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**CieraSL** · Jun 28, 2009, 10:54 AM

Re: help CRITIQUE my list for buying detailing supplies (somewhat long)

Whoa! Long list!

OK, I'll throw some input out there.

Microfibers: the more the merrier, especially for serious detailing. Get several dozen.
Applicators: can't have too many. I'd say 20-30. I have 12 -15 for personal use.
Waxes/Sealants: I'd try to get a hold of some #26. Great stuff.
Interior care: I'd definitely get a gallon of APC or APC+. I'm told that APC+ is a bit more versatile. You can dilute it to clean leather and carpets. For leather (I don't have much use for a leather conditioner personally, but if I did) I'd go with Gold Class Rich Leather Cleaner/Conditioner. QID is good, but I think I'd have some M40 or Hyper Dressing on hand just so you cover everybody's preferences.
Vinyl Plastic and Rubber: M40, baby!
Tires/Wheels: Hot Shine tire gel or Endurance are good, but for serious detailing, probably a gallon of All Season Dressing or Hyper Dressing. All Season Dressing lasts longer on tires, but Hyper Dressing is more versatile. I suppose it depends on how much money you want to spend - you could just get both.
Clear Plastic: definitely get some PlastX.

I'd also look at getting at an AIO product for quickie details, maybe something like #6 or D151. Threads for you to read on both products:

#6: http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33704

D151: http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34266

Also get either the glass cleaner concentrate in the Detailer line or NXT glass cleaner. Heard great things about both. I'm going to go PBE shopping here before too long, and hopefully I can get a hold of some of the good stuff. Hope this helps!

**Murr1525** · Jun 28, 2009, 10:58 AM

Re: help CRITIQUE my list for buying detailing supplies (somewhat long)

Pads

Probably only need 1 cutting pad, say 3 polishing pads if you are getting the case of 6.

Towels

Lots.... But I use about 3 Water Magnets for a car, and then of course a bunch of Supreme Shines. I just bought the pack of 6 bonnets, but only used 2 so far on my car.

Wax

Nxt is good, ColorX is a cleaner/wax, doesnt matter for SS or Clear coat paints. Still good to have around. UQW is good after future washes.

Soap

Sure, whatever soap you like.

Interior

I prefer the IQD spray, wipes dont have enough liquid for me. APC or APC+ is good for deeper cleanings. APC is ok for leather, but you'll want some of the Gold CLass for milder cleaning / protection.

Vinyl/Rubber

The Supreme Shine Portectant is good for the interior. I like All Season Dressing for the exterior, and can be used for tires also.

Glass

Nxt Glass cleaner is great.

Applicators

I dont really use the MF applicators much.

Mirror Glaze

I'd skip the #83. Even the #82 isnt that critical.

**CumminsCrazed** · Jun 28, 2009, 11:06 AM

Re: help CRITIQUE my list for buying detailing supplies (somewhat long)

ok good start guys....thanks

lets hear some more!

**harshest** · Jun 28, 2009, 11:14 AM

Re: help CRITIQUE my list for buying detailing supplies (somewhat long)

My $.02

-The more Microfibers and pads (both DA and hand) the better, you can never have too many
-If you are going to be doing a lot of detailing get Megs detailer line of glass cleaner, one gallon of concentrate makes 10 gallons of usable solution.
-I have found that APC+ is stronger that APC. APC has more foaming action.
-You only need other backing plate for smaller (4") pads.
-SSP or M40 for vinyl or rubber.
-Not sure about leather but there are quite a few products in the GC line.

**MarkH** · Jun 28, 2009, 11:28 AM

Re: help CRITIQUE my list for buying detailing supplies (somewhat long)

Having only 2 pads of a certain type can cause you some heartache if you drop one or get one too saturated to work with. Cleaning pads "on the fly" can help this but is no substitute for having extra clean pads on hand. If you plan on polishing a whole vehicle at one time I would make sure to have more than 2 on hand just in case.

