Washing/Waxing/Detailing

[Brisvegas]

I thought I posted a thread here on car detailing specific pressure washers and accessories, but I mustn't have included it on this forum. I will add it to the Car Care section when I get a chance.

To summarize, with car washing, it's all about the flow rate and not necessarily about the pressure.

The ideal figures from a pressure washer sit in the 1000 – 2000 psi range, with a flow rate of 7.5 Liters Per Minute and beyond. As mentioned, the more flow the better. For context, my Kranzle pushes 10 LPM. An entry level Karcher K2 will do 6 LPM.

I'm also a big advocate in modifying the machine to make it better suited for car washing. In particular, replacing the cumbersome stock gun/wand/nozzle with a "stubby" or short gun, this alone makes the whole process much easier, especially when cleaning wheels.

Also, unless you need them, don’t get seduced by the various attachments that get packaged with higher priced machines, think deck and gutter cleaning attachments. Ignore the soap injection crap and avoid the crappy foam cannons sold by the likes of Karcher and Gerni that are often included in "car" kits. And don't get hung up on integrated hose reels on the lower end machines, those hoses are just not pliable enough to wind up nicely.

So, what to choose?

First, think carefully about how you intend to use the machine. Do you need to set it all up in the driveway? Is wall mounting an option? Is it possible to set a machine up on a rolling cart?

Secondly, with the above considered, choose a machine that can be upgraded with the aftermarket parts mentioned above. A lot of machines have proprietary fittings that are difficult to modify or make the for a bulky install.

Here are a couple of machines that have my attention, from entry level to high end. (I have shortlisted the "Compact" Karchers because they are stripped of all the fluff)

Karcher K4 Compact - 7 LPM $519 RRP
K 4 Compact *AU | Karcher Australia (kaercher.com)

Karcher K5 Compact - 8.3 LPM $669 RRP
K 5 Compact *AU | Karcher Australia (kaercher.com)

Karcher K7 Compact - 8.5 LPM $879 RRP
K 7 Compact | Karcher Australia (kaercher.com)


The big benefits of the Big Boi machines is that they can easily be upgraded, by either the aftermarket or via Big Boi's accessories. The entry level machine is pretty low on the flow rate though and ignore the Washr Jr, its 6.0 LPM flow rate is pretty feeble.

Big Boi Washr Flo - 7.0 LPM $330 RRP
BIGBOI WASHR FLO – ibigboi.com

Big Boi Washr Pro - 9.5 LPM $719 RRP
BIGBOI WASHR PRO – ibigboi.com

Kranzle units sit at the top, in terms of price and performance. I love my K1152, its built like a tank and runs super quiet and strong.

Kranzle K1152 TST - 10 LPM $2149 RRP
Best Pressure Washer Kranzle K1152TST 15M 10 YEAR Warranty (detailingshed.com.au)

Kranzle KHD10 - 10 LPM $1975
Kranzle KHD10/122 TST Made in Germany **New** Total Stop System (detailingshed.com.au)

For the KHD10 and Washr Pro, these can be wall mounted. I also like the idea of fitting them to a service cart, making them somewhat portable and easily stored.

The two machines that stand out for me are the Big Boi Pro for its outstanding performance per dollar ratio, or the Karcher K5 Compact.

You can then upgrade either unit to take a aftermarket short gun. Big Boi either package them with the Washr Pro, or sell them as individual items.

BIGBOI WASHR PRO HOSE PACK – ibigboi.com
BIGBOI WASHR PRO SET – ibigboi.com

Otherwise, the MTM SGS 28 gun can be bought separately or in kit form. Make sure to choose the correct fitting to adapt to your chosen machine. The SGS 28 has a swiveling inlet to limit hose bind.

Buy Now - MTM SGS28 Gun for Professional Car Detailing (detailingshed.com.au)
Buy Now - MTM Hydro Premium Kit 2 Spray Gun Kit (detailingshed.com.au)
Buy Now - MTM Hydro Spray Gun & Foam Cannon Pro Kit (detailingshed.com.au)

Hope that helps.

