[Sha]

Hey guys, i have neglected my car for a long time and this xmas i have the whole day to myself and the weather seems really good so i can finaly detail my car.

As for the info its a crimson red e90 with beige interior. I need to fix the leather, as it started to become literaly black. On the outside i have swirl marks and needs some shine.

What would you suggest i get as a "starter kit" to restore my leather and paint? mind you i have 0 equipment as of right now.

[Detailed Image]

Here is my response to a similar question on a different thread...

Originally Posted by Detailed Image

Here are some of my personal recommendations....



Wheels and Tires
Sonax Full Effect Wheel Cleaner - Great for heavy brake dust buildup!
EZ Detail Brush - a great tool to clean the barrels of your wheels! Pickup the large and mini brushes!
Wheel Woolies Kit - A great tool for cleaning wheel barrels, and other hard to reach places!
Tuf Shine Tire Cleaner & Tuf Shine Tire Brush
Opti-Bond Tire Gel - Water Based, so it helps nourish your rubber!

Washing:
2 Buckets & 2 Grit Guard (Package) - Essential equipment for safe washing!
Optimum Car Wash - A great maintenance shampoo.
Sheepskin Wash Mitt
Optimum No Rinse (ONR) - Rinseless Washing is a great way to quickly and safely clean your vehicle!

Bug & Tar:
CG Bug Bugger & Tar Remover
Stoner Tarminator - This tar remover will quickly and easily remove tar buildup

Drying:
Microfiber Waffle Weave Towel
Metro Master Blaster - The safest way to dry your car is to not touch it at all!
Master Blaster Sidekick - This small blower moves an amazing amount of air and is perfect for making sure you don't have any water left in cracks and crevices!

Decontamination:
CarPro Iron X
DI Fine Grade Clay
NanoSkin Glide (clay lubricant)


Polish:
Meg's M100 Cutting Compound (SMAT)
Meg's M205 Finishing Polish (SMAT)

Menzerna Fast Gloss 400 (DAT)
Menzerna Power Finish 2500 (DAT)
Menzerna Micro Polish SF4500 (DAT)

Sealant:
Menzerna Power Lock Synthetic Polymer Sealant
Blackfire Wet Diamond All Finish Paint Protection


Wax:
Chemical Guys Pete's '53 Black Pearl Signature Paste Wax
Pinnacle Souveran Paste Wax - a truly premium show car wax that

Semi-Permanent Protective Coatings
22ple VX3 Signature Coating - A silica based coating that will provide great protection and maximum gloss! Very easy to apply.
CarPro CQuartz - another silica based coating option from CarPro.

Buffers:
Griot's Garage 3rd Gen DA Polisher - Affordable, Effective, Reliable, and most of all SAFE FOR EVERYONE TO USE! This product is backed by a lifetime manufacturer warranty.

Backing Plates:
5" Backing Plate
3" Backing Plate

Buffing Pads:
Meguiar's MicroFiber Cutting Discs - Great for removing heavier defects or for working with harder paint
Lake Country 5.5” and 3” Foam Pads (I typically recommend Orange Light Cutting Pads, White Polishing Pads, Black Finishing Pads, and Blue Fine Finishing Pads)

Glass:
Stoner's Invisible Glass

Metal
CG Metal Wax Polish and Protection

Microfiber
Quality microfiber is one of the best investments you can make. You must make sure that only the best products are touching the surface of your car so that you are not scratching or damaging the surface.
Black & Yellow Towel - Perfect for removing polishes, sealants, waxes, etc. Plush on one side and shorter nap on the other. My go to towel for most of the work I do!
Double Thick Edgeless Towel - Perfect for quick detailers, rinseless washing, and other tasks where plush towels are needed.
Black All Purpose Towel - A must have towel! The black color helps to hide any stains that may occur during use. I use these towels exclusively on wheels, exhaust tips, engine bays, and other dirtier areas.
Micro-Restore Microfiber Detergent - Works great to clean your microfiber and help them maintain that "like new" softness.


