Another thread about product choices

[Toasty]

So I read through some of the threads on here, and didn't find exactly what I was looking for, so started my own thread.

I am needing to buy some detailing products- I am not opposed to buying Adam's products, in fact I do intend to buy some, but I am on a budget, and I can't afford the whole 9 yards from Adam's at the moment, so if all you are going to suggest is Adam's, please try not to

We'll go through what I have been using, and what I still need to get-

Interior -
-I have the Meguiar's Interior quick detailer, it seems to do pretty well, and -I like that it is NOT glossy.
-I don't have anything for the leather seats, at the moment, do I need a cleaner AND a conditioner, specifically for the leather/vinyl?
-I do need to pick up some glass cleaner, all I have is some stuff a guy sold me at a Shell station, LOL. What do you guys use?

Exterior -
-I need some soap, is there actually much of a difference in car was soaps?
-Wheel Cleaner - lol, same stuff as the glass cleaner- some stuff that a guy sold me at a Shell station, but it actually works pretty well and seals alright, so i think the wheels are good.
-Quick detailer - I have and like this detailer that I bought from the local hand wash/detail place, it's private label, runs like $10/bottle, anybody using like Meguiar's or Mother's or other?
-Clay bar - I have yet to clay bar a vehicle, but I want to do my Camaro. Is there much difference in the clay (outside of size) between, say Adam's and/or Megiuar's?
-Polish - I fully intend to order Adam's Brilliant Glaze. Done.
-Wax I have some Meguiar's NXT tech wax, seems OK, thoughts?
-Tires- Ihave used Meguiar's Endurance gel for years, plan on getting some Adam's VRT to try. I hate sticky sidewalls and slinging silicone.
-Underhood - I need some cleaner here, out of the Castrol Super clean that I was using. Thoughts?

Towels/applicators, etc-

I intend to order a great white drying towel.
What kind of wash mits are you using?
I am going to order some grit guards, and use some Lowes/HD buckets
do I really need the other brushes for the exterior? I've just been cleaning the wheels with the trusty blue Scott's towels.
Interior, i have been using an otherwise unused toothbrush... you?

I was thinking about ordering the Adam's trial package which should get me at least one light cleaning out of most of the items.

I think that about covers the whole list of items... essentially, looking for what you use, if like me, you're on a budget. - I probably have about $150 to get started.

Thanks!

[lets_go_bills]

You ask a lot of questions. Search some more and you'll find your answers.

You ask for people to not suggest Adams yet you mention Adams products constantly. Around here, Adams is the company of choice. Personally, I use Zaino and I'd suggest you check them out. I have a bunch of Adams stuff too but Zaino is what I treat my paint and leather with.

With a budget of only $150 you can't afford all the items you want unless you go the route of cheap, generic stuff you buy over the counter locally. Unfortunately $150 won't go very far. I have over $1000 worth of detailing supplies and it covered off everything I needed to do my car inside and out.

Good luck.

[Toasty]

Originally Posted by lets_go_bills

You ask a lot of questions. Search some more and you'll find your answers.

You ask for people to not suggest Adams yet you mention Adams products constantly. Around here, Adams is the company of choice. Personally, I use Zaino and I'd suggest you check them out. I have a bunch of Adams stuff too but Zaino is what I treat my paint and leather with.

With a budget of only $150 you can't afford all the items you want unless you go the route of cheap, generic stuff you buy over the counter locally. Unfortunately $150 won't go very far. I have over $1000 worth of detailing supplies and it covered off everything I needed to do my car inside and out.

Good luck.

What I was getting at about the Adam's product is that I was looking for alternatives, weather that be over the counter/retail whatever, not that I would not buy any Adams products. There are over the counter products that are still decent enough. I don't necessarily need to afford everything at once, just need some items to get started. I listed everything to get some feedback. I get that around here, alot of people love Adam's products, and I do not have a problem with that, but there are other 'fish in the sea' so to speak. - i.e. I have a bottle of Sonax polish that a co-worker gave me, I might give that a whirl and see how that works.

