Detailing Secrets from Our Cars & Coffee Class

Written By Santiago Trujillo

Intro

Hey everyone! If you were at our recent Cars and Coffee exterior detailing class with Rust Is Gold, this blog post is for you. We'll recap the key points from the class and provide a complete list of our recommended tools and products. Let's get started!

Black sedan after a mobile detail in a parking lot in front of a building. Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Key Takeaways from the Class

If you joined us for the Cars and Coffee detailing class hosted with Rust Is Gold, you know we covered the basics of a safe and effective exterior car wash. Here's a quick recap of the main points:

  • Pre-wash is key: A proper pre-wash before the car meet followed by a rinseless wash helps loosen dirt and grime, minimizing the risk of scratches.

  • Choose the right soap: Look for a pH-neutral car soap specifically designed to avoid stripping any wax or sealant protection already on your car.

  • Use a dedicated wash media: Avoid cross-contamination with sponges used on wheels, tires, or other dirtier areas of the car.

  • Drying matters: Using quality microfiber drying towels and a drying aid helps prevent water spots and gives your car a showroom shine.

Tools & Products: Our Professional Picks

We get a lot of questions about the gear we use at Sandia Shine Co. Here's a breakdown of our preferred setup, plus where to find everything for your own detailing kit. It's important to note that you will likely have to source all your tools and products from a few different stores. We've linked our favorites below, including some from online retailers and local businesses we trust.

Our Preferred Picks (Mobile Detailing Unit)

Just to be clear, the tools and products listed below are the ones we use on our mobile detailing unit every single day. We've chosen them for their quality, effectiveness, and durability in a professional setting.

  • Bucket: Any bucket you have on hand will do the job.

  • Grit Guard: This simple insert is crucial for preventing swirls and scratches. (Obsessed Garage Grit Guard: https://bit.ly/3VUGGaV)

  • Rinseless Wash Sponge: A dedicated sponge for rinseless washing is softer and traps debris better. (Our preferred: DIY Detail Legacy Sponge: https://diydetail.com/products/legacy-sponge?_pos=1&_psq=leg&_ss=e&_v=1.0)

  • Drying Towels: Invest in several high-quality microfiber drying towels. (Our preferred: Obsessed Garage Small Drying Towel: https://bit.ly/49A4Yds, Large Drying Towel: https://bit.ly/3vUbSwo)

  • Pump Sprayer: For applying drying aid or a pre-wash solution. (Our preferred: IK Sprayer from Amazon: Link)

  • Bucket Lid: Seals your bucket for easy storage and helps reduce spills during a mobile session. (Obsessed Garage Bucket Lid: https://bit.ly/49xcIgg)

  • Rinseless Wash Soap: We recommend McKee's 37 N-194 Rinseless Wash ([Link] (https://bit.ly/4cPz67H)) for its cleaning power and ease of use.



Outro

We love connecting with fellow car enthusiasts! Share your detailing experiences and questions on social media and tag us @sandiashineco.  Let's keep the conversation going and help each other achieve that perfect shine!




Below are all the links to all the different products and a few different stores we recommend.  We added the list so you can find everything you need or if you want to try something other than what we use in our business.  We have used all the products below and like them all.  We only have so much room in our unit so we’ve landed on what we like, even if it’s as simple as we just like the smell or color.

Obsessed Garage Products

Obsessed Garage is a fantastic resource for high-end detailing supplies, and some of the items we use in our mobile unit are from them. Here are a few of their products we love:

FYI: For your reference, the links for products at Obsessed Garage are affiliate links. This means that if you purchase something through those links, we will make a small commission (around 5%) at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products that we use and love, and any commission helps us continue to create helpful content.

DIY Detail Products

DIY Detail is another great option, especially if you're on a budget:

Shop Local: AutoBrite

Google Business Profile Support your local businesses! AutoBrite has a knowledgeable staff and carries quality products:

  • WoW Rinseless Wash

  • Drying Towel

  • Grit Guard

  • Rinseless Wash Towel

  • Hyper Slick

Amazon

If you prefer ordering online, here are some other solid Amazon picks:

Santiago Trujillo
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