What's In DFB's Cabinet?

[GT 550]

@DFB5.0 where does KC fit into all of this?

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[DFB5.0]

@DFB5.0 where does KC fit into all of this?

Koch Chemie?

You know, I was wondering how I would sum up KCx. I use and enjoy a number of their products, some solely fill specific roles, for example Green Star is my only APC, Pol Star is my only fabric cleaner. I'd also say that KCx shines is in very specific products for very specific areas of concern, solvents Eulex or FW, or even Motorplast or Guf dressings.

But then, there are some products that have not impressed, which jars when the prices push the boundaries of reason. I adore using GSF, but $54.95 per litre is just too expensive when there are plenty of just as good soaps on the market. ASC is nice for wiping down benches, but really has no actual cleaning ability, so its more of a dusting aid...............which water does that for considerably less. The glass cleaner is outclassed by good old Invisible Glass. I absolutely hated AS Shampoo, and Motorplast is bettered by Megs Hyper Dressing.

As I said yesterday, no one brand produces best-in-class products across the entire line, and it's unrealistic to expect that. That's why I'm so impressed with Armour Detail Supply, they seem to have come the closest in achieving that near-impossible feat.

 

[kilobravo]

It seems I have fallen way behind or, I just got "quote happy" again this morning, I dunno. <grin>

The cabinets are Maxim HD / Seville

Suffice it to say that I was blown away with the Maxim site, D..HS! There must be a zillion product photos but I was quite impressed and your characterization of middle of the road quality vs. price appears to be right on as they are not unreasonably priced.

Down here with the extreme humidity nearly year round, I have always leaned toward Rubbermaid "cabinets" for any number of storage needs in locations exposed to the atmosphere. But as I'm sure you know, while they don't rust, the shelves begin to sag with the weight of the objects.

Therefive, I plan to replace my existing detailing box with a couple of Maxim's beauties and thanks a million, D!

If you asked me which three products from ADS that I consider a must, it would be Hero, Adapt and Pilot.

Interesting to me because I don't have a need for any of those uses. But, based on the rave reviews of Amplify from you and Alex, I ordered a bottle.

I do agree, the tire dressing is a bit glossy but does calm down a bit once it is wiped back and dries

That jarred my feeble brain Alex and I remembered that Larry's tire dressing was the product I tried way back when. Same thing then, it was too glossy.

I still much prefer a Microfiber applicator for tire dressing

I hear ya and I used one of those foam cubes for years and years on all the vehicles. But once I tried a big ol' detailing brush, I was sold and the "brushes" I have purchased since have continued to cement my feeling that a brush is the best for me.

To be honest, I really prefer a completely undressed clean tire.

And there's the rub, Alex. I feel exactly the same way but, once the rubber begins to oxidize, there's no way to achieve that soft black sheen again without dressing. At least I haven't seen a tire that would hold that new tire appearance.

That "look" is what I shoot for with dressings and why I try to achieve that satin with just a wee bit of sheen, like a clean, new tire.

Tire dressing does very little for me. I just use it because its the "thing to do".

Here we diverge amigo. IMHO, you can detail paint, chrome, and black to the nth degree but, if you don't make the rubber look equally delicious, the result is downright painful to my eyeballs. :=)

I literally doused the whole car after blowing off 80% of the water, sprayed all over liberally and went around with a Microfiber Madness Chipmunk towel. One pass and no residue or anything. Perfect... Love that stuff.

Interesting that you applied it as both a topper and a partial drying aid but with my blow dryer, I never need that side of the equation. BUT, I AM most interested to try it out and see if I actually like it better than Reload.

As an aside D and referencing your earlier comment (that I didn't quote, <grin>) regarding BeadMaker, while I love the application and result, it doesn't have the lifespan of Reload. If I'm giving her a bath all the time, BM is perfect and I use it on the other vehicles (to save Reload for Sarah,.) <smile> but I haven't been driving or bathing the Mustang nearly as much as in the past so Reload is a better choice for me.

