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Bang for the buck detailing supplies v.2
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ProductEst. Cost (USD)Product LinkNotes
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Decontamination Wash
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Every car should have a full decontamination wash annually. What this essentially does is remove prior waxes, sealants, and surface contamination from the paint. When done correctly, you will have a blank canvas to perform polishing (if needed), add a ceramic coating, or simply build back up fresh layers of protection. Think of it as pressing the 'reset' button, and going back to the beginning.
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Purple Power Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Boat Pressure Wash Concentrate$17.73https://amzn.to/2Sw2syYA gallon of decontamination soap to get your vehicle back to 'clean slate'. Mix up an appropriate amount and let it sit on your paint for a minute or two before starting the washing process. DO NOT confuse with Purple Power Degreaser (which will etch / damage finish). Note: Cheaper to buy at Walmart
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Nanoskin Iron Free$11.93https://amzn.to/2StSKxfRemoves iron fallout from the surface of your paint, turns purple as it dissolves. A budget alternative for Carpro Iron-X decontamination spray.
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Mothers California Gold Clay Bar System$15.73https://amzn.to/2ObuJwAUse this as a mechanical decontamination process to remove embedded deposits from your paint. Comes with spray lube and clay bars. Apply liberal amounts of lube (or soap water if you wish). Break off pieces and work with it, and fold the clay end-over-end as it becomes dirty. If you drop it on the ground, throw it out. Consider Nanoskin Autoscrub if you want synthetic.
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Nanoskin Autoscrub Sponge$11.69https://amzn.to/2Swaacq(Optional) synthetic clay bar, works like a regular clay bar but removes some of the hassles. Combo with ONR or your favorite detail spray for lube and follow the same clay process.
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Solimo 99% Isopropyl Alcohol For Technical Use$2.23https://amzn.to/2ObxYnsMix 50/50 with water in a spray bottle. Removes any residual soaps or other oils from the paint surface. Use for final wipe-down before polishing or applying waxes/sealants. (E.g. Carpro Eraser)
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Wheels & Tires
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Our approach with Wheels & Tires has always been 'less is more'. Here are a bunch of simple options that will keep things looking fresh.
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Meguiar’s Ultimate All Wheel Cleaner$8.47https://amzn.to/2XZ927rI have shifted away from Meguiars Hot Rims to Ultimate Wheel Cleaner due to its higher level of lubricity, and effectiveness on painted and clear coated wheels.
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CARCAREZ Short Handle Car Wheel Brush with Soft Bristles$7.99https://amzn.to/2XW13YFGood soft-bristle wheel brush for cleaning tires and rims.
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Viking Red & Black Premium Metal-Free Wheel & Rim Brush$6.99https://amzn.to/2Y99lb1More economical than Wheel Woolies, use to clean inner spokes and lug holes. Not perfect for all applications but generally gets the job done.
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Fitosy Wheel Rim Brush, Soft Bristle Long Master Car Wheel Brush$9.45https://amzn.to/2JSV4KkUse this tool to clean the inside of the barrels of the wheels, behind brake calipers, etc.
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Paint Protection
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Now we get into the meat of the list, these three items will provide your vehicle with a great foundational sealant that will last months, topped with a glossy carnauba wax and sacrificial top layer / gloss enhancer.
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Meguiar's M21 Mirror Glaze Synthetic Sealant 2.0$19.45https://amzn.to/2Y1g3VhGreat performer for the money, use as foundation coat.
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Meguiar's Ultimate Liquid Wax$14.99https://amzn.to/32KciCbThis is a tough one to decide on, but it is difficult to beat the cost vs. performance here. Apply this on top of Meguiar’s M21 sealant. Not the best regarding longevity, but still good enough to get the job done. If you want to step it up a tad more, get Collinite 845 Insulator Wax. (Reapply a layer of wax every month or two)
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P&S Detailing Bead Maker Paint Protectant$12.45https://amzn.to/2Ly7jznUse this as a topper or drying aid on your fresh clean car for an exceptionally rich, deep gloss. Consider stepping up to the 1-gallon. It's that good.
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Maintenance Wash
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Here we have a list of products that are tried and true, easy to find, and reliable.
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Meguiars Gold Class Car wash$8.99https://amzn.to/2LCcm1KHas a neutral PH that will not strip off your waxes or other coatings. Good foaming agents will lift dirt off of the paint. Can use Deep Crystal Car Wash as an even more economical solution, but apply extra care if the vehicle is heavily soiled.
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Stoner Invisible Glass Premium Glass Cleaner$15.95 (2 Pack)https://amzn.to/2XYZARbMy go-to glass cleaner for years. Ammonia-free, safe for all glass types & tints.
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SuperClean Multi-Surface All Purpose Cleaner Degreaser$13.12https://amzn.to/2y1hS50Good / general all-purpose cleaner. Dillute 5-1 or 10-1 based on application. Great for engine bays or other stubborn spots.
