Detailing chat

vectra

frozenfrozen wrote: »

Saw a video of h2go it does look very good I think I'll go with that one thanks

Clean the wiper blades and do them also.

frozenfrozen

yep just going to put new blades on thanks, don't know what's on it at the moment but they're streaking and leaving a film of water so they've to go.

is any glass polishing by hand worth it or only with a DA never ended up buying one earlier in the year but will probably end up with one before the years out

Wailin

Gtechnic G1 on my old 535d. No juddering and I didn't use a polisher on the windscreen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6VvyBYj5gI

MetzgerMeister

frozenfrozen wrote: »

yep just going to put new blades on thanks, don't know what's on it at the moment but they're streaking and leaving a film of water so they've to go.

is any glass polishing by hand worth it or only with a DA never ended up buying one earlier in the year but will probably end up with one before the years out

New wipers won't necessarily stop streaking as the streaking comes from bonded contaminants on the glass.

Use Gtechniq G6 or CarPro CeriGlass by hand with a foam applicator and it'll remove it.

traco

Reading the other thread about ceramic coasting over swirls and saw Vectra mention that without a PDG gauge its very hard to know if you are removing the ceramic or the lacquer.

That got me wondering if there is any way to know if a car had been previously coated? Asking as I want to tackle the paint on the weekended at some point as its has a lot of swirls. Given the car it may have been treated in its history but I have no idea so now I have something else to worry about. Just thought I'd ask as this will be my first dip into paint correction if I ever get around to it that is.

Sexual Chocolate

Lads the Karcher K4 Compact that I bought a few months ago has being having a momentary loss of power for a second when I've the trigger pressed, like a surge or pulsing.

Only happens if I have is set to high pressure, it doesn't happen when I'm snow foaming or I have the nozzle adjusted to low pressue.

It's still usable but a bit annoying. Any ideas ?

Stallingrad

Sexual Chocolate wrote: »

Lads the Karcher K4 Compact that I bought a few months ago has being having a momentary loss of power for a second when I've the trigger pressed, like a surge or pulsing.

Only happens if I have is set to high pressure, it doesn't happen when I'm snow foaming or I have the nozzle adjusted to low pressue.

It's still usable but a bit annoying. Any ideas ?

Usually means water starvation, is your hose long or kinked?

Sexual Chocolate

Not really no. I'd say the hose is about 15m. Only doing it the last 3 or so washes. I've had it since April.

MetzgerMeister

Is there a pool of water under the washer? It could be that an internal hose/pipe has dislodged.

MarkR

Anyone looking for a possible bargain, it looks like car gods and mcclaren cleaning stuff is about half price in halfords.

https://www.halfords.ie/search?q=car+gods
https://www.halfords.ie/motoring/car-cleaning/?prefn1=brandname&prefv1=McLaren

Stallingrad

MarkR wrote: »

Anyone looking for a possible bargain, it looks like car gods and mcclaren cleaning stuff is about half price in halfords.

https://www.halfords.ie/search?q=car+gods
https://www.halfords.ie/motoring/car-cleaning/?prefn1=brandname&prefv1=McLaren

Are there any stand out products in those ranges, reviews are a mixed bag!

MarkR

Stallingrad wrote: »

Are there any stand out products in those ranges, reviews are a mixed bag!

Never used them before, and made by same crowd as demon shine.

Fallout remover seems ok from the review. I'm picking up some basic stuff. The fallout remover, a wheel cleaner, snow foam, and the wax free shampoo. Hard to get any of them too far wrong.

Stallingrad

MarkR wrote: »

Never used them before, and made by same crowd as demon shine.

Fallout remover seems ok from the review. I'm picking up some basic stuff. The fallout remover, a wheel cleaner, snow foam, and the wax free shampoo. Hard to get any of them too far wrong.

Ah Demon shine, home to the worst tyre dressing known to man, but the most excellent Shampoo. I may roll the dice on a few items.

garo

Any recommendations on a beginner pressure washer? I see that Amazon have the Karcher range on sale for Prime Day. Looking at the K2 Full Control. Or is this a Nilfisk crowd?

Trying to decide between this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nilfisk-Pressure-Washer-Patio-cleaning/dp/B01MSYCQ8N
and https://www.amazon.co.uk/K%C3%A4rcher-Full-Control-Pressure-Washer/dp/B01NGU8Z32

I know these are 120 and 110 bar but I don't drive a huge amount and will be happy to clean the car once a month or two. Would like to get this to use snow foam.

Stallingrad

garo wrote: »

Any recommendations on a beginner pressure washer? I see that Amazon have the Karcher range on sale for Prime Day. Looking at the K2 Full Control. Or is this a Nilfisk crowd?