[lets_go_bills]

Well I'd recommend Zaino. $120 gets you the Ultimate Protection Kit which is a good start. Grab some of their blonde towels, some quality buckets with grit guards and wash mitts and you're well on your way.

http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/...roduct_Count=3

I bought this and love it.

[Toasty]

Thanks for the link!

[16again]

I use Meguiar's on everything

[denny2188]

Meguiars for me too

[Chobbs11]

You'll regret not spending money on premium stuff. It seems the clearcoat on these cars is pretty soft and easy to swirl.

I can, however, recommend a product to clean your glass. Distilled water and newspaper! That works better than any glass cleaner I have tried. Make sure to use the pages that do not have a lot of color print.

Good luck with the rest. IMHO you get what you pay for.

[Toasty]

Originally Posted by Chobbs11

You'll regret not spending money on premium stuff. It seems the clearcoat on these cars is pretty soft and easy to swirl.

I can, however, recommend a product to clean your glass. Distilled water and newspaper! That works better than any glass cleaner I have tried. Make sure to use the pages that do not have a lot of color print.

Good luck with the rest. IMHO you get what you pay for.

I've been using newspapers with glass cleaner for many years, dating back to a summer detailin cars at a used car lot. LOL no pro products there! Rotary buffer swirl city!

[Adam's Polishes]

Responses in RED

Originally Posted by Toasty

So I read through some of the threads on here, and didn't find exactly what I was looking for, so started my own thread.

I am needing to buy some detailing products- I am not opposed to buying Adam's products, in fact I do intend to buy some, but I am on a budget, and I can't afford the whole 9 yards from Adam's at the moment, so if all you are going to suggest is Adam's, please try not to

We'll go through what I have been using, and what I still need to get-

Interior -
-I have the Meguiar's Interior quick detailer, it seems to do pretty well, and -I like that it is NOT glossy.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I'll never recommend a customer throw out a perfectly functional product to replace it with ours. When you run out and you have a choice give ours a try, but in the meantime use what you got!
-I don't have anything for the leather seats, at the moment, do I need a cleaner AND a conditioner, specifically for the leather/vinyl?
No. Modern leather seating surfaces are actually urethane coated so having a leather specific treatment is not necessary. There are companies out there that want you to believe it is necessary to have a product for each surface, but its not. The important thing is protection and NO SLIP! Our Leather & Interior Conditioner is SPF 65, dries without gloss, and is not slippery. It can be used on all interior surfaces like your dash, door panels, steering wheel, shifter, etc.
-I do need to pick up some glass cleaner, all I have is some stuff a guy sold me at a Shell station, LOL. What do you guys use?
I'm sure you can guess what I use
http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-431-a...ollection.aspx

Exterior -
-I need some soap, is there actually much of a difference in car was soaps?
HUGE differences! Concentration of the chemical is part of it, but foaming, lubricity, and sustained suds all play a factor as well. Our soap is class leading all these points. ALSO, and maybe more importantly is the pH factor... our soap is perfectly balanced (7 = neutral) so it will not strip your wax. Many soaps sold as "car wash" are less than balanced so essentially each time you wash your car you're degrading the wax/sealant - effectively working against yourself!
-Wheel Cleaner - lol, same stuff as the glass cleaner- some stuff that a guy sold me at a Shell station, but it actually works pretty well and seals alright, so i think the wheels are good.
Confused here... is it a cleaner or a sealant? Not likely its both. For most light cleaning soap and water will suffice... if you need something to target brake dust buildup for any reason our Green Wheel Cleaner is that product. Also applying wax or sealant to your wheels (the same stuff you use on the rest of the car is fine) will help protect them and keep them easier to clean. Obviously the most durable product you can use is ideal... I use Machine Superwax myself with excellent results.
-Quick detailer - I have and like this detailer that I bought from the local hand wash/detail place, it's private label, runs like $10/bottle, anybody using like Meguiar's or Mother's or other?
I'll leave this one to the people who have used the others recently. Depending on how you use your QD spray there are a number of things you should be looking for. Our sprays strongest traits are the shine it leaves and the fact it doesn't streak like many do. Plus it smells good enough to eat
-Clay bar - I have yet to clay bar a vehicle, but I want to do my Camaro. Is there much difference in the clay (outside of size) between, say Adam's and/or Megiuar's?
Only differences are grades. All clay until the end of this year has to be produced by the AutoMagic corporation due to a patent law... almost all clay sold OTC and consumer grade is "fine" so really the only differences you'll see are color and quantitiy.
-Polish - I fully intend to order Adam's Brilliant Glaze. Done.
Brilliant Glaze is not a polish. Not done?
-Wax I have some Meguiar's NXT tech wax, seems OK, thoughts?
For an over the counter product not bad stuff at all.
-Tires- Ihave used Meguiar's Endurance gel for years, plan on getting some Adam's VRT to try. I hate sticky sidewalls and slinging silicone.
You'll love VRT, 110% guaranteed!!
-Underhood - I need some cleaner here, out of the Castrol Super clean that I was using. Thoughts?
A general cleaner/degreaser works well. I use our All Purpose Cleaner diluted 1:1 with water.

