Ready to rock!

[s1nglef1sh]

So I've just had my new Signum for 3 days and been reading lots on the forums. Decided that I want to give this detailing lark a go

I'd already been to Halfords the other day and picked up an AG Valeting kit for about £40. You'll all know the one I mean:

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/s...tegoryrn_31372

I've got me a couple of new buckets, a lambswool mitt and some microfibre cloths too....

That's it so far and I aint minted so it'll be built up slowly I'm afraid.

What I need is a bit of direction cos I'm getting dizzy from all the different ways you guys detail your motors.

A few questions for the experts if you please....

1. What should I be applying the products with and should I buy the best? The microfibre cloths don't look like they'd be good for much, they're dead thin and bits fly everywhere when I even pick them up!! (The first polish I gave the car was with a 100% cotton towel... cut into 4!!) Are they best for interior/dash cleaning? (Some links would help)

I've seen mitts/cloths/soft foam applicators/cotton applicators/pads....

2. What interior stuff is the best for a showroom finish? I know everyone has preferences but as I said before, there's so much info flying around, I don't know where to start!!

3. Can anyone arrange to lower the price of petrol to around £0.43?

Ok, so the last ones a no goer...

Can you help a poor newbie detailer find his feet??

Ta

[mhvcbv]

hi
use these for aplying polish and waxes http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...EWA:PIC&ih=024
and get a good wax i use this http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Poorboys-World...QQcmdZViewItem

[nickabbott2008]

hi
use these for aplying polish and waxes http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...EWA:PIC&ih=024
and get a good wax i use this http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Poorboys-World...QQcmdZViewItem

I've seen people saying to use those pads for applying polish / wax but wouldn't a microfibre cloth do alright too?

I've got some AG SRP and never used it yet for my Veccy (too lazy yet ) but was just going to use a microfibre cloth?

[mhvcbv]

hi
yes a microfibre cloth will do.
it just easyer to apply with the pads.

[s1nglef1sh]

Thanks for the reply.

So I take it the pads are good for applying the polish/wax then use something seperate for buffing?

Are they machine washable aswell? I presume that they would be...

[mhvcbv]

Thanks for the reply.

So I take it the pads are good for applying the polish/wax then use something seperate for buffing?

Are they machine washable aswell? I presume that they would be...

yes you can wash the pads
use micro fibre cloths for buffing m8

[s1nglef1sh]

I must sound a real newbie! Thanks for the advice.

What do you use on your interior trim/plastics?

[mhvcbv]

hi
i use the meguires nxt interior (i think thats what it called)for the trim/plastics.
got that from halfords.

[Danwells72]

i compared tescos to the leading brand. results are here. To do the interior i used general cleaning wipes and dash shine on the plastics and foam upholstry cleaner for the seats and carpets. very good stuff imo

[Little John]

Apply by foam applicator, I prefer the mequiars ones but don't buy them from halfords they are £4.5 for 2, 50% more than they are every where else (£2.99). Microfiber applicators have a little more bite to them than foam and they absorb more product than foam which is wasteful.

Interior is a tough one, I prefer a matt/natural look but the finish can depend on how you use the products, I use tesco daisy all purpose cleaner diluted 10:1 and wiped to clean the surface then apply megs nxt interior protectant which I wipe over then buff off with a fresh microfiber it leaves the finish I want some people won't buff off to leave a glossy shine or lightly buff off.

As for the kit you bought
Super Resin Polish great product especially if you don't have a proper machine polisher can effectively mask swirls.
Jumbo Car Wash Sponge bin it or cut it up for applying tyre dressing.
Paint Renovator very abrasive and will probably leave swirls if not broken down properly.
8 pieces Perfect Polishing Cloth questionable, they are probably stockinette just use for wipeing dust of the interior
Bodywork Shampoo Conditioner not bad but there are cheaper alternatives once its all gone.
Intensive Tar Remover very good product but expensive if you need to use a lot, Autosmart tardis does a better job and costs peanuts
Car Glass Polish yep its ok, remember to wind the windows down a little to polish the top inch of the glass. then do the lower parts, doing the bottom then the top will mark the bottom again when you wind the window down to do the top
Quick Clear Screenwash never used it
Bumper Care make sure you buff it off after as it does streak if left on and runs down the car. most dressings do this so not a bad product just use it sparingly.