Topic: Quick-detailers - do these things really work?

[Jaeger]

I'm well familiar with the quality results that can come from a laborious clean / seal / wax job.  Which is why I have always been skeptical of these quick-detailer products than claim a long-lasting shine from a next to zero effort spray-on / wipe-off application.

Is my skepticism justified, or do these things actually work?  I wouldn't expect the equivalent of an actual wax job, but if these products even manage to meaningfully extend the life of an existing wax job, I'd consider giving one a try.

And if they are not snake-oil, which specific products would you recommend?

Jaeger

PS - a somewhat related question - do you just wax right over the 3-M clear shield?

[CanuckG35]

What is it that you are looking for from using a QD?  Are you wanting to give your paint an extra "pop" or do you want to use a QD for the purpose of maintenance in between washes?

There are basically two different types of QDs, and you should know which type you are buying.  There are QDs that are meant to be used on a clean paint surface only, and there are QDs that can be used on dirty paint surfaces. 

QDs are not all created equal, however in general they definitely do really work.  They can elevate the shine of your paint, reduce the amount of dust, pollen, etc that sticks to your paint, allow you to remove smudges, fingerprints, etc as well.  And most importantly, they extend the life of whatever paint protection you are using.  If you are using a QD like Poorboys Spray & Wipe, it will allow you to remove light dirt, dust, pollen, bird bombs, etc.  This type of QD can be used on a dirty paint surface because it has lubricants in it that prevent you from scratching your paint surface.  They drastically reduce the number of times you need to wash your car as you can perform quick and easy maintenance between full washes. 

My main QD is Poorboys Spray & Wipe.  I keep a bottle of this in each of my vehicles at all times and never leave home without it.  I also use Menzerna Top Inspection, Chemical Guys Extreme Slick Synthetic, and Zaino Z6.  The Menzerna and Zaino QDs are for clean paint surfaces only. 

So yes, QDs really do work!   

[Jaeger]

And most importantly, they extend the life of whatever paint protection you are using. 

THAT'S what I'm really after - extending the time between waxing.  The ability to use the Poorboys type of product that can go on a dusty surface and thus extend time between washes is also appealing. Thanks for the good info.

Jaeger

[CanuckG35]

No problem at all.  Here is the link to PBs S&W on eshine.

http://www.eshine.ca/poorboys_spray_and_wipe_wsprayer_16oz-1822.php?cat=15

I would also recommend picking up some good quality MF towels to apply the S&W with. 

http://www.eshine.ca/bogo_the_cookie_monster_buffing_towel_v20-453.php?cat=19

[Jaeger]

MF towels and Poorboys wax are already inbound.    I'll pick up the Spray and Wipe as well.

Jaeger

[CanuckG35]

 

[Weexy]

No problem at all.  Here is the link to PBs S&W on eshine.

http://www.eshine.ca/poorboys_spray_and_wipe_wsprayer_16oz-1822.php?cat=15

I would also recommend picking up some good quality MF towels to apply the S&W with. 

http://www.eshine.ca/bogo_the_cookie_monster_buffing_towel_v20-453.php?cat=19

Canuck - how many washes could you expect out of that 16oz bottle?

[CanuckG35]

No problem at all.  Here is the link to PBs S&W on eshine.

http://www.eshine.ca/poorboys_spray_and_wipe_wsprayer_16oz-1822.php?cat=15

I would also recommend picking up some good quality MF towels to apply the S&W with. 

http://www.eshine.ca/bogo_the_cookie_monster_buffing_towel_v20-453.php?cat=19

Canuck - how many washes could you expect out of that 16oz bottle?

Good question.  I only buy the 128oz jugs, but I would guesstimate that you would get a good 30+ washes from the 16oz bottle.  I can't recommend this product enough. 

[KGCCS]

You can apply wax or instant/quick detailer products to the clear bra/shield product without issue. I know the product that we install at our shop which is made by Avery, has polyurethane built into the product itself as well as two layers of clear coat.