Hope you enjoying your day DFB , seeing as my car is due to deliver anyday now i am looking to stock up on some quality car detail products . As an ex spray painter i have the paint polishing/protection covered . For car washing i have the Car Pro reset in the cart , all good there but i need a little help on external black trim protector products and maybe a bang for buck foam cannon to go on my petrol powered pressure washer ( maybe too powerful , i dont know ) at some stage i will get a small electric one for ease of use . Generally i dont use tyre dressing and just give them a good scrub with a stiff brush and leave it natural look , not a fan of anything shiny on tyres but open to non shiny suggestions . Ive done a decent search on forums for your suggestions but you post so much i get lost . If there is anything else you think i might need feel free to mention it . Your body of work is huge and i could spend a couple days reading your knowledge and i will in time . Appreciate the great work you do in here . I am just looking for reliable value products . Cheers

Edit : and available in Australia

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[DFB5.0]

Thank you for again for such a detailed post. I think I’ll go with the Bigboi Washr Flo. Mostly due to budget. It seems capable for a beginner and is upgradeable and comes with the foam cannon.

7.5 LPM is pretty good and decent step above the entry level machines. I think you will be happy.

As I mentioned, the way Big Boi specified the machines makes it easier to upgrade to better hoses and guns when desired.

 

[DFB5.0]

Thanks for the heads up about Bead Maker DFB, much appreciated.
I was watching the videos in the link you provided, and Pan the Organiser was getting a hard on over it!

I'm going to get some for my current daily (2016 RAV4 Cruiser in Liquid Bronze) and give it a go.

Lol! Pan will get hard over anything if their is a cheque involved!

 

[DFB5.0]

Good choice. I have had a Bigboi Washr Flo for several years now. No issues with it at all despite its "low" flow rate. Early on I upgraded with the MTM Hydro Magnum 28 gun, foamer and lance. More lately I upgraded further with the MTM Kobra Jet hose. The Detailing Shed is a good source for the MTM gear and knowledge on fittings. Bigboi office is completely useless for knowledge of adaptors etc for their machines. Repco often have sales of the basic Bigboi machines.

I have got to know Nick from Detailing Shed a little over the last couple of years, I was one of his very first customers and I think I have funded his retirement plan.........especially over the last month! He started this business as a side gig, and it ended up becoming so big he had to leave his day job. I love that sort of thing, it means he is doing something right.

So, he would be the only place I would direct people to for pressure washing upgrades and accessories, as it seems he has put the legwork into it only for the rest to have followed. (Sort of like Obsessed Garage in the US).

Also, very wise choice on the Kobra Jet Hose, I know how nice they are.........................

 

[50ALM]

Yes but it will have to be after I clean it. Haha. Could prolly do something on the weekend?

I'm away in Singapore this week working on the LIV Golf.
Next few weeks are tricky for me, so you have plenty of time for that wash and detail !

 

[50ALM]

Lol! Pan will get hard over anything if their is a cheque involved!

It would have made better viewing if they only treated half the panel with Bead Maker, to emphasise the before/after difference.

 

[TTT12]

I'm away in Singapore this week working on the LIV Golf.
Next few weeks are tricky for me, so you have plenty of time for that wash and detail !

Just gimme a time and day and I'll be there. I have no life. (Other than work. Heh)

Just gave it a good clean this evening. I hate when it's dirty.

 

[TTT12]

7.5 LPM is pretty good and decent step above the entry level machines. I think you will be happy.

As I mentioned, the way Big Boi specified the machines makes it easier to upgrade to better hoses and guns when desired.

