Cleaning Your SLK with Meguiars vs Other Products? - Page 3

Tpman · 01-04-2009

Personally i use meguiars. I havent tried zaino yet. Meguiars gives my car a great shine for a great price. I got my kit on amazon for $26 USD included everything from wax to wash and a microfiber towel with a foam applicator. So if you don't wanna spend too much and still get great results i'd get the kit!

autopia · 01-20-2009

This seems a very constructive discussion. I'm a noob here, but I will give my professional opinion. 20% of the results you achieve are technique and preparation. The other 20% comes from the product.

You can take two people, sames cars, same products and get totally different results. The owner who knows how or learns how to use the product will have good results, every time.

If you want to learn what the detailing fanatics like, have a look in my Autopia Reviews database. There are more than 1000 products listed and 2000+ reviews. The Meguiar's brand has more reviews than any other. People love it and hate it equally.

Cheers!
db

Dolebludger · 01-20-2009

Meguair's is probably the best brand that is commonly found in discount and auto parts stores, as well as by order. And Meguair's makes such a wide range of products in each "car care" category, that it is difficult to figure out what is best for your application. As I've said before, Meguair's is my "default brand" -- meaning that is what I get if I don't know of a product in that category I like better.

jst_at_home · 01-21-2009

A very interesting topic.

I use Autoglym products but generally only wash and polish.

Not heard of "clay" before. What is it and how does that work?

John

UK-C200 · 01-21-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by jst_at_home

A very interesting topic.

I use Autoglym products but generally only wash and polish.

Not heard of "clay" before. What is it and how does that work?

John

Basically it's a way to safely remove all contaminants from the clear-coat of a car. More detailed - by a long shot - description can be found here :
http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/...C&Store_Code=Z

jst_at_home · 01-21-2009

Thanks...I've never heard of this before.

John

Dolebludger · 01-21-2009

John:

That is a good article on clay bar to which you were referred. Here are a couple of additional thoughts. Use LOTS of lubricant. If you do, it is a very easy job. If you don't, it is a very hard one. Also, I too use Autoglym -- especially Radiant Wax Polish (cleaner and glaze) and Hardwax1 (wax). I find that Radiant Wax Polish will also remove surface contaminants, if they are not too bad. If they are, clay bar is the answer.

UK-C200 · 01-21-2009

Claying seems to make a real difference on my cars - I usually do it once a year, in the spring time, after most of the winter nastyness is over.

Dole is 100% correct, proper lubrication is key - and keeping a grip on the darned bar! I've dropped one, and it's useless after!

pjgraham86 · 01-22-2009

John

You will find loads of useful guides and comments on clay bars, polishes, waxes, wash mitts etc etc on detailingworld.co.uk - those guys really know their stuff.

I was a total noob when it came to car cleaning (bucket and sponge) but now I am wiser and my car paintwork, wheels, interior are properly looked after - but I am a whole lot poorer for buying loads of good materials and equipment !!

Peter

autopia · 01-22-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by UK-C200

Basically it's a way to safely remove all contaminants from the clear-coat of a car. More detailed - by a long shot - description can be found here :
http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/...C&Store_Code=Z

Those are my words for Sal's product... I have a better description here:

http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-d...-cleaning.html

If you want to see what brands are popular, look here:

http://www.autopia.org/reviews/censu...direction=desc

jaime · 02-08-2009

Zymol, for me, is a great brand. I have used autoglym, meguiars, zaino, jaguar, bmw, porsche polishes, shampoos, waxes, clay bars, tire and wheel cleaners, etceteras, etceteras, and zymol is the one for me. I use "destiny wax", very expensive, but it is worth for its value. Nevertheles, all that products are great and whichever you use all of them are ok, they wiil conserve your car fine for long time. For leather, is use (and highly recomend) leathearique brand.

d3athr0w · 04-27-2009

How do you guys buff? Hands or machine?

etyu · 04-27-2009

I use hand and mild elbow grease, as the Zaino product I use comes off easily.

d3athr0w · 04-28-2009

heh etyu. I guess its a tiny car and would be easier to detail. However my debate is if its worth buying one of those 10" motorized buffer machines for $30-$40 bucks vs using hands. If the job can be done in 2 hrs vs 4...thats great!

