How do you recognize a good detailer?

[TheEaglePilot]

The subject line says it.

There's a place near my house that offers a hand wash and wax for about $50. I'm thinking of giving them a shot, but only if 1) they are careful with my new Pilot; and 2) they use a long-lasting wax, so it's worth it.

I've looked on the Web, and there are some lame reviews on a couple of sites, but not enough to go by, so I don't know whether to trust them.

Are there questions I could ask about their products and practices that would clarify whether they're good, or would I just look like a wacko? Also, should I expect them to clay-bar the car for that price?

Chris

p.s. If I were going to wax it myself, can someone point me to a thread here on the best wax(es)? (I searched on "best wax" and got about 10 million hits...)

[Scoobs]

If you want to recognize a good detailer go look in the mirror. Nobody will look after your baby like you will.

[TheEaglePilot]

Originally posted by Scoobs
If you want to recognize a good detailer go look in the mirror. Nobody will look after your baby like you will.

Yeah, I knew that was coming. It's like on computer BBSs, everyone pushes newbies to build their own computers...

If you're going to do that, how about at least a wax recommendation?

Chris

[Scoobs]

I've had good luck with Mother's products. To get the crap off the paint start with the clay bar package, then the cleaner wax, then the regular wax. Touch it up with the detailer between waxes. When I do this on the Pilot the bottle will slide right off the hood if I set it there. Others no doubt will have other suggestions.
This is the result.

[Scoobs]

And if you don't use good products this is what will happen. Your Pilot will look like a Volvo and have Jersey plates.

[TheEaglePilot]

Originally posted by Scoobs
And if you don't use good products this is what will happen. Your Pilot will look like a Volvo and have Jersey plates.

Thanks. Which waxes do I use to make my Pilot look and drive like an M5?

Chris

[Scoobs]

Originally posted by TheEaglePilot


Thanks. Which waxes do I use to make my Pilot look and drive like an M5?

Chris

still looking for that product

[dustino8]

Check out the following site. Lots of information to sift through, but very informative.autopia

[tangotango99]

Originally posted by Scoobs


still looking for that product

I like Maguire products

[ED27]

Originally posted by TheEaglePilot
Are there questions I could ask about their products and practices that would clarify whether they're good, or would I just look like a wacko? Also, should I expect them to clay-bar the car for that price?

Chris

p.s. If I were going to wax it myself, can someone point me to a thread here on the best wax(es)? (I searched on "best wax" and got about 10 million hits...)

Most quality shops will perform a minimum of 4-steps in an exterior detail.....wash, clay, polish and wax. Most shops I've come across use Meguiar's products and either a random-orbital or straight-circular polisher. The best results I've seen from shops are in the details (i.e. type of towels used, no dried wax/polish in seams, crevices and on plastic areas, swirl marks and light scratches should be almost completely gone, deep color/high-gloss and almost wet looking finish, etc.) If you're thinking about trying a shop, let them work on an older car first and see how it turns out. Also, most new cars only need a mild polish to buff out swirls and scratches. As the car gets older or if you go longer in between detailing, a more aggressive polish will be needed.

For DIY....Klasse All-In-One is one of the more popular products out there. It's easy to use and can be applied by hand or machine. Personally I like the products from Griot's Garage. Some of the products are a little pricey but you'll find that the customer service is exceptional. If you try a product out and don't like it, you have 6 months to return it for a full refund. Also on detailing tools, they give you a lifetime warranty.

[jl_ss]

Originally posted by TheEaglePilot
The subject line says it.

There's a place near my house that offers a hand wash and wax for about $50. I'm thinking of giving them a shot, but only if 1) they are careful with my new Pilot; and 2) they use a long-lasting wax, so it's worth it.

I've looked on the Web, and there are some lame reviews on a couple of sites, but not enough to go by, so I don't know whether to trust them.

Are there questions I could ask about their products and practices that would clarify whether they're good, or would I just look like a wacko? Also, should I expect them to clay-bar the car for that price?

Chris

p.s. If I were going to wax it myself, can someone point me to a thread here on the best wax(es)? (I searched on "best wax" and got about 10 million hits...)

I'd do a little investigation of them first. Stop by and have them show you what they do and preferably witness a detail in process. Around here, a good full detail is typically twice that price and higher. However, a lower price can be someone just starting out and trying to drum up business - or it can be the base price that they try to upsell you from. A good place with a good reputation can usually keep busy even though their prices are higher.

I think you'll find that a lot of people who frequent internet auto sites also do their own detailing. I use Maquire products but there are a lot of Zaino fans here and on the MDX site. Zaino is great, but it is more expensive and requires several steps.

[TheEaglePilot]

Thanks, everybody. I've been to autopia.com, but I'm not really "one of them," and I there's really too much information.

Maybe I'll pick up some basic Meguiar's wax and see how it goes... which Meguiar's do you all use?

Chris

[dustino8]

I use the meguiar's three step process; cleaner, polisher, and wax. Can't remember the name of it off the top off my head. The polisher is pretty mild. You probably could skip the cleaner since your Pilot is new. The wax lasts about four or five months before I have to apply again.

Like someone mentioned previously, the Zaino products are popular, as is the Klasse all-in-one. These are topped off with a sealant, and waxing on top of the sealant is not necessary. I'm no expert by any means, so someone correct if I'm off base here.

I know what you mean by "one of them". The site is filled with professionals. A lot of the products they use aren't over the counter. For guys like me, who just want a decent looking vehicle, I feel meguiars or mothers work just fine.

[TheEaglePilot]

Originally posted by dustino8

I know what you mean by "one of them".

I mean, "people willing to spend all day polishing their car."

Chris

[sfhondapilot]

My full detail (once a year):

1 - wash
2 - claybar (Adam's Polishes clay bar)
3 - rewash
4 - Klasse All In One
5 - Meguiar's NXT wax (allow to sit overnight)
6 - remove wax and apply Menzerna Acrylic Shield
7 - Reapply the Menzerna after every other wash.
8 - Reapply the NXT wax in 3 months.

Repeat steps 4-6 in 6th month.

Before I added Step #7, I would have to do a full detail every six months, if not sooner.