Thanks. Based one what you said it seemed like a good place for me to start and not upset the wife too much with buying new toys. ;)

 

[DFB5.0]

Hope you enjoying your day DFB , seeing as my car is due to deliver anyday now i am looking to stock up on some quality car detail products . As an ex spray painter i have the paint polishing/protection covered . For car washing i have the Car Pro reset in the cart , all good there but i need a little help on external black trim protector products and maybe a bang for buck foam cannon to go on my petrol powered pressure washer ( maybe too powerful , i dont know ) at some stage i will get a small electric one for ease of use . Generally i dont use tyre dressing and just give them a good scrub with a stiff brush and leave it natural look , not a fan of anything shiny on tyres but open to non shiny suggestions . Ive done a decent search on forums for your suggestions but you post so much i get lost . If there is anything else you think i might need feel free to mention it . Your body of work is huge and i could spend a couple days reading your knowledge and i will in time . Appreciate the great work you do in here . I am just looking for reliable value products . Cheers

Edit : and available in Australia

First of all, this thread has a list of products that I like the best -
DFB'S LITTLE BLACK BOOK OF DETAILING 2022 | 2015+ S550 Mustang Forum (GT, EcoBoost, GT350, GT500, Bullitt, Mach 1) - Mustang6G.com

However, these are some recommendations for your situation -

Exterior Black Trim - I have made a sideways step with this category. There are three main ways to deal with this area of the car; trim dressings (short term durability), Si02 spray sealants (medium term durability) and ceramic coatings (longer term durability).

I stopped dressing black trim after I applied a ceramic coating, Carpro DLUX, to these areas. However, I have since decided that I don't like the idea of not being able to remove these coatings from plastic like you can on paint. And trim dressings only last a week to a month at best. Which leaves Si02 spray sealants.

I really like Carpro Reload for trim. It won't impart any slickness or gloss to these areas, but will add a deeper, richer finish. Application is easy and doesn't require the extensive prep a coating would. Prep here would involve washing as normal, if the trim has been previously dressed, then wipe it over with Carpro Eraser to lift this out. (Eraser is good to have on hand anyway).

As mentioned, Reload is my preference, but Gyeon Cure, Obsessed Garage Drying Aid and NV Boost v2 are solid options too.

Get CarPro ReLoad Spray Sealant | Waxit – Waxit Car Care
Get CarPro Eraser Prep Spray | Waxit – Waxit Car Care

Foam Cannon - if you can dial the pressure back on your petrol pressure washer, I would. 1000 to 2000 psi is the recommended pressures for cars.

Best -
MTM Foam Cannon Kit – Waxit Car Care

Great Value -
Get Waxit's Foam Cannon Kit Online | Waxit – Waxit Car Care

Tire Cleaning - you mentioned scrubbing tires, but didn't mention if you used a tire cleaner. If you don't, look at P&S Brake Buster (best used at full strength for tires) or Shine Supply Wise Guy (must be diluted 50/50).

Get Shine Supply Wise Guy Online | Waxit – Waxit Car Care
P & S Brake Buster – Non Acid Foaming Wheel Cleane (detailingshed.com.au)

Tire Dressing - an undressed tire is just not in my nature, so here are a few low-gloss/satin dressings -

Carpro Perl - you would dilute this down and give the tires a wipe after 15 miuntes to achieve a satin finish. Try at 3:1 to start, go out to 5:1 if needed. You will also want a suitable spray bottle to put the diluted product in. Carpro Dilute make it easy.

Get CarPro PERL Surface Coating | Waxit – Waxit Car Care
CarPro Dilute | Waxit – Waxit Car Care

Obsessed Garage Tire Dressing - you would apply this thinly and buff down after 15 minutes to achieve a satin finish. Ready to use.

Obsessed Garage Tire Dressing (detailingshed.com.au)

Meguiar's M40 - a strange option, but one that will deliver the desired look with no additional buffing.

Meguiars Mirror Glaze Professional Vinyl & Rubber Cleaner + Conditioner 473ml #M4016 | AutoMegaStore Australia

Hope that helps.

 

[Brisvegas]

First of all, this thread has a list of products that I like the best -
DFB'S LITTLE BLACK BOOK OF DETAILING 2022 | 2015+ S550 Mustang Forum (GT, EcoBoost, GT350, GT500, Bullitt, Mach 1) - Mustang6G.com

However, these are some recommendations for your situation -

Exterior Black Trim - I have made a sideways step with this category. There are three main ways to deal with this area of the car; trim dressings (short term durability), Si02 spray sealants (medium term durability) and ceramic coatings (longer term durability).