I'm a noobo at cleaning so i'm thinking of ordering my first kit (either zaino or meguiars). I just fear scratching my hood :-/

AIR44 · 04-28-2009

Noooooo, don't get any of those orbital/ any buffer, unless you know what you are doing. Do it by hand.. Look for 3M hand glaze as a polish/ swirl mark remover. The polish is the key. If you wax a still dirty car your waxing dirt into the surface. I don't like all the name brand stuff, I like going to a professional detail supplier. Tell em what you have and they will point you in the right direction with clay bar, color specific polish, color specific wax, spray wax (in between washings)and how to use everything. I've owned a black Cobra, black 330i and now my black 55....Not to gloat but you wont see 1 swirl mark in my paint and the paint is as smooth as glass.

d3athr0w · 04-28-2009

"professional detail supplier" <-- how do i find one? Plenty of auto shops like pepboys etc. So it doesn't matter if you use different brand for polishing/cleaning and different brand for waxing etc?

AIR44 · 04-28-2009

No, not at all, first off feel the paint if you can throw a rag on the hood and it keeps going, sliding off, then you know your paint is clean. Feel it with the back of your hand, you'll know if its smooth. Its doubtful your car needs a clay bar. Clay bars are great for tree sap, over spray etc., but a car of that year and condition probably doesn't need it. Look up detailers in your area, or detail suppliers in the yellow pages. If you can't find the suppliers, call some reputable detailers and ask them where they buy their products.

d3athr0w · 04-29-2009

Air44: thanks for your inputs. I'll definetly look around for more information. By the way, the Dr Color Chip you recommended: would you use the touch up paint before or after detailing?

AIR44 · 04-29-2009

If its the bumper scratches, just make sure its clean, an (auto) soap, Meguires, any of those soaps are fine, and water.. Do not, I repeat do not use a dishwater liquid soap, it strips anything that is on the paint, wax etc. Same with the minor paint chips, you dont want a build up of wax before you paint, just a clean surface. You shouldnt have to wash, (soap and water) your car much, unless it rained on it or got unusually dirty. I usually use a spray wax, detail spray every couple of days on my car, takes literally 7-10 minutes and keeps it as smooth as butta.

d3athr0w · 04-29-2009

AIR44: check the chat window section @ home page if you online...

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01-04-2009	#41 (permalink)
Tpman SLK World Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: California Vehicle: 06 SLK 350 Posts: 75 Country: Thanks: 22 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts Chats: 9	Personally i use meguiars. I havent tried zaino yet. Meguiars gives my car a great shine for a great price. I got my kit on amazon for $26 USD included everything from wax to wash and a microfiber towel with a foam applicator. So if you don't wanna spend too much and still get great results i'd get the kit!

01-20-2009	#42 (permalink)
autopia SLK World Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Coronado, CA Vehicle: No MBZ just yet... All I have is my Cayman S Posts: 7 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Chats: 1	This seems a very constructive discussion. I'm a noob here, but I will give my professional opinion. 20% of the results you achieve are technique and preparation. The other 20% comes from the product. You can take two people, sames cars, same products and get totally different results. The owner who knows how or learns how to use the product will have good results, every time. If you want to learn what the detailing fanatics like, have a look in my Autopia Reviews database. There are more than 1000 products listed and 2000+ reviews. The Meguiar's brand has more reviews than any other. People love it and hate it equally. Cheers! db

01-20-2009	#43 (permalink)
Dolebludger Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Yukon, OK Vehicle: '07 SLK 280; '04 C 320, '01 Honda S 2000, '98 Ford Ranger truck. Posts: 813 Country: Thanks: 92 Thanked 106 Times in 76 Posts Chats: 0	Meguair's is probably the best brand that is commonly found in discount and auto parts stores, as well as by order. And Meguair's makes such a wide range of products in each "car care" category, that it is difficult to figure out what is best for your application. As I've said before, Meguair's is my "default brand" -- meaning that is what I get if I don't know of a product in that category I like better.