Another good quick detailer to try is Meguiar's Ultimate Quick detailer - this product is one of the easiest to use and produces VERY nice results. If the vehicle doesn't have a lot of dust/debris on the paint then you should be OK to use a quick detailer product, but if there is heavy build-up you will want to try and wash the vehicle first in order to avoid swirls, etc.

[gta_driver]

I've used the Rapid Detailler from Autoglym and have been impressed with the results. I believe Canadian Tire now carries it. A few years ago, I could only buy it locally from the Jaguar/Volvo/LR dealer.

[CanuckG35]

having just acquired "stainless steel appliances can these be used to reduce fingerprints............burglars wanna know....seriously??

While I never thought about using a QD on my stainless steel appliances, I just tried the PB's S&W on my fridge and it worked very well.   

[safristi]

..I'll have a Stella from the back left of yer Frigid Air then.........

[Jaeger]

You can apply wax or instant/quick detailer products to the clear bra/shield product without issue. I know the product that we install at our shop which is made by Avery, has polyurethane built into the product itself as well as two layers of clear coat.

Thanks - I did just that - not sure how well the wax adhered to the film as it seemed to wipe off much easier than from the paint.

I have to give a shout out to Poorboys Nattys Paste Wax - Blue  - super-slick, super-shiny finish and quite easy to use.  Reminds me a lot of the pricey Zymol waxes I used to use back in the day - and smells great, too.  Thanks to Canuck and rrocket for the recommendation.



Jaeger

[rrocket]

^^I'm a PoorBoy slappy.     All of their products smell very nice.


Now be sure to put the sealer on top of the wax....


Also...I use Optimum No Rinse car wash as my quick detailer.  Works really well.  And I'm still amazed at how well ONR works as a car wash.  Amazing stuff.

[Jaeger]

I had taken it to a detail shop two weeks ago and had them put a sealant on it - couldn't bear to wait for the weather to warm up.  The wax has gone on top of the sealant.

Jaeger

[CanuckG35]

You can apply wax or instant/quick detailer products to the clear bra/shield product without issue. I know the product that we install at our shop which is made by Avery, has polyurethane built into the product itself as well as two layers of clear coat.

Thanks - I did just that - not sure how well the wax adhered to the film as it seemed to wipe off much easier than from the paint.

I have to give a shout out to Poorboys Nattys Paste Wax - Blue  - super-slick, super-shiny finish and quite easy to use.  Reminds me a lot of the pricey Zymol waxes I used to use back in the day - and smells great, too.  Thanks to Canuck and rrocket for the recommendation.



Jaeger

Looks fantastic!  The Nattys blue always looks awesome on the darker colours!!  Gotta love the bubble gum smell too!   

Jaeger, you mentioned that a dealer applied a sealant to your car......any idea what sealant it was?

[Jaeger]

^^^ They told me the name of the sealant ...... and I promptly forgot.  Mind like a sieve. 

Jaeger

[CanuckG35]

^^^ They told me the name of the sealant ...... and I promptly forgot.  Mind like a sieve. 

Jaeger

Cool, no worries.  The only reason that I ask is that the brands used in a detailing shop are typically a good indication of the quality of their work. 

[safristi]

..I find this removes pidgeon POOP nicely...............

[Jaeger]

Okay - I've used the Spray 'n Wipe and it definitely works as advertised to remove light dirt / dust as an alternative to a wash - and much faster, of course.  I don't know that I'd feel confident in using it for anything other than  VERY light dirt / roadspray / dust, though.  For a product that is supposed to clean only and add no wax, it sure seems like I get some extra shine - or maybe I'm just seeing what I want to see.    I am aslo getting the QD+ that I can spray on post-wash and before drying to add back a little wax.  Having put three coats of wax on the car over the course of this week, my arms feels ready to fall off.  I want that wax-over-sealant to last as long as possible before I have to do this again.

Damn, I KNEW how much fuss was involved in keeping a dark car looking clean.....  good thing I REALLY like the colour.

Jaeger