Aussie S650 Paint protection and detailing thread

[bfets]

I was washing the Mustang this afternoon, and I'm half way through a bottle of Bead Maker.

Now, I'm in a real predicament!
What will I replace it with?

Armour detail supply's Amplify is something I want to try next.

Sponsored

 

[DFB5.0]

I was washing the Mustang this afternoon, and I'm half way through a bottle of Bead Maker.

Now, I'm in a real predicament!
What will I replace it with?

Are you using Bead Maker for a drying aid? If so, I wouldn't use S0.02 for that role as it's probably a little too substantial to use that frequently.

I know I sound like a broken record, but its hard not to recommend ADS Amplify as a Bead Maker alternative. It's not quite as glossy and slick, but its easier to work with........................and smells awesome too.

ARMOUR Detail Supply AMPLIFY - Detail Spray - Detailing Shed

White can be hard to make POP, this is where polymer type products like Bead Maker and OG Drying Aid work very well. I'd also throw Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Detailer into the mix as well, just don't pay full price as Meguiars Australia are smoking crack charging $52 a bottle.

Obsessed Garage Drying Aid - Detailing Shed
Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Detailer 768mL | Supercheap Auto

 

[DFB5.0]

Armour detail supply's Amplify is something I want to try next.

Beat me to it!

 

[bfets]

Beat me to it!

Left field, but if someone wants to go old school and willing to put some more effort into application... Collinite 845 baby!

 

[5.0ALM]

White can be hard to make POP, this is where polymer type products like Bead Maker and OG Drying Aid work very well. I'd also throw Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Detailer into the mix as well, just don't pay full price as Meguiars Australia are smoking crack charging $52 a bottle.

Yes, trying to make the white "pop" is what I'm primarily aiming for.
As a bonus, the hydrophobic properties make drying much easier with the EGO blower, instead of towels.

I did recently get some Collinite 845 wax but haven't had the chance to use it.
I have some reading up to do about that.

Can the 845 be applied over the Bead Maker coating, or should I strip that off first with a decon wash with Lift?

If the 845 wax will add to the Bead Maker, then great. Another wash with Reset or GSF (which way is the wind blowing today!), then I'll try the 845 wax.

 

[xrs]

First time with GSF today, doesn't need a clean but it's going if for its 3 month 3000km service on Monday so I want it looking good for the 1 hour they will stand back look at it and say all good.

 

[DFB5.0]

Yes, trying to make the white "pop" is what I'm primarily aiming for.
As a bonus, the hydrophobic properties make drying much easier with the EGO blower, instead of towels.

I did recently get some Collinite 845 wax but haven't had the chance to use it.
I have some reading up to do about that.

Can the 845 be applied over the Bead Maker coating, or should I strip that off first with a decon wash with Lift?

If the 845 wax will add to the Bead Maker, then great. Another wash with Reset or GSF (which way is the wind blowing today!), then I'll try the 845 wax.

Preferably, apply Collinite 845 first, then maintain with Bead Maker. As we know, Bead Maker is not known for its durability, so just wash it with Lift and wipe down with a prep spray before applying 845 and you will be all good.

I've found Collinite plays well with most toppers, but Bead Maker in particular will take the gloss and slickness to another level. You would be hard pressed to match that combo with a coating.

This is 845 on flat white, you can see the depth and gloss it has added in how well defined the body lines are on the hood, arches and doors.

And I know I trot this one out quite a lot, but I'm naturally proud of efforts here, 845 topped with NV Nova Jet. Still the best looking Mustang ever made in my opinion.

 

[DFB5.0]

Sorry I keep posting in DFB's post my apologies, I will blame my excitement over learning new detailing stuff lol. I got thinking about buckets after bfets & ALM were talking about them, i have about six for all sorts of things, my first purchase was a three set from Car Care Products labeled wheels, rinse & wash, then I have three of the $9 ones from KMART for washing my tools and I have Bowden's Own wash bucket all with various grit guards. Then that got me today into washing all my microfibre towels, applicators and polish pads, then that lead me to this post and this question for DFB can you do one of your wonderful posts on washing and cleaning your tools if you haven't already, I will have to look back now. How, why, what you should keep or what you should throw out after use. I buy cheap microfibre towels from Aldi i think micro fibre towels are mostly are the same just make sure you rip the tabs off and I wash/clean with a heavy cleaning adjent about four times before chucking them out, my wife's into cosmetics and they sell detergent and a thing called heavy clean so that's what I clean everything with i get it at a discount. So as I write this my towels have been soaking in buckets overnight with grit guards at the bottom and are now in the washing machine getting another wash with heavy clean. Oh i use lots of towels as I normal do one job with them and then straight into the wash bucket, grab another one.