[Toasty]

Responses to the responses in BLUE

Originally Posted by Dylan@Adams

Responses in RED

Originally Posted by Toasty
So I read through some of the threads on here, and didn't find exactly what I was looking for, so started my own thread.

I am needing to buy some detailing products- I am not opposed to buying Adam's products, in fact I do intend to buy some, but I am on a budget, and I can't afford the whole 9 yards from Adam's at the moment, so if all you are going to suggest is Adam's, please try not to

We'll go through what I have been using, and what I still need to get-

Interior -
-I have the Meguiar's Interior quick detailer, it seems to do pretty well, and -I like that it is NOT glossy.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I'll never recommend a customer throw out a perfectly functional product to replace it with ours. When you run out and you have a choice give ours a try, but in the meantime use what you got! Thanks, noted.
-I don't have anything for the leather seats, at the moment, do I need a cleaner AND a conditioner, specifically for the leather/vinyl?
No. Modern leather seating surfaces are actually urethane coated so having a leather specific treatment is not necessary. There are companies out there that want you to believe it is necessary to have a product for each surface, but its not. The important thing is protection and NO SLIP! Our Leather & Interior Conditioner is SPF 65, dries without gloss, and is not slippery. It can be used on all interior surfaces like your dash, door panels, steering wheel, shifter, etc.
Your response to the interior cleaner above negates the need for another cleaner, for now, Thanks
-I do need to pick up some glass cleaner, all I have is some stuff a guy sold me at a Shell station, LOL. What do you guys use?
I'm sure you can guess what I use
http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-431-a...ollection.aspx

What I have is a cleaner/wax waterless wash from RGS Labs.

Exterior -
-I need some soap, is there actually much of a difference in car was soaps?
HUGE differences! Concentration of the chemical is part of it, but foaming, lubricity, and sustained suds all play a factor as well. Our soap is class leading all these points. ALSO, and maybe more importantly is the pH factor... our soap is perfectly balanced (7 = neutral) so it will not strip your wax. Many soaps sold as "car wash" are less than balanced so essentially each time you wash your car you're degrading the wax/sealant - effectively working against yourself!
Noted. I assume that if i do eventually get a foam gun, same soap for either hand or foaming use?


-Wheel Cleaner - lol, same stuff as the glass cleaner- some stuff that a guy sold me at a Shell station, but it actually works pretty well and seals alright, so i think the wheels are good.
Confused here... is it a cleaner or a sealant? Not likely its both. For most light cleaning soap and water will suffice... if you need something to target brake dust buildup for any reason our Green Wheel Cleaner is that product. Also applying wax or sealant to your wheels (the same stuff you use on the rest of the car is fine) will help protect them and keep them easier to clean. Obviously the most durable product you can use is ideal... I use Machine Superwax myself with excellent results.
I've been using the same waterless wash/wax product from RGS Labs. I think the bit of wax in it helps release brake dust easier.

