Exhaustive Guide: Car Detailing Basics

[Akash1886]

Here are some pics after some work on scratches today. Do you notice any difference?

In the first 2 pics the scratch doesn't look much pronounced now. In the 3rd one I guess, there is still scope of further improvement. Do check the door in sunlight from better judgement. What product did you use finally on them?

Regards

Akash

 

[vicks619]

In the first 2 pics the scratch doesn't look much pronounced now. In the 3rd one I guess, there is still scope of further improvement. Do check the door in sunlight from better judgement. What product did you use finally on them?

Regards

Akash

I used nulon scratch remover but it is very mild. then i used cif cream cleaner. I read it somewhere it works on small scratches. Immediately noticed the abrasiveness difference in cif and nulon. Rubbed a little with cif but very mildly of the fear to scratch the paint and create more scratches nearby. then rubbed again with nulon. but i think I have to rub it everyday little little with nulon as it is very mild.

 

[CRACING]

I used nulon scratch remover but it is very mild. then i used cif cream cleaner. I read it somewhere it works on small scratches. Immediately noticed the abrasiveness difference in cif and nulon. Rubbed a little with cif but very mildly of the fear to scratch the paint and create more scratches nearby. then rubbed again with nulon. but i think I have to rub it everyday little little with nulon as it is very mild.

I think you have reduced the length of scratch but in the center its deeper and you have to work long to take out more paint. Since you have Asian made car, scratch remover or compound can fade the paint finish when over used because it takes away clear coat and bare paint looks dull. You have to use polish to recover the shine but you won't get 100% shiny finish like clear coat.

Try brake oil or mustard oil like suggested by Akash ji. I think these will fill the scratch and hide its visibility. Better then removing paint.

Or check out Scratch Remover Pen available in Amazon. It has clear coat that fills in the scratch but if paint is lost then the pen doesn't help.

 

[vicks619]

I think you have reduced the length of scratch but in the center its deeper and you have to work long to take out more paint. Since you have Asian made car, scratch remover or compound can fade the paint finish when over used because it takes away clear coat and bare paint looks dull. You have to use polish to recover the shine but you won't get 100% shiny finish like clear coat.

Try brake oil or mustard oil like suggested by Akash ji. I think these will fill the scratch and hide its visibility. Better then removing paint.

Or check out Scratch Remover Pen available in Amazon. It has clear coat that fills in the scratch but if paint is lost then the pen doesn't help.

Will try mustard oil and report back, if that creates any difference.
Regarding getting a good wax, the hunt is still going on(yellow was not available any where but on amazon with 3rd party unreliable seller). Can I buy a good sealant instead of wax and get long durability. Can i apply sealant over Megs ultimate polish which i have already bought? Or i have to go for Megs NXT 2.0 only if I want to use ultimate polish. I read it somewhere that collinite 845 may not bond well over ultimate polish because of oils in it.

 

[CRACING]

Regarding getting a good wax, the hunt is still going on(yellow was not available any where but on amazon with 3rd party unreliable seller). Can I buy a good sealant instead of wax and get long durability. Can i apply sealant over Megs ultimate polish which i have already bought? Or i have to go for Megs NXT 2.0 only if I want to use ultimate polish. I read it somewhere that collinite 845 may not bond well over ultimate polish because of oils in it.

The only cheapest sealant I can find now is Menzerna Power Lock Ultimate but its only 250ml. It can do 3-4 coats/times on medium size car.

Next comes Poorboys EX-P and Poorboys EX. One is pure sealant and the other is sealant+carnauba wax respectively. These will cost you 1.5k but then c845 is VFM compared to these.

The oil from Megs UP will go away after you let it haze and buff off. Some use IPA to take out polishing oils but I don't like to use something in-between.

As of applicator pads, checkout KMH pads in Amazon. I believe they are good, though not comparable to Megs.

 

[Suryaputhra]

@vicks619, the more you try on those scratches with different products and methods you lose near by surface paint finish this is true for MSIL paint quality, extremely thin top and clear coats. These scratches over the time will become dull due to regular washing and waxing. My car has some scratches I left them unattended but over time they become dull and not appearing like when they are new. You said car parked outside cover it with military grade 100% water proof and heat protective cover.

 

[vicks619]

The only cheapest sealant I can find now is Menzerna Power Lock Ultimate but its only 250ml. It can do 3-4 coats/times on medium size car.

Next comes Poorboys EX-P and Poorboys EX. One is pure sealant and the other is sealant+carnauba wax respectively. These will cost you 1.5k but then c845 is VFM compared to these.

The oil from Megs UP will go away after you let it haze and buff off. Some use IPA to take out polishing oils but I don't like to use something in-between.

As of applicator pads, checkout KMH pads in Amazon. I believe they are good, though not comparable to Megs.