For microfibers I would suggest getting at least 12 (if not more) and use them only for "clean" jobs like claying, removing polish/wax, and cleaning glass. Go to Walmart or Target and pick up some cheap MF's and use them for the "dirty" jobs like tires, trim, and soiled interiors. Store and wash them separately so you don't gunk up your good towels.

Wax is all personal preference. With NXT 2.0 you have a great-looking sealant with very good durability. Finding something else you like better means trying different products. Some people go shopping for different waxes like women shop for shoes lol.

I personally use M40 and Natural Shine Protectant for interiors and keep some Supreme Shine Protectant on hand in case anyone wants a high-gloss finish. Nothing wrong with the QID though!

For exterior trim (I'm assuming that's what you mean by Vinyl Plastic and Rubber) I like M40. Looking into getting some All Season Dressing for a longer-lasting dressing. The M40 looks great (it cleans up the trim vey nicely) but is water-based and doesn't seem durable.

I use Stoner's Invisible Glass (love it) and I've heard great things about the NXT glass cleaner. Just remember less is more with glass cleaner. You will get less streaks if you don't go crazy on the cleaner. Use just enough to get the job done!

Looks like you don't have any tire brushes listed. Meguiar's used to make some great brushes and you can still find them online if you look around. Don't want to neglect the tires!

**john m.** · Jun 28, 2009, 11:50 AM

Re: help CRITIQUE my list for buying detailing supplies (somewhat long)

D/A and Pads:

I would get as many pads as you can afford really. It will help when you need extra and when you dont have time to wash them after every use. However, you may need more polishing pads than others? Idk just as many as you can get

MF Towel/Accessories:

I bought my supreme shines in bulk from ADS in the 36 pack. Also with the drying magnets you shouldnt need to many so maybe get 4.

Wax/Sealants:

NXT is good, and so is colorx, you can use the 105 and such on ss also though. Colorx is just another great thing to have in your arsenal!

Clay/Lube:

Last touch is great clay lube. You can also look into the detailer line blue clay which I really like.

Car Wash Soap:

Everything looks good here, maybe get a few more mitts for when you need another and can downgrade the old one to wheels and such.

Quick Detail Sprays:

Again, looks good maybe add in some final inspection.

Interior Care:

QID is a must have imho so that is good! For leather I really like the Detailer line leather cleaner conditioner and a sample size goes a long way. Or you can get the 2 step system. For carpet quick out is great as is some APC+ sucked up with an extractor or LGM

Vinyl Plastic and Rubber:

This depends on what shine you want. I would stock up on M40 (my absolute favorite!) some supreme shine, natural shine, and maybe some M39. Ask the person the kind of shine they want and pick product by their answer.

Tire/Wheel:

On tires I like using apc+ to clean them and so far my favorite tire dressing is the Hyper Dressing! It rocks and you can dilute it to how much shine you want!

Glass/Clear Plastic:

If you can get it yes! You may not use it a lot but you may find a time you need it. The detailer line glass cleaner is also very good, or try some of the sprayway from ADS.

Megs Accessories:

Definitely get the bottles! they are really good and make sure to get the right sprayers along with them. If you get any samples make sure to also get a bottle for it so you can dilute it how you want. You probably will not need anyother backing plates. And get some brushes.

Applicators:

Like before, order them in bulk! Rick has great prices, I probably bought more than I need but that means I will never have a lack of them

For tire dressing applicators, if you get the hyper dressing you will not need them.

Headlight Restoration:

If you feel the need you can get this, I want it but havent gotten it. Some may require sanding though, but the kit offers the ability to add a service.

Detailer Line:

Get both apc and apc+ I use apc+ normally outside and apc on interiors that need heavy cleaning. Usualy diluted 10:1 and really I only need the sample sizes. Also look at the leather cleaner, glass cleaner, and hyper dressing.

