What's In DFB's Cabinet?

[DFB5.0]

More big-box store soap testing with two additional contenders arriving yesterday. The irony here being that I had to order these two as the local Repco doesn't stock them.

The purple NXT is a soap from my past, used on my XR6 for many years. The pink Soft Wash Gel I have only had a brief encounter with, from memory my sister was using for short while. Meguiar's offer a huge range of soaps with far too much product overlap. It also appears that certain soaps are region specific, NXT and Soft Wash Gel don't appear to be sold in the USA for example.

Soft Wash Gel is Meguiar's entry level soap in Australia and is often on sale. Strangely, Repco have it at $21.00 for 473ml, yet Meguiar's (terrible) official website has it listed at $19.99 RRP. And if you Google search it, you will find a range of prices including $11.99, $13.95 and $15.99. In other words, don't pay full retail on it.

Soft Wash Gel - 473ml — Meguiar's Australia (meguiars.com.au)
Meguiar's Soft Wash 473ml - A2516 - Meguiars | Repco Australia

The first thing you notice is the strong cherry scent and the ultra-thick gel-like consistency. That thick consistency is common to every Meguiar's soap I have ever used, but then, their soaps have been left unchanged for decades. Soft Wash Gel is pH neutral and contains "conditioners with optical brighteners to enhance the brilliance and gloss of your paint finish."

I'm fairly sure Meguiar's never intended for Soft Wash Gel to be used in a foam cannon, but that didn't stop me from seeing how it performed. The gloopy consistency does make it harder to mix in the foam cannon cannister, but then it's not alone in that regard, Adam's blue soap is the same.

Foam quality is not its strong suit, not that I'm surprised by that. While the foam is on the thin side, its considerably better than the Autoglym junk I tried last week. However, Soft Wash Gel is an excellent bucket soap, it produces plenty of suds that hold on throughout the wash. Under the wash mitt, its nowhere near as slick as my current benchmark, Carpro Reset. Cleaning ability is fair (yes, the Ranger was dirty this week, I promise), the rinse off easy enough.

Like the ArmorAll soap from last week, Soft Wash Gel serves a purpose but is not for the detailing enthusiast. For the price, I would actually give the ArmorAll the win as its way better value for money being more than half the price for a larger 1000ml bottle.

For me, the biggest problem with Soft Wash Gel is that a 500ml bottle of Carpro Reset is only $5.00 more expensive when comparing RRP's. Reset is easier to pour, is considerably slicker, produces lovely thick foam, and is more concentrated so the extra $5.00 cancels itself out.

Up next, I'll be reacquainting myself with NXT and Gold Class.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The past week has been terrible, situations I never, ever want to experience again. You know, I think we all know about our own foibles and character quirks, but it's never pleasant to have them aggressively thrown in your face in front of your peers. I strongly believe a person's natural character traits are virtually impossible to change, they can be suppressed but there is always a default mode. It's foolish to expect or demand that someone changes their natural traits for someone else's benefit, it becomes exhausting for all involved trying to swim against the tide. I have some decisions to make during the next three months.

Sponsored

 

[larr12]

Some Amazon specials..

 

[radar]

DURABILITY

DFB, hi and thanks for your great posts.
When you do cars with “normal use” - the Mazda/Honda/family Volvo etc etc which drier/protectant do you consider most durable and long lasting on cars that are not obsessively managed like ours?
Im talking about drying aid and maybe one extra application when dry.
Thank you

I have Waxit which I like since March. Beadmaker looks great but I’ve only used it 2 weeks and looking to try Amplify

 

[radar]

NV Snow
Beadmaker
Tyres - PERL 1:1

 

[DFB5.0]

DURABILITY

DFB, hi and thanks for your great posts.

When you do cars with “normal use” - the Mazda/Honda/family Volvo etc etc which drier/protectant do you consider most durable and long lasting on cars that are not obsessively managed like ours?

Im talking about drying aid and maybe one extra application when dry.

Thank you

I have Waxit which I like since March. Beadmaker looks great but I’ve only used it 2 weeks and looking to try Amplify

In those situations where speed is important but still want it to leave with something decent on the paint, I typically grab a longer lasting spray sealant. Carpro Reload 2.0, Koch Chemie S0.02 (very expensive, I got it for free in a giveaway) or Amour Detail Supply Ceramic Spray Sealant. If it were me, I would be doing the Armour product, stupid-easy to apply and the best longevity.

Reload 2.0 (3-months durability.) (Sorry about the deplorable Holden Cruze test subject below)
Get CarPro ReLoad Spray Sealant | Waxit – Waxit Car Care

KCx S0.02 (no suggested durability but expect at least 3-4 months)
Koch-Chemie Spray Sealant S0.02 500ml - Long-Lasting Protection - Detailing Shed

Armour Detail Supply Spray Selant (6-months durability)
Armour Detail Supply Ceramic Spray Sealant (autobuff.com.au)

As for Amplify, its THE REAL DEAL! I actually finished off my first bottle the other day, another ready to take its place. I just can't believe how easy it is to use, and while it won't match Beadmaker for gloss, its not far behind.

 

[radar]

Thanks Deyon
Seems like your ADS spray sealant requires 2 preparatory products. The Kochie is not cheap.
The Reload 2.0 lasts half as long as the ADS but is a single spray application.
I’m getting lazier, so probably try that.

I referred to Waxit as a product in my post. I meant I’m using NV Snow, NV Boost 2.0 and CarPro PERL all from WAXIT, based on your recommendation.

My blue car got those 3 products tonight. The slight gloss on the tyres probably Meguairs Endurance Tyre Gel residue on my big chunky Ali express tyre applicator that I used on another car today.
Naturally I dried it with a TRC Gauntlet.