Leave it with me.

As promised.........................

(1) Tool & Equipment Care | Mustang7G - 2024+ S650 Mustang Forum (Dark Horse, GT, EcoBoost, GT500, GT350, Mach 1)

 

[DFB5.0]

For this post, I'm focusing on two similar soaps offered by Koch Chemie, Ceramic Effect Shampoo (CES) and Nano Magic Shampoo (NMS). I always assumed Nano Magic was a ceramic wash-n-wax, but then they recently introduced CES, so its hard to know what the difference is between the two is. So, this post is as much for my own curiosity as it is for those reading.

Koch Chemie Nano Magic Shampoo

This product is sold in both the white bottle professional range, as well as the blue bottle consumer line. The pro version has only been sold in 5- and 10-litre drums, so for most, you will be looking at the 750ml blue bottle. (1-litre bottles of the white bottle are available in the US)

Koch Chemie Nano Magic Shampoo | Protective Shampoo – Waxit Car Care
Koch-Chemie - NanoMagic Shampoo | The Rag Company

Like all of these soaps, Nano Magic is a combined shampoo and protectant, killing two birds with one stone. I can't determine what KCx are using in this soap to provide that protection, only that it leaves "a long-lasting, hydrophobic nanolayer". The best way I can describe it would be to think of Nano Magic as the polymer-based S0.02 spray sealant, while Ceramic Effect Shampoo would be like an Si02 spray sealant such as Carpro Reload.

Spec wise, Nano Magic has a pH of 5.0 and said to "preserve" existing waxes, sealants and coatings". Occasional use will in theory extend the life of those protectants, or it can be used on vehicles without protection to improve hydrophobics and gloss. I always say with these soaps to not expect miracles, if your paint is heavily neglected, the use of Nano Magic is not going to transform the car into a concours winner. But, with occasional use they can certainly boost gloss, slickness and protection.

How To Use -

Nano Magic can be used in a foam cannon or bucket, just don't expect shaving cream-like foam. I've always foamed it on, then contact washed while still on the paint.

1. Shake the bottle well before dispensing.

2. For foam cannons, add 900ml of water and 100ml of Nano Magic to the cannister. For bucket washing, add 100ml to 10-litres of water. (See notes below)

3. Foam the entire vehicle and/or commence the contact wash. If washing in the sun or on a hot day, I'd probably break the vehicle into sections.

4. Rinse thoroughly then dry.

Usage Notes -

- From experience, I've found Koch Chemie's dilution ratios very lean when it comes to soaps. For example, they recommend a 200:1 bucket or foam cannon dilution ratio, which works out at 50ml to a 10-litre bucket or 5ml to 995ml of water in a foam cannon, which is just not going to do anything. I would double that to 100ml in both cases.

- Like most products of this type, you will find Nano Magic to be a low foaming, low suds soap. The foam quality is a runny film.

- While still slick, you will notice a slight "stickiness" underneath the wash media.

- If your vehicle is ultra dirty, this probably isn't going to be your best choice. I'd at least pre-soak with something like Bilt Hamber Touch-less or Koch Chemie Active Foam first.

- While its a relatively mild shampoo, the "protection" in it means you would avoid allowing it to dry on the surface.

- Suitable for matte surfaces/paint

- KCx suggest Nano Magic will last approximately two weeks.

Koch Chemie Ceramic Effect Shampoo

This is one of Koch Chemie's latest products and has only just made its debut in Australia. The concept of CES is the same as Nano Magic, however it uses a more modern Si02 formula. With a slightly higher pH of 6.0 instead of 5.0, CES won't strip existing protection and is safe on paint, glass and plastic. It can therefore be used to maintain existing protection, or add hydrophobic properties to bare surfaces. In both cases, it will also create some nice gloss and slickness.

