Aussie S650 Paint protection and detailing thread

[prestj1]

@DFB5.0 You sir are a champ...thanks for the info, I'm pretty keen on the MTMPF22.3 so lets see what deal comes out next week

I see Waxit currently has it at $139 + Nv Snow so already a pretty good deal IMO

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[DFB5.0]

@DFB5.0 You sir are a champ...thanks for the info, I'm pretty keen on the MTMPF22.3 so lets see what deal comes out next week

I see Waxit currently has it at $139 + Nv Snow so already a pretty good deal IMO

One other thing to watch out for when modifying pressure washers is to be mindful of nozzle and foam cannon orifice sizes. For a Karcher K2 or K3, you would be using the 1.1 mm orifice supplied with the MTM foam cannon (they come with one fitted, and a second in the box. Just make sure the 1.1 is fitted). For nozzles (if you go that way), stick with a 3.0 orifice for those Karchers to boost flow and tailor the pressure. If you use the smaller orifice sizes to boost pressure, you risk burning out your pump.

More here -
The Pressure Washer Spreadsheet

 

[prestj1]

So this is what I've asked Mad Inc to quote me up.

XPEL FUSION NEW CAR PROTECTION PACKAGE



PREP:

GYEON Foam Pre-Rinse & 2 Bucket Wash

Clay Bar & Deionizer Paint Decontamination (req every 6-12 months)

Door Jambs Cleaned & Degreased

Wheels Washed

Soft Dry & Heated Blow Dry Methods

Single or Two Stage (If req) Paint Correct to reduce swirls & enhance gloss

Exterior Paintwork Protected with Spray Sealant – Interior & Exterior Glass Cleaned

XPEL FUSION PLUS PREMIUM Ceramic Coating

2 Coats + Infrared Cured

XPEL FUSION Glass Coating:

Apply 2 x coats of XPEL Glass Ceramic Coating All glass excluding W/Screen

XPEL FUSION Interior Protection:

Leather

Fabric

Vinyl

XPEL PRIME CERAMIC WINDOW FILM:

99% UV Protection Tint applied to windows excluding Windscreen Lifetime warranty

Duration: 2 Days

+ XPEL Wheel & Caliper Coating ( 3 Year Warranty ) unless this is already included in the Ultimate package

@DFB5.0 what is the XPEL stuff like I've never used it before?

Cheers JP

 

[DFB5.0]

So this is what I've asked Mad Inc to quote me up.

XPEL FUSION NEW CAR PROTECTION PACKAGE



PREP:

GYEON Foam Pre-Rinse & 2 Bucket Wash

Clay Bar & Deionizer Paint Decontamination (req every 6-12 months)

Door Jambs Cleaned & Degreased

Wheels Washed

Soft Dry & Heated Blow Dry Methods

Single or Two Stage (If req) Paint Correct to reduce swirls & enhance gloss

Exterior Paintwork Protected with Spray Sealant – Interior & Exterior Glass Cleaned

XPEL FUSION PLUS PREMIUM Ceramic Coating

2 Coats + Infrared Cured

XPEL FUSION Glass Coating:

Apply 2 x coats of XPEL Glass Ceramic Coating All glass excluding W/Screen

XPEL FUSION Interior Protection:

Leather

Fabric

Vinyl

XPEL PRIME CERAMIC WINDOW FILM:

99% UV Protection Tint applied to windows excluding Windscreen Lifetime warranty

Duration: 2 Days

+ XPEL Wheel & Caliper Coating ( 3 Year Warranty ) unless this is already included in the Ultimate package

@DFB5.0 what is the XPEL stuff like I've never used it before?

Cheers JP

A couple of things I would note here -

- Definitely have the wheels and calipers coated.

- Glass coating is nice to have, just know these coatings don't always last very long, notably on the front windshield due to the abrasion from the wipers. Worth doing, just know the limitations.

- Skip the interior ceramic coating. I know it may feel like you are neglecting the interior here, but you really don't want or need to apply ceramic coatings to interior surfaces. If something goes wrong here, you can't polish it off like on paint. Also, leather needs to breath, not being locked up with a coating. Also, with the glass being tinted, you already have UV protection.