So Thankyou again. People do take notice of what you take the trouble to write. I can’t buy everything you mention (who could) but I’m glad I’ve advanced beyond Bowdens and Boss Gloss.

I like to keep it simple and straightforward. Buy prudently and carefully.

 

[DFB5.0]

Thanks Deyon
Seems like your ADS spray sealant requires 2 preparatory products. The Kochie is not cheap.
The Reload 2.0 lasts half as long as the ADS but is a single spray application.
I’m getting lazier, so probably try that.

This is the application notes from ADS on their Ceramic Spray Sealant.........................................

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prep:
The Prep is the most important step of the process

- Decontaminate the paint surface using Armour Detail Supply Decon Soap and Iron, followed by removing further embedded contamination with a clay bar or synthetic clay mitt.

- Use our Armour Detail Supply Panel Prep to remove any oils/residue, or old wax/sealant.

You are ready to apply Ceramic Spray Sealant!

Application:

1. Spray Ceramic Spray Sealant directly onto a microfiber towel and evenly distribute onto the desired surface, working one section at a time.

2. Utilize a clean, secondary towel to remove any excess residue.

3. This product can be applied to both wet and dry surfaces.

4. Multiple layers may be applied, with a wait time of one hour between applications.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The preparatory products being a Decon Soap, Iron Remover and Prep Spray would typically apply to all similar products, including Carpro Reload and KCx S0.02. The idea being you are preparing the surface the best you can to achieve the longevity claims. Thing is, you don't have to use those prep products, but you will get a better result if you do, just depends on how contaminated the paint is.

So Thankyou again. People do take notice of what you take the trouble to write. I can’t buy everything you mention (who could) but I’m glad I’ve advanced beyond Bowdens and Boss Gloss.

This does not apply to anyone here, but more in general. There is an old saying "you catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar", a saying that I think many people could learn from. Yes, there is a time and place for critique, it's part of life. But over time, if that is the only feedback you receive, it wears you down and in no way promotes moral. If you don't balance with positivity, tell people what they are doing well, it becomes a why bother situation, which ends up being self-fulfilling prophecy.

I don't set out to purposely annoy people, but I have extremely high standards and a VERY tolerance of hypocrisy................................which is both a blessing and a curse because of what I can achieve that others can't, but it also rubs people the wrong way. I don't expect a pat on the back every day, but constant negativity wears thin.

 

[DFB5.0]

Just signed up for the Advanced Paint Correction class at Waxit on the 28th of November.

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/advanced-paint-correction-202

This is something I've wanted to do for a while now, so with some spare time coming up, it was now or never. I've been polishing self-taught for more than a decade, so I sidestepped the entry level Random Orbit Clinic with the idea of taking my skills to the next level. Classes are run in groups of five and are taught by the legendary Sandro from Car Craft Auto Detailing. I've never had any formal training when it comes to detailing, it's all been self-taught, so I'm both nervous and exited.

(1) Car Craft Auto Detailing - YouTube

 

[skinnyb]

Just signed up for the Advanced Paint Correction class at Waxit on the 28th of November.

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/advanced-paint-correction-202

This is something I've wanted to do for a while now, so with some spare time coming up, it was now or never. I've been polishing self-taught for more than a decade, so I sidestepped the entry level Random Orbit Clinic with the idea of taking my skills to the next level. Classes are run in groups of five and are taught by the legendary Sandro from Car Craft Auto Detailing. I've never had any formal training when it comes to detailing, it's all been self-taught, so I'm both nervous and exited.

(1) Car Craft Auto Detailing - YouTube

Congratulations I love watching Sandro's videos and would love to meet him. Can't wait to hear the review from the training

 

[larr12]

@MrMike I'm gonna try the IK foam tomorrow finally. It comes with a Schrader valve also.

 

[larr12]

@DFB5.0 it blows my mind that you dont have any "formal" training. You Sir, are one heck of a subject matter expert.

I think it should you giving the training lol.

We, the rookies, are thankful of all the lessons you give us with every post.

 

[skinnyb]

@DFB5.0 it blows my mind that you dont have any "formal" training. You Sir, are one heck of a subject matter expert.

I think it should you giving the training lol.

We, the rookies, are thankful of all the lessons you give us with every post.

Amen say it louder for those in the back row

 

[MAGS1]

@DFB5.0 it blows my mind that you dont have any "formal" training. You Sir, are one heck of a subject matter expert.

I think it should you giving the training lol.

We, the rookies, are thankful of all the lessons you give us with every post.

I would even say some of us old heads (referring to myself) that have been doing it a long time have learned more than a few things from D. Particularly products that are worth trying. I unfortunately don’t have the time or patience to try a zillion different products, so D’s threads have been very helpful in that regard.

Thanks D, hopefully you get to pick up your new ride soon!

 

[50ALM]

I haven't ever come across Mike G before, but he comes across as genuine.

 

[DFB5.0]

I haven't ever come across Mike G before, but he comes across as genuine.

Mike G is VERY well respected, very levelheaded reviews and no ego or "personality" at play. I trust his experience and have taken many recommendations from him in the past, likewise the ins and outs of product development and the figures behind them. If there was one review channel I would recommend, it would be Mike G's.

I have to say, I'm on the fence regarding Mike's comments regarding Pan and the heat that he has been getting. On one hand, it's made me feel bad for contributing to that heat. But on the other, Pan brought this on himself, he's been deleting comments and videos ever since in damage control. That awards video should never have been published in the interests of credibility, but he cooked his own goose there. And that's a great shame because no doubt the products are good.

Sponsored