-Quick detailer - I have and like this detailer that I bought from the local hand wash/detail place, it's private label, runs like $10/bottle, anybody using like Meguiar's or Mother's or other?
I'll leave this one to the people who have used the others recently. Depending on how you use your QD spray there are a number of things you should be looking for. Our sprays strongest traits are the shine it leaves and the fact it doesn't streak like many do. Plus it smells good enough to eat
Well, I'll obviously use it with the clay bar, but otherwise, I do use the QD to touch up smudges, moisture marks, etc for cruises, etc... what should I be looking for?

-Clay bar - I have yet to clay bar a vehicle, but I want to do my Camaro. Is there much difference in the clay (outside of size) between, say Adam's and/or Megiuar's?
Only differences are grades. All clay until the end of this year has to be produced by the AutoMagic corporation due to a patent law... almost all clay sold OTC and consumer grade is "fine" so really the only differences you'll see are color and quantitiy.
-Polish - I fully intend to order Adam's Brilliant Glaze. Done.
Brilliant Glaze is not a polish. Not done?
Goes to show how much I know... so I should hav a polish, and a glaze then?

-Wax I have some Meguiar's NXT tech wax, seems OK, thoughts?
For an over the counter product not bad stuff at all.
I've got almost a full bottle, so good to know that it's not horrid stuff, LOL

-Tires- I have used Meguiar's Endurance gel for years, plan on getting some Adam's VRT to try. I hate sticky sidewalls and slinging silicone.
You'll love VRT, 110% guaranteed!! Looking forward to it.

-Underhood - I need some cleaner here, out of the Castrol Super clean that I was using. Thoughts?
A general cleaner/degreaser works well. I use our All Purpose Cleaner diluted 1:1 with water. Kinda figured there wasn't a magical solution, LOL


In regards to applicators, I have a stack of micro fiber wax aplicators, which I typically use for just about everything accept the Glass and wheels/tires. Are they actually going to do more harm than good on the paint? I've looked at the paint after using, and don't see signs that they're leaving swirls.

What about wash mits? I have some, but admittedly, they're not new. As long as I clean them properly, should they be OK? I do need to get a drying towel though. What's the difference between the waffle weave towel and the great white drying towel from Adams?

Dylan, thanks for the honest answers

[Adam's Polishes]

Originally Posted by Toasty

Responses to the responses in BLUE

Responses to responses to responses in sea green (this could seriously get out of control)

Originally Posted by Toasty

So I read through some of the threads on here, and didn't find exactly what I was looking for, so started my own thread.

I am needing to buy some detailing products- I am not opposed to buying Adam's products, in fact I do intend to buy some, but I am on a budget, and I can't afford the whole 9 yards from Adam's at the moment, so if all you are going to suggest is Adam's, please try not to

We'll go through what I have been using, and what I still need to get-

Interior -
-I have the Meguiar's Interior quick detailer, it seems to do pretty well, and -I like that it is NOT glossy.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I'll never recommend a customer throw out a perfectly functional product to replace it with ours. When you run out and you have a choice give ours a try, but in the meantime use what you got! Thanks, noted.

-I don't have anything for the leather seats, at the moment, do I need a cleaner AND a conditioner, specifically for the leather/vinyl?
No. Modern leather seating surfaces are actually urethane coated so having a leather specific treatment is not necessary. There are companies out there that want you to believe it is necessary to have a product for each surface, but its not. The important thing is protection and NO SLIP! Our Leather & Interior Conditioner is SPF 65, dries without gloss, and is not slippery. It can be used on all interior surfaces like your dash, door panels, steering wheel, shifter, etc.
Your response to the interior cleaner above negates the need for another cleaner, for now, Thanks
Keep in mind cleaners and conditioners are 2 entirely different things... one cleans and one restores/protects... you need products for both of those uses, but you don't need specific ones for both the dash and the seats if you're using ours or a similar 'non material specific' product.

