View Full Version : New car :) few questions
I've got my self a nice red Ibiza FR and looking at your shop what I would really like is the starter kit. I'm new to this detailing buisness so I have a few questions if you could answer them please.
Which do you recommend between the Dodo Juice Lime Prime OR Lime Prime Lite paint cleanser, is the more abrasive version needed on say an older car? as mine is only 3 years old.
For the wax I'm leaning towards the Banana Armour hard wax or possibly the Orange Crush soft wax. Is the banana one more durable? as once I start my placement in July I'll be doing 96 miles a day. Which would be easier for a beginner to use the hard or soft wax? I don't have a machine polisher and can't really jusify the expense atm but I would be able to put the arm work in.
Do you recommend any particular bucket that's as cheap as possible and would fit the grit guard. Is it possible to make do with just a grit guard for the rinse bucket, as in theory the grit should be off by the time it goes back into the wash bucket?
Is a foam lance worth it? I've seen some with the brass fittings on ebay for £45. Are there some in your shop, I can't see them.
Thanks
Rubbish Boy
23-06-2010, 10:02
Apologies Matt, I missed this thread and have only just noticed it. :redface:
I've got my self a nice red Ibiza FR and looking at your shop what I would really like is the starter kit. I'm new to this detailing buisness so I have a few questions if you could answer them please.
Which do you recommend between the Dodo Juice Lime Prime OR Lime Prime Lite paint cleanser, is the more abrasive version needed on say an older car? as mine is only 3 years old.
It really depends on your paint condition and whether you feel you need the extra bite of Lime Prime. If your paint is oxidised, looking flat, or you want to try and remove some scratches then Lime Prime is it the one to go for. For regular use and if your paint is in good shape Lime Prime Lite is the one to go for.
For the wax I'm leaning towards the Banana Armour hard wax or possibly the Orange Crush soft wax. Is the banana one more durable? as once I start my placement in July I'll be doing 96 miles a day. Which would be easier for a beginner to use the hard or soft wax? I don't have a machine polisher and can't really jusify the expense atm but I would be able to put the arm work in.
There's not really a massive difference between them any more. They're both easy to use and don't need hard rubbing to get on or off. Personally I prefer the hard waxes as they make it easier to apply a thin layer, sometimes with the soft ones you get tempted into scooping out a load of wax on the applicator and end end overloading it and then you put too much on the paint, which can end up caking. Then it does take a bit of rubbing to remove, you want nice thin layers of wax. Thin layers will cure better and remove easily.
There's also very little difference in terms of durability, the Banana armour has very slight edge but it's not a big difference at all.
Do you recommend any particular bucket that's as cheap as possible and would fit the grit guard. Is it possible to make do with just a grit guard for the rinse bucket, as in theory the grit should be off by the time it goes back into the wash bucket?
Not really a bucket's a bucket. Clear ones have the advantage that you can see the water and how dirty it is but I wouldn't get too hung up on buckets myself. If you're going to use grit guards you need quite a wide bucket though, the cheap builders buckets aren't usually wide enough.
If you're happy with one grit guard, then go for it. :) Sometimes there is no right or wrong it's down to personal preference and technique.
Is a foam lance worth it? I've seen some with the brass fittings on ebay for £45. Are there some in your shop, I can't see them.
Thanks
I don't sell them myself. Is it worth it? as above really some people like to foam, some don't. They're a lot of fun to use, but personally I can manage without one.
Hope that helps.
Hi, what price would it be for the detailing starter kit but with a 30ml pot instead of the 250ml? ...as I read that with the small pot you could do the car a few times anyway, is that right?
Rubbish Boy
07-07-2010, 10:30
Hi, what price would it be for the detailing starter kit but with a 30ml pot instead of the 250ml? ...as I read that with the small pot you could do the car a few times anyway, is that right?
Yeah, a panel pot will easily do an Ibiza 2 or 3 times, possibly more depending on how thick you apply it. You want to apply as thin as possible while still ensuring good coverage.
But to be frank the bundle kits are the bundle kits, the pricing of the bundle just doesn't work when chopping and changing them especially for a lower value product as the higher value product is what is paying for the discount and postage.
Yeh I thought that would be the case.
A few weeks ago I ordered some clothes/towels, Bilt Hamber Auto Foam, Very Cherry Shampoo and Banana Armour all of which I'm very impressed with :) and arrived amazingly fast!
I tried using some Scratch X my dad bought to try and remove swirl marks I have, it''s helped but they are still there. Is there another product you would recommend? (I'm applying by hand)
Rubbish Boy
02-08-2010, 10:42
Yeh I thought that would be the case.
A few weeks ago I ordered some clothes/towels, Bilt Hamber Auto Foam, Very Cherry Shampoo and Banana Armour all of which I'm very impressed with :) and arrived amazingly fast!
I tried using some Scratch X my dad bought to try and remove swirl marks I have, it''s helped but they are still there. Is there another product you would recommend? (I'm applying by hand)
Removing swirls by hand is tough job, it can be done but it does take a lot of time and effort.
