Has anybody ever used Chemical Guys detailing products?

[momo.75]

I have always used Griot's Garage products, but was reading around and heard some really good things about these Chemical Guys products. Anybody tried them?

Car Wash, Wax, Polishes, Microfiber Towels and Best Auto Detail Supplies - Chemical Guys Professional Car Care Products - Wholesale and Retail

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

I always use Meguiars products. Do a great job.

 

[scoobydann]

They have a BUNCH of stuff, what exactly were you looking for. I Love their microfiber towels and the Stripper Sent is awesome.

A lot of their products are alike and i find it hard to sort through most of it so that is why i haven't bought a whole lot

I do want to try the Pete's 53 wax though

 

[momo.75]

Yeah, i noticed a bunch of their products are similar and they do have a ton of stuff which makes it hard to decide. I just made an initial order of Bare Bones UnderCarriage Spray, a Grit Guard for my wash bucket, some Natural Shine and some other little things.

I will have to look through their site some more to figure out what i will order next. That is one thing i did like about Griot's Garage. The way they label and list everything makes sense. They also have a detailer's guide that walks you through everything step by step, so you know what you need depending on how bad of shape your paint is in.

This is a great example of their products in action.

Chemical Guys Exterior Detail - YouTube

 

[LittleCaesar]

I use this before layering on a dedicated sealant such as Blackfire; it really helps to bring the paint to life.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001UHHMRG/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Chem Guys Butter Wax is nice as well, but it does not last as long as others out there such as Duragloss 105.

I am also a big fan of their 6.5" polishing/buffing pads. They tend to last longer than Lake Country's pads.

Chem Guys is used much more over in Britain, who tend to like all the Chem Guys products.

 

[scoobydann]

I was torn between the EZ-Creme and Prima Amigo, ended up with a bunch of the amigo. description is very similar and I really do like the way my car looks when its finished.

I have also heard good things about their pads but I have quite a few of the LC 5.5 and 3.5 pads and have yet to render them unusable. I just bought a Flex w/ 6.5 pads and im going to use it for the first time this wknd. If I can knock down some time polishing that would be awesome.

what machine are u using with the 6.5 pads?

 

[LittleCaesar]

I am hoping one day Santa brings me a Flex 3401. I am still using the Porter Cable, have been for five years.

My brother, who used to cut his teeth as a pro detailer, still has two 3401s in his arsenal. I would say if you have ever used a polisher before such as the PC, Griots, or Meg, the Flex takes 20% less force to achieve the same results when polishing and does it in a shorter time. You will enjoy it. My brother won't let me borrow one, the greedy kin he is.

One product that I have had great results with in the last year is this Paint Cleaner by Sonax. It acts as an AIO; good durability and goes on well using a LC black pad. The stuff works well on softer paints used by Toyota:
Amazon.com: Sonax 202241-755 Paint Cleaner: Automotive

 

[momo.75]

That flex does look really nice. I have been using my Porter Cable for about 12 years, or at least i was before we had twins 4 years ago. Now that they are older and can play around on their own i am getting back into the detailing.

Here was a post i had made few years ago after a good detailing weekend.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/gallery/2684-griots-garage-treatment-glamour-shots.html

I can't wait to get it back in that shape.

 

[scoobydann]

Good to know on the sonax. I'm still relatively new on the detailing. Been at it a little over a year. Started with the PC. I felt like my OCD was fighting with my ADD. I got great results but I lose enthusiasm. When i got into he correction I used megs 105/orange and 205/white followed by menz powerlock. The black Toyota uses is SOOOO soft I look at it wrong and it is marred. My last polish session I used menz 85rd and it came out wonderful but again, easily marred. I really want to paint my runner with harder paint.

 

[scoobydann]

Momo. Looks great. A lot has changed in 4 yrs I'm sure I use my polish sessions for a de-stress. I get a kick out of people Asking me if I just got it painted.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Stay away from the Menz. It will mar soft paint quite easily if the correct setup is not used. On a BMW, Mercedes, Audis and most Chevys, Menz products are excellent. But not for Toyotas or Hondas or their offspring.

I would go back to using the Megs twins, starting with 205 first and a white pad. If the 205 does not work, then make your way to using the 105 and orange pad. For both to work well, a little pressure is needed than with most other detailing products. Then I would seal it with DP Poli coat or Megs 21 or NXT, provided you do not live in a humid climate for the Megs.

Good luck with the Flex.

 

[scoobydann]

I agree with most of the Menz lineup on soft paint but, from what i researched on the 85rd (a VERY mild polish) on soft paint with a LC flat white or tangerine hydro it was a perfect match. I did just that (with a PC) and it came out wonderful. No haze and no marring, and a clean mirror finish.

 

[offroadingatc]

chemical guys are good products. They lack a lot in the marketing department so people overlook them in favour of Megs, Griots, etc.

IMO the best price: performance stuff is Poorboys, its right around the same price as chem guys, but a little better (again IMO)

 

[TheeMikeB]

I started using their stuff after the guy that details my boat turned me on to it. I use the V-7 spray stuff after washes and it does wonders. Super easy to use and it keeps the paint slick. I also use the all in one polish shine sealant. I still follow up with a wax at the end and I also use my porter cable D/A to apply and remove.