-I do need to pick up some glass cleaner, all I have is some stuff a guy sold me at a Shell station, LOL. What do you guys use?
I'm sure you can guess what I use
http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-431-a...ollection.aspx

What I have is a cleaner/wax waterless wash from RGS Labs.

Exterior -
-I need some soap, is there actually much of a difference in car was soaps?
HUGE differences! Concentration of the chemical is part of it, but foaming, lubricity, and sustained suds all play a factor as well. Our soap is class leading all these points. ALSO, and maybe more importantly is the pH factor... our soap is perfectly balanced (7 = neutral) so it will not strip your wax. Many soaps sold as "car wash" are less than balanced so essentially each time you wash your car you're degrading the wax/sealant - effectively working against yourself!
Noted. I assume that if i do eventually get a foam gun, same soap for either hand or foaming use?
Works in a foam gun or in a bucket.


-Wheel Cleaner - lol, same stuff as the glass cleaner- some stuff that a guy sold me at a Shell station, but it actually works pretty well and seals alright, so i think the wheels are good.
Confused here... is it a cleaner or a sealant? Not likely its both. For most light cleaning soap and water will suffice... if you need something to target brake dust buildup for any reason our Green Wheel Cleaner is that product. Also applying wax or sealant to your wheels (the same stuff you use on the rest of the car is fine) will help protect them and keep them easier to clean. Obviously the most durable product you can use is ideal... I use Machine Superwax myself with excellent results.
I've been using the same waterless wash/wax product from RGS Labs. I think the bit of wax in it helps release brake dust easier.

Yeesh! The FW1 stuff people sell at gas stations? No comment.

-Quick detailer - I have and like this detailer that I bought from the local hand wash/detail place, it's private label, runs like $10/bottle, anybody using like Meguiar's or Mother's or other?
I'll leave this one to the people who have used the others recently. Depending on how you use your QD spray there are a number of things you should be looking for. Our sprays strongest traits are the shine it leaves and the fact it doesn't streak like many do. Plus it smells good enough to eat
Well, I'll obviously use it with the clay bar, but otherwise, I do use the QD to touch up smudges, moisture marks, etc for cruises, etc... what should I be looking for?

Your aerosol stuff likely won't have the proper liquidity or lubricity to serve as a clay lubricant. People also use Detail Spray as a drying agent and a pad primer, as well as for between wash wipe downs. I certainly wouldn't recommend the FW1 stuff as a pad primer or drying agent either.

-Clay bar - I have yet to clay bar a vehicle, but I want to do my Camaro. Is there much difference in the clay (outside of size) between, say Adam's and/or Megiuar's?
Only differences are grades. All clay until the end of this year has to be produced by the AutoMagic corporation due to a patent law... almost all clay sold OTC and consumer grade is "fine" so really the only differences you'll see are color and quantitiy.

-Polish - I fully intend to order Adam's Brilliant Glaze. Done.
Brilliant Glaze is not a polish. Not done?
Goes to show how much I know... so I should hav a polish, and a glaze then?
YES!
Polishes CORRECT a finish
Wax/Sealant PROTECT a finish
Glazes ENHANCE a finish

each one performs a specific task, glaze will make things shine but it won't remove defects like swirl marks. Thats where polishes come in.

-Wax I have some Meguiar's NXT tech wax, seems OK, thoughts?
For an over the counter product not bad stuff at all.
I've got almost a full bottle, so good to know that it's not horrid stuff, LOL

-Tires- I have used Meguiar's Endurance gel for years, plan on getting some Adam's VRT to try. I hate sticky sidewalls and slinging silicone.
You'll love VRT, 110% guaranteed!! Looking forward to it.

-Underhood - I need some cleaner here, out of the Castrol Super clean that I was using. Thoughts?
A general cleaner/degreaser works well. I use our All Purpose Cleaner diluted 1:1 with water. Kinda figured there wasn't a magical solution, LOL


In regards to applicators, I have a stack of micro fiber wax aplicators, which I typically use for just about everything accept the Glass and wheels/tires. Are they actually going to do more harm than good on the paint? I've looked at the paint after using, and don't see signs that they're leaving swirls.

