Hey guys, winter is harsh right now up in Boston but want to keep the car as clean as physically possible during these salty, snowy months. Spring/summer should be much more satisfying though. I want the car to be super slick and look "wet". Is the wet look from the wax...or polish? Sorry guys never did anything more than wash and wax my previous cars...

Was putting together a shopping list of things to order from detailedimage.com and this is what I came up with so far.

The car is brand new so not sure if polish, glaze, claybars are needed???

here is what I was thinking....

Aerospace Protectant - 16 oz

Applicator Pad

Foam Applicator Pad

Invisible Glass - 19 oz

Mini-Towel - 6" x 7"

Natty's Blue Paste Wax - 8 oz

No Rinse (ONR) - 128 oz

Sheepskin Wash Mitt w/no thumb

Super Slick & Suds - 32 oz

Tire Shine - 17 oz

Ultra Plush Two Sided Towel - 16" x 16"

Waffle Weave Drying Towel - 36" x 24"


car is blue slate...graphite interior. any input is greatly appreciated

 

Overall, good choice of products there, however, a few recommendations...

-- It's a debate between detailers but I prefer Microfiber wash mits. Primarily because I've had a hard time finding quality Sheepskin mits. I've never tried those at DI, but DI typically carries high quality products. Worth a shot, but keep that in mind.

-- My personal favorite on tire shine is Blackfire Long Lasting Tire Gel. Beside the excellent shine, it does truly last a while. Depending on weather, I can go 2 weeks and they will still look nice and black. Kit comes with an applicator pad too for a bonus.

-- I'd also recommend a sealant such as Menzerna FMJ for you. While the Natty's Blue will help provide excellent shine, waxes do not typically last as long as sealants. Thus, I like to top my car with a sealant (FMJ) and then with a coat of wax for best results. FMJ topped with Natty's Blue is a great combo.

If your car is new, you should be okay without a claybar and polish for now. However, claybar is something I would recommend after the Boston winter to help remove any of the salt that may have embedded itself in the paint. Polishes are typically used to remove contiminants and swirls. Perfect your washing techniques and you may be able to go a while without needing an abrasive polish.

 

thanks alot blackjack. appreciate the input. I swapped the tire shine with the blackfire long lasting gel and added the mezerna sealant. Not sure where to get the mitt you were referring to so I'll stick with the DI sheepskin. Like you said they put out quality products, so can't see how I could go wrong with this.

thanks again for your help.

will look into polish and claybars in the spring/summer.

 

Yeah... I loaded up on my MF mitts at a car show earlier in the year. I'll talk to George @ DI to see if there is any plans to bring MF mitts into the product line-up soon, but you should feel good about the sheepskin mitts. Just care for them properly.

 

^^ will do. thanks again.

 

I have the sheepskin mit from D-image. Very high quality and recommended

 

Where in Boston are you located? I go to Bentley University in Waltham.

 

good to hear chi-town

mck619 I live right on the blue line ....literally 5 - 10 minute drive to fanuel hall right over the tobin..

my buddy went to bently for 4 years....graduated 06 not sure what year you are in. He was in TKE frat lol so I know all the kids in it from that year .

 

Do you have a machine polisher (PC/Flex/Rotary)? Like Brian said I would not go into polish yet (especially because of the weather), but even a brand new car can benefit from a clay bar and light polish. I prefer Menzerna polishes.

FYI The microfiber WW from DI is the best I've ever used, I highly recommend it.

 

I don't have a machine polisher, but will be looking into that come spring. thanks for the tip.

 

Good to hear actual experiences on the Sheepskin from DI, guys... It's tough to find quality ones.

If you are looking at a buffer, I recommend you stick with a Random Orbital -- Porter Cable 7424 or Flex. DI has both of them. The Flex is the best of the 2 as it about 60% more power than the PC. However don't get me wrong. I've used a PC for the past 5 years and have loved it! I'm just now upgrading to the Flex.

Best of luck and let us know of anymore questions you may have.

 

i'm graduating in 2011. yeah i have a bunch of friends in TKE also.

 

 

thanks again. I bookmarked this page for future reference.

 

hmm good idea, although would be difficult to see while driving.