Koch Chemie (CES) Ceramic Effect Shampoo | Wash & Wax – Waxit Car Care
Ceramic Effect Shampoo 1L – Koch-Chemie USA

Note - KCx suggest CES will leave "behind a temporary SiO2 based protective layer". Take note of the word "temporary", like all of these wash-n-wax type soaps, the longevity of that boost to gloss, slickness and protection is limited. As long as you know this up front, you won't end up buying these products expecting to ceramic-coat your vehicle using a bottle of soap. Koch Chemie also suggest it provides UV protection, I'd question that to be honest.

How To Use -

This is basically the same to use as Nano Magic, although its suggested you don't use CES in a foam cannon. Not sure why, but I'm told it foams ok.

1. Shake the bottle well before dispensing.

2. Add 100ml to 10-litres of water. (See notes below)

3. Start by washing sections at a time, rinsing between sections.

4. Follow with a final rinse, then dry the vehicle.

Usage Notes -

- KCx seem insistent on not using CES in the sun or on hot surfaces, or letting it dry, more so than Nano Magic.

- KCx suggest a 200:1 dilution ratio, 50ml to 10-litres of water. Again, I double that to 100ml.

- Again, if the vehicle is very dirty, then you would use a pre-wash foam such as Bilt Hamber Touch-less or Koch Chemie Active Foam first.

- The scent is described as "berry-almond".

- I've found CES to offer a decent before and after difference when compared to others of this type. Gloss and slickness gains are quite noticeable.

Final Thoughts -

I only occasionally use this style of soap, and even then, I have to pick my mark. As a novelty though, it's fun to see and feel the difference they've made afterwards. Of the two, I'd probably favor the newer CES as it seems to offer more pronounced results.

 

[DFB5.0]

Koch Chemie Panel Preparation Spray PPS

A few years ago, I tested a variety of IPA-based panel-prep sprays back to back. Products like Carpro Eraser and Gyeon Prep were my benchmarks, so I was interested to test some of the other options on the market, Koch Chemie PPS was included. The funny thing was, Koch Chemie PPS both won and lost that shootout.

Point blank, this is the best product here. And it would want to be for the price. The lubrication is a standout, the feel under the towel is more like one of their spray sealants, and the evaporation rate the best here. If it had the scent of Eraser or Prep, it would easily run away with this test, at least the IPA-ness of the scent is subdued.

Scent – 1/10 (None/IPA/Subdued)
Feel – 10/10
Value – 1/10
Overall – 10/10

So why didn't it come in first place? PPS was priced at $45.95 for a 500ml bottle, which was just ridicules on a product that is used heavily during the correction and protection stages. There is no way a professional is going to pay that premium when the equally good Carpro Eraser starts at $19.95 for 500ml. And even now, PPS carries a $10 premium over Eraser in the 500ml bottle, although the extra $10 in the bulk size will buy you 5 instead of 4-litres for the Carpro product.

If you hadn't guessed by now, Koch Chemie PPS is used prior, during and after polishing to remove product and chemical residue, therefore giving you better indication of paint condition and improve the bonding of your chosen protection. Like most of these products, its based on isopropanol alcohol and is bottled ready to use. Unlike Eraser, KCx don't make mention of any lubricating properties, but I found it nicely slick, unlike some in the test.

Koch Chemie (PPS) Panel Preparation Spray | Control Spray – Waxit Car Care
Koch-Chemie - Panel Prep Spray | The Rag Company

How To Use -

Use PPS before paint correction to remove any lingering chemical residue from the decon wash. Use it again after you finish polishing a section to properly inspect your outcome, then use it again prior to the application of protection.

1. Spray PPS onto the area

2. Allow the product to dwell for 30+ seconds.

3. Wipe off using a towel, swapping to a new towel as it becomes saturated.

Usage Tips -

I've come to the following points after doing this stuff myself and watching/reading what others have done or complained about...................

- These products WILL NOT completely remove protection, be that a wax or sealant, and certainly not a ceramic coating. This is a common misconception. Unless you submerge the car in the solution and soak for an extended period, or the wax/sealant is on its last legs, you are not completely stripping protection from a spray-wipe application.

- Having said that, most people don't allow these products to dwell long enough, as well as not using enough product. You want to apply these products heavily, allow to dwell for 20 - 30 seconds, then wipe. A quick mist and wipe won't do anything.

