Best product line?

[GstnNole]

Here is a question for those of you who work in the detailing industry. Through your experience, what mfg. produces the best product lineup top to bottom? It could be that a company may produce an exceptional wax or sealant, but lag in other aspects of their lineup. I ask this because a friend of mine, and I'm sure many others, swears an allegiance to one popular brand. Are the experts impressed with brands like Meguiar's, Mothers, Zaino, PS21, or even Auto Magic?

[turbomangt]

Through my experience in the industry I have discovered no one single company has a full line of exceptional products. Many, however have a few products that stand out. This is a good question, but unfortunatley you won't get the answer you are looking for. If you talk to 10 professionals, you may get 10 different answers. So all I can do is give you my 2 cents. I use most of the Meguiars pro line for buffing. These are the bottles marked with a scale from 1-10 to show the abrasive action along with what buffing pad to use. I would not recommend anyone using this product line unless they had experience with the high speed rotary, or the DAPC. I like some of auto magic products as well. I use their solvent cleaner and a few of their polishes. I also like P21S wax, when a customers requests a wax topper. (make a note that S100 is the same product as P21S only much cheaper) I like Ardex products for car wash soap, cleaning chemicals and compounds. Mothers is more of a retail item and Zaino is expensive and somewhat complicated to use.
The problem with buying the high end products is that for the most part, they do not sell retail. Auto Magic may sell you, but their price list will reflect higher prices than what the pro can buy for. Find a system that works for you, and go with it. I can make a car look good with a can of Turtle Wax, because the prep work is most important. I think you can figure out from reading a few posts that the products I sell are what I consider to be the cream of the crop from different suppliers. I also make sure that anyone can use them with little experience. That way, even the weekend warrior can perform outstanding results.

[Sci-Fi]

If this was a detailer's forum, your post would be looked upon with great suspicion since many detailers use a variety of products from different manufacturers.

In general, it all comes down to price and performance value that determines what somebody would use, buy, or stock. That being said, it is hard to beat the wide range of supplies offered by Meguiar's. 3M and Eagle One also carries many excellent products, as well as Auto Magic, Automotive International, etc., etc. Mother's is often underrated but for the money, it's hard to beat and an excellent performer. So paying a higher price doesn't necessary guarentee a better look or better performance/longevity. Besides how a car looks is very subjective, some prefer more reflection while others prefer a deep wet look. Does one company have or offer all excellent products throughout their product line? Like Gary said...no

There are many products that only the perfectionist would buy or try in the search for the perfect finish. But that is an on going and seemingly endless journey. If you are detailing a historic, custom, or show car, then yes, you would spend the entire day or even a week on it making sure every possible area is as perfect as possible (no shortcuts or skipping any polishing steps there). I remember doing a 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 where the paint on the entire car was measured with a paint thickness guage and any thin areas mapped out before any polishing even started. Then we had one guy holding a temp meter while we polished the car out to prevent any possible overheating of the paint in any one area. Is it necessary for the typical detail? No, but you can see how far one can go or how anal the process can become when taken to the extremes. A good detailer may use a paint thickness guage/meter to spot check various areas of the car and/or a magnifier to inspect the depth of any swirls or scratches. Most detailers would know from experience by just looking at your paint.

Any detailer will tell you that paint prep is 95% of the key to a great shine. The products used during that prep process and how many steps used may vary by the detailer depending on the condition of the paint and how much the customer is willing to pay and which products the detailer is most familar working with (everybody has their favorites for a particular job or paint condition). What you choose to protect that shine is a personal decision. There is no right or wrong choice. Any wax or sealant is a sacrificial layer that needs to be reapplied periodically to maintain protection.

Sorry for the long post

[Hooligan]

It may have been long, but contains a lot of GREAT info.

[bigdogdad]

quote:Originally posted by Hooligan

It may have been long, but contains a lot of GREAT info.

As per his usual replies, all informative and helpful.

[turbomangt]

Sci fi, I did in fact say in my post that I use many different products from many suppliers, which was the main focus of my comments. I agree with you that it is an endless journey, especially for the average weekend car owner. Even from my view as a professional, companies are saturating the market. I feel it is part of my job, to offer those NOT in the business, a better choice and more options. The more I read about people that have found success with my information and service, the more I want to help. p.s. Now if I can get someone to help me with these damn springs, I'll be happy. the story is still going.

[Sci-Fi]

Gary...my 1st sentence was in reference to the original topic not to your post. Sorry for any confusion.

[turbomangt]

Sci fi, not a problem, having a bad day anyway, check out my post on Turbo forum, under wheels and suspension section, post is titled SPRING POPPED OUT. any help you can pass on I appreciate. Gary