Car Detailing - What products are your go to?

[GTP534]

Thanks DFB, that’s given me some homework to do. Much appreciated and thanks for the prompt response. Cheers

[DFB FGXR6]

Armour Detail Supply Ghost

I've met very few tyre dressings that I didn't like, and of those, I'd say most of them were from my early days when I didn't know what I was doing. Armour Detail Supply Ghost? Well, it's another knockout ADS product!

https://autobuff.com.au/products/arm...t&_ss=e&_v=1.0
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...f09ed2e9&_ss=r



Backstory -

In my earlier days, I'd be using heavy solvent dressings such as Autoglym High Performance Tyre Gel, Meguiar's Endurance and Gyeon Q2 Tire, which were nasty products that created more problems than they solved. At the time, I thought a dressing that would last a long time was a desirable attribute. For the most part, solvent based dressings provide a longer lasting effect but are messier to apply and harder to remove...............important because they never truly dry and therefore hold onto dirt, dust and road grime. And if you happen to apply just a little too much, then it will be slung across your paint work and wheel arch liners.

So, while I liked the look, I didn't like the many associated drawbacks.

Autoglym HPTG -



Meguiars Endurance -



Gyeon Q2 Tire -



At this point I should point out the three different types of tyre products -

Tyre Dressing - A short-lived liquid or gel-like product that is applied frequently. I favour these products as they offer more flexibility, are easier to apply and easier to remove. Think NV Onyx, Carpro Perl, Meguiar's Hyper Dressing.

Tyre Sealant - In most cases, these are solvent based gels that provide longer durability. By creating a barrier to moisture, tyre sealants typically last for weeks, not days. Think Gyeon Q2 Tire and Carpro Darkside.

Tyre Coating - A ceramic coating designed specifically for rubber surfaces. Longevity is said to be months, not weeks. These require extremely thorough cleaning and prep prior to application. And even then, longevity is known to be variable. I have also seen where a tyre coating turned sidewalls permanently brown. Carpro Black-Out is probably the most notable product in this category.

What is Ghost?

And so, we arrive at Armour Detail Supply Ghost, which is labelled as a tyre sealant. Compared to the water-based ADS Tire+, which is a favourite of mine, Ghost can last up to 3-months. Compared to the solvent-based tyre sealants listed above, Ghost is actually a water-based "nano-sealant engineered for exceptional long-term durability."

What sets Ghost apart though is how the formulation dries to the touch, meaning it won't accumulate dirt and grime. It's sealant properties create a hydrophobic barrier, and just like a sealant on paint, Ghost allows for easier cleaning. It can also help prevent oxidation and tyre browning, which naturally happens when rubber is exposed to sunlight.





Application -

When it comes to tyre sealants, preparation is key in achieving the claimed longevity.

1. Start by scrubbing the sidewalls with a strong tyre cleaner, think Shine Supply Wise Guy, P&S Undressed or Carpro ReTyre. If necessary, repeat the scrub process but don't go beyond 2 - 3 rounds, the next step will take care of anything left.

2. Once dried off, grab an old towel and either Stoner Tarminator or Mineral Spirits. Spray the product into the towel and rub the sidewall until it looks complete matte in appearance. These two chemicals are brilliant for stripping away anything lingering on the sidewall. (Note - This step is optional, but is worth the effort from time to time to reset the surface)



3. Prior to application, ensure the tyre is completely dry. Prime a foam applicator with 3 - 4 sprays of Ghost, then work the product into the sidewall. Subsequent tyres will need about 2 sprays.

The neat thing about Ghost is the blue tracer which clearly indicates where you've been, in effect ensuring even and thorough coverage. This blue tracer will disappear in short order and leave behind a lovely satin sheen.





4. With one coat (as pictured below), Ghost will deliver a satin look. If you prefer a glossier appearance, apply additional layers with 10-minutes between coats.





5. Allow the product to cure for an hour before getting wet.

Unlike other tyre sealants that seem to remain a little tacky, Ghost is completely dry after it has cured.



The Follow Up -

Pleased with the look, I was keen to see how this new tyre sealant performed during the wash process. Twelve days later at the next wash, Ghost was beading water impressively. The tyres on this occasion had a layer of dust on the very outer rim of the sidewall, most of which was removed by a simple rinse. Instead of hitting the rubber with a tyre cleaner, I decided to just give them a scrub with a car wash shampoo I used to clean the wheels. Afterwards, this is what they looked like.....................





In this case, the tyres looked perfectly acceptable, but I actually decided to follow with a very light swipe over with ADS Tire+, because why not?

Final Thoughts -

As mentioned, for me the longevity aspect of Ghost is not my main priority. What I like most is how it looks, a classy satin sheen that was totally effortless to achieve. Compared to something like Capro Darkside, Ghost is extremely easy to distribute and requires faaaar less effort to achieve even coverage and a consistent finish. Anyone who has used Darkside will know what I mean there.

So, if you prefer a tyre dressing that won’t need to be applied after each wash but also WON'T have the typical drawbacks of a solvent product, I now have something I can hand-on-heart recommend.

And for the record, I was NOT paid to write this review.

[FTE217]

DFB, having Tire+ should I bother ?
Actually silly question - I’ll get one next buy as the next go to after Tire+ runs dry
What is the difference by the way - longevity I suppose ?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by FTE217

DFB, having Tire+ should I bother ?
Actually silly question - I’ll get one next buy as the next go to after Tire+ runs dry
What is the difference by the way - longevity I suppose ?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My favorite detailing task is dressing tyres, that's why longevity is not a priority. In which case, I'd say stick with the traditional Tire+. But if you like something longer lasting and a little more subtle, then Ghost will be a great option. From what I'm told, you can use Ghost as a base layer to protect the sidewall, then top with Tire+ as needed.

