BITOG Detail and Wax - Top Picks
Here in the Detail and Wax forum we often see the same questions come up: What is the best spray wax? What is the best ___? This sticky is meant to be a quick reference guide to some of the most popular products the Detail and Wax regulars use. While we cannot capture all personal preferences, we'll list 2-3 popular and effective products in various categories sure to point you in the right direction.
Car Wash:
1. Meguiar's D111 Shampoo Plus (gallon)
Why this works: Offers great performance and a dilution ratio matching boutique washes but at a much lower cost.
2. Optimum No-rinse
Why this works: Optimum is the leader in rinseless/low water wash technology. Can also be used as a detail spray.
Car Wax/Sealant:
1. Collinite 845
Why this works: This hybrid wax/sealant is a workhorse, delivering durability, shine, and ease of application unmatched at this price.
2. Jescar Power Lock
Why this works: This product practically wrote the book on quality paint sealants. With an updated formula it offers the longevity sealants are known for while matching the gloss of most waxes.
3. Nu Finish
Why this works: Cost-effective way to get a good shine, widely available.
Spray Wax/Detail Spray:
1. Meguiar's D156 Synthetic X-Press Spray Wax (gallon)
Why this works: Cost-effective product that offers performance approaching high-end sprays. Can be used as a drying aid.
2. Optimum Car Wax
Why this works: Perhaps the best performing spray wax available, more costly than some other options.
3. Turtle Wax Wax and Dry Spray Wax
Why this works: Inexpensive way to get a good shine, widely available. Can be used as a drying aid.
Finishing Polish/All-in-one:
1. HD Speed (All-in-one)
Why this works: Great combination of correction and gloss, very easy to use even for those with little polishing experience
2. Menzerna SF4500
Why this works: High quality German finishing polish used by many detailing professionals
3. Meguiar's M205
Why this works: Quality product used by many DIY detailers as well as professionals
Polish/Compound:
1. Meguiar's M105
Why this works: Workhorse polish that produces good results at a reasonable cost
2. 3M Perfect-it Rubbing Compound (or Machine Polish)
Why this works: Used by many body shops, highly effective
3. Menzerna SF1500
Why this works: High quality German polish used by many detailing professionals
Degreaser:
1. P21S Total Auto Wash
Why this works: Excellent performance in engine bays and door jambs, can be costly
2. Dawn dish soap (~50% dilution)
Why this works: Odds are this is already in your home, cheap, effective
Wheel Cleaner:
1. Sonax Full Effect Wheel Cleaner
Why this works: Excellent performance even on tough dirt and brake dust, can be costly
2. Eagle 1 Wheel Cleaner
Why this works: Cost-effective and widely available
3. Car wash soap/water
Why this works: Most mildly dirty wheels can be cleaned effectively with a bucket of wash water and brushes
Tire Shine:
1. Turtle Wax Performance Plus Wet’N Black Ultra Wet Tire Shine
Why this works: Cost effective, widely available, good longevity, low sling
2. Adam's Tire Shine
Why this works: Good longevity, virtually no sling, matte-moderate gloss
Plastic/Vinyl Dressing:
1. 303 Aerospace Protectant
Why this works: Produces a low-gloss sheen that tends not to be sticky
2. Black Wow Trim Dressing
Why this works: Produces a long-lasting shine
3. Adam's In & Out Spray
Why this works: Same qualities of 303 Aerospace Protectant in an aerosol can for more consistent/easier application
Leather/Upholstery Cleaner:
1. Meguiar's D101 All Purpose Cleaner (gallon)
Why this works: Cost effective cleaner, can be diluted, multiple uses.
2. 3M Leather and Vinyl Cleaner/Restorer
Why this works: One step product that cleans and protects interior leather/vinyl
3. 303 Fabric Guard
Why this works: Offers protection from UV, stains, etc. Can be used on interior and exterior (convertible tops).
Microfiber Towels:
1. Kirkland Signature - Costco
Why this works: Decent quality microfiber towels sold at a low cost
2. Uber Ultra Microfiber Towel
Why this works: High quality microfiber, dual pile (one side high, one side low) for more uses, can be costly.
Where to buy?
