Kit list

[scottthurlow]

I've been asked loads about the products etc I use so thought id make a thread about a general kitist that anyone can use to get best results!

I have done this with cost in mind aswell so I'm not saying this is all the best you can buy but I feel will work well. Also based on not having a machine polisher!

Firstly this is aimed at a bug clean starting from scratch, you can then from here make the follow up cleans easier and not always needing every product!

I am Not affiliated with any company or am saying others aren't good.

Ok so let's get the list of products.

Kitlist - what I have to endure least amount of issues.

3 wash mitts (not everyone will but atleast 2, 1 on car and one for wheels. I split top and bottom of car too!) one for wheels doesnt have to be sheepskin or lambswool, just a wash mit is fine.
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/washin.../prod_282.html

2 buckets. any clean bucket is fine. also a wide holed cullender can be used as a makeshift grit guard!
Couple of empty spray bottles.

Drying towel.
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/microf.../prod_634.html £6.95 - great towel and is huge, doesnt scratch and absorbs lovely.


Polish, Waxing cloth.
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/microf.../prod_948.html - never changed this one, always use to buff of my wax and a seperate for polish.

Sealant cloth.
Plastics, wheels and windows cloth.
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/microf.../prod_163.html - 3 pack good cloths

3 applicators - wax, polish and sealant.
any soft applicators, i usually have mien slightly damp to soften up more

Wheel brush
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels.../prod_973.html - nice and soft doesnt mark etc.

Products - again not all this will be used everyitme but i liek to have it all in my kit.

Citrus degreaser.

any ph neutral stuff will be fine.

Shampoo.
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/washin.../prod_165.html £6.95

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/washin.../prod_750.html £5.95

http://www.nvautocare.com/product-p/13.htm £8.99

i am currently workign between these and i like using all of them, the autoglym has better value for money in a size to cost ratio. and i love the maxisuds foaming but i seem to always pick up the maxolen so would ruggest any of these.

Polish/Glaze
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/glazes.../prod_494.html - use on dark cars or white diamond for light colours - lovely product easy to use, not polish in the abrasivness sense but i use at same stage if polish not required or been used. other products such as the menzerna range are very good polishes.

Sealant.
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/sealan...t/prod_26.html

Wax.
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wax/po...e/prod_11.html - i use this as i find the paste easy to apply and leaves a nice wet look finish. also usually apply a dodo hard wax first for durability.

Wheel cleaner.
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wax/po...e/prod_11.html - possibly the worst smellign thign ull ever use but trust me its good
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/valet-.../prod_499.html - good but do not use on polished dishes.

Tyre dressing.
i currently use turtle wax tyre dressing.

Window spray.
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/interi.../prod_898.html - non greasy easy to clean with

Wheel sealant.
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels...nt/prod_9.html - easy to apply and works well. also wax wheels after 2 layers of normal wax


i appreciate there a huge amount of prodcuts but for keeping the car to its best finish i use most of these on a regular basis. thigns liek tyre dressing can be doen just for shows etc, polish i do 1 in 3/4 washes once the wax generally starts to become less impressive.

How to!

I will cover the steps to take to use these products.
I have covered these for peopel with just hoses and buckets.

1. Wet car with hose all over. Pre wash cleaner/citrus degreaser for lower half of car and wheels, left on for 5 mins.
2. Rinsed off
3. 2 bucket method wash and rinse on upper half of car.
4. 2 bucket method wash and rinse on lower half of car. At this point use your wheel cleanser and leave on for 5 mins then work in with the wheel brush and rinse with lower half of car.
5. repeat wash over whole car if required - i do seperate halfs to keep my bucket as clean as possible and to avoid wiping grit etc over the whole car. doing the top first will aloow the suds to go over lower half lifting grit already. Also when washign use a striaght hand movement without going in circular motions this shoudl help prevent more swirls in paintwork.
6. Dry car and prepare for polish.
7. Polish car panel by panel leavign for 5-10 mins to haze (working it in applyign medium pressure to gain best results and fill defects etc) and then buff off.
8. Car wiped down to remove polish dust etc.
9. Sealant applied to whole car panel by panel, leave again to haze then buff off.
10. Car waxed panel by panel, keep workign in until hazing appears or wax seems to dry up or dissapear.
11. Dress plastics and tyres


I hope this helps people and i will add to this with pictures if anyone needs any more guidance.
Any question feel free to ask.

S.T Detailing.