Microfiber applicators are fine. Less than ideal for getting even application and longevity as they tend to deteriorate quickly, but nothing wrong with them if you have them and assuming they're not cheapy/low quality MF.

What about wash mits? I have some, but admittedly, they're not new. As long as I clean them properly, should they be OK? I do need to get a drying towel though. What's the difference between the waffle weave towel and the great white drying towel from Adams?
What material are they? What kind of condition are they in?
I generally recommend replacing your wash pads as for the most-part they're cheap and are very important for reducing the chances of new swirls.

Dylan, thanks for the honest answers
No problem. If you need anything else I'm available via email anytime:

Dylan@AdamsPolishes.com

I'm also going to PM you my cell phone number so if you have anymore questions you don't have to bother finding a 4th color to use in our convo here

[CamaroDreams07]

My head hurts

[Toasty]

Got your PM, but for now, It sounded like a challenge to come up with another color

Responses to Responses to responses to responses in Red Jewel Tintcoat

Originally Posted by Dylan@Adams

Responses to responses to responses in sea green (this could seriously get out of control)

Originally Posted by Toasty
So I read through some of the threads on here, and didn't find exactly what I was looking for, so started my own thread.

I am needing to buy some detailing products- I am not opposed to buying Adam's products, in fact I do intend to buy some, but I am on a budget, and I can't afford the whole 9 yards from Adam's at the moment, so if all you are going to suggest is Adam's, please try not to

We'll go through what I have been using, and what I still need to get-

Interior -
-I have the Meguiar's Interior quick detailer, it seems to do pretty well, and -I like that it is NOT glossy.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I'll never recommend a customer throw out a perfectly functional product to replace it with ours. When you run out and you have a choice give ours a try, but in the meantime use what you got! Thanks, noted.

-I don't have anything for the leather seats, at the moment, do I need a cleaner AND a conditioner, specifically for the leather/vinyl?
No. Modern leather seating surfaces are actually urethane coated so having a leather specific treatment is not necessary. There are companies out there that want you to believe it is necessary to have a product for each surface, but its not. The important thing is protection and NO SLIP! Our Leather & Interior Conditioner is SPF 65, dries without gloss, and is not slippery. It can be used on all interior surfaces like your dash, door panels, steering wheel, shifter, etc.
Your response to the interior cleaner above negates the need for another cleaner, for now, Thanks
Keep in mind cleaners and conditioners are 2 entirely different things... one cleans and one restores/protects... you need products for both of those uses, but you don't need specific ones for both the dash and the seats if you're using ours or a similar 'non material specific' product.
Duly noted... I get the difference that you were meaning

-I do need to pick up some glass cleaner, all I have is some stuff a guy sold me at a Shell station, LOL. What do you guys use?
I'm sure you can guess what I use
http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-431-a...ollection.aspx

What I have is a cleaner/wax waterless wash from RGS Labs.

Exterior -
-I need some soap, is there actually much of a difference in car was soaps?
HUGE differences! Concentration of the chemical is part of it, but foaming, lubricity, and sustained suds all play a factor as well. Our soap is class leading all these points. ALSO, and maybe more importantly is the pH factor... our soap is perfectly balanced (7 = neutral) so it will not strip your wax. Many soaps sold as "car wash" are less than balanced so essentially each time you wash your car you're degrading the wax/sealant - effectively working against yourself!
Noted. I assume that if i do eventually get a foam gun, same soap for either hand or foaming use?
Works in a foam gun or in a bucket.


-Wheel Cleaner - lol, same stuff as the glass cleaner- some stuff that a guy sold me at a Shell station, but it actually works pretty well and seals alright, so i think the wheels are good.
Confused here... is it a cleaner or a sealant? Not likely its both. For most light cleaning soap and water will suffice... if you need something to target brake dust buildup for any reason our Green Wheel Cleaner is that product. Also applying wax or sealant to your wheels (the same stuff you use on the rest of the car is fine) will help protect them and keep them easier to clean. Obviously the most durable product you can use is ideal... I use Machine Superwax myself with excellent results.
I've been using the same waterless wash/wax product from RGS Labs. I think the bit of wax in it helps release brake dust easier.