- For the interior, I can set you on the right path here, especially leather. Do not apply sickly traditional leather care balms and oils, it's a waste of time and effort, not to mention looks terrible. Unless you are dealing with children or walking in mud before driving the car, you just don't need coatings or heavy duty cleaning chemicals.

- For the paint coating, frankly, I see no need to do the Xpel coatings as you are not applying PPF, so you end up paying for something you don't need. The same applies to the claimed 8-year longevity, there is a high chance that the car will need a light polish within 3-4 years, completely normal and not from neglect. In which case you end up removing the coating and burning that extra cash you paid to get it.

- The Gyeon options would be my choice, in particular the Q2 INFINITE PAINT PROTECTION, which has a more realistic 5-year durability claim. It's also Gyeon's own coating, not an outsource that I believe the Xpel stuff is. The Gyeon should be slicker too and has huge range of maintenance products to care for it.

I hope that helps. I'm all for setting fire to cash in the name of car care, but not needlessly so. I hope the above makes sense and is relatable.

 

[bfets]

A couple of things I would note here -

- Definitely have the wheels and calipers coated.

- Glass coating is nice to have, just know these coatings don't always last very long, notably on the front windshield due to the abrasion from the wipers. Worth doing, just know the limitations.

- Skip the interior ceramic coating. I know it may feel like you are neglecting the interior here, but you really don't want or need to apply ceramic coatings to interior surfaces. If something goes wrong here, you can't polish it off like on paint. Also, leather needs to breath, not being locked up with a coating. Also, with the glass being tinted, you already have UV protection.

- For the interior, I can set you on the right path here, especially leather. Do not apply sickly traditional leather care balms and oils, it's a waste of time and effort, not to mention looks terrible. Unless you are dealing with children or walking in mud before driving the car, you just don't need coatings or heavy duty cleaning chemicals.

- For the paint coating, frankly, I see no need to do the Xpel coatings as you are not applying PPF, so you end up paying for something you don't need. The same applies to the claimed 8-year longevity, there is a high chance that the car will need a light polish within 3-4 years, completely normal and not from neglect. In which case you end up removing the coating and burning that extra cash you paid to get it.

- The Gyeon options would be my choice, in particular the Q2 INFINITE PAINT PROTECTION, which has a more realistic 5-year durability claim. It's also Gyeon's own coating, not an outsource that I believe the Xpel stuff is. The Gyeon should be slicker too and has huge range of maintenance products to care for it.

I hope that helps. I'm all for setting fire to cash in the name of car care, but not needlessly so. I hope the above makes sense and is relatable.

I agree. MADinc can also do Geyon coatings which is what I would have gone for if I didn't do PPF on my car. That being said, I think most of the time and money goes into the paint correction, not so much the ceramic coating itself. Absolutely worth doing that if you aren't keen on doing it yourself.
I also like the Gtechniq CSL or CSU coatings but MADinc doesn't do those.
I am not having them apply a ceramic coating to any of the interior surfaces of my car. They're cleaning it, that's it.
I'm also not going for a glass coating either. I was just going to do Geyon Quick view myself, but they're doing that for free on mine, so I'm okay with it. They mentioned they might do a wheel coating on mine, time permitting. If they don't end up doing it, I'll do that myself with Armour detail supply wheel coating.

 

[DFB5.0]

I agree. MADinc can also do Geyon coatings which is what I would have gone for if I didn't do PPF on my car. That being said, I think most of the time and money goes into the paint correction, not so much the ceramic coating itself. Absolutely worth doing that if you aren't keen on doing it yourself.

My comments regarding this were not in relation to time/money/effort preparing for the coating rather than applying the coating, just that paying the premium for the Xpel coating over the Gyeon was not worth it.

 

[bfets]

My comments regarding this were not in relation to time/money/effort preparing for the coating rather than applying the coating, just that paying the premium for the Xpel coating over the Gyeon was not worth it.

I'm just saying the overall difference between getting them to do Geyon vs XPEL, might not be that big when looking at the total price for the whole job, seeing the bulk of the money/time will be going into the paint correction, prep, tinting etc.
If they end up doing two coats of Geyon vs Xpel it's really just the cost of the coating itself that will be different right? Off course the Geyon coating will be cheaper than the XPEL coating. I just wonder how much that will be in $. My guess would be maybe $200 cheaper? What do you think?
Like I said, I would choose the Geyon coating as well was it not for getting PPF on mine.