1. Autogeek
Why this works: Massive selection, good prices, frequent promotions
2. Amazon
Why this works: Wide selection, good prices and fast shipping particularly with Prime
3. Detailer's Domain
Why this works: High-end candy store for detailers, great products but pricey
4. Walmart
Why this works: Good prices, often nearby to get something same-day
Here in the Detail and Wax forum we often see the same questions come up: What is the best spray wax? What is the best ___? This sticky is meant to be a quick reference guide to some of the most popular products the Detail and Wax regulars use. While we cannot capture all personal preferences, we'll list 2-3 popular and effective products in various categories sure to point you in the right direction.
Car Wash:
1. Meguiar's D111 Shampoo Plus (gallon)
Why this works: Offers great performance and a dilution ratio matching boutique washes but at a much lower cost.
2. Optimum No-rinse
Why this works: Optimum is the leader in rinseless/low water wash technology. Can also be used as a detail spray.
Car Wax/Sealant:
1. Collinite 845
Why this works: This hybrid wax/sealant is a workhorse, delivering durability, shine, and ease of application unmatched at this price.
2. Jescar Power Lock
Why this works: This product practically wrote the book on quality paint sealants. With an updated formula it offers the longevity sealants are known for while matching the gloss of most waxes.
3. Nu Finish
Why this works: Cost-effective way to get a good shine, widely available.
Spray Wax/Detail Spray:
1. Meguiar's D156 Synthetic X-Press Spray Wax (gallon)
Why this works: Cost-effective product that offers performance approaching high-end sprays. Can be used as a drying aid.
2. Optimum Car Wax
Why this works: Perhaps the best performing spray wax available, more costly than some other options.
3. Turtle Wax Wax and Dry Spray Wax
Why this works: Inexpensive way to get a good shine, widely available. Can be used as a drying aid.
Finishing Polish/All-in-one:
1. HD Speed (All-in-one)
Why this works: Great combination of correction and gloss, very easy to use even for those with little polishing experience
2. Menzerna SF4500
Why this works: High quality German finishing polish used by many detailing professionals
3. Meguiar's M205
Why this works: Quality product used by many DIY detailers as well as professionals
Polish/Compound:
1. Meguiar's M105
Why this works: Workhorse polish that produces good results at a reasonable cost
2. 3M Perfect-it Rubbing Compound (or Machine Polish)
Why this works: Used by many body shops, highly effective
3. Menzerna SF1500
Why this works: High quality German polish used by many detailing professionals
Degreaser:
1. P21S Total Auto Wash
Why this works: Excellent performance in engine bays and door jambs, can be costly
2. Dawn dish soap (~50% dilution)
Why this works: Odds are this is already in your home, cheap, effective
Wheel Cleaner:
1. Sonax Full Effect Wheel Cleaner
Why this works: Excellent performance even on tough dirt and brake dust, can be costly
2. Eagle 1 Wheel Cleaner
Why this works: Cost-effective and widely available
3. Car wash soap/water
Why this works: Most mildly dirty wheels can be cleaned effectively with a bucket of wash water and brushes
Tire Shine:
1. Turtle Wax Performance Plus Wet’N Black Ultra Wet Tire Shine
Why this works: Cost effective, widely available, good longevity, low sling
2. Adam's Tire Shine
Why this works: Good longevity, virtually no sling, matte-moderate gloss
Plastic/Vinyl Dressing:
1. 303 Aerospace Protectant
Why this works: Produces a low-gloss sheen that tends not to be sticky
2. Black Wow Trim Dressing
Why this works: Produces a long-lasting shine
3. Adam's In & Out Spray
Why this works: Same qualities of 303 Aerospace Protectant in an aerosol can for more consistent/easier application
Leather/Upholstery Cleaner:
1. Meguiar's D101 All Purpose Cleaner (gallon)
Why this works: Cost effective cleaner, can be diluted, multiple uses.
2. 3M Leather and Vinyl Cleaner/Restorer
Why this works: One step product that cleans and protects interior leather/vinyl
3. 303 Fabric Guard
Why this works: Offers protection from UV, stains, etc. Can be used on interior and exterior (convertible tops).
Microfiber Towels:
1. Kirkland Signature - Costco
Why this works: Decent quality microfiber towels sold at a low cost
2. Uber Ultra Microfiber Towel
Why this works: High quality microfiber, dual pile (one side high, one side low) for more uses, can be costly.
Where to buy?
1. Autogeek
Why this works: Massive selection, good prices, frequent promotions
2. Amazon
Why this works: Wide selection, good prices and fast shipping particularly with Prime
3. Detailer's Domain
Why this works: High-end candy store for detailers, great products but pricey
4. Walmart
Why this works: Good prices, often nearby to get something same-day