- These products have two main roles. Firstly, to remove chemical residue prior to polishing, then again after polishing..............basically a truth serum to give you a better gauge of the paint condition. Secondly, its to remove any lingering polishing oils to allow your protection to bond properly. That first role is often ignored.

- The reason why you would use a product like this over mixing your own IPA/water blend is the way they are designed to evaporate and flash in a more controlled manner. Traditional IPA/water blends flash too quickly and therefore don't break down the residue you are trying to remove. This comes back to allowing the product to dwell before wiping.

Final Thoughts -

So, is Koch Chemie PPS worth the price premium? This is a hard one for me to answer because of how much I adore using the transcendently scented Carpro Eraser. That product is the complete package, a fantastic blend price, performance and user experience. That is a hard act to follow. To me, the only thing lacking with PPS is a scent, but that might be a positive for some users. For those looking to try something new, PPS is one of the best in this category.

 

[DFB5.0]

Koch Chemie Magic Wheel Cleaner MWC

I'm not a big wheel cleaner user, mainly because I find them unnecessary for well maintained and coated wheels. My go to for wheel cleaning is a slug of soap into my wheel bucket, then whatever shampoo I have chosen on the day and applied with my foam cannon. Every few months, I switch things up by grabbing a dedicated wheel cleaner for the occasional deep clean. This is where I would use NV Purge (for iron removal) or P&S Brake Buster (high pH).

But there are times when I'm faced with someone else's neglected vehicle, in which case I both WANT and NEED a powerful wheel cleaner. In these situations, I find attacking neglected wheels with an iron-removing type wheel cleaner, followed by an alkaline product to be more effective. The theory here being the iron remover type goes on first, is allowed to soak before being rinsed away. Quite often, this step removes the bulk of the contamination, meaning the following contact washing with the alkaline cleaner to be vastly more effective. Typically, this combination will be NV Purge, followed by Shine Supply Wise Guy. So, how would Koch Chemie fit into this procedure?

At the moment, the only dedicated wheel cleaner offered here by Koch Chemie is Magic Wheel Cleaner. They also have Alkali Wheel Cleaner, which is like their version of Wise Guy or Brake Buster, however it still hasn't arrived in Australia, hopefully its on the way soon.

Koch Chemie (MWC) Magic Wheel Cleaner | Acid Free Rim Cleaner – Waxit Car Care
Koch-Chemie - Magic Wheel Cleaner | The Rag Company

Magic Wheel Cleaner is termed an "acid-free" wheel cleaner, although the published pH value is 5.5, which to me is slightly acid leaning. That doesn't mean it HAS acid in it though. This is an iron-remover type product, so it does have a very potent stench, in that regard I find NV Purge to be the least offensive. There are a couple of areas that MWC holds an advantage -

- The thicker, viscous consistency clings to the surface of the wheel. I'm not a big fan of that, I'd prefer more consistent coverage. However, it does mean you extend the working time of the product.

- Contamination is encapsulated within the cleaner and prevents it from drying on the surface as you work, again prolonging your working time.

How To Use -

Always use these products on cool surfaces, and out of direct sunlight where possible.

1. Shake the bottle well before use.

2. You can use MWC as a pre-treatment and/or with agitation. For best results, I like to apply onto a dry wheel and allow to dwell for 2 - 5 min.

2. Once you have seen sufficient red colour-change reaction, rinse the wheel. A pressure washer will be most effective here.

3. Reapply or switch to your alkaline wheel cleaner, then agitate with brushes.

4. Rinse, then dry.

Usage Notes -

- I've found this product to produce bubbles when spraying, so be mindful of wind direction and probably wear eye protection too.

- MWC is a ready to use product, no dilution required.

- Safe for alloy, steel and chrome wheels.

- If you have ultra dirty wheel barrels, I've found the wool type brushes to be more effective than the microfiber and bristle type brushes here.

- Not as pertinent for this product as some of the others of its type, but if you find its drying too quickly, you can lightly mist the surface of the wheel to continue the iron reaction.

- These iron-remover type wheel cleaners aren't very effective at cleaning tyres, so you would need to carry a separate product for that.

- Close off the spray head after use to prevent leakage.