 

[prestj1]

A couple of things I would note here -

- Definitely have the wheels and calipers coated.

- Glass coating is nice to have, just know these coatings don't always last very long, notably on the front windshield due to the abrasion from the wipers. Worth doing, just know the limitations.

- Skip the interior ceramic coating. I know it may feel like you are neglecting the interior here, but you really don't want or need to apply ceramic coatings to interior surfaces. If something goes wrong here, you can't polish it off like on paint. Also, leather needs to breath, not being locked up with a coating. Also, with the glass being tinted, you already have UV protection.

- For the interior, I can set you on the right path here, especially leather. Do not apply sickly traditional leather care balms and oils, it's a waste of time and effort, not to mention looks terrible. Unless you are dealing with children or walking in mud before driving the car, you just don't need coatings or heavy duty cleaning chemicals.

- For the paint coating, frankly, I see no need to do the Xpel coatings as you are not applying PPF, so you end up paying for something you don't need. The same applies to the claimed 8-year longevity, there is a high chance that the car will need a light polish within 3-4 years, completely normal and not from neglect. In which case you end up removing the coating and burning that extra cash you paid to get it.

- The Gyeon options would be my choice, in particular the Q2 INFINITE PAINT PROTECTION, which has a more realistic 5-year durability claim. It's also Gyeon's own coating, not an outsource that I believe the Xpel stuff is. The Gyeon should be slicker too and has huge range of maintenance products to care for it.

I hope that helps. I'm all for setting fire to cash in the name of car care, but not needlessly so. I hope the above makes sense and is relatable.

Thanks DFB and BFETS for the tips much appreciated...Cheers JP

 

[bfets]

About 3 weeks ago, I gave our other new car a thorough decontamination wash. My plan is to eventually apply some NV EVO v1 coating that I have on hand. Unfortunately, I ran out of time to polish after the wash, so I just threw on some Obsessed Garage drying aid as a temporary measure until I could get back to it.
Fast forward to today - after about 1000km and 3 weeks of driving, I finally washed the car again. I was honestly shocked at how well the water was still beading! The hydrophobic properties were still going strong, which I definitely wasn't expecting from the drying aid after all this time.
I decided to experiment a bit and applied some Geyon Wet Coat after this second wash. Curious to see how long that lasts!
Still not sure when I'll find the time to properly polish and apply the NV EVO v1, but I'm definitely planning to try out Carpro Essence as a primer polish before coating (thanks for the tip, @DFB5.0 !).
Anyone else have experience with good drying aids or detail sprays? Would love to hear what you use.

 

[bfets]

Wow, the master at work once again

 

[DFB5.0]

About 3 weeks ago, I gave our other new car a thorough decontamination wash. My plan is to eventually apply some NV EVO v1 coating that I have on hand. Unfortunately, I ran out of time to polish after the wash, so I just threw on some Obsessed Garage drying aid as a temporary measure until I could get back to it.

Fast forward to today - after about 1000km and 3 weeks of driving, I finally washed the car again. I was honestly shocked at how well the water was still beading! The hydrophobic properties were still going strong, which I definitely wasn't expecting from the drying aid after all this time.
I decided to experiment a bit and applied some Geyon Wet Coat after this second wash. Curious to see how long that lasts!

Still not sure when I'll find the time to properly polish and apply the NV EVO v1, but I'm definitely planning to try out Carpro Essence as a primer polish before coating (thanks for the tip, @DFB5.0 !).
Anyone else have experience with good drying aids or detail sprays? Would love to hear what you use.

This is consistent with spray sealants being used as drying aids. Some would say that perhaps we have taken things too far with drying aids, as in using quite substantial spray sealants when a simple quick detailer would serve the same role, but without the potential of overloading on "protection". I'm guilty of this as anyone though.

