Bunky
Detailing Gnosis
Here are some products I acquired in 2012 that have homes in the arsenal.
Blackfire Midnight Sun Paste
I chose this based upon a recommendation from Jim (Dr. Oldz). It did not disappoint. It darkens paint (makes black look black), adds a ton of gloss, top tier slickness, and surprisingly durable on my truck parked outside 24x7.
It is a breeze to apply and remove: Basically, wipe on, no need to haze, then remove. It sheets well, beads great, and cleans easily. It also seems more resistant to bird droppings.
This my favorite paste so far but just rediscovered pastes them especially since I started doing all lsp application by DA.
Blackfire Microfiber Cleaner
I have been a long time MicroRestore cleaner user. I was getting near the end of a gallon so tried Blackfire given the positive talk. My process was usually two rinses with the second rinse including vinegar. Based upon feedback, I decided to skip adding vinegar with BF.
So far, I have not seen a need for using vinegar any more. I did not see the miracle stain removal like one review on some soiled towels but still works well. The recommendation usage is 2x microrestore so definitely not as cost effective but the results are better (based upon 5 loads so far).
Poorboy's Bold n Bright Gel
I have always had a place for Poorboys Bold n Bright dressing. It not only dresses but has cleaners as well so a nice one step product for detailing cars when tire is not 100% perfectly clean such as a quick maintenance detail or rinseless wash. The gel has the same milky white appearance as the regular but slicky thicker (tad thicker than Optimum Opti-Bond). When applied with an applicator it seems a bit shinier than regular BnB which can take 2 applications to get the desired look (evenness) on some tires. Bold n Bright Gel does it in one coat plus I prefer thicker liquids since I like to apply applicator to spread
Adam's Fire Hose Nozzle
I had tried one brand nozzle to see what the interest was but was not that impressed over my dial a spray pattern sprayer. The flow pattern not very good. However, the dial sprayers I have been using cost around $10 and start leaking eventually (sooner if dropper).
This was well hyped at you can guess where but quite expensive ($50). The Griots unit was even more expensive. Given I was about to spend money on another hand sprayer, I decided to try it. It worked a lot better that the first brand I bought so now my primary sprayer.
However, I had a chance to compare my old fire hose and the Adam's at a second location I discovered the reason. The Adam's works better with lower water pressures. My house has a whole house water softener and it really drops the pressure and waterflow (3 GPM max). The older model worked just fine the second location so I leave that one there. The only downside to this sprayer is when you put it down the setting drifts so you have to readjust plus unlike the pull trigger sprays you have to change the spray pattern by turning the head so less convenient.
Meguiars Glass Cleaner Concentrate
Of course, this has been discussed but I finally got a sample in trade. It has an addicting grape scent. My favorite glass cleaner has been and still is Sprayway.
Meguiar's is a very good glass cleaner, extremely cost effective, and does not have the strong alcohol content smell like some (thinking Stoners). It did not replace Sprayway but definitely use it more on interiors since aerosols can be messier (foam gets on all surfaces) and leaves that lingering grape scent, I mixed up the first batch with regular water but will try it with distilled soon.
Kranzle K1120T Pressure Washer
This is one of the best made products I own next to the Flex - both pricey and both made in Germany. It is all about good engineering. I really disliked my Craftsman gas pressure washer. The ergonomics were poor (just a pump on a two wheels, hard to attach hoses, move around), noisy (always on), and dealing with gas (carb, oil changes, extra season prepe) and just a pain to get out an use (did not store as easily in garage).
I have actually used it for non-detailing more than detailing (that was one of the rationales to spend the money for it but really nice to blast some wheels/tires much cleaner in a few seconds and rinse. You use a lot less water in a wash since it can rinse a lot quicker. It has to be at least 2x reduction in water. I expect to use it a couple times in the winter to do a pre-wash prior to a rinseless if it is cold outside.
I have not really had a chance to use the foam cannon yet but on the list for the next winter detail cycle.
Mothers Carnauba Paste Wax (Step 3 in Mothers system) - rediscovered.
I had this in the cabinet but only has used it once on a test spot several years ago. I tried it again after I used Blackfire Midnight Sun which re-ignited my interest in carnauba pastes. I have used this on several cars.
It leaves a nice hard glossy bright shine that leaves tight beads when lightly wet and sheets fast. It has done quite well on the truck outside under the trees.
It is a hard cake wax so it cracks so have to deal with the silvers but it comes in a large diameter metal container so easy to get a DA pad in to pick up a small amount. A couple swipes is enough to do a hood. It just needs to be applied thinly and removed very quickly (minimal hazing).
