*** The Car Cleaning Thread ***

[Cookeh]

Sounds like it is too cold. Warm it in your hands for a few minutes, it should be soft and malleable.

That was my thought. I did roll it around my hands for about a minute, but given it was 6'c outside and I'd been using cold water to wash the car my hands probably weren't warm enough to by of any use!

 

[Tom|Nbk]

Guys, I'd love to get my car detailed do we have any pro detailers on here?

 

[scaza]

Well ended up buying 25litres of AG Bodywork Shampoo and Conditioner.

I'be been trying out other brands for quite a while, and really liked autobrites purple velvet (still got some to use) but the cost was just a little too much.

 

[CaptainRAVE]

Well ended up buying 25litres of AG Bodywork Shampoo and Conditioner.

I'be been trying out other brands for quite a while, and really liked autobrites purple velvet (still got some to use) but the cost was just a little too much.

The AG stuff is brilliant for the price. I don't use anything else.

 

[scaza]

The AG stuff is brilliant for the price. I don't use anything else.

I ended up paying £55 from my local rep, so around £11 per 5Litres. Cracking value.

 

[Pen66]

What's the best 'sponge' to use for washing paintwork?

Not keen on wash mitts and I've seen grouting sponges (not your normal sponge) recommended on detailing world forum.

Would something like this be any good?

Or is it fine to use a grouting sponge with good washing technique? (2 bucket method, regularly rinsing sponge etc.)

 

[Cleisthenes]

What's the best 'sponge' to use for washing paintwork?

Not keen on wash mitts and I've seen grouting sponges (not your normal sponge) recommended on detailing world forum.

Would something like this be any good?

Or is it fine to use a grouting sponge with good washing technique? (2 bucket method, regularly rinsing sponge etc.)

I use a dooka pad and another slightly lesser quality pad, they seem to work well

 

[Blackhawk47]

What's the best 'sponge' to use for washing paintwork?

Not keen on wash mitts and I've seen grouting sponges (not your normal sponge) recommended on detailing world forum.

Would something like this be any good?

http://i.imgur.com/wJM2nLQ.png[iMG]

Or is it fine to use a grouting sponge with good washing technique? (2 bucket method, regularly rinsing sponge etc.)[/QUOTE]

I have one of those which I used to use on the body work. Did a great job but after a few months it seems like the insides shrink and it loses a bit of "spongey" feel. So I just use it for wheels now.

 

[Amos91]

Very stupid question, but I'm having trouble 'moulding' clay - it just seems to shear and break whenever I try and stretch it out into a pad.

In winter I normally have a pan of warm/hot water with two bits of clay in it. Then alternate between the two as it starts to cool down.

Also, what's wrong with a mitt?

 

[Haze]

i have got a clay pad, think they are much better than the mitts

 

[silverblack]

I stopped using clay bars switched to the Farecla Mitt,brilliant for claying now.
http://www.halfords.com/motoring/ca...iling-products/farecla-g3-body-prep-clay-mitt

 

[Amos91]

I use both.

Clay Mitts are all well and good for saving time but in most cases they inflict more marring and damage to the paint. I'd only use a clay mitt before doing a paint correction.

 

[silverblack]

Up here in scotland using a clay bar is like dragging a lego block across your car its brick hard because its so cold

 

[Rybo89]

I'd go

https://www.nilfiskoutlet.co.uk/products/subcat.asp?mID=Pressure-Washers&sID=Compact

or

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=nilfisk

+

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nilfisk-A...076008?hash=item25a3b0ffe8:g:Bn8AAOSwI-BWKS58

Thanks for that. Ordered the titan. Will come in handy with the reel.

 

[Conscript]

I have the Titan. Pretty good but the reel is a bit of a faff tbh.

 

[Rybo89]

Decent snow foam, or are they all the same?

Doing this because im going to get my car detailed and been told to start snow foaming it and hand washing it to keep the swirls away.

 

[Cookeh]

As long as it's pH neutral I don't imagine there is too much difference between brands - fundamentally anyway.

 

[RoboCod]

Will that niflisk foaming Lance fit most standard pressure washers? Are the fittings universal? I have some cheap off the shelf washer I use to clean my patio.

 

[Si105]

Decent snow foam, or are they all the same?

Doing this because im going to get my car detailed and been told to start snow foaming it and hand washing it to keep the swirls away.

I'd suggest trying Bilt Hamber autofoam. Cheap, 5 litres and very good cleaning power.

Will that niflisk foaming Lance fit most standard pressure washers? Are the fittings universal? I have some cheap off the shelf washer I use to clean my patio.

They aren't universal. Karcher, Nilfisk & Kranzle fittings are completely different for example. Maybe have a look on eBay for your particular brand or see if you can find what fitting it uses?

 

[cadmunkey]

I'd suggest trying Bilt Hamber autofoam. Cheap, 5 litres and very good cleaning power.

I can vouch for this. I've tried loads of snow foams and this is one of the best - the prewash can be so good with it that sometimes you could get away with not having to wash the car if you were that way inclined.