As some will know, OG Drying Aid is made by B&B Blending in the USA, the catalog name is Slipstream. Of the ones I know about, the same base formula is used for Adam's Slick & Slide, Xtreame Solutions Topper and Ethos Pro-Shine (the latest called Speed Shine is a different/newer formula), with colour, scent and labeling separating them. I mention this because when OG Drying Aid came out, Adam's specifically stated that Slick & Slide was not suitable as a drying aid. However, they now say that it's an "incredible drying aid". I guess the competition advertising this product for use as a drying aid, Adam's decided to join the party.

Slipstream/Obsessed Garage Drying Aid at its core is a polymer spray sealant with some Si02 in the formula. The polymer aspect adds that lovely slick feel and warm gloss, the Si02 boosts the longevity and hydrophobic qualities. Overall, its very easy to use and has high user reward.

 

[DFB5.0]

Drying Aids

The basic concept of a drying aid is to provide lubrication while towel drying, while also boosting gloss and slickness. You can use a drying aid on a fully wet vehicle, or after using some form of blower to remove the bulk of the water first.

In simple terms, there are two basic types of drying aid; ones that add durable protection, and ones that don't add any durable protection.

Non-Durable Protection - these were the original drying aid, simply quick detailers or detail sprays. With these, you will add plenty of gloss and slickness with an easy application. Typically, a quick detailer will be removed at the next wash or rain, which isn't really a problem as you are going to use them again afterwards anyway. If you are washing frequently with substantial protection already applied to the car (wax, sealant, ceramic coating), these products will limit build up over time and won't mask the protection underneath. A couple of examples -

P&S Paint Gloss - super easy to use, excellent gloss and slickness. The cinnamon scent is heavenly!

Meguiar's Last Touch - again, simple and easy to use with a classic quick detailer scent.

Durable Protection - this is not to say these products will last forever, but they won't be removed at the next wash. These products can be a spray wax, polymer spray sealant or Si02 ceramic spray sealant. If you wash less often, or want to ensure your existing protection remains topped up, then these are for you. A couple of examples -

Armour Detail Supply Amplify - the best there is at the moment. No product like this is easier to apply, which flashes away and leaves a glossy, slick and streak free finish. Smells divine as well.

Obsessed Garage Drying Aid - the name says it all. The key with this product is the warmer, slicker finish it provides over heavier S0i2 products. The lack of color and scent compared to other Slipstream variants means its more stable.

Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Detailer - I love this stuff, its so easy to use and adds plenty of gloss, slickness and hydrophobics. Just wait until its on sale, its otherwise way over priced in Austalia.

 

[bfets]

This is consistent with spray sealants being used as drying aids. Some would say that perhaps we have taken things too far with drying aids, as in using quite substantial spray sealants when a simple quick detailer would serve the same role, but without the potential of overloading on "protection". I'm guilty of this as anyone though.

As some will know, OG Drying Aid is made by B&B Blending in the USA, the catalog name is Slipstream. Of the ones I know about, the same base formula is used for Adam's Slick & Slide, Xtreame Solutions Topper and Ethos Pro-Shine (the latest called Speed Shine is a different/newer formula), with colour, scent and labeling separating them. I mention this because when OG Drying Aid came out, Adam's specifically stated that Slick & Slide was not suitable as a drying aid. However, they now say that it's an "incredible drying aid". I guess the competition advertising this product for use as a drying aid, Adam's decided to join the party.

Slipstream/Obsessed Garage Drying Aid at its core is a polymer spray sealant with some Si02 in the formula. The polymer aspect adds that lovely slick feel and warm gloss, the Si02 boosts the longevity and hydrophobic qualities. Overall, its very easy to use and has high user reward.

That makes sense. I think I over applied when I used it the first time. I had some problems with streaking on the glass and it looked to me like it attracted dust a little more as well. Next time I use it, I'm just going to use it a bit more sparingly. Made the car look amazing though and felt really slick.

 

[bfets]

Drying Aids

The basic concept of a drying aid is to provide lubrication while towel drying, while also boosting gloss and slickness. You can use a drying aid on a fully wet vehicle, or after using some form of blower to remove the bulk of the water first.

In simple terms, there are two basic types of drying aid; ones that add durable protection, and ones that don't add any durable protection.