My preferred choice for hand polishing would be Mark V Mystique (http://www.carnaubawaxshop.co.uk/shop/viewproduct.php?product_id=142) and a Tri-Foam Applicator (http://www.carnaubawaxshop.co.uk/shop/viewproduct.php?product_id=271). Although Mystique is a machine polish it works really well by hand and the double sided applicator gives you a coarse side for heavier work and fine side for finishing.
The technique I would suggest is to break each panel up into imaginary sections say 12" x 12". Use a small blob of polish on the applicator (coarse side to start & slightly damp), spread the polish out in the section and then with even pressure work the polish in straight lines back and forth. The polish will accumulate round the edges so bring it back into the middle every so often so it all gets thoroughly worked.
I would say it will take a good few minutes of work like this, but the polish will break down and start to change and go a bit clear, you'll never work it fully like on a machine but it does still change. Once the change happens you can remove the residue and inspect the finish. If you are happy that the swirls are gone, you can repeat the process with the soft side to refine the finish, if you need to remove more swirls repeat with the course side as above. Once happy move onto another section.
Don't under estimate the work involved, as I said, it takes alot of effort and time. You may want to consider something that will temporarily hide the swirls. Somethign like Auto-balm (http://www.carnaubawaxshop.co.uk/shop/viewproduct.php?product_id=88) or Dazzle (http://www.carnaubawaxshop.co.uk/shop/viewproduct.php?product_id=108) offer excellent swirl hiding properties, they won't cover everything and it will re-appear after a while, but it's lot less effort.
Removing swirls by hand is tough job, it can be done but it does take a lot of time and effort.
My preferred choice for hand polishing would be Mark V Mystique (http://www.carnaubawaxshop.co.uk/shop/viewproduct.php?product_id=142) and a Tri-Foam Applicator (http://www.carnaubawaxshop.co.uk/shop/viewproduct.php?product_id=271). Although Mystique is a machine polish it works really well by hand and the double sided applicator gives you a coarse side for heavier work and fine side for finishing.
The technique I would suggest is to break each panel up into imaginary sections say 12" x 12". Use a small blob of polish on the applicator (coarse side to start & slightly damp), spread the polish out in the section and then with even pressure work the polish in straight lines back and forth. The polish will accumulate round the edges so bring it back into the middle every so often so it all gets thoroughly worked.
I would say it will take a good few minutes of work like this, but the polish will break down and start to change and go a bit clear, you'll never work it fully like on a machine but it does still change. Once the change happens you can remove the residue and inspect the finish. If you are happy that the swirls are gone, you can repeat the process with the soft side to refine the finish, if you need to remove more swirls repeat with the course side as above. Once happy move onto another section.
Don't under estimate the work involved, as I said, it takes alot of effort and time. You may want to consider something that will temporarily hide the swirls. Somethign like Auto-balm (http://www.carnaubawaxshop.co.uk/shop/viewproduct.php?product_id=88) or Dazzle (http://www.carnaubawaxshop.co.uk/shop/viewproduct.php?product_id=108) offer excellent swirl hiding properties, they won't cover everything and it will re-appear after a while, but it's lot less effort.
I bought the Pro Applicator 2 Pack (http://www.carnaubawaxshop.co.uk/shop/viewproduct.php?product_id=120) with my order are they any different from the Tri-Foam Applicator (http://www.carnaubawaxshop.co.uk/shop/viewproduct.php?product_id=271)?
I take it it's okay to do say roof one week, bonnet the next? And just reapply wax to what I've polished?
Do I need to remove the layer of Banana Armour before polishing? If yes, what would you recommend?
Rubbish Boy
02-08-2010, 16:49
I bought the Pro Applicator 2 Pack (http://www.carnaubawaxshop.co.uk/shop/viewproduct.php?product_id=120) with my order are they any different from the Tri-Foam Applicator (http://www.carnaubawaxshop.co.uk/shop/viewproduct.php?product_id=271)?
They are basically the same. The Pro applicators will be perfect for the job too. :)
I take it it's okay to do say roof one week, bonnet the next? And just reapply wax to what I've polished?
Absolutely, doing it a bit at a time is good way to do it.
Do I need to remove the layer of Banana Armour before polishing? If yes, what would you recommend?
No, just wash and clay before hand if required, the polishing process will remove the wax.
I was kindly bought a few more treats from your shop for xmas from the gf and have been trying them out these last few weeks, I'm as impressed as ever :)
After making the outside look good, my engine bay is letting the side down - so what would you recommend out of the wide range of products?
It probably needs some kind of de greasing action mainly and preferably suitable for all bits, plastic metal etc in there. I'm being drawn to Extreme Miracle Cleaner, as I've been impressed by the other MarkV products and from your guide on the white Leon if I can use it on bugs in the summer it's a bonus.