Mirror Glaze/Pro. Line

Everything here looks pretty good, I would get the 32oz sizes and maybe some samples of M105 and M205 so you get a little more and have smaller bottles

NXT Line:

All looks pretty good here

Gold Class Line:

Again everything here looks good

Consumer Line:

You can always look into getting some of the Ultimate Compound, swirlx, and scratchx. Always good to have more products

**john m.** · Jun 28, 2009, 11:50 AM

Re: help CRITIQUE my list for buying detailing supplies (somewhat long)

Hope that helps you some

**Eddie6th** · Jun 28, 2009, 12:31 PM

Re: help CRITIQUE my list for buying detailing supplies (somewhat long)

I think you've pretty much mentioned everything there.It's way more than what i use at any given time.

Microfibres--at minimum 6.But more are better.

Water magnet--I use 1 but with a chamois.whatever you prefer.

Choice of soap--i use any of the meg's soaps.just whatever is available.From what i've used in the past,theyre all good..soft gel,gold class and NXT.Anyone of these are fine.

PlastX is very handy.

Everything else sounds okay.

**CumminsCrazed** · Jun 28, 2009, 07:52 PM

Re: help CRITIQUE my list for buying detailing supplies (somewhat long)

Thanks John, very helpful, i already have some of the stuff like old mitts, tire brush, UC, SwirlX and ScratchX2.0. I used those on my C10.....link found here - http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33664

**john m.** · Jun 28, 2009, 07:56 PM

Re: help CRITIQUE my list for buying detailing supplies (somewhat long)

Ah! I remember seeing your thread now!

One thing I remembered, look into the detailer line for all season dressing for plastic trim. Another great trim I love (isnt meguiars) blackwow. I dont use it much as its a little pricy and you dont get much, but it is another good product lol

**Tuck91** · Jun 28, 2009, 08:17 PM

Re: help CRITIQUE my list for buying detailing supplies (somewhat long)

For Vinyl and Rubber I use either M40 or Natural Shine. I have a gallon of M40 and four bottles of Natural Shine.

My favorite clay lube is Last Touch or NXT Speed Detailer

**Bounty** · Jun 28, 2009, 09:40 PM

Re: help CRITIQUE my list for buying detailing supplies (somewhat long)

Just got to this thread now and the previous posters have mentioned a lot of good information. I'll try to add a few points here and there so if I repeat something somone already stated forgive me...

Originally posted by CumminsCrazed View Post

ok guys...im getting ready to make my FIRST EVER purchase of Meguiars supplies for doing some serious detailing.....

My recommendations will be based off this statement and take into account you're looking to do serious correction work and not just a car or two.

D/A and Pads:

Meguiars G110 Dual Action Polisher Kit (ADS G110 Kit 1)
Meguiars Soft Buff 2.0 7" Pads, 2 of each to start with (is 7" a correct size and is 2 of each a good startnig point?)

If you're dead-set on a random orbital than the G110 is as good/better than the PC7424XP so you're good there. ADS is an excellent distributor to start a relationship with so you made the right call there too.

As for pads, 2 for me would be too little. I consider 3 pads of each type a minimum to complete a pass on a car...even with cleaning on the fly. This is particularly true if using aggressive compounds that will be removing film build or the KBM which pre-soaks the pad with product (priming). Also you're not taking into account dedicated pads per product stream. For example if you do a pass of M105/Polishing pad and use three but need to follow up with Ultimate Compound, M205, or something else on a polishing pad you now have to wait to wash/dry your existing pads before continuing and the job just got halted in its tracks. Finishing pads (since they're not removing a lot of material) can be stretched further so to start I'd recommend 3 cutting, 6 polishing, and 3 finishing. And what happens if you dirty/soil one? Or damage one? Or lose one? You can never really have too many pads.

You might also want to look into different backing plates and pad sizes to get into small or hard to reach areas such as the 6.5", 5.5", or 4" Lake Country CCS pads that are ADS-spec.