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Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine$17.45https://amzn.to/2LDRxCWAside from being a waterless wash, ONR is one of the most cost-effective clay lube & detail sprays avail. As detail spray: mix 1 cap of ONR w/ per 1 gallon of distilled water. As clay lube: mix a single cap of ONR per 32oz spray bottle
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Microfiber / Applicators
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Having proper gear to support your washing process makes all of the difference in the world. Using plain cotton towels or rags can easily damage your paints finish. These microfiber options will help keep things safe.
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[Dreadnought] Microfiber Car-Drying Towel$19.95https://amzn.to/2Ly8kHHMicrofiber drying towel featuring great absorbency, size, and value. Use this to wipe excess water off of the surface of the car, front to back.
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Kirkland Signature Ultra Plush Microfiber Towels (36)$23.49https://amzn.to/2Sw8nnQBulk microfiber from Costco. Follow proper process when washing/drying and you should get a few uses out of each towel. NOTE: Cheaper to buy at Costco if you have a membership.
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Augshy Standard Microfiber Applicator Pads$7.97https://amzn.to/2LA0yNnUse these to apply waxes and sealants. Great value for the money.
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Chemical Guys Chenille Microfiber Premium Scratch-Free Wash Mitt $5.59https://amzn.to/2ObPichPretty much the best value wash mitt that you can get. I have two, one to only use on upper vehicle, one for lower rockers.
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Buckets / Accessories
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General must-haves for proper washing process.
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5 Gallon Wash Buckets (Home Depot, ACE, ETC)$12.78https://amzn.to/2SxHHTDThese work - get at least 2 (wash and rise bucket). If you want to be fancy, get ULINE buckets with gamma seals from many of the detail suppliers.
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Grit Guard$9.95https://amzn.to/2JTYJaKThis is a requirement to keep contamination to a minimum in your wash buckets.
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Car Foam Gun Foam Blaster and Hose Wash Sprayer$29.89https://amzn.to/2Ya2ZYAGood hose driven foam blaster setup. Same product that most of the big shops sell
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EPAuto Heavy Duty Chemical Resistant Bottles with Sprayer$8.87https://amzn.to/2Y0atCwPack of 3 spray bottles for all sorts of product application.
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Paint Correction
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This package is geared torward the beginner, check out instructional videos on youtube. These products are perfect for getting started.
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Porter Cable 7424xp$119.00https://amzn.to/2Y4DltvIn prior lists, we have recommended the Harbor Freight Dual Action for half the price – but some have been reporting quality issues with them as of late.
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Meguiar's Mirror Glaze Ultra-Cut Compound - M105$11.99
https://amzn.to/32KbWM4
Use this with a quality foam cutting pad to correct heavy swirls. Also consider M110 (32oz)
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Meguiar's Mirror Glaze Ultra Finishing Polish - M205$11.99https://amzn.to/2JVdAlqUse this with a quality foam polishing pad to reach a pristine finish. Also consider M210 (32oz)
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Astro 5' Velcro Backing Plate$9.85https://amzn.to/2Ybb6V5Good 5inch backing plate for 5.5inch pads. Feel free to add a metal washer for more space.
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Lake Country 5.5 Orange Cutting Pad - 3 Pack$16.99https://amzn.to/2Y8qRflGood foam cutting pad – not too aggressive for beginners. Can consider stepping up to microfiber.
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Lake Country 5.5 White Polishing Pad - 3 Pack$21.75https://amzn.to/2YihnCfGood foam polishing pad
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Chemical Guys Polishing Pad Cleaner$9.99https://amzn.to/2YerM20Spray cleaner for your pads after use - dry pads on the machine at full speed after rinsing
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Adam’s Microfiber Pad Conditioning Brush$11.04https://amzn.to/2XYfFqCUse this brush to clean your pads of excess polish/compound.
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Ceramic Coating
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I considered leaving ceramic coating out of the list given that it is a bit more of a 'prosumer' product. Make sure you follow proper decontamination process and polishing procedures before applying. Surface prep is everything.
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Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light$60.77https://amzn.to/2SvBQOII like a good bargain as much as everyone else, but 'cheap' and 'ceramic coat' are two words that should never be used together. Crystal Serum Light has quickly become the standard among prosumers for its ease of application, quality finish, and longevity.
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Gtechniq EXOv4$51.00https://amzn.to/2y1nJaxOptional hydrophobic coating that you can add on top of Crystal Serum Light, adds more gloss.
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GTechniq C2v3 Liquid Crystal$29.95https://amzn.to/2XUD8sCSpray-on maintance topper for coated vehicles
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Carpro Cquartz Applicator 2-Pack$5.00https://amzn.to/2YjCDYmBlock to apply Ceramic Coatings
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Gyeon Microfiber Suede Cloth (10)$10.00https://amzn.to/2SvBY0EUse under Cquartz applicator pads
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