Interior
303 Aerospace Protectant - Great UV Protection for vinyl & plastic surfaces such as dash, door panels, consoles, etc. Will leave a darker finish with a slight sheen.
Einzsett Cockpit Premium - Great UV protection that will leave a matte/oem finish without any shine
Sonax Leather Foam - Easy to use leather cleaner that will also lightly condition and protect your leather all in one step.
Soft Upholstery Brush - Use to agitate leather cleaner if deep cleaning is needed

Hope this helps!

Let me know if you've got any questions!

Zach McGovern
Detailed Image Ask-A-Pro Blog Author
www.AttentiontoDetailingPeoria.com

Originally Posted by Detailed Image

Here are some of my personal recommendations....



Wheels and Tires
Sonax Full Effect Wheel Cleaner - Great for heavy brake dust buildup!
EZ Detail Brush - a great tool to clean the barrels of your wheels! Pickup the large and mini brushes!
Wheel Woolies Kit - A great tool for cleaning wheel barrels, and other hard to reach places!
Tuf Shine Tire Cleaner & Tuf Shine Tire Brush
Opti-Bond Tire Gel - Water Based, so it helps nourish your rubber!

Washing:
2 Buckets & 2 Grit Guard (Package) - Essential equipment for safe washing!
Optimum Car Wash - A great maintenance shampoo.
Sheepskin Wash Mitt
Optimum No Rinse (ONR) - Rinseless Washing is a great way to quickly and safely clean your vehicle!

Bug & Tar:
CG Bug Bugger & Tar Remover
Stoner Tarminator - This tar remover will quickly and easily remove tar buildup

Drying:
Microfiber Waffle Weave Towel
Metro Master Blaster - The safest way to dry your car is to not touch it at all!
Master Blaster Sidekick - This small blower moves an amazing amount of air and is perfect for making sure you don't have any water left in cracks and crevices!

Decontamination:
CarPro Iron X
DI Fine Grade Clay
NanoSkin Glide (clay lubricant)


Polish:
Meg's M100 Cutting Compound (SMAT)
Meg's M205 Finishing Polish (SMAT)

Menzerna Fast Gloss 400 (DAT)
Menzerna Power Finish 2500 (DAT)
Menzerna Micro Polish SF4500 (DAT)

Sealant:
Menzerna Power Lock Synthetic Polymer Sealant
Blackfire Wet Diamond All Finish Paint Protection


Wax:
Chemical Guys Pete's '53 Black Pearl Signature Paste Wax
Pinnacle Souveran Paste Wax - a truly premium show car wax that

Semi-Permanent Protective Coatings
22ple VX3 Signature Coating - A silica based coating that will provide great protection and maximum gloss! Very easy to apply.
CarPro CQuartz - another silica based coating option from CarPro.

Buffers:
Griot's Garage 3rd Gen DA Polisher - Affordable, Effective, Reliable, and most of all SAFE FOR EVERYONE TO USE! This product is backed by a lifetime manufacturer warranty.

Backing Plates:
5" Backing Plate
3" Backing Plate

Buffing Pads:
Meguiar's MicroFiber Cutting Discs - Great for removing heavier defects or for working with harder paint
Lake Country 5.5” and 3” Foam Pads (I typically recommend Orange Light Cutting Pads, White Polishing Pads, Black Finishing Pads, and Blue Fine Finishing Pads)

Glass:
Stoner's Invisible Glass

Metal
CG Metal Wax Polish and Protection

Microfiber
Quality microfiber is one of the best investments you can make. You must make sure that only the best products are touching the surface of your car so that you are not scratching or damaging the surface.
Black & Yellow Towel - Perfect for removing polishes, sealants, waxes, etc. Plush on one side and shorter nap on the other. My go to towel for most of the work I do!
Double Thick Edgeless Towel - Perfect for quick detailers, rinseless washing, and other tasks where plush towels are needed.
Black All Purpose Towel - A must have towel! The black color helps to hide any stains that may occur during use. I use these towels exclusively on wheels, exhaust tips, engine bays, and other dirtier areas.
Micro-Restore Microfiber Detergent - Works great to clean your microfiber and help them maintain that "like new" softness.