Also, would using a little of the California Dressing I bought be okay after? (on the plastics)
I had my wheels refurbed and painted Nov last year and apart from a couple of stone chips they haven't done too bad over the winter with the couple of coats of Banana Armour I used before, however I've been avoiding chemicals on them so there is a slight bit of tainting in the colour, would diluted Extreme Miracle Cleaner be okay to use them or would you recommend getting more specific product such as Supernatural pH-neutral Wheel Cleaner or Mellow yellow?
Thanks
Rubbish Boy
19-02-2011, 19:11
I was kindly bought a few more treats from your shop for xmas from the gf and have been trying them out these last few weeks, I'm as impressed as ever :)
After making the outside look good, my engine bay is letting the side down - so what would you recommend out of the wide range of products?
It probably needs some kind of de greasing action mainly and preferably suitable for all bits, plastic metal etc in there. I'm being drawn to Extreme Miracle Cleaner, as I've been impressed by the other MarkV products and from your guide on the white Leon if I can use it on bugs in the summer it's a bonus.
Also, would using a little of the California Dressing I bought be okay after? (on the plastics)
I had my wheels refurbed and painted Nov last year and apart from a couple of stone chips they haven't done too bad over the winter with the couple of coats of Banana Armour I used before, however I've been avoiding chemicals on them so there is a slight bit of tainting in the colour, would diluted Extreme Miracle Cleaner be okay to use them or would you recommend getting more specific product such as Supernatural pH-neutral Wheel Cleaner or Mellow yellow?
Thanks
The Extreme is a great all rounder because it can do so many different jobs, it will serve well as a degreaser for the engine bay as well as wheel cleaner and bug remover. The only thing I will say with wheels is that if you have long term build of brake dust and more so brake particles that are bonded to the wheel lacquer then you will want a more dedicated wheel clean product that can dissolve that kind of stuff, but for a regular maintenance wheel cleaner Extreme is excellent.
The California will be good to use on engine plastic too, same rules for tyres buff straight away for a mtted down finish, leave to soak for a glossier finish and two coats for more gloss.
I think an order is due now as I'm running out of very cherry shampoo and the bilt and hamber snow foam :( although they have both lasted with weekly washes since July :)
I see I can use the very cherry as snow foam? what mix would this be compared to auto foam. Bearing in mind I only have a cheap karcher lance (it does the trick though) would it be better buying more of the very cherry (and using it for shampoo and snow foam) or one of each?
Is the extreme any use on tar? as the gf hadn't wash her car in about 6 months and it is horrendous. not sure I can justify a seperate product for it though as I keep on top of mine without need for anything special. I suppose Qwik Solv Tar & Glue Remover 16oz is cheap enough as I should hopefully not be using it/need a lot? (P.S. tarmalade lol I'm very tempted to buy it because of the name!)
On another note my engine plastics have come up lovely with the California :) just a few greasy bits left.
Rubbish Boy
14-03-2011, 14:26
I think an order is due now as I'm running out of very cherry shampoo and the bilt and hamber snow foam :( although they have both lasted with weekly washes since July :)
I see I can use the very cherry as snow foam? what mix would this be compared to auto foam. Bearing in mind I only have a cheap karcher lance (it does the trick though) would it be better buying more of the very cherry (and using it for shampoo and snow foam) or one of each?
Is the extreme any use on tar? as the gf hadn't wash her car in about 6 months and it is horrendous. not sure I can justify a seperate product for it though as I keep on top of mine without need for anything special. I suppose Qwik Solv Tar & Glue Remover 16oz is cheap enough as I should hopefully not be using it/need a lot? (P.S. tarmalade lol I'm very tempted to buy it because of the name!)
On another note my engine plastics have come up lovely with the California :) just a few greasy bits left.
The Very Cherry is pretty good as a snow foam, it foams up really well and makes a good universal foam and shampoo (to save buying two products) but it's probably not as good as auto-foam in breaking down actual traffic film as that's what auto-foam is good at.
Extreme won't really do much on tar, you'll need a solvent product like either Qwik Solv or Tarmalade. Qwik Solv is excellent, quickly dissolves tar and would be my recomendation if you need to cover a larger area as you can spray it on and let it soak then wipe it off. If you only have a little area or want to get rid of a spot here or there then the tarmalade is the tool for the job. As it's a paste there is no run off so you will only effect the area you are working on, if you have just waxed and just want to get rid of a little tar, you would only need to re-wax that little area after using tarmalade where as with Qwik Solv it will run down the car so you end having to re-wax a much bigger area. A 500ml/10oz of Qwik Solv will easily do a car several times so it good value.
Hope that helps. :)
Have they changed the Very Cherry? its not as thick, doesn't smell as nice as before and as you can see much darker? :confused:
http://i55.tinypic.com/whgl5x.jpg
Hope it works as well!
Rubbish Boy
07-04-2011, 16:18
Thanks!
Just ordered :)
Thanks very much.
Have they changed the Very Cherry? its not as thick, doesn't smell as nice as before and as you can see much darker? :confused:
http://i55.tinypic.com/whgl5x.jpg
Hope it works as well!
Not that I am aware of, just a batch difference I would say, nothing to be worried about anyway. I've been using a bottle from the same batch as your new one and it performs as normal. :)