Final Thoughts -

For me personally, Magic Wheel Cleaner is not a product I use very often, I just don't need it. But I do see why it's so popular. If you are dealing with heavy brake dust from a European or high-performance vehicle, then the added bite of MWC could be up your alley.

 

[DFB5.0]

Koch Chemie Speed Glass and Glass Cleaner Pro

Koch Chemie have a couple of glass cleaners in their lineup. Glas Star GLA is a concentrate alcohol-based product aimed at the professional user and sold in 10-litre drums. For this post, I’m focusing on Speed Glass in the blue bottle range and Glass Cleaner Pro GC in the white bottle range. Reading the MSDS, these two products are the same, just packaged differently.

Koch Chemie Speed Glass Cleaner | Streak Free Cleaner 750ml – Waxit Car Care
Koch Chemie (GC) Glass Cleaner | Glass Cleaner Pro – Waxit Car Care


Speed Glass Cleaner – Koch-Chemie USA
Glass Cleaner 500 ML – Koch-Chemie USA

Something that caught my attention was the fact Speed Glass and GC are NOT alcohol based. Looking at the MSDS, it contains the same ingredient used in Quick & Shine, which is said to be a “smoothness additive” and gloss enhancer. This is not surprising as I’ve found Speed Glass to have a highly lubricated feel, producing a very slick and glossy surface afterwards. These two will also leave behind some very minor protection, but not to the extent ClarifyPhobic would. Having said that, I’ve had the odd occasion where Speed Glass has left some mild residue, no doubt due to the lack of IPA to flash properly.

Both Speed Glass and GC are ready to use and have that classic KCx “fresh raspberry” fragrance. They can be used on interior and exterior glass, and are tint safe. KCx also suggests these products are safe to be used on screens, buttons and glossy surfaces such as piano black.

How To Use –

Speed Glass and GC are used like any other glass cleaner.

1. Prime your towel with product.

2. Apply one to two sprays per section, wipe with your towel, flip or switch to a dry towel and wipe till streak free.

Usage Notes -

The key to success when it comes to glass is the method, so here are a few steps to consider –

- Don’t bother attempting to clean glass that has been in the sun or is warm/hot to touch. The product will flash too quickly and leave behind streaks and witness marks. Took me ages to figure that one out.

- Towel selection is crucial! You want short nap, high density towels for glass, otherwise you will be dealing with streaks and linting issues. Aim for waffle weave or pearl weave towels such as the TRC Dry Me A River or FTW. I've tried dedicated glass towels, and while they work well, I find those TRC waffle weaves to be the best (pictured below).

- For interior glass, I never spray directly like I would for exterior glass. Most automotive glass cleaners are interior safe, but I think you want to avoid dousing your interior plastics with glass cleaner. Instead, spray liberally into the towel.

- For neglected interior glass, you may need to clean twice. The first round is your mow-down, the goal is to cut back as much grime as possible. For the second round, you then swap to clean towels, the aim to remove anything left behind in the first pass and deliver a streak free finish. This method limits transferring grime from window to window, which in effect will get you a clean and clear finish. This method is why I recommend having at least 4 glass towels per vehicle.

Final Thoughts –

Personally, I think these two products are best for well-maintained glass. While I do love the slick feel and glossy look, I find the more basic the glass cleaner, the better they perform in ALL situations. That’s why I’m grabbing Stoner Invisible Glass the most often, it contains no dyes and no scents, its just a glass cleaner.

 

[bfets]

DetailingShed package arrived. Now to find the time to take the wheels off, and coat them. Also ordered ColourLock Leather Shield today to protect the seats.

 

[DFB5.0]

DetailingShed package arrived. Now to find the time to take the wheels off, and coat them. Also ordered ColourLock Leather Shield today to protect the seats.

Well shopped! That is my favorite coating!

Review/application instructions -
Armour Detail Supply Wheel Coating Review | 2015+ S550 Mustang Forum (GT, EcoBoost, GT350, GT500, Bullitt, Mach 1) - Mustang6G.com

 

[5.0ALM]

DetailingShed package arrived. Now to find the time to take the wheels off, and coat them. Also ordered ColourLock Leather Shield today to protect the seats.

For a split second, I thought you bought a 5L container of their "glass cleaner", but phew , I was getting mixed up with their Trace-Less Use-Less.

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