What's In DFB's Cabinet?

[MAGS1]

Wouldn't my drying aid if the ads amplify be fine as the topcoating? Given I wash at bare minimum once a month since the amplify I think lasts 1-2 months or something like that. Ideally I'd do it once every week or 2 weeks.

Amplify doesn’t really have any protection in it though, all it really does is add gloss and slickness. Beads has protection, so it provides a buffer between the elements and the coating. A sacrificial layer if you will. If you do plan to wash your car every 2 weeks, that will definitely help extend the life of the coating.

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[DFB5.0]

Wouldn't my drying aid if the ads amplify be fine as the topcoating? Given I wash at bare minimum once a month since the amplify I think lasts 1-2 months or something like that. Ideally I'd do it once every week or 2 weeks.

Yes. Amplify was designed as a coating topper/refresher but is also a very nice drying aid.

 

[DFB5.0]

Amplify doesn’t really have any protection in it though, all it really does is add gloss and slickness. Beads has protection, so it provides a buffer between the elements and the coating. A sacrificial layer if you will. If you do plan to wash your car every 2 weeks, that will definitely help extend the life of the coating.

As mentioned earlier, Amplify does indeed provide protection, in this case Si02. I think ADS labeling it as a "Detail Spray" implies that its similar to a traditional quick detailer/detail spray with no protection such as P&S Paint Gloss or Meguiar's Last Touch.

AMPLIFY - Detail Spray – Armour Detail Supply

"Introducing Amplify, a Si02 infused detail spray formulated to deliver unrivaled slickness and gloss. As its name suggests, Amplify's innovative formula is designed to elevate the slickness, gloss, and protection of any existing coatings, sealants, or waxes to new heights. Unlike other detailers that can mask existing protection or cause buildup over time, Amplify can be seamlessly used wash after wash to enhance your vehicle's protection without any adverse effects.

Crafted from a blend of unique polymers, silica resins, lubricating agents, and gloss enhancers that work in perfect harmony to deliver a frictionless protection that can last up to 2 months."

In effect, Amplify and Beads are providing a similar level of "protection".

Having said that, you need to be mindful that any of these spray and wipe or spray and rinse products aren't really providing the sort of "protection" that a proper wax, sealant or ceramic coating provides. I think the detailing companies have skirted around this a very long time now, mainly because the customer equates water beading to "protection", when in actuality, these products just make water beads. A very deeeeeep rabbit hole.............................

 

[MAGS1]

As mentioned earlier, Amplify does indeed provide protection, in this case Si02. I think ADS labeling it as a "Detail Spray" implies that its similar to a traditional quick detailer/detail spray with no protection such as P&S Paint Gloss or Meguiar's Last Touch.

AMPLIFY - Detail Spray – Armour Detail Supply

"Introducing Amplify, a Si02 infused detail spray formulated to deliver unrivaled slickness and gloss. As its name suggests, Amplify's innovative formula is designed to elevate the slickness, gloss, and protection of any existing coatings, sealants, or waxes to new heights. Unlike other detailers that can mask existing protection or cause buildup over time, Amplify can be seamlessly used wash after wash to enhance your vehicle's protection without any adverse effects.

Crafted from a blend of unique polymers, silica resins, lubricating agents, and gloss enhancers that work in perfect harmony to deliver a frictionless protection that can last up to 2 months."

In effect, Amplify and Beads are providing a similar level of "protection".

Having said that, you need to be mindful that any of these spray and wipe or spray and rinse products aren't really providing the sort of "protection" that a proper wax, sealant or ceramic coating provides. I think the detailing companies have skirted around this a very long time now, mainly because the customer equates water beading to "protection", when in actuality, these products just make water beads. A very deeeeeep rabbit hole.............................

I guess I interpret their wording a bit differently. I see frictionless protection and to me that’s just the gloss/slickness. I’m sure it has to leave behind some actual protection to do that, I guess I just interpret their wording a little differently. At least to me, Beads seems like a better topper for a coating if you want an actual sacrificial layer.

I’m probably keying in on the wrong words in their description for Amplify, but that’s where my conclusion came from.

 

[FKE SNK]

I liked Amplify enough to step up to the gallon jug when it was all gone.
I also just tried ADS Ghost and I think it will become the permanent tire treatment. Ever wanted to cover your car after applying tire shine? Well now you can.

