Best-but-cheapest detailing products?
 

What are some affordable detailing products that you get the most bang for your buck out of?
I used to work for my friend and his detailing business, I just don't remember the products he used.
So, if anyone can list their preferred products for wax, soap, interior cleaners, and everything else, that would be great.

Take a trip over to Adam's Polishes | Premium Car Care Supplies IMO its the best car care products out there but definitely not the cheapest.

I love my Adams products :) And AmmoNYC products.

As for cheap but best, that doesn't exist.

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Either you take a certain quality as measure and compare by price, or you take a certain price as measure and compare by quality.

You cannot take the best from both.

As for quality stuff; I don't know how feasible it is for you US guys, but Swissvax produces extremy high quality products, especially their waxes are the stuff of dreams.

Probably you have something similar in the US, so import isn't worth the hassle, bit anyway ;)

I don't have poctures right now because of the winter and the car sitting in a garage, but there will be new ones in spring :)

These are the two "cheap" detailing products I use.
PREMIUM MICR OFIBER DETAIL TOWEL 8 : Target
BRUSH SET 3 PIECE DETAILING : Target

I never used anything from AmmoNYC. I just watched a few of their videos and it looks pretty intense.

If those "microfiber" towels are anything like the crap you can get at Wal-Mart or any auto part store they are pure garbage and i wouldn't even think about using them on my paint. They are ok for engine bays or interior trim but never chrome or paint!!

His stuff is great, I use the wheel regimen on my Volks. I plan to buy the other products as well, my buddy uses them on his black Audi S4 and it works well.

They are only used to wipe down the interior, I would never use them on the exterior.

I really like the big fluffy white MF towels from Harbor Freight. They're absolutely amazingly soft, and they're only a $1.50.

I just use off the shelf Meguiar's and some Mothers products for certain applications. As for polishing, I've been using Chemical Guys polishes and pads with a Porter Cable DA. One of the most important things in keeping a nice finish are proper washing techniques. Aka two-bucket method, clean wash mitts and drying towels, etc. I keep a once or twice a month waxing regime, but I guess part of it is I keep it in the garage... Some other products I can vouch for are Griot's Garage, Adam's Polishes, Zaino, etc.

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That shine is beautiful! But is that a ding in the door in the second pic in the lower right corner of the coffee box reflection? I hope it's just lighting...

Thanks! I actually have eight small door dings, all from the previous owner. :uhh: I'm having a PDR guy eventually fix them, but I've been prioritizing mods first. :lol2:

Dings give a car character :)

I've got a couple that used to drive me nuts but I have come to terms with :lol: But seriously that finish is sweet.

Battle scarz!

Pretty much how I felt when I saw them initially haha. Once again, thank you sir!

I like using Megs and Mothers products because they work great, are available on most shops and still affordable.

9k, has the best looking and presented VR RX-8 here, always a stunner!, and credit.

Yep. Of course, you could make pretty much any car look badass with the $$$ he's put into it ;p

It doesn't take much money to clean your car and polish it :) Thanks Ash8.

Sure. But I do that to my car and wouldn't say it's nearly as pretty. The body kit, wheels, suspension setup, and tint all contribute to how your car looks. That's a lot of money.

Yeah but mine has been cared for since day one, that play a big part in it. She was still shiney when near stock :)

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You deserve it man....
Always the best looking 8 and great advice..(most of the time)..:lol:

I and others can see the pride you have in the brand and in your Rotary.

I do quite a bit of detailing & paint restoration / nano-coating up in Canada, so importing the products I need can be expensive.

I would recommend looking into some of the Chemical Guys products.

Although I use various vendors for various tasks (everyone has their specialty), CG offers quite a large selection and for the most part their products are quite good. They have all kinds of cleaners, dressings, polishes, waxes, etc.


Just my $.02

what would be my best way to protect my carbon fiber trunk.. once a year wax?

I use 3M for buffing/polishing compounds, mostly because I have consistent access to bulk quantities. As far as sealer and wax are concerned, Chemical Guys FTW! Interior bits- I clean the plastics with non scented insect repellant. I know, sounds weird, but it does a fantastic job and doesn't leave any sort of residue. Carpet- appropriate shampoo and a pressure washer do wonders. Wheels- wax and grease remover, pressure washer, then sealer and wax.