Yeesh! The FW1 stuff people sell at gas stations? No comment. Yup. Have been using it on the glass, and the wheels, I gather it's not that great, LOL... its been OK to this point, but not much left.

-Quick detailer - I have and like this detailer that I bought from the local hand wash/detail place, it's private label, runs like $10/bottle, anybody using like Meguiar's or Mother's or other?
I'll leave this one to the people who have used the others recently. Depending on how you use your QD spray there are a number of things you should be looking for. Our sprays strongest traits are the shine it leaves and the fact it doesn't streak like many do. Plus it smells good enough to eat
Well, I'll obviously use it with the clay bar, but otherwise, I do use the QD to touch up smudges, moisture marks, etc for cruises, etc... what should I be looking for?

Your aerosol stuff likely won't have the proper liquidity or lubricity to serve as a clay lubricant. People also use Detail Spray as a drying agent and a pad primer, as well as for between wash wipe downs. I certainly wouldn't recommend the FW1 stuff as a pad primer or drying agent either.

I think you misread my info... the QD I have now is NOT the FW1. It's a QD private label product from a pro detail shop.

-Clay bar - I have yet to clay bar a vehicle, but I want to do my Camaro. Is there much difference in the clay (outside of size) between, say Adam's and/or Megiuar's?
Only differences are grades. All clay until the end of this year has to be produced by the AutoMagic corporation due to a patent law... almost all clay sold OTC and consumer grade is "fine" so really the only differences you'll see are color and quantitiy.

-Polish - I fully intend to order Adam's Brilliant Glaze. Done.
Brilliant Glaze is not a polish. Not done?
Goes to show how much I know... so I should hav a polish, and a glaze then?
YES!
Polishes CORRECT a finish
Wax/Sealant PROTECT a finish
Glazes ENHANCE a finish

each one performs a specific task, glaze will make things shine but it won't remove defects like swirl marks. Thats where polishes come in.
is pointless to use a Glaze if you havent waxed recently?

-Wax I have some Meguiar's NXT tech wax, seems OK, thoughts?
For an over the counter product not bad stuff at all.
I've got almost a full bottle, so good to know that it's not horrid stuff, LOL

-Tires- I have used Meguiar's Endurance gel for years, plan on getting some Adam's VRT to try. I hate sticky sidewalls and slinging silicone.
You'll love VRT, 110% guaranteed!! Looking forward to it.

-Underhood - I need some cleaner here, out of the Castrol Super clean that I was using. Thoughts?
A general cleaner/degreaser works well. I use our All Purpose Cleaner diluted 1:1 with water. Kinda figured there wasn't a magical solution, LOL


In regards to applicators, I have a stack of micro fiber wax aplicators, which I typically use for just about everything accept the Glass and wheels/tires. Are they actually going to do more harm than good on the paint? I've looked at the paint after using, and don't see signs that they're leaving swirls.

Microfiber applicators are fine. Less than ideal for getting even application and longevity as they tend to deteriorate quickly, but nothing wrong with them if you have them and assuming they're not cheapy/low quality MF.
LOL, they may be of the cheap variety, got a couple 5 packs from Autozone on special

What about wash mits? I have some, but admittedly, they're not new. As long as I clean them properly, should they be OK? I do need to get a drying towel though. What's the difference between the waffle weave towel and the great white drying towel from Adams?
What material are they? What kind of condition are they in?
I generally recommend replacing your wash pads as for the most-part they're cheap and are very important for reducing the chances of new swirls.
LOL Material? umm... they're fluffy

Dylan, thanks for the honest answers
No problem. If you need anything else I'm available via email anytime:

Dylan@AdamsPolishes.com

I'm also going to PM you my cell phone number so if you have anymore questions you don't have to bother finding a 4th color to use in our convo here

Challenge laid... will you resort to Lavendar?