I don't know the chemical difference, but Ghost is said to last for a couple of months (take that with a grain of salt, although ADS seem to be more on the ball with claims like that), Tire+ will give you wash off pretty easily.

[FTE217]

yes well doing the final touch is always satisfying I hear you......

OK points taken.
I did my tyres last Saturday, here in Syd we have had couple days of rain.
I didn't do heaps of k's but office and back Tues/Wed in the wet, checked the tyres atm they still look pretty good, tire+ coating is evident very much so pleased about this.
Took a pic but tapatalk doesn't allow loading anymore.

[BFYOOT]

Not sure if its been mentioned in the previous 100 pages, but the Meguires Ultimate Compund is absolutely brilliant. Had a boot and sills that had pretty bad sun damage, to the point I had even got a quote for respray. This stuff followed by a polish, and I cant tell anymore where the fading even was. Not sure if it will be long lasting, but for now its saved me some solid coin!!

[ford12]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Ooo, I do love me a catalog!

The latest Carpro catalog, posted here for all to geek out over.

https://carpro.global/wp-content/upl...2023_web_s.pdf

One thing that caught my eye was the Coatings and Sealants spread sheet on page 35, in particular the pH resistance of each product.

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Naturally, the ceramic coatings offer the widest spread of pH tolerance, ranging from an acidic 2 or 3 up to an alkaline 12 or 13.

But check out the numbers for the spray sealants and "ceramic" detailers, Reload 2.0, Hydr02 and EliXir only having a very small window of pH tolerance of 6 to 7.

If Reload, Hydr02 and EliXir are only used as a topper to an existing coating, this is less important. But if used as standalone products, you need to be mindful of what you use to clean the car with if you want to see the claimed durability numbers (3 months for Reload and Hydr02, 1 month for EliXir).

So, outside of a pH 7.5 (neutral) soap such as Reset, using anything stronger will kill or severely harm any of those products. I would also recommend dialing in your soap dilution rates to prevent overdosing. Hit them with Descale at pH 3.7 or Lift at 12.3 would only be used when preparing for the next application.

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I mention all this based on comments regarding the durability of these sort of spray sealants, in particular Hydr02 and the older version of Reload v1. Both of those were primarily designed as toppers to existing coatings, as such ultimate durability was not the primary consideration.

When used as a standalone, perhaps the expectations of longevity are a touch too optimistic. Combine that with the use of more aggressive soaps, this goes some way towards understanding why some notice a lack of longevity from Hydr02 and Reload.

Ive been using Hydro2 now for years, it is so easy to apply that you just apply after every wash. Spray on and hose off.
I have seen it degrade but never to the point where it is not there anymore, even on a neglected car that hardly gets washed.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by ford12

Ive been using Hydro2 now for years, it is so easy to apply that you just apply after every wash. Spray on and hose off.
I have seen it degrade but never to the point where it is not there anymore, even on a neglected car that hardly gets washed.

It's good stuff, not a cure all but worth having. I can toast it on wheels with Brake Buster, but I never really need to use a dedicated wheel cleaner unless it's someone's daily driver.

I also use Hydr02 on my mowers, seems to prevent the dust from sticking.....................

[FTE217]

OMG you are making me feel guilty hahaha
I have NOT washed my Victa since I bought it DFB

OK you got me inspired to do it this weekend for I have to mow.

Am I seeing you can spray the water all over ? even the top ? pull cord area ?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by FTE217

OMG you are making me feel guilty hahaha
I have NOT washed my Victa since I bought it DFB

OK you got me inspired to do it this weekend for I have to mow.

Am I seeing you can spray the water all over ? even the top ? pull cord area ?

Yes, I do spray them down including the starter................it's a gamble though, so do so at your own risk. I've done it enough times and only once had an issue where some water got into the spark plug boot and caused it to misfire, but compressed air sorted that. Just like on a car, use common sense and don't blast any section for too long. If you are unsure, then use the pressure washer for the deck and wheels, and a garden hose for the engine.

For cleaning, I typically soak down the whole machine with either Brake Buster, Wise Guy or Bilt Hamber Surfex. The common theme being alkalinity. I then rinse and assess if I need to do some scrubbing, in which case I reapply the chemical and use an old detailing brush.











I've found with Surfex when mixed pretty strong at 1:1, it tends to do 98% of the work for you without needing to agitate.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...42998774890711



Once clean, I'll hit the mower with Hydr02, rinse again, then a liberal dose of a dressing on the plastics (engine, wheels, handle knobs ect). Meg Hyper Dressing is my favorite, but any water based dressing such as Carpro Pearl or KCx Motorplast will work as well. Apply this while still wet, then hit the whole thing with a leaf blower to dry and distribute the dressing.

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...39813502304415





I know it looks like I do this every week, but I promise, it's an occasional thing for the 12 mowers I have.

[FTE217]

Ok thanks - haha I’ll give it a go and be smart as mentioned around the plug area etc.
Will be fun seeing it clean first time


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by FTE217

Ok thanks - haha I’ll give it a go and be smart as mentioned around the plug area etc.
Will be fun seeing it clean first time


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ahh, see, now you've publicly committed to doing this. I expect before and after's!

[CyberWasp]

They are coming for you.

[GCRXR6]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

They are coming for you.

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If she's the psychologist, has anyone got a dozen or so mowers in need of a clean?