ADS is killing it with all of their products

 

[DFB5.0]

Optimum Opti-Glass Clean & Protect / Opti-Coat Glass Clean & Protect –

While manufactured side by side, Optimum Polymer Technologies operates under two separate banners.

The base Optimum range of detailing products has been freely available via OPT dealers and retailers. Depending on the individual product, bottles sizes range from the small 118ml and 246ml sample sizes, mid-sized 504ml and 946ml bottles, and large gallon size jugs. While this range of products is universal, the second range has been tailored for ceramic coatings.

Optimum Polymer Technologies – Innovative Car Detailing Products for Professionals & Enthusiasts

Optimum Polymer Technologies | Detailing Shed

Meanwhile, the focus of the Opti-Coat range centres around a variety of ceramic coatings. However, they also offer a separate line of maintenance products, which only come in a 473ml bottle and carry a significant price premium over the base OPT product. Up until recently, the Opti-Coat maintenance product line had been exclusive to Opti-Coat installers and their Opti-Coat customers. However, in recent times, that has changed and the Opti-Coat maintenance range has become available to the general public.

Optimum Opti-Coat - Detailing Shed

Opti-Coat Maintenance Products

In theory, the difference between Optimum and Opti-Coat products was the latter being geared towards ceramic coated surfaces. I say “in theory” because in some instances, I feel like the only difference is a change in colour and a fancier bottle design. Some of them come pre-diluted instead of concentrate forms. Having said that, the Opti-Coat version of ONR is different to the base product in that it contains Si02 and has a much slicker finished result.

So, where do the glass cleaners sit in relation to this?

I’ve been using the Opti-Coat Glass Clean & Protect version for a while now, which I had bought at a significant discount. The very first time I tried it, I knew I was onto something good. Not only is it super easy to work with, flashing away quickly to a streak free finish, the hydrophobic performance is very impressive. And slickness is pretty epic as well. Sadly, this version is no longer carried by Australian OPT dealers. Bugger!

Which brings us to the Optimum Glass Clean & Protect variant. Rather than the pretty frosted bottle and finicky trigger head, this version comes in a rather basic looking 504ml bottle and a conventional spray head in fluro green and blue.

Are these the same product, or have improvements been made for the premium version? Both descriptions make similar claims……………

Optimum –

Optimum Opti Glass Clean & Protect 17 oz. – Opti-Coat

"Optimum Opti-Glass Clean & Protect Spray is a ready to use spray glass cleaner that contains a combination of mild cleaners and an advanced polymer that bonds to glass and other silica-based surfaces ……….Optimum Opti-Glass Clean & Protect can be used as a stand-alone glass sealant or as a booster to Optimum Opti-Glass Coating."

Opti-Coat -

Opti-Coat Opti-Glass Ceramic Clean & Protect™

“Opti-Coat Glass Clean & Protect not only effectively cleans glass surfaces without streaking but also boosts the performance of your Opti-Glass Pro Coating and other ceramic coated glass. The polymers in the formula bond to glass surfaces, providing continuous protection with each use.”

Having now used both, the different between them is miniscule, if any at all. The only thing I would note is that the Opti-Coat version is slightly quicker to flash, and I mean slightly! What I like about these two is that they require no special application methods, just spray, wipe, buff. This is a complete contrast to Carpro’s ClarifyPhobic, which I just couldn’t get to work properly and is now recognised as being very sensitive to non-Carpro glass coatings and sealants. In other words, for that glass cleaner to work, you need to install a Carpro glass coating.

Note - This type of glass cleaner is not intended for interior glass.

What’s remarkable here is that these OPT products have existed for years, but only recently have companies like Carpro, Gyeon and P&S have come out with their own versions. And yet, people seem to have flocked to the Carpro and P&S product as if its something ground-breaking or new. No, Optimum have been offering this style of glass cleaning for many, many years.

 

[DFB5.0]

After having to park outdoors while I was house sitting, a busy mowing run, and the crappy weather, I finally got a chance to wash the Ranger for the first time in more than two weeks yesterday. Good. Great. Sanity restored.....................until I had to go out at this afternoon, which the sky decided to rain just enough to undo my hard work yesterday, but not enough to warrant a full-scale wash.