MF Towel/Accessories:

Supreme Shine MF Towel (how many should i get?)
Water Magnet Drying Towel (how many should i get?)
Ultimate MF DA Bonnets for removing wax (is it worth it and if so how many should i get)

Microfibers...like pads...are something you need in abundance. You can never have too many. But make sure you have different quality microfibers for different jobs. I like to use the Meg's Ultimate Wipes for final LSP removal only (4 to 6 here would be good). The Meg's SS towels get used for all other paint work (I'd go with at least a dozen). For interiors, door jambs, engine compartments and other "dirty" work you can buy the ADS blues in bulk or grab some from an autoparts store or Costco.

Wax/Sealants:

NXT 2.0 liquid wax
ColorX (for SS paints??)

The NXT 2.0 is an excellent sealant for general purpose and works well on all finishes and colors. If you want to alter the look you get from your LSP you can also pick up a tin of the Gold Class carnauba for the classic natural look. Believe it or not, I keep a bottle of the maroon A12 Cleaner Wax specifically for the single stage cars I work on. Helps to cleanse the paint, has decent longevity, and gives a classic carnauba look that is a lot more like what the car looked like when it was waxed new versus the sometimes "candy coated" sheen a sealant can create.

Clay/Lube:

SS Replacement Clay (already have initial kit)
1 Gal Last Touch

That's exactly what I use although I do have some DP Detailer's Clay for when I need something a bit more aggressive than the Meg's SS clay. Last Touch is a lifesaver and super economical when diluted 1:1...

Car Wash Soap:

2 Gal Gold Class
1 64oz NXT
2 Grit Guards
SM Arnold Sheepskin Woll Mitt

I utilize the 1-bucket/foam gun method but if you're going 2-bucket your list looks good.

Quick Detail Sprays:

Ultimate Quick Detailer
Last touch (listed above for Clay Lube)

I use Last Touch for all areas where a "cleaning" quick detail product is needed and the UQD for the finishing touches if you feel necessary.

Interior Care:

Quick Interior Detailer (spray or wipes?)
Unsure on leather products, please help me
Unsure on carpet/uhpolstery cleaners etc., please help me

I like the 2-pack aloe-infused Meg's Leather Cleaner and Meg's Leather Conditioner you can get from ADS. The Gold Class combo in the black bottle is a little greasy for my tastes during application. I like the look of Meg's Natural Shine and their Supreme Shine and have both to vary the look according to the customer's tastes. List looks good and the Meg's Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner is awesome! See for yourself:

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?p=329584#post329584

Vinyl Plastic and Rubber:

Unsure on any of it, please help me

Meg's M39 to clean heavily soiled surfaces...M40 for a milder cleaner/conditioner/dressing in one product...and something like Hyperdressing or the Gold Class Trim Detailer if you want a more reflective shine.

Tire/Wheel:

Hot Rims All Wheel Cleaner
Quick Wheel Detailer
Unsure on which tire shine to use, please help me, want a nice shine, but not overdone

I use the Meg's High Endurance Tire Gel exclusively. Apply using a foam tre applicator. Prior to delivery, pick-up, etc give the tire surface a quick wipe with a microfiber to insure 100% sling-free application and a nice shine but not horribly overdone. A note on the Hot Rims All-Wheel Cleaner. Although it is safe on 99% of wheel surfaces it can get pricey quick...especially if you spray liberally and have several cars to do. Look into diluted Meg's Wheel Brigthener for the everyday jobs and keep a bottle or two of the HRAWC for sensitive wheels.

Glass/Clear Plastic:

Meguiars PlastX (is it worth buying for stuff?)
will stick with my Stoners Invisible Glass for windows, unless Meguiars has a better product??

I love the NXT Glass Cleaner but Stoner's makes a good product. May want to invest in a headlight resotration kit or two from ADS as it's a common problem on cars and many customers really want it addressed. Makes the car safer to operate at night and changes the front end looks completely when cleaned.

Megs Accessories:

Detailer Dispensing bottles
Plastic Razor Blades
Other Backing Plates?????

Get the Detailer bottles if buying in bulk. The plastic razors are great...I have about a hundred. As for backing plats see above.