I’m all over the board with what’s in my basement.

That surprised me, Alex. Do you have to bring up the gear you need to the garage each time and, carry it all back down afterward?

Thanks for making me spend more money guys

Happy to return the favor, Mark! <BSEG>

Trying new stuff never seems to end.

I've been trying to slow the purchases down but I haven't been very successful. This bottle showed up yesterday and there are more enroute. <smile> My first KC product.

It also seemed like they lost a lot of good people within the company because of that.

They were once a "if you know, you know" type of brand.

Thanks a bunch for the history and inside dope on the major players D but, it made me rather sad to read about Megs and CG's. You are correct as I'm old enough to remember when both were goto brands.

..the Griots brand seems to have a lot of integrity.

Good to know.

For the most part, the British brands suck.

Didn't know that Gtechniq was from the UK. My nephew likes the brand, too. Hadn't heard of the others.

Carpro and Gyeon appear to be independent, which seems to show through in their cohesive product lineup and lack of excess.

I have to admit that when I see a brand offer five dozen detailing products, I am immediately skeptical and, why I'm a CP fan.

ASC is nice for wiping down benches

Whoa, have you been working for the city in your spare time, D? <BSEG>

My sincere apologies but I couldn't help but notice the term "benches." Of course I know what you meant it's just not normal US jargon to my brain and it struck my funny bone.

 

[MAGS1]

It seems I have fallen way behind or, I just got "quote happy" again this morning, I dunno. <grin>


Suffice it to say that I was blown away with the Maxim site, D..HS! There must be a zillion product photos but I was quite impressed and your characterization of middle of the road quality vs. price appears to be right on as they are not unreasonably priced.

Down here with the extreme humidity nearly year round, I have always leaned toward Rubbermaid "cabinets" for any number of storage needs in locations exposed to the atmosphere. But as I'm sure you know, while they don't rust, the shelves begin to sag with the weight of the objects.

Therefive, I plan to replace my existing detailing box with a couple of Maxim's beauties and thanks a million, D!


Interesting to me because I don't have a need for any of those uses. But, based on the rave reviews of Amplify from you and Alex, I ordered a bottle.


That jarred my feeble brain Alex and I remembered that Larry's tire dressing was the product I tried way back when. Same thing then, it was too glossy.


I hear ya and I used one of those foam cubes for years and years on all the vehicles. But once I tried a big ol' detailing brush, I was sold and the "brushes" I have purchased since have continued to cement my feeling that a brush is the best for me.


And there's the rub, Alex. I feel exactly the same way but, once the rubber begins to oxidize, there's no way to achieve that soft black sheen again without dressing. At least I haven't seen a tire that would hold that new tire appearance.

That "look" is what I shoot for with dressings and why I try to achieve that satin with just a wee bit of sheen, like a clean, new tire.


Here we diverge amigo. IMHO, you can detail paint, chrome, and black to the nth degree but, if you don't make the rubber look equally delicious, the result is downright painful to my eyeballs. :=)


Interesting that you applied it as both a topper and a partial drying aid but with my blow dryer, I never need that side of the equation. BUT, I AM most interested to try it out and see if I actually like it better than Reload.

As an aside D and referencing your earlier comment (that I didn't quote, <grin>) regarding BeadMaker, while I love the application and result, it doesn't have the lifespan of Reload. If I'm giving her a bath all the time, BM is perfect and I use it on the other vehicles (to save Reload for Sarah,.) <smile> but I haven't been driving or bathing the Mustang nearly as much as in the past so Reload is a better choice for me.


That surprised me, Alex. Do you have to bring up the gear you need to the garage each time and, carry it all back down afterward?


Happy to return the favor, Mark! <BSEG>


I've been trying to slow the purchases down but I haven't been very successful. This bottle showed up yesterday and there are more enroute. <smile> My first KC product.

