[matthatchett]

Hey guys! I'm new to detailing but I have always been crazy about keeping my vehicles clean. I'm looking to get a little more into this as a hobby and hopefully one day maybe make a little extra money on the side. I realize that everybody has their own preferences but I'm curious as to what brand you think covers it all. I'd like to start somewhere and then branch out to other brands once I find out what I like. If you had to pick ONE brand to detail your car from top to bottom, inside and out, what would you choose? Just to clarify, I'm talking about Mothers, Meguiars, etc.

[PTek Will]

One does not simply pick one brand and call it a day but Meguiars Detailer's line is a relatively cheap and professional way to go.

[Otruba_843]

Pretty much no brand covers it all. The only one I can think of is Swissvax, but for a beginner thats $$$$. Meguiars has a few good products as do most brands. I don't stick to one brand.

[TheEd]

Here are my preferences:

Clay - Doesn't matter, AutoMagic holds the patent on detailing clay, anyone that tries to release their own clay (Instead of buying it from AutoMagic and re-boxing it), they sue them. Every third press release from AutoMagic is about another won patent infringement lawsuit.

Compound - Meguiar's M105

Polish - Meguiar's M205

Sealant - Chemical Guy's Blacklight

Wax - Doesn't matter, pure wax does not provide shine or depth, just protection, I've used $80 waxes and $6 waxes, there is no difference.

[BMWinAZ]

Chemical Guys

[Former USMC]

Originally Posted by matthatchett

Hey guys! I'm new to detailing but I have always been crazy about keeping my vehicles clean. I'm looking to get a little more into this as a hobby and hopefully one day maybe make a little extra money on the side. I realize that everybody has their own preferences but I'm curious as to what brand you think covers it all. I'd like to start somewhere and then branch out to other brands once I find out what I like. If you had to pick ONE brand to detail your car from top to bottom, inside and out, what would you choose? Just to clarify, I'm talking about Mothers, Meguiars, etc.

I personally like Griot's Garage...they have products to cover EVERYTHING (wash, wax, polish, clay, protectants, etc.) including videos. I have no personal interest in the company whatsoever, just use their products. They promise and deliver excellent quality products. I have used their products for years with no disappointments whatsoever.

Semper Fi

[Detailers Domain]

how far did you want to go with it, or just the basics, I agree no brand has it all, but some have a lot.

here is a kit that has a lot, also have a DVD for the basics.

Adam's Essentials Kit a complete starters kit

[Hokie_BMW]

You really just need to try stuff out and see what you like. I'm partial to chemical guys and their products fill most of my bag. They make great products at a good price. But blackfire wet diamond is my sealant of choice.

[Gig103]

There's no reason to stick to a single brand, go with what works. My supply shelf is spread out... Optimum makes a good detail spray and waterless wash; CG makes good car shampoos; Meguiars and Menzerna make good compounds and polishes; Blackfire makes the best sealant; and Poorboys is a decent, cheap wax, although I have some others that I've tried.

[matthatchett]

There are just so many options! It's hard to decide what to use without any personal experience. I've looked into Mothers and Meguiars as well. They both seem to have most of what I think I will need. I've also seen a lot of good reviews for Chemical Guys. Thanks for the input! I will just have to do some research and find out where to start. Thanks again!

[Detailed Image]

While there are a few brands that cover almost everything, I believe Meguiar's covers most than any other brand. They have the best value, products selection and overall quality.

As was said above though, most people like to use different products from different manufacturers, but by all means it's not wrong for you to buy a bunch of Meguiar's stuff and then if you find something lacking, improve it as necessary with a competing product.

Ivan @ DI

[e90Mark]

Originally Posted by Detailed Image

While there are a few brands that cover almost everything, I believe Meguiar's covers most than any other brand. They have the best value, products selection and overall quality.

As was said above though, most people like to use different products from different manufacturers, but by all means it's not wrong for you to buy a bunch of Meguiar's stuff and then if you find something lacking, improve it as necessary with a competing product.

Ivan @ DI

+1
I was going to come in here and say this. You can make a pretty complete one brand system with Meguiar's. I did this and I think I just use a different car shampoo, since they only have a a wash&wax one, which I don't want.

[medic894]

For wheel cleaning, Sonax is by far the best wheel cleaner product I've found, expensive but damn does it work like magic.

[Detailed Image]

Originally Posted by e90Mark

+1
I was going to come in here and say this. You can make a pretty complete one brand system with Meguiar's. I did this and I think I just use a different car shampoo, since they only have a a wash&wax one, which I don't want.

Mark, have you tried their gold class wash that's available at most local car part stores? I personally use Chemical Guys Citrus Wash & Gloss but still find the Meg's gold class wash a great everyday soap.

[MDesmond]

I use Zaino because … I've used it since 2001.

After prep, claying and 2 coats of Z-2, everything slides off the car. Just added another coat the next 2 times I wash. Now the car takes only a few minutes to wash … the wheels and their area? They take time.

Zaino cotton towels are nice, too, and rimless …

Adams wash mitts, glass towels and MF Towels are very good.

[e90Mark]

Originally Posted by Detailed Image

Mark, have you tried their gold class wash that's available at most local car part stores? I personally use Chemical Guys Citrus Wash & Gloss but still find the Meg's gold class wash a great everyday soap.

I haven't. I must've missed that. I'll look for it, thanks!

[Rydicule]

Originally Posted by MDesmond

I use Zaino because … I've used it since 2001.

After prep, claying and 2 coats of Z-2, everything slides off the car. Just added another coat the next 2 times I wash. Now the car takes only a few minutes to wash … the wheels and their area? They take time.

Zaino cotton towels are nice, too, and rimless …

Adams wash mitts, glass towels and MF Towels are very good.

+1

Personally, I've used a wide variety of brands/products, and to be honest... nothing has done a better job either in looks or longevity than Zaino.

However, there is a caveat... I don't really believe Zaino is the way to go to start out. Most of my previous statement is reliant on using a wide variety of Zaino products, that would be very expensive to purchase all at once. Even then, it isn't the only product I use either.

For me, a standard semi-annual detail requires:

Sonax Wheel Cleaner
Einzett Cockpit interior cleaner
Invisible Glass glass cleaner
Clay Magic Claybar (with Meguiars Quick Detailer)
Menzerna Inensive Polish

Zaino Z7 Car Wash
Zaino ZP-C Fusion Paint Cleaner
Zaino Z2-Pro Show Car Polish
Zaino ZFX Flash Curator
Zaino Z6 Ultra Gloss Enhancer
Zaino Z-CS Clear Seal
Zaino Z8 Grand Finale Spray
Zaino Z9 Leather Cleaner
Zaino Z10 Leather Conditioner
Zaino Z16 Perfect Tire Gloss

[DMH-01]

I have and use a wide range of brands but if I had to pick one then I would say Autosmart.

I don't think there as well known on your side of the pond yet?

[335iAP]

I'm no pro detailer, but I imagine I'd be pretty happy sticking to optimum.

[Elliott@DetailAddict]

Check out our products! We have pretty much everything you need to detail your car. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks!