My apologies for taking the lazy way out by posting this. I plan on scouring this section of the forum over the span of this month to learn as much as possible. However, I would like to get an order in to get started off properly next weekend.

Going by the assumption that I will use my current supplies on my other (leased) car, I wanted to put together a basic maintenance kit from scratch. The DI website has plenty of packages. So many that my head is spinning. My car just got the first home quick wash and the black is definitely just as challenging as all the previous blacks I had owned. Call me a glutton for punishment. Given that the water at the house yields water spots so effectively, one of the items on the list is a deionizer/filter. For home use, is there really anything that differentiates the two portable models on the DI website? I Googled around and those two seem to be the most reasonable setup.

The kit in order of need (as I perceive)
-Water Filter
-Regular Wash kit of some sort
-Interior care supplies
-Regular wax kit/buffing kit + clay

I figure that I would source the wax and in depth detailing supplies once I have had time to educate myself. However the washing portion needs emergency care, as the car is currently becoming a black car with little white polka dots. I don't want them to proliferate by washing again without the proper basics.

The second question: I'd like to find a good DFW detailer to help me prep my '08 Accord for sale. That is, unless people think I should practice on the car that won't be around for much more time.

Thanks for the help. I look forward to learning a lot on this forum.

 

Thank you for the inquiry and as always we are happy to help. Congratulations on the new ride I'm sure you are ready to start protecting it and enhancing the shine. The two rolling CRSpotless units are basically exactly the same. The larger size is a much better overall value on a per use basis.

Using good technique with quality washing and drying supplies is critical to maintaining the finish, especially with black paint. We have several great washing and drying kits which I've listed a few of below:
DI Packages Washing and Drying Basic Kit
DI Packages Washing and Drying Starter Package
DI Packages Washing and Drying Advanced Kit

For the interior we have two great kits that can help you clean virtually every surface on the interior:
DI Packages Interior Starter Kit
DI Packages Interior Ultimate Care
If these kits don't meet your needs let me know and I can help you find a selection of products that better meets your specific needs.

For the exterior I'd suggest a full detail about 1 - 2 times per year and then developing a maintenance routine of washing and protecting as desired. In the full detail I'd wash, dry, clay, polish and seal as the minimum. Here are some products I'd recommend to complete that process:

Start off with a top quality buffer and pads in the DI Packages Porter Cable 7424XP 5.5" Starter Kit. You can select any 7x pads you'd like by adding a comment to your order when checking out in the comment field.

Washing and Drying
Reference the kits linked above

Clay Bar
Safely deep clean the paint so you can make it look better and enhance the results of your polish and sealant.
DI Packages DI Gentle Fine Grade Clay Bar 100g & Clay Lube
DI Packages DI Gentle Fine Grade Clay Bar 200g & Clay Lube

Polish
I'd use a white pad with your buffer and use the Meguiar's Ultra Finishing Polish M205. It's a great polish that will help remove the minor imperfections even brand new cars come with. This is arguably the most important step in the process as it creates the shine.

Sealant
This step provides the long lasting protection while enhancing the paint by adding more gloss and depth. The Blackfire Wet Diamond with Polycharger is an outstanding sealant that provides that awesome wet look with durable protection. I apply it with a blue pad and the buffer but you can do a hand application if desired.

I'd suggest practicing some of these steps on the Accord. At a bare minimum I would wash and protect it (sealant) so it's looking good for the sale. If you want it looking outstanding add the polish and ideally the clay bar and polish for best results.

We have virtually every single product in stock and ready to ship out to you right away. If you have any questions please let me know.

 

Thanks for the comprehensive answer. I will definitely practice on the Accord, especially with the buffer! I saw what happens if one gets too eager on some other threads.

How similar are Honda/Acura and Inifiniti finishes, especially the scratch guard? Should I be using different pads on the Accord/TSX('10 on lease) vs the G?

Once again, thanks!

 

Glad to hear the information was helpful. In general the paints are quite similar. The differences you may notice will be slight and generally come with more experience. I'm confident you'll be impressed with the results and you'll do a great job on your first try. Let me know if you have any questions and don't forget to check out our detailing guide.