Trying to decide between this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nilfisk-Pressure-Washer-Patio-cleaning/dp/B01MSYCQ8N
and https://www.amazon.co.uk/K%C3%A4rcher-Full-Control-Pressure-Washer/dp/B01NGU8Z32

If you want something reliable get a Nilfisk, if you want something troublesome and yellow, get the Karcher.

Owner of a leaking, barley used K4.

chalky_ie

I have a Nilfisk that I got from D&D detailing in a bundle, can't fault it in any way.

MetzgerMeister

Stallingrad wrote: »

If you want something reliable get a Nilfisk, if you want something troublesome and yellow, get the Karcher.

Owner of a leaking, barley used K4.

If it's still under warranty then get it fixed.

If not, it's simple enough to remove the covers and find the leak. Usually it's a pipe that has come loose.

Stallingrad

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

If it's still under warranty then get it fixed.

If not, it's simple enough to remove the covers and find the leak. Usually it's a pipe that has come loose.

No longer under warranty, I took it apart and its the main pump body that is leaking, a bit above my pay grade.

garo

Thanks.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nilfisk-Pressure-Washer-Patio-cleaning/dp/B01MSYCQ8N


This is one it is then. Too bad there is no Prime Day deal on it. 120 bar should be enough right? Also is the patio cleaner and the foam bottle that come with it any good?



The cheapest Nilfisk in stock on dnd is 400+ so out of my budget.

Hebegeebee

I personally wouldn’t bother with the patio cleaner. IMO, the difference in price between the 2 would be better spent buying a decent snow foam lance/gun - a PA made one if you can get one. They’re brass and far better than the ones you get bundled with PWs.

Sexual Chocolate

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

Is there a pool of water under the washer? It could be that an internal hose/pipe has dislodged.

Not that I noticed but I'll take a proper look next time I use it. Still under warranty but I feel it's only something minor.

MetzgerMeister

Sexual Chocolate wrote: »

Not that I noticed but I'll take a proper look next time I use it. Still under warranty but I feel it's only something minor.

That loss of power is because the washer is trying to pull enough water through the hose. It happens on my K7 and happened on my K5.

All you need do is keep the trigger pressed and wait for it to sort itself out.

ObserverOFlife

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

Gtechniq G1 can cause juddering for a short while after application. I'm not sure about G5 as I've only ever used it on shower doors.

On the gtechniq, is it possible to get a screenwash that has, a low ph/not affect the gtechniq coating?
Mine wore off in the path of the wipers after a few months, Im presuming this was mostly caused by wipers but also the screenwash

MetzgerMeister

ObserverOFlife wrote: »

On the gtechniq, is it possible to get a screenwash that has, a low ph/not affect the gtechniq coating?
Mine wore off in the path of the wipers after a few months, Im presuming this was mostly caused by wipers but also the screenwash

Is it G1 or G5?

Gtechniq say that neither glass cleaners nor screen wash chemicals will impact G1.

G5 isn't as strong a bond as G1 so will wear much quicker.

frozenfrozen

turn on the tap and pull the trigger on your pressure washer and leave it full bleed before you power on the washer every time you use it

you can get a little air lock if the pump runs dry and apart from not being good for it you can get that long delay after pulling the trigger to the motor kicking in

ObserverOFlife

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

Is it G1 or G5?

Gtechniq say that neither glass cleaners nor screen wash chemicals will impact G1.

G5 isn't as strong a bond as G1 so will wear much quicker.

It was G1...as others mentioned I had some shuddering for a while.

By chance, have you or anyone else have the c1 ceramic coating on the paintwork?
Do you just top up every now & again with the c2v3 o
r the gtechniq quickdetailer?

I have it on the car from new, so zero swirl Mark's or scratches, brilliant investment. Normally when I wash I dry off then buff it with a microfibre as I'm told it as a working g surface, then now & again use the c2v3, but wondering should I use the quick detailer after every wash?
I'd only wash every few weeks..

MetzgerMeister

ObserverOFlife wrote: »

It was G1...as others mentioned I had some shuddering for a while.

By chance, have you or anyone else have the c1 ceramic coating on the paintwork?
Do you just top up every now & again with the c2v3 o
r the gtechniq quickdetailer?

I have it on the car from new, so zero swirl Mark's or scratches, brilliant investment. Normally when I wash I dry off then buff it with a microfibre as I'm told it as a working g surface, then now & again use the c2v3, but wondering should I use the quick detailer after every wash?
I'd only wash every few weeks..

The only thing I can think of that would make G1 disappear like that is if the surface wasn't contaminant-free. I've had G1 on all my cars since 2012 and never once had an issue with any screenwash.

I've applied C1, EXO and CSL to my cars over the last number of years. With any of the coatings, a top-up layer of C2V3 is what I always go for. QD can be used but it doesn't give the same effect or last as long. I only use QD for removing bird poo or on the wheels.

garo

Hebegeebee wrote: »

I personally wouldn’t bother with the patio cleaner. IMO, the difference in price between the 2 would be better spent buying a decent snow foam lance/gun - a PA made one if you can get one. They’re brass and far better than the ones you get bundled with PWs.