Interior
303 Aerospace Protectant - Great UV Protection for vinyl & plastic surfaces such as dash, door panels, consoles, etc. Will leave a darker finish with a slight sheen.
Einzsett Cockpit Premium - Great UV protection that will leave a matte/oem finish without any shine
Sonax Leather Foam - Easy to use leather cleaner that will also lightly condition and protect your leather all in one step.
Soft Upholstery Brush - Use to agitate leather cleaner if deep cleaning is needed

Hope this helps!

Let me know if you've got any questions!

Zach McGovern
Detailed Image Ask-A-Pro Blog Author
www.AttentiontoDetailingPeoria.com

Let me know if you need any more help

Zach McGovern
Detailed Image Ask-A-Pro Blog Author
www.AttentiontoDetailingPeoria.com

[BMB063]

The post above is excellent to save for building up your collection. But specifically, what's your budget and how deep do you want to go into this?

Seems like you'll definitely need a polisher with some cutting and finishing pads to get rid of the swirls. I would also recommend a clay bar (do that before polishing). Sealant and wax last. Hopefully this helps.

[Sha]

Thanks for the replies that is a good list, budget isnt that important as i would do something right. The only thing is, can i fuck up my paint by polishing? I am really inexperienced..

[ArchiProf]

I was worried the first time I tried machine polishing but read all the instructions and tips, took my time, and achieved great results. Below is a list of what I have. Many of these were purchased based on recommendations from Zach and other sponsors. You can use his links above for many of these and the other items can be purchased from amazon.

Wheels and Tires
Sonax Wheel Cleaner
Meguiar's Gold Class Endurance High Gloss Gel
Carrand Tire Gel and Dressing Applicators
Meguiar's Hot Shine High Gloss Tire Coating Foam
Griot's Garage Lug Nut Cleaning Brush

Washing:
Gilmour Foamaster II Cleaning Sprayer
2 Buckets with Grit Guards
Chemical Guys Mr. Pink Shampoo
Meguiar's Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo
Meguiar's Wash Mitt
Nanoskin AutoScrub Sponge
Paint Brushes to Clean Door Jambs

Bug & Tar:
Stoner Tarminator

Drying:
Meguiar's Microfiber Drying Towel
Black and Decker Battery-Powered Leaf Blower

Decontamination:
Meguiar's Clay Kit with Quick Detailer
P21S Paintwork Cleanser

Polish:
Meguiar's M100
Meguiar's M205

Sealant:
Blackfire Wet Diamond

Wax:
Blackfire Midnight Sun Ivory Carnauba Paste Wax (fabulous over Blackfire Wet Diamond)
Meguiar's Gold Class Carnauba Plus Wax
Meguiar's Soft Foam Applicator Pad

Semi-Permanent Protective Coatings:
None Yet

Buffers:
Meguiars G110v2 DA Polisher

Backing Plates:
Meguiar's

Buffing Pads:
Meguiar's Pads (various)

Glass:
Einszett Windscreen Clear
Stoner Invisible Glass
Stoner Invisible Glass Reach and Clean Tool

Metal:
None Yet

Microfiber:
Meguiar's Supreme Shine Microfiber Cloth

Interior:
BMW Leather Care Kit
Einzsett Cockpit Premium
Einszett Gummi Pflege Stift
Sonax Leather Foam
Soft Upholstery Brush

Rubber (exterior on my other cars):
Adam's Super VRT
Meguiar's Ultimate Black Plastic Restorer

Stool:
Craftsman

[SHEEDI]

Originally Posted by Sha

Hey guys, i have neglected my car for a long time and this xmas i have the whole day to myself and the weather seems really good so i can finaly detail my car.