Applicators:

Foam applicator Pads, How many???
MF applicator pads, How many???
Curved and Jumbo curved tire applicators???

At least 4 foam applicators to start...they come in a 4-pack anyway. They are washable and reusable. You can pick up the 2-pack for now and see how often you use them versus the foam or a microfiber towel. You can always get more later. They are also washable and reusable. I always have at least 2 tire applicators but they've lasted me forever.

Headlight Restoration:

Headlight Resoration Kit

See above...

Detailer Line:

APC/APC+ (which is better for general use)
Last Touch (listed above for Clay lube abd quick detail spray)
Super Degreaser
Anything else i should look into?

I prefer APC+ as it works in carpet extractors due to its low foaming formula. I also prefer it when working around the car as without all the foam upon agitation I can see more clearly the surface being worked on. Last Touch is excellent...buy it by the gallon. Super Degreaser is ok but I've only used a little of it. I use a dedicated tire/wheel product so don't need it there. Use APC+ for engine detailing and wheel wells so don't need it there either. I just haven't found the need for it too often. As for other products in this line see above...

Mirror Glaze/Pro. Line

M105/M205 (what size would be sufficient?)
M07 Show Car Glaze
M80 Speed Glaze
M82 Swirl Free Polish
M83 DA Polish/Cleaner
Anything here i could add or remove, replace with something different?

Get the 32oz sizes of M105/M205 to start...you can work up from there depending on how many cars you do. I'm not a big fan at all of M07 so can't offer much advice on that. I don't use a lot of the DAT technology intermediate polishes as I've chosen to stick within the SMAT lineup so I have M105, Ultimate Compound, M205, and D151. With those four products you could easily replace M80 thru M84. Also, since I use LC pads I am not restricted by the Meg's 3-pad system and can vary mechanical abrasiveness of pad compound substantially in small increments over the product line to vary my cut and aggressivity.

NXT Line:

NXT 2.0 Liquid Wax (listed above in wax section)
NXT Wash Soap (listed above in Car Wash section)
Anything else thats goes above the rest in this Line?

See above...

Gold Class Line:

GC Car Wash (listed above in wash area)
SS Clay Kit (listed above in clay area)
UQD (listed above in detail spray area)
ColorX (listed above in wax area)
Quick Interior Detailer (listed above in interior care look)
Quick Wheel Detailer (listed above in wheels/tire care)
Hot Rims Mag and Aluminum Polish
Megs Odor Eliminator

Meg's Hot Rims Chrome Polish Liquid produces stunning results on exterior metals and is, of course, safe on chrome.

Consumer Line:

Anything there worth looking into??

I really like the DC-1 Paint Cleaner for a non-abrasive chemical cleansing of the paint surface. I use it on single stage paints for light decontamination or prior to waxing on most finishes during maintenance details. Works well and is being discontinued so you might want to snatch some up. If you're worried about it being dscontinued, Wolfgang Paintwork Polish Enhancer is a near identical product although much more expensive.

Thanks a lot guys for taking your time to help me!!!!!!

Hope this helps a bit...

**J. A. Michaels** · Jun 29, 2009, 07:27 AM

Re: help CRITIQUE my list for buying detailing supplies (somewhat long)

Here is my 0.02.

Get at least 4 microfiber bonnets, To remove the wax.

Try the c-2000 professional mild clay. (larger bar)

Start out with the Gold Class leather cleaner and conditioner.

Meguiars concentrated glass cleaner. Agallon of this and a dedicateed spray bottle, cost less then $20.00. It will make 11 gallons of product. Huge savings over Invisible Glass.

Get at least 4 dedicated glass microfiber towels. Only use them to clean glass.

For exterior trim and tires. I would get a gallon of All Season Dressing. Great stuff.

Good luck.

**CumminsCrazed** · Jun 29, 2009, 07:47 PM

Re: help CRITIQUE my list for buying detailing supplies (somewhat long)

wow guys....your all awesome!!!!, especially you Bounty..AMAZING response to me!!

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