Pulled the trigger on the one with the patio cleaner as it is on a deal and only £5 more than the plain version. £90 is not the worst price for this.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nilfisk-Pressure-Washer-Patio-cleaning/dp/B01MSYCQ8N


Knowing my luck they are going to offer the plain version now for 60!


What does PA-made mean?

clintondaly

I bought the below Lance/Foam gun (Karcher fitment) and cant fault it.

I'm using the Autoglym Polar Blast with it and the valve turned down to almost the minimum and it gives a good thick foam that sticks.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07T1923TJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

punisher5112

clintondaly wrote: »

I bought the below Lance/Foam gun (Karcher fitment) and cant fault it.

I'm using the Autoglym Polar Blast with it and the valve turned down to almost the minimum and it gives a good thick foam that sticks.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07T1923TJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That won't give foam like what's needed..... Those fitting are rubbish.

garo

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Meguiars-Ultimate-Kärcher-compatible-Nilfisk/dp/B081FPW5BM


This any good? Meguiars snow foam kit on a PrimeDay special. Supposedly compatible with Karcher, Nilfisk and Bosch.

MetzgerMeister

garo wrote: »

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Meguiars-Ultimate-Kärcher-compatible-Nilfisk/dp/B081FPW5BM


This any good? Meguiars snow foam kit on a PrimeDay special. Supposedly compatible with Karcher, Nilfisk and Bosch.

Should be worthwhile.

There's no "supposedly" about compatibility - you can see all the different brass connections in the pic for the different manufacturers

garo

Right thanks for that. Yes I see the three different connectors in the picture. Is it worth going for this or a PA (what does that stand for?) dedicated Nilfisk foam lance?

PS: The Meguairs lambswool mitt is also on a special < 10 GBP so worthwhile.

PPS: Ended up ordering it. Got good reviews. Not as good as a PA lance probably but good enough for a newbie.

SummerK

Meguiars Ultimate Compound + Polish + Wax for 31 sterling

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Meguiars-Ultimate-Paint-Care-Kit/dp/B079QZPB26/ref=gbps_tit___83a2f01e?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

Hebegeebee

Sorry, only getting back to this now. PA is an Italian company that make snow foam lances. All brass construction with fittings for all the major PW manufacturers.

ba_barabus

Guys where is best to buy a soft top clean and protection kit? I was looking at the Autoglym website but it won't offer delivery here.

Foxhole Norman

ba_barabus wrote: »

Guys where is best to buy a soft top clean and protection kit? I was looking at the Autoglym website but it won't offer delivery here.

You won't need any specific kit for soft tops. We use CleanerCar's APC diluted down to scrub the roof until clean. Leave to dry and then seal with Gtechniq's I1v2 Smart Fabric.

All can be got on D&D Detailing with next day delivery.

ba_barabus

Foxhole Norman wrote: »

You won't need any specific kit for soft tops. We use CleanerCar's APC diluted down to scrub the roof until clean. Leave to dry and then seal with Gtechniq's I1v2 Smart Fabric.

All can be got on D&D Detailing with next day delivery.

Perfect, thank you. happy to keep the money in the ROI and support local :cool:

consulatory

garo wrote: »

Thanks.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nilfisk-Pressure-Washer-Patio-cleaning/dp/B01MSYCQ8N


This is one it is then. Too bad there is no Prime Day deal on it. 120 bar should be enough right? Also is the patio cleaner and the foam bottle that come with it any good?

120 bar is the max. the working pump pressure is what you should be looking at and is 85 on that model. http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php/Pressure_washer_FAQ

I ended up getting a nilfisk c135i due to a)working pressure of 115 bar, induction motor and hose length of 8 metres included. €240

also got the patio cleaner (included with washer,100% worth it), a lance extension for the patio cleaner(€25inclP&P-worth it-https://www.amazon.de/-/en/gp/product/B00NI61P7K), the nilfisk drain 15m pipe(30GBP- https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0001P0BPI/ - fantastic) and a car spray nozzle(13gbp - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0001P0BR6.)

along with a foam lance with brass internals(with nilfisk adapter)

garo

Thanks for the reply. I did end up getting the C.120. I couldn't find the operating pressure anywhere including in the Nilfisk catalog but I just checked it is on the Amazon page.
I got the patio cleaner and also got a dedicated Meguiar's snow foam lance. Is the dedicated car spray nozzle worth it?

consulatory

garo wrote: »

Thanks for the reply. I did end up getting the C.120. I couldn't find the operating pressure anywhere including in the Nilfisk catalog but I just checked it is on the Amazon page.
I got the patio cleaner and also got a dedicated Meguiar's snow foam lance. Is the dedicated car spray nozzle worth it?