I think i have to make a choice between Megs nxt 2.0 and collinite 845(if it can go over UP)
Regarding applicator pads, how many I need, can I use same for polish and wax after washing it. If I go for nxt, I think it comes with free applicator pad.

 

[CRACING]

Regarding applicator pads, how many I need, can I use same for polish and wax after washing it. If I go for nxt, I think it comes with free applicator pad.

You'll need 2 pads for polishing and 2 pads for wax application. Don't mix the pads after using. After washing, keep them in a plastic cover and mention for what it was used.

Yes nxt comes with a blue applicator pad.

@Suryaputhra

Please share quick review on detailing products you use. Thanks.

 

[vicks619]

Thanks @CRACING for your continuous help through out. I have not touched the scratches further as advised by @suryaputhra to leave it alone or I would loose the clear coat. Will see it later if it is still a pain to eye or I can live with it. As of now it is raining in Delhi and car is standing covered. so no eye contact with the scratches for the time being.
Here is the list of items ordered till now
1) Armorall heavy duty wash shampoo
2) Megs UP
3) Megs nxt wax( was getting c845 for Rs1758 for 473 ml and got nxt at Rs1299 for 311ml. I think both will cost approximately similar going by the per ml cost. I don't know about the quantity required per waxing for both which may prove to be one's advantage over the other.)
4) Megs foam applicator
5) Proklear APC
6) Megs natural shine protectant
7) Proklear WWC for windshield
8) Proklear TTD
9) Proklear RAW CX
10) Sobby Mitt, 1fluffy yellow MF, 1 340 gsm MF
11) Sobby pack of 4 340 gsm MF
Is there anything I have missed?
One item i missed is the spray wax. What would be the recommendation between Proklear CX(available for 299) and sonax extreme brilliant shine(available for 690 in clearance sale at carpowergrid. are they reliable?)

Should i go for Proklear NGS as well or leave it? Do I really require it. I don't drive on daily basis and raining is not very frequent in delhi(can Proklear WWC take care of it to an extent?).

 

[vicks619]

Also, I would require advice on things below:

1) how is https://www.carpowergrid.com/sonax-...detailer-and-microfibre-cloth-exterior-combo/ different from https://www.carpowergrid.com/sonax-high-speed-wax-500ml-free-little-joe-air-freshener/
2) How are these comapred to each other https://www.carpowergrid.com/sonax-cockpit-spray-matt-effect-sport-fresh-500ml/ and https://www.carpowergrid.com/sonax-xtreme-cockpit-cleaner-matt-finish-500ml/ and https://www.carpowergrid.com/car-care-sonax-xtreme-interior-cleaner-500ml/
I understood this one https://www.carpowergrid.com/sonax-car-interior-cleaner-500ml/ is different from the above as this is mild and not extreme.
3) how is https://www.carpowergrid.com/car-care-sonax-xtreme-shampoo-wash-and-dry-1l/ compared to Armor All 26001EN Heavy Duty Wash (1000 ml): Amazon.in: Car & Motorbike


@prabhagar can you please let me know the armorall heavy duty wash shampoo bottle which came was sealed or it was packed in a brown box with no plastic seal or plastic stopper inside.

 

[Prabhagar]

sonax extreme brilliant shine(available for 690 in clearance sale at carpowergrid. are they reliable?)

Sonax BSD kit with MF cloth is listed for Rs 710 (including 100 for shipping) at carpowergrid. Thanks for sharing the clearance info, I will be ordering this today.

@prabhagar can you please let me know the armorall heavy duty wash shampoo bottle which came was sealed or it was packed in a brown box with no plastic seal or plastic stopper inside.

I am sorry I do not recall if it was sealed or not.
EDIT: Just saw an old pic of mine, it does have a plastic seal on the cap. Link

 

[vicks619]

Sonax BSD kit with MF cloth is listed for Rs 710 (including 100 for shipping) at carpowergrid. Thanks for sharing the clearance info, I will be ordering this today.


I am sorry I do not recall if it was sealed or not.
EDIT: Just saw an old pic of mine, it does have a plastic seal on the cap. Link

Please also let me know if sonax is better buy than Optimum Car Wax, Proklear SX, Formula 1 Premium Fast Spray Wax.