Thanks a bunch for the history and inside dope on the major players D but, it made me rather sad to read about Megs and CG's. You are correct as I'm old enough to remember when both were goto brands.


Good to know.


Didn't know that Gtechniq was from the UK. My nephew likes the brand, too. Hadn't heard of the others.


I have to admit that when I see a brand offer five dozen detailing products, I am immediately skeptical and, why I'm a CP fan.


Whoa, have you been working for the city in your spare time, D? <BSEG>

My sincere apologies but I couldn't help but notice the term "benches." Of course I know what you meant it's just not normal US jargon to my brain and it struck my funny bone.

Hey KB! Yep, I carry what I need upstairs every time then carry it back down. While my garage is well insulated, it does get warm in there in summer (and cooler in winter) so I prefer to keep my arsenal in a more controlled temperature environment. I have some of the Adams crates which are really nice and makes it easy to carry stuff up and down.

https://adamspolishes.com/products/...KF2cDvePXCZBhf9O2AN6I2gleNx8tdIhoCCTEQAvD_BwE

 

[MAGS1]

My pleasure!

My advice here, I would skip the DIY and try the Armour Detail Supply stuff first. That's nothing against DIY, but I think the ADS has more of a point of difference over the other brands in your rotation.

Thanks D. That sounds like a good approach. I’ll try some of the ADS stuff first and maybe pick up the DIY stuff next season

 

[kilobravo]

..so I prefer to keep my arsenal in a more controlled temperature environment. I have some of the Adams crates which are really nice and makes it easy to carry stuff up and down.

Roger that Alex and it's a good call as extreme temps can certainly negatively effect chemical compounds. Despite having a fairly large home, we have already consumed nearly every cubic centimeter of storage space and if I were to bring any of my chidt into the house, I would have hell to pay. <grin> I don't know how much the 40-95 daiquiri garage temp has affected my chemicals but, I haven't discovered any obvious failures..yet. :=)

Another good call on the Adam's cases, hadn't seen those before but I can already see where I could use a few. Thanks for the link.

 

[MAGS1]

Roger that Alex and it's a good call as extreme temps can certainly negatively effect chemical compounds. Despite having a fairly large home, we have already consumed nearly every cubic centimeter of storage space and if I were to bring any of my chidt into the house, I would have hell to pay. <grin> I don't know how much the 40-95 daiquiri garage temp has affected my chemicals but, I haven't discovered any obvious failures..yet. :=)

Another good call on the Adam's cases, hadn't seen those before but I can already see where I could use a few. Thanks for the link.

Yeah it gets cold enough in my garage in the winters here in Chicago that it might have a negative effect on my cleaning supplies. And it might not, it never gets below freezing in the garage unless I leave the door hanging wide open for an extended period of And my garage space is a bit tight until I build my shed, probably a next spring project.

The Adams crates come in handy. Very easy to organize and makes carrying stuff up and down the stairs a breeze. I have one for my frequently used products and a second one for the lesser used stuff like polishes, leather cleaners, etc.

Anyhoo, for my purposes, I find the crates more useful than carts, but maybe once I get the shed built I snag a cart for the garage for the warm months.

Mark

 

[skinnyb]

Interesting to me because I don't have a need for any of those uses. But, based on the rave reviews of Amplify from you and Alex, I ordered a bottle.


That jarred my feeble brain Alex and I remembered that Larry's tire dressing was the product I tried way back when. Same thing then, it was too glossy.


I hear ya and I used one of those foam cubes for years and years on all the vehicles. But once I tried a big ol' detailing brush, I was sold and the "brushes" I have purchased since have continued to cement my feeling that a brush is the best for me.


And there's the rub, Alex. I feel exactly the same way but, once the rubber begins to oxidize, there's no way to achieve that soft black sheen again without dressing. At least I haven't seen a tire that would hold that new tire appearance.

That "look" is what I shoot for with dressings and why I try to achieve that satin with just a wee bit of sheen, like a clean, new tire.


