Starting with Adams products what to get?

[slicksierra]

I was just recommended to use Adams products from a member on a truck forum. His opinion of superior quality and results turned me on to researching. After being on the retail site I am slightly overwhelmed on where to start. Basic wash with a sampler pack or a full blown essentials kit or maybe piece together my own kit?

 

I have to try to be economical as stepping up to a premium product for the first time you feel a little sticker shock.

 

I plan to get a porter cable further into the summer so I would like to accommodate for that plan. I am a truck owner so I have a lot of trim so VRT is a must. Basically I dont wanna purchase the essentials kit and not use the products with success. Would I even be able to remove swirls with hand applied swirl remover? Would I see an improvement with the hand polish?

 

Im sorry of this is rambling jumbled nonsense. I am very overwhelmed by the variety and full spectrum of Adams products. I am a traditional wash and wax guy but if I can cut and polish by hand with noticeable results im not afraid of putting in the work.

 

I appreciate any guidance or suggestions everyone on here seems to be genuinely friendly and helpful unlike other sites. Can't wait ot hear your feedback!

[txredgt]

As far as the revive polish I recently just used it yesterday actually. I have the PC yet I am unable to use it how I want to currently due to my apartment living. My short review is that it seemed to work pretty well, I haven't spot checked a few minor imperfections to see if they were lessened but overall I was happy with the product. I picked it up when they had the Autism so it was going to a good cause no matter what. A buddy of mine is thinking about taking the adams plunge and I am going to advise him to make sure the first order includes detail spray, at least a 16oz and a gallon, all purpose cleaner, 2-4 single soft towels, 1 great white drying towel, SVRT and choice of app, Spray sealant with ap for that. The polish would be a great addition to that setup I just listed and would get you a good start. Now saying that though there are a ton of other great products offered by adam's, you could find other suppliments for say car shampoo until you could get the adams stuff but imo the detail spray, cleaner, and the towels i listed are 2nd to none and the spray sealant is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. In and out spray will blow your mind too if you have a grill like most trucks do too btw, just not a great first spend imo.

[dipolley]

Hey Matt, Welcome to the site.

 

You can polish by hand but your results will be very limited, especially for dark-colored vehicles, especially black. you can make it better using the swirl and haze remover and revive poishes and proper applicators, but do not expect perfection. Unless you have big arms and a lot of time and Red Bull (and 5 hour energy, and coffee, and a good heart).

 

I would suggest the Adam's Essentials Detail Kit (Adam's Essential Detail Kit). this has everything you need to get started and get to learn the products.

 

again, Welcome. and feel free to ask anything you want. This is a great community of helpful, and insane, detailing gurus.

[Marylander]

well put!

[slicksierra]

Sounds like I should go with the Adams essentials kit. I tried piecing together my own kit but it always came out to be close to the price of the essentials kit. Its a lot of product for a good price

[goheels]

I hate to disagree, but I personally wouldn't waste my time with the hand correction products. Yes, there are some essentials in the kit that others are recommending (e.g., detail spray) but you are unlikely to get the results you are expecting at the sticker shock price.

 

I would start building your collection with products you will be using with your future purchase of the PC. Trust me, once you get over the anxiety of machine polishing, you will never go back. Particularly with large surface area (SUV, truck) you will save a lot of time/energy not doing them by hand and will likely get the results you expect.

[slicksierra]

I hate to disagree, but I personally wouldn't waste my time with the hand correction products. Yes, there are some essentials in the kit that others are recommending (e.g., detail spray) but you are unlikely to get the results you are expecting at the sticker shock price.

 

I would start building your collection with products you will be using with your future purchase of the PC. Trust me, once you get over the anxiety of machine polishing, you will never go back. Particularly with large surface area (SUV, truck) you will save a lot of time/energy not doing them by hand and will likely get the results you expect.

 

I noticed that when checking out you can add special instructions. Is it possible to get the essentials kit with other products besides the hand polish? Maybe swap in some glaze or sealant? or even in and out spray. If that is possible I would be all for that. I dont wanna waste money on hand polish when I expect to get a pc kit further into the summer.

[Tim]

I noticed that when checking out you can add special instructions. Is it possible to get the essentials kit with other products besides the hand polish? Maybe swap in some glaze or sealant? or even in and out spray. If that is possible I would be all for that. I dont wanna waste money on hand polish when I expect to get a pc kit further into the summer.

 

Contact Ashley, she will work with you.

[DaveVY]

I noticed that when checking out you can add special instructions. Is it possible to get the essentials kit with other products besides the hand polish? Maybe swap in some glaze or sealant? or even in and out spray. If that is possible I would be all for that. I dont wanna waste money on hand polish when I expect to get a pc kit further into the summer.

 

I didn't get the Revive Polish with my kit... but added it later out of pure curiosity. It is a great product! I now use this more frequently on my DDs than I do the SSHR, SHR and FMP. (And I have the PC and Flex) Don't discount the Revive Polish as not being needed or useful since you are getting a PC! I use it for water spots on glass (http://www.adamsforums.com/forums/detailers-write-ups/17120.htm), sometimes for a quick spot cleaning and also found it very effective (by hand applicator) for removing many paint transfer scuffs without the need for getting a machine out.