Non-Durable Protection - these were the original drying aid, simply quick detailers or detail sprays. With these, you will add plenty of gloss and slickness with an easy application. Typically, a quick detailer will be removed at the next wash or rain, which isn't really a problem as you are going to use them again afterwards anyway. If you are washing frequently with substantial protection already applied to the car (wax, sealant, ceramic coating), these products will limit build up over time and won't mask the protection underneath. A couple of examples -

P&S Paint Gloss - super easy to use, excellent gloss and slickness. The cinnamon scent is heavenly!

Meguiar's Last Touch - again, simple and easy to use with a classic quick detailer scent.

Durable Protection - this is not to say these products will last forever, but they won't be removed at the next wash. These products can be a spray wax, polymer spray sealant or Si02 ceramic spray sealant. If you wash less often, or want to ensure your existing protection remains topped up, then these are for you. A couple of examples -

Armour Detail Supply Amplify - the best there is at the moment. No product like this is easier to apply, which flashes away and leaves a glossy, slick and streak free finish. Smells divine as well.

Obsessed Garage Drying Aid - the name says it all. The key with this product is the warmer, slicker finish it provides over heavier S0i2 products. The lack of color and scent compared to other Slipstream variants means its more stable.

Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Detailer - I love this stuff, its so easy to use and adds plenty of gloss, slickness and hydrophobics. Just wait until its on sale, its otherwise way over priced in Austalia.

I'm seeing more and more of Armour detail supply's products being recommended and mentioned. Especially their wheel coating which made Matt switch from Carpro DLUX.
Impressive seeing they're fairly new to market. Looks like they're a company to watch going forward. I'm thinking I should try Amplify as well soon.

 

[DFB5.0]

I'm seeing more and more of Armour detail supply's products being recommended and mentioned. Especially their wheel coating which made Matt switch from Carpro DLUX.
Impressive seeing they're fairly new to market. Looks like they're a company to watch going forward. I'm thinking I should try Amplify as well soon.

At one point, I was importing the wheel coating directly from Armour in the US, but then Detailing Shed picked up the Aussie distribution for the brand. The coatings came initially, but the rest of the range followed a few months later. After everything I had read to that point, I took a punt on trying the entire lineup.

And wow, what a brand! I've said this many times now, but I have not used a more cohesive full line of products from a single brand until Armour Detail Supply. With other brands, they will have a few standouts from the range, the rest being nothing more than average. But every single ADS product nails its use case. If you are not into buying and trying from a range of brands, then you would in safe hands with ADS.

Now, having said that, there are still standouts to be found.

The above mentioned Amplify is one of those bullseye products that I've already re-stocked twice now, my next purchase will be the gallon size. It's just so easy to use with no streaking and delightful scent.

Probably my favorite from the brand, Pilot interior detailer/cleaner is simply brilliant. I can be used in a spray and wipe manner or lathered up with agitation if needed. After wiping, the product flashing away to leave a residue free finish. And the scent, I love it so much that I actually contacted them to ask what it was officially called, according to Bradley its "spiced pear". I'd use it for the scent alone. Another I have already restocked.

If you are into rinse-less washing, Pilot is my current favorite. Again, scent plays a part, but so does the functionality. It's probably not the strongest rinse-less in terms of cleaning power, but on garage queens, its brilliantly capable. The main thing I like is how it seems to dry better afterwards. Currently sold out in Australia, which is remarkable considering rinse-less is not very popular here.

Tire+ is very similar to OG Tire Dressing in that it offers supreme coverage from a small amount of product. It can be on the glossier side, but is very tailorable to taste. The banana scent is nice too.

Adapt is labeled as a waterless wash, but ignore that. Instead, this is a do-it-all product that can be used as a drying aid, to wipe down door jambs and engine bays, interior wipe downs, class cleaning, or as quick detailer to safely remove bird bombs and bugs.

I'd also look into the tire cleaner, which seems very capable, and Shampoo+ which is an alternative to Carpro Reset.

The anticipation I had prior to trying out the ADS lineup was high, more so than any other brand prior. After trying each one after the other, I don't think I could be more pleased with these products. I also like how ADS are not sitting on their hands, they are constantly improving the formulas and bringing them to market in short order.

As mentioned, Detailing Shed are the local importer, but AutoBuff also retail the brand -

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