As for the info its a crimson red e90 with beige interior. I need to fix the leather, as it started to become literaly black. On the outside i have swirl marks and needs some shine.

What would you suggest i get as a "starter kit" to restore my leather and paint? mind you i have 0 equipment as of right now.

OP, I am not sure how much experience you have in paint correction/detailing, but I would suggest to get Full Paint correction done by a professional and then buy stuff to maintain it for next few years.

[Sha]

Originally Posted by SHEEDI

OP, I am not sure how much experience you have in paint correction/detailing, but I would suggest to get Full Paint correction done by a professional and then buy stuff to maintain it for next few years.

Problem is, im sure i can manage to do the maintaince myself BUT i already screwed up my clearcoat in the trunk area, just by taping the spoiler and leaving it on there for the night. It rained the whole night and i didnt even realise. While removing the tape, i also removed the clearcoat with it so now i have stupid marks that will probably have to be painted. If my clearcoat is that weak (florida, never garaged) how will i even know if the same thing would happen or not by a buffer?

[SHEEDI]

Originally Posted by Sha

Problem is, im sure i can manage to do the maintaince myself BUT i already screwed up my clearcoat in the trunk area, just by taping the spoiler and leaving it on there for the night. It rained the whole night and i didnt even realise. While removing the tape, i also removed the clearcoat with it so now i have stupid marks that will probably have to be painted. If my clearcoat is that weak (florida, never garaged) how will i even know if the same thing would happen or not by a buffer?

I would say, consult with Legit Pro detailer before you get it repainted.

[Sha]

Originally Posted by SHEEDI

I would say, consult with Legit Pro detailer before you get it repainted.

Will try, thanks for the info!

[Sha]

I consulted 3 different body shops and all say the clearcoat cant be done without a respray, quoted 300 per panel. I assume its a good time to get mtech bumpers and all while doing it.

[BMB063]

Originally Posted by Sha

I consulted 3 different body shops and all say the clearcoat cant be done without a respray, quoted 300 per panel. I assume its a good time to get mtech bumpers and all while doing it.

For sure. Get whatever bumpers you want/need and then get to work on the paint. It's going to take you a while by the way.

But that suggestion to have a pro do it once and then keep up with it on your own is pretty good. If you don't want to do that, now is the time to pick up some products since there are end of the year sales.

Another suggestion would be to find a friend who can help you and already has some stuff. Get some products yourself and then they hopefully can guide you before the training wheels come off

[Sha]

Originally Posted by BMB063

For sure. Get whatever bumpers you want/need and then get to work on the paint. It's going to take you a while by the way.

But that suggestion to have a pro do it once and then keep up with it on your own is pretty good. If you don't want to do that, now is the time to pick up some products since there are end of the year sales.

Another suggestion would be to find a friend who can help you and already has some stuff. Get some products yourself and then they hopefully can guide you before the training wheels come off

I dont mind spending a couple hundred on detailing products as i dont do it so my car is clean/well taken care of but i enjoy doing stuff myself. "reseting" the car back to its original state tho is above my skill or knowledge. I also like to make excuses to justify spending money only for aesthetic purposes. Will be trying to make carbon fiber parts this weekend, while detailing the interior so i can get the dust in between the trim

[BMB063]

Originally Posted by Sha

I dont mind spending a couple hundred on detailing products as i dont do it so my car is clean/well taken care of but i enjoy doing stuff myself. "reseting" the car back to its original state tho is above my skill or knowledge. I also like to make excuses to justify spending money only for aesthetic purposes. Will be trying to make carbon fiber parts this weekend, while detailing the interior so i can get the dust in between the trim

Sounds like a plan. Just remember take your time. Hopefully you can get most of it knocked out in a weekend if you're willing to spend the entire two days going at it.