It looks like just a cello tape to prevent cap to open accidentally while in transit. AM I correct? IT looks same for Megs UP bottle

 

[CRACING]

Thanks @CRACING for your continuous help through out. I have not touched the scratches further as advised by @suryaputhra to leave it alone or I would loose the clear coat. Will see it later if it is still a pain to eye or I can live with it. As of now it is raining in Delhi and car is standing covered. so no eye contact with the scratches for the time being.
Here is the list of items ordered till now
1) Armorall heavy duty wash shampoo
2) Megs UP
3) Megs nxt wax( was getting c845 for Rs1758 for 473 ml and got nxt at Rs1299 for 311ml. I think both will cost approximately similar going by the per ml cost. I don't know about the quantity required per waxing for both which may prove to be one's advantage over the other.)
4) Megs foam applicator
5) Proklear APC
6) Megs natural shine protectant
7) Proklear WWC for windshield
8) Proklear TTD
9) Proklear RAW CX
10) Sobby Mitt, 1fluffy yellow MF, 1 340 gsm MF
11) Sobby pack of 4 340 gsm MF
Is there anything I have missed?
One item i missed is the spray wax. What would be the recommendation between Proklear CX(available for 299) and sonax extreme brilliant shine(available for 690 in clearance sale at carpowergrid. are they reliable?)

Should i go for Proklear NGS as well or leave it? Do I really require it. I don't drive on daily basis and raining is not very frequent in delhi(can Proklear WWC take care of it to an extent?).

Thats a big list of purchases in one go.

Megs NXT and c845 may have similar price but there performance is very different. You can expect pleasing look from NXT but not durability. It may be better then Carnauba waxes but not comparable with c845. c845 doesn't make much difference to appearance but when application is properly done, it should give you better protection.

Megs NXT is paste type so not everybody finds it favorable to use. Whereas c845 should be applied thin otherwise it will be difficult to remove the residue.

Sonax BSD gives nice beading and makes the surface anti-static (Dust repellent) but it does not last long under rain or frequent car washes.

Proklear CX gives instant Carnauba shine, slick feeling and should last for a month or more but application is tricky. I have mixed experiences. Easy or hard depends upon how its applied, paint quality/type, previous layer and etc.

Optimum Car Wax, one of the fastest and easiest spray wax I have ever used. Spreads evenly, dries quickly and buff off easily. I have used it only twice and only little product was sufficient for whole car. Cannot remember the longevity but I believe it should last for a month or more.

As of windshield treatment, it only helps for speed driving under rain. Not really required for occasional driving under rain. Proklear WWC helps to clean the glass and lubricate wiper blades but its not a anti-rain product.

Also, I would require advice on things below:

1) how is https://www.carpowergrid.com/sonax-...detailer-and-microfibre-cloth-exterior-combo/ different from https://www.carpowergrid.com/sonax-high-speed-wax-500ml-free-little-joe-air-freshener/
2) How are these comapred to each other https://www.carpowergrid.com/sonax-cockpit-spray-matt-effect-sport-fresh-500ml/ and https://www.carpowergrid.com/sonax-xtreme-cockpit-cleaner-matt-finish-500ml/ and https://www.carpowergrid.com/car-care-sonax-xtreme-interior-cleaner-500ml/
I understood this one https://www.carpowergrid.com/sonax-car-interior-cleaner-500ml/ is different from the above as this is mild and not extreme.
3) how is https://www.carpowergrid.com/car-care-sonax-xtreme-shampoo-wash-and-dry-1l/ compared to Armor All 26001EN Heavy Duty Wash (1000 ml): Amazon.in: Car & Motorbike

Sonax BSD is quick detailer but also works as spray sealant. You can use it to clean light dirt, stains or on clean surface. It gives deep gloss and water repellency. Sonax High Speed Wax is a hybrid spray wax (carnauba + silicon) that should be applied over clean surface. It is said that Sonax BSD is super hydrophobic and last longer then High Speed Wax. (Check youtube videos and autogeek forum)

Sorry, I didn't research about other Sonax products but they should be good too.

 

[Prabhagar]

Please also let me know if sonax is better buy than Optimum Car Wax, Proklear SX, Formula 1 Premium Fast Spray Wax.

I am a newbie and have no knowledge to compare these

It looks like just a cello tape to prevent cap to open accidentally while in transit. AM I correct? IT looks same for Megs UP bottle

Yes its just cello tape on top but the UP had another tight seal inside the cap for sure.

 

[vicks619]

Thats a big list of purchases in one go.

Thanks but I believe i have purchased only single item for each category like polish, wax, windshield washer, shampoo etc or i have over done it?

Regarding Sonax BSD, can i use it as a spray wax and is it better than proklear SX, sorry for asking again.

Also, is Sonax extreme glass cleaner nano pro or sonax extreme wheel cleaner or sonax extreme interior cleaner any good, I am thinking to buy one of it with BSD to make the purchase over 1000 and saving on shipping. Please suggest which one to go for

I have precision cut alloy wheels,

Don't know what is the shiny part in front made of (stainless steel or chrome), some reviews on amazon said sonax extreme wheel cleaner will dull the stainless steel alloys. Is wheel cleaner really required to fight brake dust etc?