Turtle Wax Black Box?

http://www.turtlewaxblackbox.com/

I've never used Turtle Wax.

I did use the Turtle Wax Car wash previously.

 

What you use really comes down to how serious you are about keeping the paint looking good.

IMO there isn't a miracle product. It's about technique.

 

Clean the tires and wheels 1st. Do not use the same towels that you use on the wheels and tires on your paint. Nor the same bucket of soapy water.

Wash the top of the truck 2nd. Everything above the trim. And rinse the wash pad/rag frequently. Use 2 buckets. 1 for soap and 1 for rinse. Don't put the pad back in the soap bucket till you rinsed it and using a grit guard helps a lot.

Wash below the trim after you washed the the top and don't touch the top after you washed the bottom with the same rag.

Rinse, Dry, apply tire dressing and trim dressing (is desired) Polish, Wax.

But the most important thing is dont' use cheap china made microfiber on your paint. It will scratch it and leave swirls.

 

I just realized you didn't ask for techniques but for products.

[brad519]

I would chose Mequiars over Turtle wax if it were me though.

[jhale2004]

So I guess the 8 pack of microfiber towels at walmart for 5.00 is out of the question? Im not sure where else to find a "true microfiber rag" I looked at the local parts stores today and they all looked the same as everything else.

[brad519]

So I guess the 8 pack of microfiber towels at walmart for 5.00 is out of the question? Im not sure where else to find a "true microfiber rag" I looked at the local parts stores today and they all looked the same as everything else.

I used the walmart microfiber towels when I 1st got my truck and thought I was good to go. Then I started seeing the scratches and swirls. I used to just wash it with a walmart wash mitt, washed the hood with a broom stick wash pad, probably even used the same rag on tires and paint

Now the walmart MF towels are certainly better than using a bath towel like I have in the past but there not ideal.

 

I can't honestly advise anyone to use cheap MF towels but the good ones aren't cheap.

The Adams drying towel I have is like $22.00 and I know most don't want to pay that and I can understand why.

 

A lot of folks on here like Cobra Microfiber and you can order them on Auto Geek. I ordered mine from Adams but again they aren't cheap. I honestly don't know if cobra is any better than the walmart ones. I'm not saying they aren't just saying I dont know.

[brad519]

I just looked and Cobra is Korean microfiber assembled in China.

And they have tags sewed on them. I will not use a MF that has a tag sewed on it.

Or one made in China. But thats just me

[jhale2004]

I ended up going with Zaino. 150 bigguns for some damn polish! This stuff better be good!

 

http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/mercha...uct_Code=ZKIT-2

 

http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/mercha...Product_Count=1

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Hi Honcho:

I'm sure you'll be pleased with the Zaino line, if you use it as directed.

 

I've used Meguiar's products since the mid 50's. I've tried many other competing products and most of them were pretty good as well. Personally I never felt that they were so much better that they justified their premium prices.

 

The results one can get with any of these higher quality products depends on many factors. Technique was mentioned, frequency of application and the type of application {by hand or by machine}. Also depends somewhat on the type and condition of the painted surface you start with.

 

In the 50's everything was done by hand. Lots of good hard work for young hands {SIMONIZ / Blue Coral} Today I use a Flex Dual Action buffer and for the most part Meguiar's Professional line of products.

 

I have used Mequires Ultimate Compound - GREAT STUFF!! I used it on my 20' enclosed car trailer to remove stains in the paint.

 

I have and do use Mequires Quick Detailer - when I've let any polish stand too long and dry out. A fine mist of the Quick Detailer makes removal a breeze.

 

You don't always get what you pay for - but you do pay for what you get. High prices do not indicate high quality - they usually indicate large advertising budgets. High quality products do usually cost more than lower quality products.

 

$150.00 today is a couple tanks of gasoline, or three cartons of cigarettes. Enjoy taking care of your truck..

 

FWIW,

Carl B.

[Nytemare]

I would chose Mequiars over Turtle wax if it were me though.

I have used both....Meguiars is really nice....but a little harder to use than Turtle wax.

 

Turtle wax is both easy to go on and off, and leaves a good shine on the black...I have never used the Black series from them though, from what I hear, and have seen in pics here it looks to be great.

 

 

I really like the Meguiars NXT Techwax 2.0...again though it is a little harder to apply and remove.

 

I like to hit any exterior black plastic with turtle wax ice shine....just for the simple reason that it works on all surfaces, and if any gets on the paint it doesn't leave the oily residue that armor-all or other plastic trim dressing can leave.

 

I clayed my old black truck and hit it with some of the NXT wax and ice on the trim....made it all look nice and shiny, than brought it in for trade on my new truck...I got 16K for my 2003 2wd LS....I only paid 23 for it 4 years earlier. I am 100% certain I would have not gotten that for it if it weren't as nice looking as it was. They didn't even send it for detail before putting it on the lot.

[RyanbabZ71]

I just looked and Cobra is Korean microfiber assembled in China.

And they have tags sewed on them. I will not use a MF that has a tag sewed on it.

Or one made in China. But thats just me

 

Wierd non of my cobra drying towels have tags. Neither do my cobra polishing cloths. Mine have not caused any scratches or swirls whatsoever. They are pricey (29.99 for the largest size) but I try to score them on autogeek when they have their b1g1 free.

[dennismc]

To help narrow down what you need is first are you using machine (Buffer,DA polisher etc...) or by Hand, a lot of Meguires stuff is ment to be used with a machine. I've been using Meguires stuff forever. My personnal plan of attack is to wash, claybar, polish ( Meguires #80 ), wax ( Meguires NXT ). I think what ever flavor you go with you'll be fine. I would recommend for the polish and wax to stick with the same brand as most are formulated to work together. You might want to look into a Dual Action polisher especially polishing and waxing a full size truck.

[brad519]

I just looked and Cobra is Korean microfiber assembled in China.

And they have tags sewed on them. I will not use a MF that has a tag sewed on it.

Or one made in China. But thats just me

 

Wierd non of my cobra drying towels have tags. Neither do my cobra polishing cloths. Mine have not caused any scratches or swirls whatsoever. They are pricey (29.99 for the largest size) but I try to score them on autogeek when they have their b1g1 free.

 

 

The cobra towels I bought previously had tags on them. I looked at a Cobra drying towel on Auto Geek and it had a tag. Perhaps its an old picture and they aren't putting tags on them anymore. I really like my Adam's towels though.

 

I'm not saying you have swirls or scratches but I didn't think I did either until I got a 500 watt work light and went over the truck and saw them. But again I didn't use proper washing techniques from the start and that had a lot to do with the swirls and scratches.

 

Not trying to argue with you by any means.

Everyone has their preference and Adams isn't the only quality product out there but for me they are simple to use and give OUTSTANDING results.

[brad519]

I ended up going with Zaino. 150 bigguns for some damn polish! This stuff better be good!

 

http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/mercha...uct_Code=ZKIT-2

 

http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/mercha...Product_Count=1

 

I saw a clay bar in that kit so your out to a good start

I've never used Zanio but I've just heard it is a complicated process. But I've also heard they produce good results.