Considering the roads weren't wet, it meant I could skip the wheels and tyres, making this situation a perfect candidate for a quick waterless wash. For reference, I don't normally waterless wash, not unless strict criteria like this are met. I guess the same applies to rinse-less washing, I have a very low limit to what I can tolerate before a proper soap and water wash becomes the better choice. Anyway, product of choice today was the delightful Carpro ECH20.

Get CarPro ECH2o Concentrate Online | Waxit – Waxit Car Care

CARPRO ECH2O Waterless & QD Concentrate 500ml (17oz)

ECH20 is exceptional value, not only for the low price of entry, but also the fact it's a concentrate. This contrasts with many dedicated waterless wash products on the market, which are ready-to-use. Considering how much product you use when waterless washing, the ability to mix up larger quantities at a relatively low cost is highly desirable here. For example, a 473ml bottle of DIY Detail Waterless Wash retails for $29.95, or ADS Adapt for $32.99. A 500ml bottle of ECH20 is sub $19.00, and a 1-litre bottle is just under $30. Put it this way, I can mix up 7.6 litres (2-gallon) of product from that 500ml bottle. And even if you don't like the idea of "waterless" washing, ECH20 is one of those go-to do it all products that makes it well worth having around.

On this occasion, I mixed up a 1000ml at the recommended 15:1 dilution ratio, then sprayed the car down with a Solo battery powered sprayer. I then used TRC Platinum Pluffle's to wipe, and a Microfiber Madness Chipmunk Jr. to dry. I then followed up with a glass cleaner on the windows, mainly because ECH20 doesn't finish out as I'd like at this dilution ratio.

Sanity restored.....................again.

 

[larr12]

F@dhdhfnrjriduwlsljsnske

 

[HoosierDaddy]

F@dhdhfnrjriduwlsljsnske

I know you can sand shallow scrapes like those and use touch up paint, but is there some kind of filler that can be used? I'm guessing there is some flex when driven but not if that is enough to break the bond of a filler.

 

[MAGS1]

F@dhdhfnrjriduwlsljsnske

Agree with Hoosier, sand it down and use touch up paint. Depending on what brand your wheel is, reach out to the manufacturer to see if you can get a small bottle so the color matches. All black paints are not the same unfortunately.

 

[larr12]

I sent a message to the Velgen Representative. They gave me a great price when I bought them so probably will buy 1 wheel and keep that one jic.

Also contacted a few people that repairs wheels. Waiting for those quotes.

 

[Evolvd]

If there’s no deep gouges you can sand it smooth, fill with bondo, and repaint. If it’s powder coated you’ll need to have a shop TIG weld the gouges and then have it recoated. PC won’t stick to bondo.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

If there’s no deep gouges you can sand it smooth, fill with bondo, and repaint. If it’s powder coated you’ll need to have a shop TIG weld the gouges and then have it recoated. PC won’t stick to bondo.

FWIW, some powder coating manufacturers now sell matching paint for just such a situation. I am in the process of ordering a set of wheels for another vehicle and am asking all contenders if they offer matching paint OR if their powder coating provider does. If your wheel maker will divulge what powder coating they use, might be worth contacting them to see if they sell matching touch up paint.

If I ever powder coat a set of wheels, I will definitely only use a powder coat manufacturer that does this.

 

[MAGS1]

Good wash today with Shampoo+ from ADS. My Trim+ came today, so later this afternoon I’ll be applying (finally, been waiting impatiently the last 60 days LOL) the ADS coating to my new fender, bumper, mirror and repainted door. The painter had to go up the hood a couple inches to blend the paint with the bumper, so I’m probably just going to polish the whole hood and re-coat it. Will do the Trim+ as well and apply a new coat of Ghost.

 

[skinnyb]

Good wash today with Shampoo+ from ADS. My Trim+ came today, so later this afternoon I’ll be applying (finally, been waiting impatiently the last 60 days LOL) the ADS coating to my new fender, bumper, mirror and repainted door. The painter had to go up the hood a couple inches to blend the paint with the bumper, so I’m probably just going to polish the whole hood and re-coat it. Will do the Trim+ as well and apply a new coat of Ghost.

LOVE ADS Shampoo+. It is a great shampoo. Very thin to measure out and easy to work with, foams amazing, smells great, and SLICK as snot Cleans good, and the secondary surfactant bubbles when rinsing (Just like Reset) is really cool...

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