I think it is - wider spray. plus i dont have to mess around twisting the other nozzle to be wider all the time. just put the nozzle with car symbol on it and away i go.

irishlad123456

Good offer on in Halfords at the moment.

https://www.halfords.ie/motoring/pressure-washer-accessories-2/karcher-k2-full-control-car-pressure-washer-362475.html

Solutionking

My power washer has packed in, it never had a foam lance or anything

I was going to buy the Karcher K4 which seems to have a foam lance and you can push a bottle into the top. Is this good/bad? thanks

statto25

Solutionking wrote: »

My power washer has packed in, it never had a foam lance or anything

I was going to buy the Karcher K4 which seems to have a foam lance and you can push a bottle into the top. Is this good/bad? thanks

Those bottles arent worth a damn. You can get a decent one for about 30 quid on ebay.

punisher5112

Solutionking wrote: »

My power washer has packed in, it never had a foam lance or anything

I was going to buy the Karcher K4 which seems to have a foam lance and you can push a bottle into the top. Is this good/bad? thanks

Look at the nilfisk washers. Get a brass fitting Lance off AliExpress for much cheaper.
The ones that come with washers are for patios and are absolutely dirt.....

Amazon will be doing black Friday deals so keep an eye.

I won't be buying karcher again

vectra

Solutionking wrote: »

My power washer has packed in, it never had a foam lance or anything

I was going to buy the Karcher K4 which seems to have a foam lance and you can push a bottle into the top. Is this good/bad? thanks

Here you go > Grab one while you can.

PsychoPete

Might interest someone here if you use parcel motel, not a bad deal as some of those brushes are normally 12 or 13 euro each

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B076BFVBMT/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B076BFVBMT&linkCode=as2&tag=davechci0e-21&linkId=691c035fe65821266a89e4dc466941ec

PowerToWait

Picking up a fairly decent car in the morning, looks in superb condition to my untrained eye. I was into detailing for a while around 06 to 12 but things have moved on!

What should I definitely have a pro do to bring and keep the car in top condition?

I don’t think I can stretch to ceramics, will most likely move the car on in a couple of years anyway.

rodge123

2019 A6 Daytona Grey Pearl - no noticeable scratches or swirls to my untrained eye.

Thinking of giving the car a full-er detail than I usually do in the new year.

Have been keeping it washed regularly using snow foam and two bucket wash and BH QD after.

Every few months been doing this:
- Snow foam
- 2 bucket wash
- Carpro tar x
- BH Korisol fallout remover
- GTechniq c2v3
- BH QD
- Carpro perl on tryes

Was thinking of adding in claymat, finishing polish, & ceramic coating steps after the fallout remover.
Tried out the claymat and then Autogylm super resin polish on the 00 ford focus recently, hand polished but imagine machine would do much better job.

Any tips on a polishing machine to pick up valued at under €250?

Am I jumping the gun polishing it when paint work appears in good nick?

Tips on ceramic coating that lasts a long time and ok to apply by a non-professional?

Pan reckons these can be applied by non pro's:
AvalonKing Armor Shield IX, CarPro CQuartz UK 3.0:, Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tC-YpSGawRU&t=18s

Now I'm a little hesitant applying these as reading the description on it:
https://www.slimsdetailing.co.uk/products/gtechniq-crystal-serum-light

"a coating so hard that if applied incorrectly can only be removed by using 1,500 grit sand paper. Serum Light offers 80% of Professional Serum’s performance, but if applied incorrectly can be machine polished from your vehicle’s paintwork"

I have applied Gtechniq G5 Water to windows 6 months ago, seemed to work a treat.

consulatory

rodge123 wrote: »

2019 A6 Daytona Grey Pearl - no noticeable scratches or swirls to my untrained eye. .

Go out in the dark and just put the flash light on your phone over the paintwork at different angles to see the paintwork as it *could* be seen in strong sunlight.

rodge123 wrote: »

Any tips on a polishing machine to pick up valued at under €250?

Forensic Detailing just posted a video about the £100 DAS8(the new DAS6): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISXKUKzm0CQ

I bought the DAS8 and apart from the included (somewhat cheap) wrench rounding off and being useless, it's pretty good. i got from in2detailing who im not a fan of but they are the main ppl for it. I use Koch Chemie pads & polish - also reccmd. by Forensic Detailing guy.

UK based youtuber who i found v. helpful and easy to watch to understand what's needed. He also has some older videos about polishing with the DAS6 etc.

rodge123 wrote: »

Tips on ceramic coating that lasts a long time and ok to apply by a non-professional?

I personally wouldn't do it myself(i'm just at the beginner level of using DA/have polished 2 cars so far) but it seems the stress of learning how to do it and the potential for messing it up would just end up with more correction work. Whats the price diff between a pro doing it and you buying it and doing it?