caught the car detailing bug, is my arsenal adequate?

[chipotlecheapo]

note: ive edited my post (and hence the title isnt appropriate anymore)... after reading through a bunch of trails/posts, i realize that no arsenal is adequate and rather than spending $ more, im happy with spending $80 (incl microfiber towels, pails etc) for all my detailing needs already... however, i still have some general questions:

A) how much effort does one put when one is waxing and buffing? do you just "apply" collinite 845/nxt 2.0 or do you need to "press on the wax" (eg. give it a slight elbow grease effort)? when i say apply, i mean just literally wiping the wax on the body of the vehicle.

B) i used mother's chrome polish to remove hardened water stains on my windshield - it works (vinegar didnt). wondering if this is very abrasive to use in the future or do i just try to avoid this AT ALL COSTS. i read that glass and chrome are similar in hardness -- i just want to make sure that this product is really good for windshield use (the label states it but you'll never know).


C) should i layer nxt 2.0 AFTER applying collinite 845 or is it the other way around - ive done it both ways, any harm switching it or doesnt really matter?

D) ive read a lot about quick detailers, some have recommended turtle wax ice (no hazing etc). should i bother using a detailer (i only have car wash, 2 waxes: nxt 2.0 and collinite 845)?

E) when lazy, will there be any harm if i just go to an auto car wash (touchless) and just apply wax after? (hence eliminating the wash part LOL)

F) ive read that water spots drying can etch on your paint, if not corrected, can this lead to rusting? or is it just cosmetic (eg. i can live with that actually so long as the functional properties are not compromised)

Thanks and appreciate any of your inputs.

Happy Detailing!

[EP32k2]

I'm cheap so I just buy mother's stuff

step 1. Clay bar
step 2. stripper/polish (only if there are lots of swirls)
step 3. mothers synthetic wax (carnuba wax is over rated IMO, wears out fast and since switching to syn, it lasts much longer)

Forgot to say that I use simple green car detergent before doing step 1 and I use simple green heavy duty spray for the wheels.

some inspiration....

http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...highlight=bora

[01s0uljah]

I've given up. I used to detail my black car once every couple of weeks. The amount of swirls and dullness to my paint just encourages me to pay the 200 bucks to get a full detail at a detailing shop.

Sorry for the uninformative post

[chipotlecheapo]

thanks guys.

[flyz]

I've given up. I used to detail my black car once every couple of weeks. The amount of swirls and dullness to my paint just encourages me to pay the 200 bucks to get a full detail at a detailing shop.

Sorry for the uninformative post

But it will get dull and swirly again and you'd spend another 200 bucks

I can't justify doing that personally and would rather spend that on a PC7424.

[chipotlecheapo]

But it will get dull and swirly again and you'd spend another 200 bucks

I can't justify doing that personally and would rather spend that on a PC7424.

i see the other person's point (and your point as well)... either way, sometimes, it depends on how much "cost" or "benefit" self-detailing gives to you. at this stage, i personally am 50/50 too. sometimes it just takes too much time (hence my question on going to auto car wash and waxing thereafter LOL). sometimes it's therapeutic (esp if mother in law's in the house - i have an excuse to stay out LOL)... for now, im sticking with what i have and just see what i feel like on the day itself (eg. do myself, go to car wash, or go to detailer)...

[new_vr]

I've given up. I used to detail my black car once every couple of weeks. The amount of swirls and dullness to my paint just encourages me to pay the 200 bucks to get a full detail at a detailing shop.

Sorry for the uninformative post

I gave up too. Owning a subaru and living on a dirt road...detailing would just make me sad.

[CdTriX]

I just find it fun to do. The smoothness of the wax on your paint, the glossy shine and the fact that your car is cleaner. You don't simply wax the car just to make it shiney. It also helps protect the car against the elements like sun, rain, dirt, etc etc.

Even if you don't wash all the time. At least do a full wash at the beginning and end of each season just to keep the wax fresh.

I waxed my car in november and it lasted until april. a few rinses through the car washes and it looks like new.

if you only wash a few times a year, i suggest the full wash. claybar, rainx, the full detail.

I've used the same bottle of klasse for the last 10 years. i still have half. I bought it for 60 bucks back then for the twins and some applicators. best 60 bucks i ever spent.

[Spidey]

I had the bug, and glad I dont anymore. Ive come to realize that no matter what, your paint and vehciles is going to get screwed by whatever, people dooring you, rock chips, bug stains, etc, etc. Some people just dont give a crap about other peoples property, no matetr how careful you are.

I just recently got doored big time, dented in the whole front fender of my truck, and left some awesome white scrapes. Would cost me at least $500 to fix it, if not more. So I pulled out the best I could myself, and left it.

I still wash, vaccuum and make sure its running perfect mechanically. But Ive given up on the spotless car, no scratch syndrome. Sure saves me stress.

Who cares if there are bug stains on the front grill. Unless I was my car or truck daily, they are going to be there

But enjoy it while you have time

[EP32k2]

I've been pretty lucky then. Car is 6yrs old, 133k and zero door dings. I have had the front bumper repainted though due to stone chips from highway driving. Paint is still as nice as it was since day 1 otherwise. But I only "detail" once a year.