Blackfire Midnight Sun Paste
I chose this based upon a recommendation from Jim (Dr. Oldz). It did not disappoint. It darkens paint (makes black look black), adds a ton of gloss, top tier slickness, and surprisingly durable on my truck parked outside 24x7.
It is a breeze to apply and remove: Basically, wipe on, no need to haze, then remove. It sheets well, beads great, and cleans easily. It also seems more resistant to bird droppings.
This my favorite paste so far but just rediscovered pastes them especially since I started doing all lsp application by DA.
Blackfire Microfiber Cleaner
I have been a long time MicroRestore cleaner user. I was getting near the end of a gallon so tried Blackfire given the positive talk. My process was usually two rinses with the second rinse including vinegar. Based upon feedback, I decided to skip adding vinegar with BF.
So far, I have not seen a need for using vinegar any more. I did not see the miracle stain removal like one review on some soiled towels but still works well. The recommendation usage is 2x microrestore so definitely not as cost effective but the results are better (based upon 5 loads so far).
Poorboy's Bold n Bright Gel
I have always had a place for Poorboys Bold n Bright dressing. It not only dresses but has cleaners as well so a nice one step product for detailing cars when tire is not 100% perfectly clean such as a quick maintenance detail or rinseless wash. The gel has the same milky white appearance as the regular but slicky thicker (tad thicker than Optimum Opti-Bond). When applied with an applicator it seems a bit shinier than regular BnB which can take 2 applications to get the desired look (evenness) on some tires. Bold n Bright Gel does it in one coat plus I prefer thicker liquids since I like to apply applicator to spread
Adam's Fire Hose Nozzle
I had tried one brand nozzle to see what the interest was but was not that impressed over my dial a spray pattern sprayer. The flow pattern not very good. However, the dial sprayers I have been using cost around $10 and start leaking eventually (sooner if dropper).
This was well hyped at you can guess where but quite expensive ($50). The Griots unit was even more expensive. Given I was about to spend money on another hand sprayer, I decided to try it. It worked a lot better that the first brand I bought so now my primary sprayer.
However, I had a chance to compare my old fire hose and the Adam's at a second location I discovered the reason. The Adam's works better with lower water pressures. My house has a whole house water softener and it really drops the pressure and waterflow (3 GPM max). The older model worked just fine the second location so I leave that one there. The only downside to this sprayer is when you put it down the setting drifts so you have to readjust plus unlike the pull trigger sprays you have to change the spray pattern by turning the head so less convenient.
Meguiars Glass Cleaner Concentrate
Of course, this has been discussed but I finally got a sample in trade. It has an addicting grape scent. My favorite glass cleaner has been and still is Sprayway.
Meguiar's is a very good glass cleaner, extremely cost effective, and does not have the strong alcohol content smell like some (thinking Stoners). It did not replace Sprayway but definitely use it more on interiors since aerosols can be messier (foam gets on all surfaces) and leaves that lingering grape scent, I mixed up the first batch with regular water but will try it with distilled soon.
Kranzle K1120T Pressure Washer
This is one of the best made products I own next to the Flex - both pricey and both made in Germany. It is all about good engineering. I really disliked my Craftsman gas pressure washer. The ergonomics were poor (just a pump on a two wheels, hard to attach hoses, move around), noisy (always on), and dealing with gas (carb, oil changes, extra season prepe) and just a pain to get out an use (did not store as easily in garage).
I have actually used it for non-detailing more than detailing (that was one of the rationales to spend the money for it but really nice to blast some wheels/tires much cleaner in a few seconds and rinse. You use a lot less water in a wash since it can rinse a lot quicker. It has to be at least 2x reduction in water. I expect to use it a couple times in the winter to do a pre-wash prior to a rinseless if it is cold outside.
I have not really had a chance to use the foam cannon yet but on the list for the next winter detail cycle.
Mothers Carnauba Paste Wax (Step 3 in Mothers system) - rediscovered.
I had this in the cabinet but only has used it once on a test spot several years ago. I tried it again after I used Blackfire Midnight Sun which re-ignited my interest in carnauba pastes. I have used this on several cars.
It leaves a nice hard glossy bright shine that leaves tight beads when lightly wet and sheets fast. It has done quite well on the truck outside under the trees.
It is a hard cake wax so it cracks so have to deal with the silvers but it comes in a large diameter metal container so easy to get a DA pad in to pick up a small amount. A couple swipes is enough to do a hood. It just needs to be applied thinly and removed very quickly (minimal hazing).