Here we diverge amigo. IMHO, you can detail paint, chrome, and black to the nth degree but, if you don't make the rubber look equally delicious, the result is downright painful to my eyeballs. :=)

Man I can't keep up with your quotes. It hurts my brain to sift thru it all LOL.

Yes I got one of those nifty tire dressing applicator brushes. I got the cheaper Amazon version. I like it alright but made a huge mess the first time as I applied WAY too much and it ran out the bottom and all over the tire and down the wheel which required cleanup on Aisle 4. Hence why I like the microfiber applicators. They absorb the liquid and cause me less mess. Plus I buy the little bitty 2 inch ones, a 48 pack on Amazon is only like 20 bucks... I throw them away each use, no cleanup necessary.

And yes unfortunately most people equate "clean tires" with "shiny tires". I am a fan of just plain clean tires. Clean them good, get all the dirt and browning off. Just a simple clean tire, no shine or anything is perfectly fine with me. Even if its the natural grey ish color is OK. But when I do dress, I do like a simple matte finish. Hence I have yet to find one that meets my needs. I know you guys rave about OG dressing, but I simply refuse to buy his products.. So I guess I just use what I have and wipe it back and wait a day for it to calm down to what I like it to look like... Thats where KCx PSS is my favorite. It wipes on easy and back off. It is a little shiny at first but by the next day it is really nice. And it takes at least 3 scrubbings to get it off and it looks even better to me after a scrub or two... Another nice one is Gtechniq T2. It is the same, a bit shiny at first but looks nice the next day.

As for Amplify, it is SOOO easy to apply. Wipes on so easy and wipes back off with no effort at all. I love it so much I just ordered a gallon (along with Hero to go along with my gallon of Adapt)...

 

[skinnyb]

My pleasure!

My advice here, I would skip the DIY and try the Armour Detail Supply stuff first. That's nothing against DIY, but I think the ADS has more of a point of difference over the other brands in your rotation.

I have to agree. I only have 2 DIY products (Incredible Suds and Rinseless) and they are both really good, but the ADS equivalent I like a lot better...

 

[skinnyb]

Koch Chemie?

You know, I was wondering how I would sum up KCx. I use and enjoy a number of their products, some solely fill specific roles, for example Green Star is my only APC, Pol Star is my only fabric cleaner. I'd also say that KCx shines is in very specific products for very specific areas of concern, solvents Eulex or FW, or even Motorplast or Guf dressings.

But then, there are some products that have not impressed, which jars when the prices push the boundaries of reason. I adore using GSF, but $54.95 per litre is just too expensive when there are plenty of just as good soaps on the market. ASC is nice for wiping down benches, but really has no actual cleaning ability, so its more of a dusting aid...............which water does that for considerably less. The glass cleaner is outclassed by good old Invisible Glass. I absolutely hated AS Shampoo, and Motorplast is bettered by Megs Hyper Dressing.

As I said yesterday, no one brand produces best-in-class products across the entire line, and it's unrealistic to expect that. That's why I'm so impressed with Armour Detail Supply, they seem to have come the closest in achieving that near-impossible feat.

I echo that sentiment. There are a few KCx products that are stellar and some are just OK to me. GUF, Eulex, Green Star, MultiStar, S0.02, S0.03, RRW, FSE, PSS, those are plain awesome. I do like GSF as well ($54.95 a liter, holy SHIT, it's half that here) but I like others better.

 

[DFB5.0]

Couple of shots after a rainy afternoon................

This one is 15-month old Gyeon Can Coat EVO, topped with Bead Maker.

This is 9-month old Gyeon Pure EVO topped with Armour Detail Supply Amplify.

 

[DFB5.0]

Thanks D. That sounds like a good approach. I’ll try some of the ADS stuff first and maybe pick up the DIY stuff next season

Put it this way, I like both brands but I was waaaaay more impressed with ADS than DIY.