I stopped dressing black trim after I applied a ceramic coating, Carpro DLUX, to these areas. However, I have since decided that I don't like the idea of not being able to remove these coatings from plastic like you can on paint. And trim dressings only last a week to a month at best. Which leaves Si02 spray sealants.

I really like Carpro Reload for trim. It won't impart any slickness or gloss to these areas, but will add a deeper, richer finish. Application is easy and doesn't require the extensive prep a coating would. Prep here would involve washing as normal, if the trim has been previously dressed, then wipe it over with Carpro Eraser to lift this out. (Eraser is good to have on hand anyway).

As mentioned, Reload is my preference, but Gyeon Cure, Obsessed Garage Drying Aid and NV Boost v2 are solid options too.

Get CarPro ReLoad Spray Sealant | Waxit – Waxit Car Care
Get CarPro Eraser Prep Spray | Waxit – Waxit Car Care

Foam Cannon - if you can dial the pressure back on your petrol pressure washer, I would. 1000 to 2000 psi is the recommended pressures for cars.

Best -
MTM Foam Cannon Kit – Waxit Car Care

Great Value -
Get Waxit's Foam Cannon Kit Online | Waxit – Waxit Car Care

Tire Cleaning - you mentioned scrubbing tires, but didn't mention if you used a tire cleaner. If you don't, look at P&S Brake Buster (best used at full strength for tires) or Shine Supply Wise Guy (must be diluted 50/50).

Get Shine Supply Wise Guy Online | Waxit – Waxit Car Care
P & S Brake Buster – Non Acid Foaming Wheel Cleane (detailingshed.com.au)

Tire Dressing - an undressed tire is just not in my nature, so here are a few low-gloss/satin dressings -

Carpro Perl - you would dilute this down and give the tires a wipe after 15 miuntes to achieve a satin finish. Try at 3:1 to start, go out to 5:1 if needed. You will also want a suitable spray bottle to put the diluted product in. Carpro Dilute make it easy.

Get CarPro PERL Surface Coating | Waxit – Waxit Car Care
CarPro Dilute | Waxit – Waxit Car Care

Obsessed Garage Tire Dressing - you would apply this thinly and buff down after 15 minutes to achieve a satin finish. Ready to use.

Obsessed Garage Tire Dressing (detailingshed.com.au)

Meguiar's M40 - a strange option, but one that will deliver the desired look with no additional buffing.

Meguiars Mirror Glaze Professional Vinyl & Rubber Cleaner + Conditioner 473ml #M4016 | AutoMegaStore Australia

Hope that helps.

Thanks mate that is perfect , super appreciative that you have put the time in to comprehensively answer my questions , you are a legend mate . I actually just got the call my car gets delivered today so perfect timing , will get shopping online tonight , Cheers

 

[TTT12]

Got to use the new toy this morning.

Got the Bigboi WashrFlo. Got it from Repco with a 15m pressure hose. It didn't have the foam cannon I was expecting though.

I don't think I am happy with the foam I got. Bowdens Snow Job. A workmate with a Mustang recommended it and his car always looks great. I want to try the Gtechniq W4 Citrus Foam and maybe even a different Canon.

 

[TTT12]

I also noticed this area under my driver side door handle. No idea what this is. It feels rough, and won't rub off. Is it maybe the ceramic coating wasn't applied/wiped off correctly?

 

[Brisvegas]

I also noticed this area under my driver side door handle. No idea what this is. It feels rough, and won't rub off. Is it maybe the ceramic coating wasn't applied/wiped off correctly?

Looks that way , i'd take it back to your detailer . Likely need to be polished out and re ceramic .

 

[TTT12]

Looks that way , i'd take it back to your detailer . Likely need to be polished out and re ceramic .

Being Gtechniq CS Ultra I believe it needs to be sanded? I will let him know when I take it back for the front bar. He wouldn't coat it as it had been resprayed and it needed to wait a month or so before being coated.

 

[Brisvegas]

Being Gtechniq CS Ultra I believe it needs to be sanded? I will let him know when I take it back for the front bar. He wouldn't coat it as it had been resprayed and it needed to wait a month or so before being coated.

Yeah light sand possibly with some 2000ish grit

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