I would like to get back into washing and polishing my car. I used to be a big "Saturday" wash the car kind of guy about 15 years ago. Now I just don't have the time.

I know back then Zaino was huge. I know Zaino is still around.
I do not want to the do the porter cable thing, I'm worried that I will cause more damage than good. I can see my self washing the car three times a year. My car only comes out on dry days, and even on those days it may be out for a cruise and that is it.

I have been reading about blackfire products. sounds like they are good, and easier to apply than Zaino.

http://www.autogeek.net/blackfire-kits.html

Any other recommendations on brand, and which specific kit? I also need all the basic products like mitt, pads, etc.

where are you guys buying the stuff from?

thanks

 

I am kind of between these two kits,

http://www.autogeek.net/blackfire-in...erior-kit.html

or

adams

http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-99-ad...etail-kit.aspx


adam's give you a bucket and everything needed. it also has a more established reputation.
blackfire seems to be newer technology.


I figured my next real detail will either cost me 200 at a local shop or I spend that money and do it myself. this way I can probably do 6-8 more in the same amount of cash. Of course I got do it.

thanks

 

I can only speak for Adams products, but I am an advocate for them. All their products I've used worked great on my car, and my customer's cars. I detail on the side for extra cash, so I stay real busy.

 

I tried Adams. Do Adams users feel that more than usual product is required to do the task? What I mean is compared to other brands, Ziano or whatever you use, do you need more wax, polish, soap to complete that step?
I ask because I feel that the products are great. But my cost per wash is going to be significantly higher with Adams.

I think the product is better and a more water based and a more quality look. I do not like synthetic appearing finishes and Adams gives you a very clean look.

I've been looking into chemical guys and they may provide a similar finish but at a more affordable price.

I would appreciate comments.

 

I have used Adam's and Meguiar's the most. I use about the same amount of product from either brand. You want to apply waxes from either brand very thin. The days of applying thick coats is long gone with today;s modern waxes and sealants.

I would recommend you look into Meguiar's professional lines (Mirror Glaze, Detailer). They produce some great results when used properly. You can up sell Adam's products to your customers as a boutique product. I prefer Meguiar's compounds and polishes. M21 synthetic sealant is also a great synthetic wax from the Mirror Glaze line. If this is your personal car you can use Ultimate Wax as it's Meguiar's longest lasting synthetic wax.

Let me know if you need any more help in choosing a product in the Meguiar's line. I'm familiar with all of them.

 

So as I mentioned, I went with Adams last season. I did not like their car wash, felt that it was not suddsy enough.

I did like the interior plastic cleaner, felt like it gave the car a very factory original clean look.

The polish was easy on and easy off, shine was good. My car has very low miles and the paint is in very good condition, so I thought it shined just like usual.

I did clay the car first, I haven't clayed a car in years, and I thought it did a very good job.

wax was easy on and easy off, no other comments.


Now its time for the car to be driven again, so I called adams, they were very good with their customer service, told me they had a new car wash and sent me the new blue car wash. I think it is better, but still not suddsy enough. And I watched their videos and put it on the sponge just like the video, and I am pretty sure I used just as much as the guy in the video, if not more.

still not enough bubbles.



long post, but back to my original question. Any other basic kit out their that you guys recommend. I am contemplating returning this adams kit and trying a chemical guys kit with a foam gun or something off autogeek.

thanks

 

I don't have to use much of any of the Adams products to achieve the look I'm going for. I think 95% of people out there use too much product of whatever brand they use.

 

I use the Meguiar's Mirror Glaze products(105,205) and love it. Always great results while using little product. I really like the #26 wax and have recently became a fan of the 21 synthetic sealant mentioned above.

On another note, it's pretty hard to damage the paint with a porter cable. IMO, you would really have to try hard to mess it up.

 

I use Chemical Guys Citrus Wash and Gloss. And its pretty awesome in my opinion.

 

i'm strongly considering the chemical guys foam gun and products. I use a blower to dry the car, i feel the less I touch the paint the better.

I like the idea of Zaino for optical depth but I think I have pretty good optical depth, don't know if it can get better than what I achieved with the Adam's polish.

 

It depends on how serious you want to get into detailing. If you are a weekend warrior type I do recommend Adams. Reason is he has taken a lot of the guess work and the need for hours and hours of research.(Which I think is the reason he is so successful)

His paint correction products aren't nearly as aggressive as some out there which IMO is a good thing. For someone with no prior knowledge you don't want to hand someone something that could possibly damage their paint.

Five or so years ago it was damn near impossible, I will go ahead and say impossible, to burn through or damage paint with a DA polisher. However with the invention of microfiber cutting discs, M101, FG400 and the Rupes21, there is a possibility you can burn through some edges if you are doing some **** you shouldn't be doing.

Adams paint correction products will yield good results, probably good enough for 80-90% of the general population.

IMO using the products you have correctly is just as important as what you use.

The two bucket wash method, a good wash mitt, drying towel and car shampoo are probably the most important.

My .02

 

If you have some time and want to learn a tremendous amount of good info check this thread out.

https://ls1tech.com/forums/appearanc...-detailer.html