01-21-2009	#44 (permalink)
jst_at_home Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Lancashire UK Vehicle: 1999 SLK 230 - Silver Other Toys: VW Passat 2.0 TDi 170; MB A170 (W169) ; Vauxhall Corsa; Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster Posts: 167 Country: Thanks: 38 Thanked 22 Times in 18 Posts Chats: 0	A very interesting topic. I use Autoglym products but generally only wash and polish. Not heard of "clay" before. What is it and how does that work? John

01-21-2009	#46 (permalink)
jst_at_home Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Lancashire UK Vehicle: 1999 SLK 230 - Silver Other Toys: VW Passat 2.0 TDi 170; MB A170 (W169) ; Vauxhall Corsa; Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster Posts: 167 Country: Thanks: 38 Thanked 22 Times in 18 Posts Chats: 0	Thanks...I've never heard of this before. John

01-21-2009	#47 (permalink)
Dolebludger Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Yukon, OK Vehicle: '07 SLK 280; '04 C 320, '01 Honda S 2000, '98 Ford Ranger truck. Posts: 813 Country: Thanks: 92 Thanked 106 Times in 76 Posts Chats: 0	John: That is a good article on clay bar to which you were referred. Here are a couple of additional thoughts. Use LOTS of lubricant. If you do, it is a very easy job. If you don't, it is a very hard one. Also, I too use Autoglym -- especially Radiant Wax Polish (cleaner and glaze) and Hardwax1 (wax). I find that Radiant Wax Polish will also remove surface contaminants, if they are not too bad. If they are, clay bar is the answer.

01-21-2009	#48 (permalink)
UK-C200 aka John Join Date: May 2008 Location: London, UK & Baton Rouge, Louisiana Vehicle: RHD Jasper Blue C200K Coupe, RHD Jasper Blue SLK55, LHD Black SLK350 Other Toys: Nacra F18 Posts: 4,477 Country: Thanks: 427 Thanked 861 Times in 558 Posts Chats: 1129	Claying seems to make a real difference on my cars - I usually do it once a year, in the spring time, after most of the winter nastyness is over. Dole is 100% correct, proper lubrication is key - and keeping a grip on the darned bar! I've dropped one, and it's useless after!

01-22-2009	#49 (permalink)
pjgraham86 SLK World Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Glasgow, Scotland Vehicle: SLK 350 Posts: 42 Country: Thanks: 9 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Chats: 0	John You will find loads of useful guides and comments on clay bars, polishes, waxes, wash mitts etc etc on detailingworld.co.uk - those guys really know their stuff. I was a total noob when it came to car cleaning (bucket and sponge) but now I am wiser and my car paintwork, wheels, interior are properly looked after - but I am a whole lot poorer for buying loads of good materials and equipment !! Peter

02-08-2009	#51 (permalink)
jaime SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mexico City Vehicle: SLK 350. 2007. Platinum Silver Designo Posts: 15 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Chats: 0	Zymol, for me, is a great brand. I have used autoglym, meguiars, zaino, jaguar, bmw, porsche polishes, shampoos, waxes, clay bars, tire and wheel cleaners, etceteras, etceteras, and zymol is the one for me. I use "destiny wax", very expensive, but it is worth for its value. Nevertheles, all that products are great and whichever you use all of them are ok, they wiil conserve your car fine for long time. For leather, is use (and highly recomend) leathearique brand.

04-27-2009	#52 (permalink)
d3athr0w Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Iselin, NJ Vehicle: 06 SLK 55 Iridium Silver, two tone (Black/Red) interior Other Toys: Paintball Markers (guns) :) Posts: 519 Country: Thanks: 35 Thanked 34 Times in 28 Posts Chats: 123	How do you guys buff? Hands or machine?