 

[DFB5.0]

I echo that sentiment. There are a few KCx products that are stellar and some are just OK to me. GUF, Eulex, Green Star, MultiStar, S0.02, S0.03, RRW, FSE, PSS, those are plain awesome. I do like GSF as well ($54.95 a liter, holy SHIT, it's half that here) but I like others better.

GSF is an interesting one.

If I convert USD to AUD, $27.99 turns into $42.83, but it retails for $53.95. Add the excessive shipping costs to get stuff into Australia, and so we arrive at $54 a liter

A similar story plays out across other KCx products, but not to the same extent, so I expect there is some "market adjustment" going on.

Back when Koch Chemie arrived in Australia, the brand was riding the wave of popularity generated by social media and Youtubers. Nothing wrong with that, in fact its great because it's made people aware of a great brand and great products.

But then Covid hit and suddenly people (myself included) had a lot of time to spend detailing their cars. After the initial uncertainty dissipated, the lockdowns and travel restrictions meant people started spending big on detailing. (Actually, that phenomena applied to a wide range of industries, including my own in retail horticulture. Instead of spending o travel and other activities, people spent their money on other hobbies.)

So, a new brand with plenty of recognition and a massive uptick in sales of detailing products, well the result was higher than anticipated demand. GSF was the first to sell out, then the rest of the range. Then combine the massive shipping constraints of the time, most of the KCx lineup was sold out for 9 - 12 months. In the end, I was told that to break the chain, stock was air-freighted into the country...............at significant cost. Products that were $28 pre-Covid became a $54 proposition overnight.

Now, as KCx and the shipping industry caught up, those prices began to settle somewhat. That $28 to $54 product is now down to $35. But GSF was a $39.95 product pre-Covid, it spiked to $69.95 at one point (air freight) but has settled to $54.95 and stayed there.

So, all of that to say GSF is clearly a hot product and KCx are making the most of it.

 

[skinnyb]

GSF is an interesting one.

If I convert USD to AUD, $27.99 turns into $42.83, but it retails for $53.95. Add the excessive shipping costs to get stuff into Australia, and so we arrive at $54 a liter

A similar story plays out across other KCx products, but not to the same extent, so I expect there is some "market adjustment" going on.

Back when Koch Chemie arrived in Australia, the brand was riding the wave of popularity generated by social media and Youtubers. Nothing wrong with that, in fact its great because it's made people aware of a great brand and great products.

But then Covid hit and suddenly people (myself included) had a lot of time to spend detailing their cars. After the initial uncertainty dissipated, the lockdowns and travel restrictions meant people started spending big on detailing. (Actually, that phenomena applied to a wide range of industries, including my own in retail horticulture. Instead of spending o travel and other activities, people spent their money on other hobbies.)

So, a new brand with plenty of recognition and a massive uptick in sales of detailing products, well the result was higher than anticipated demand. GSF was the first to sell out, then the rest of the range. Then combine the massive shipping constraints of the time, most of the KCx lineup was sold out for 9 - 12 months. In the end, I was told that to break the chain, stock was air-freighted into the country...............at significant cost. Products that were $28 pre-Covid became a $54 proposition overnight.

Now, as KCx and the shipping industry caught up, those prices began to settle somewhat. That $28 to $54 product is now down to $35. But GSF was a $39.95 product pre-Covid, it spiked to $69.95 at one point (air freight) but has settled to $54.95 and stayed there.

So, all of that to say GSF is clearly a hot product and KCx are making the most of it.

Thats crazy. Its a good soap but not worth that clearly. Reset, and even the ADS Shampoo+ I like better

 

[DFB5.0]

Thats crazy. Its a good soap but not worth that clearly. Reset, and even the ADS Shampoo+ I like better

At $39.95 per liter, Reset is still pretty expensive. Actually, $39.95 converts to $26.99, so its on par with what you pay.

But then, compared to GSF, Reset is more concentrated, foams just as good and cleans better.

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