Detailing newb-how's Griots?
 

I got my MCS two weeks ago today and have washed it with the Meguire's gold class I already had. I got a Griot's catalog and was wondering how there stuff compares with the other names I see in this area like Hydro and Zaino? I know the Meguires stuff isn't the best and I want to do better with the MINI than the old Benz I also have so is Griot's the stuff or should I keep looking?

Congrats on your new MINI.

Says who??? Zaino fanatics?? Gimme a break. First learn to spell Meguiar's, before you try to put them down. :lol:

Second, you've come to the right place to ask about car care products. Good thing you didn't say you used Turtle Wax or Nu Finish! :wink: "Using up" Gold Class means you've started out on the right foot.

Before you start spending all your money on car care products, decide what you want. Because soon you will get addicted and buy many times of what you originally thought you needed as you learn more about the car care process. Happens every time here in Detailing 101.

The basics tend to be:

Start with clay bar. Then choose a polish for shine, then wax for protection. This is assuming you are working by hand and not machine.

Prima makes excellent products--some of the best IMO. Griots, Meguiar's, Zaino, and many other companies also have excellent products. Your best bet is to choose a system that others frequently use so you have plenty of people to ask for help from and make sure that system works for you!

Richard

Griot's is good stuff, and is all carnauba based. Prima, Zaino, and Klasse are synthetics. You have to decide what kind of look you want. If you want a warm, deep look you probably want carnauba. If you want crazy high shine, you probably want synthetic. Synthetic also lasts longer than carnauba so if you're looking for lower maintenance that's probably the way to go...but again, it's up to what you want. I initially used Griot's stuff but tried a few Prima things and loved the shine and how long it lasted, so I switched.

Prima and Zaino are very similar in results/lasting power. The main difference to me is Prima is less complicated and is really easy to get great results with less work.

Meguiar's has good stuff too. I have a few of their things and they all work very well.

So really, the best thing is to decide what kind of 'look' you want for your paint, how often you're willing to work on it to achieve/maintain it, and then pick a system and roll with it.

Hey, I never claimed I could spell worth a hoot.:grin: I like the features of the synthetic as I often have too little time for detailing-longer lasting shine sounds good to me.:thumbsup:

I am doing everything by hand so far but what about buffer's? Are they just a bad idea or can they really help. It seems that Griot's promoted their random orbital pretty heavy. Can you find Prima or Zaino at Auto Zone type stores?-I don't remember seeing Zaino before.

Sounds like the Meguiar's(got it rght that time:razz: ) Gold class is Ok-for the washing-good to hear!

Hahaha. :lol:

Yeah durability is what most people will go for. The difference in shine between a carnauba and a synthetic is pretty subtle if you ask me, but the difference in durability is measurable.

Griot's RO is a fine tool. The industry standard is the PC or Porter Cable Dual Action Orbital polisher. I have a DVD in the NAM store that shows you how to use the Meguiar's professional products and the PC along with how to do everything by hand as well.
http://store.northamericanmotoring.c...t=0&bestseller

Prima and Zaino are enthusiast products and only available through their respective websites. Prima has a couple of retailers--me included that sell their products--my site is www.showcardetailing.com/eshop for my store. Or go to Prima's main site at www.detailersparadise.com

Autozone and Pepboys sell the consumer line of Meguiar's products and some professional stuff like #7 and #26, neither which are necessary for what we are discussing here though.

Prima is really much better than anything you will find off the shelf at your local auto supply store though, but until you've tried the "lesser stuff", you won't really realize how much better it is, despite how many raves you read from all of those converted here on NAM. :lol:

Richard

all great info above. :thumbsup:

im a Griot's and Prima user and have great results. in a nutshell, i think
Griots stuff is concentrated more for the hobbiest. Prima stuff is more
for the hobbiest to the professional.

Griots also has very durable polymer sealants that shine like crazy (ie zaino
level reflection and claim it will last 1yr). im not a big fan of that, but just
wanted to mention they do offer serious polymer sealants too.

for me, im using Griot's for the fun stuff (accessories) in the garage
and their carnauba wax. Prima/DP for everything else. got one happy
garage and 4 smiling cars. :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin:

Like everyone else here has stated, you should decide how much time you want to spend as well as the desired look you are interested in, and then go from there. Meguiar's, Zaino, Prima, Griot's, etc. are all great products, and I use all of them on a regular basis. I have used several other brands over the years, and continue to use a variety of brands to this day. Some of my detailing clients that want me to use nothing but Zaino on their car, and some swear by Griot's products, so I typically use whatever meets my clients' needs the best. But, as others have mentioned, you can't go wrong with any of the products already listed above. The other variable, and something your may want to spend more time researching, are the different techniques and processes that you'll need to learn about before using each product, so that you get the desired results and the best looking vehicle in the end.

Hope it helps,
Chris

Here's another no one's mentioned: Klasse All-In-One and Sealant Glaze, otherwise known as "The Twins." :thumbsup: Pricey, but worth it because--it goes on everywhere, glass, chrome, stripes, does NOT stain the plastic trim, lasts a long time, and is very EZ to apply, prob the lowest effort product for the most gain. The AIO is a combo cleaner and polisher, and is a breeze to work with, while the SG takes a little more finesse and effort. However, one can just use the AIO by itself just fine, and with a little quality carnuba on top--YUM!:eek2: :grin:

You have to go thru websites to get it, like Detailer's Pardaise in Denver. What I like about it is that it's been around since the 1970s, and is constantly being improved upon. I will go no other route now. Klasse is one class act. :thumbsup:

PS there's nothing wrong with Meg's Gold Class wash. I use it all the time, and it's readily available at the box stores and Target. I also like their carnubas, altho they do not last very long.

Well I'm not sure this is where this belongs, but I finally got my Seatback Protectors from Greatbabyproducts.com. It is called Stuff & Scuff. Covers
the back of my seats perfectly. Has a mesh pocket near the top to put stuff. Is black an doesn't have any signs on it that it is from a Baby Products company. Was only $9.88 each and it looks ok when my top is down. FYI.

^^ do you have a pict of this on your car? :)

I have a picture in my Galley of the new Stuff & Scuff.

^^ cool! :)

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...m/100_0691.JPG

I say buy a Griot's Garage bundle with the random orbital buffer... just got one yesterday and used it on three cars today. Took out all swirl marks and made waxing a breeze.