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04-28-2009	#54 (permalink)
d3athr0w Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Iselin, NJ Vehicle: 06 SLK 55 Iridium Silver, two tone (Black/Red) interior Other Toys: Paintball Markers (guns) :) Posts: 519 Country: Thanks: 35 Thanked 34 Times in 28 Posts Chats: 123	heh etyu. I guess its a tiny car and would be easier to detail. However my debate is if its worth buying one of those 10" motorized buffer machines for $30-$40 bucks vs using hands. If the job can be done in 2 hrs vs 4...thats great! I'm a noobo at cleaning so i'm thinking of ordering my first kit (either zaino or meguiars). I just fear scratching my hood :-/

04-28-2009	#55 (permalink)
AIR44 SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Rancho Cucamonga, ca. Other Toys: boat, Rhino Posts: 41 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Chats: 32	Noooooo, don't get any of those orbital/ any buffer, unless you know what you are doing. Do it by hand.. Look for 3M hand glaze as a polish/ swirl mark remover. The polish is the key. If you wax a still dirty car your waxing dirt into the surface. I don't like all the name brand stuff, I like going to a professional detail supplier. Tell em what you have and they will point you in the right direction with clay bar, color specific polish, color specific wax, spray wax (in between washings)and how to use everything. I've owned a black Cobra, black 330i and now my black 55....Not to gloat but you wont see 1 swirl mark in my paint and the paint is as smooth as glass.

04-28-2009	#56 (permalink)
d3athr0w Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Iselin, NJ Vehicle: 06 SLK 55 Iridium Silver, two tone (Black/Red) interior Other Toys: Paintball Markers (guns) :) Posts: 519 Country: Thanks: 35 Thanked 34 Times in 28 Posts Chats: 123	"professional detail supplier" <-- how do i find one? Plenty of auto shops like pepboys etc. So it doesn't matter if you use different brand for polishing/cleaning and different brand for waxing etc?

04-28-2009	#57 (permalink)
AIR44 SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Rancho Cucamonga, ca. Other Toys: boat, Rhino Posts: 41 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Chats: 32	No, not at all, first off feel the paint if you can throw a rag on the hood and it keeps going, sliding off, then you know your paint is clean. Feel it with the back of your hand, you'll know if its smooth. Its doubtful your car needs a clay bar. Clay bars are great for tree sap, over spray etc., but a car of that year and condition probably doesn't need it. Look up detailers in your area, or detail suppliers in the yellow pages. If you can't find the suppliers, call some reputable detailers and ask them where they buy their products.

04-29-2009	#58 (permalink)
d3athr0w Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Iselin, NJ Vehicle: 06 SLK 55 Iridium Silver, two tone (Black/Red) interior Other Toys: Paintball Markers (guns) :) Posts: 519 Country: Thanks: 35 Thanked 34 Times in 28 Posts Chats: 123	Air44: thanks for your inputs. I'll definetly look around for more information. By the way, the Dr Color Chip you recommended: would you use the touch up paint before or after detailing?

04-29-2009	#59 (permalink)
AIR44 SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Rancho Cucamonga, ca. Other Toys: boat, Rhino Posts: 41 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Chats: 32	If its the bumper scratches, just make sure its clean, an (auto) soap, Meguires, any of those soaps are fine, and water.. Do not, I repeat do not use a dishwater liquid soap, it strips anything that is on the paint, wax etc. Same with the minor paint chips, you dont want a build up of wax before you paint, just a clean surface. You shouldnt have to wash, (soap and water) your car much, unless it rained on it or got unusually dirty. I usually use a spray wax, detail spray every couple of days on my car, takes literally 7-10 minutes and keeps it as smooth as butta.

04-29-2009	#60 (permalink)
d3athr0w Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Iselin, NJ Vehicle: 06 SLK 55 Iridium Silver, two tone (Black/Red) interior Other Toys: Paintball Markers (guns) :) Posts: 519 Country: Thanks: 35 Thanked 34 Times in 28 Posts Chats: 123	AIR44: check the chat window section @ home page if you online...

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