So, after reading alot about Chemical Guys on various detailing forums I decided to try some of their products. Apparently, their parent company (Warner Chemicals) manufactures chemicals for a lot of well known detailing supply companies like Poorboy's and Adams. So, I figured "how bad could their stuff be?" I put together a small order and had a chance to try the products out for the first time this week.

Here's what I got . . .

Citrus Wash & Gloss
Price: $6.95 for 16 oz.
Manufacturer's Description: If you like low quality overpriced carwash products this may not be for you.

Citrus Based High-Performance total auto wash & gloss formulated to simply be the best wash& gloss at any price. A citrus base, hyper-concentrated Wash+Gloss is the ultimate surface prep paintwork cleanser, shampoo and gloss enhancer in one. This 100% surface friendly

biodegradable formula out performs hazardous solvent shampoos and surface cleaners. Fast penetrating citrus aided lubricating foam lifts and holds soil in suspension for easy scratch free rinsing. Ultra hyper concentrated citrus extracts break down dirt and grime while lubricating surfaces allowing debris to be gently rinsed off. Naturally derived Citrus extracts are formulated with the finest cleaning and glossing agents available today to deliver a 100% pure Citrus Cleaner free of artificial thickeners, colors or additives

delivering the cleanest, streak free high gloss finish.

Thoughts: I mixed 1oz of the soap in a bucket with about 3 gallons of water. 1/2 oz per gallon of water seemed really too little to me so I used a little extra. The wash has a pleasant citrus smell and was bright yellow in the bottle. It wasn't as thick as my current go to soap Optimum Car Wash but seemed to dissolve in the water more easily. The wash didn't generate too much foam and what foam appeared in the bucket quickly disappeared. Personally, I don't feel it's important to have a lot of foam, but I know some of you do. What I do feel is important is lubricity. The mitt should feel like it's gliding across the paint and I didn't quite get that with this wash. Oddly, as I got lower in the bucket the wash seemed to improve in terms of slickness. So, I'm wondering if I didn't mix it well or if the wash settles to the bottom. Where this wash did seem to excel was cleaning power. It left the paint noticeably cleaner than other washes (it was smooth and slick afterward).

For me, the jury's still out on this product. I'm going to play with it a bit and might try mixing it with some Optimum Car Wash. Either way, with the added cleaning power I feel it will make a great car wash soap for wheel cleaning (which is what I had in mind when I bought it).

WHEEL AND RIM CLEANER-Premium Blue
Price: $8.95 for 16 oz.
Manufacturer's Description: A premium wheel and rim cleaner that will outshine and out clean not only your wheels but your expectations as well. works excellent on engines, machinery, tools, tires, rims and floors. Premium Blue works fast to loosen and emulsify grease and grime for easy rinse. A truly amazing heavy duty degreaser that delivers powerful cleaning and degreasing action Fast! Can be diluted - 1 gallon makes 4 gallon.

great for wheels and rims
factory approved way to remove corrosive brake dust from alloy wheels
tire and wheel cleaner as well as excellent medium duty cleaner
can be diluted for various cleaning needs
easy to use

Comments: I tried out Premium Blue full strength on my wheels. It worked well, but that doesn't really mean anything as my wheels were pretty clean in the first place. The jury will be out on this for me until I can find some dirtier wheels to use it on. Plus, CG says you can dilute it. So, I'll want to try it out diluted as well. I am always looking for a powerful yet safe wheel cleaner especially if it's cheaper than P21S Gel Wheel Cleaner which is my current "go to" product in that category.

Pete's 53'- Black Pearl Signature Paste Wax
Price: $37.00 for 8 oz.
Manufacturer's Description: Pete

 

great report... as usual!!

i think that fminus is a fan too- also blownap (think thats his name)

 

GREAT report! If you like wetness in your paint, try CGs 5050 wax.

Also buff Petes53 off a little earlier for easier removal.

Synthetic QD is their best QD, try that when you get a chance... Then there's the MONSTER JETSEAL109!!!!

Do you have the FULL SIZED Vintage? I am about to order it!

 

Great review! Had a question about the QD's offered by CG. Can all of their QD's be used on top of carnauba wax?

CG SPEED WIPE SPRAY & Streak Free QUICK SHINE (Anti Static) (1 Gal)
PRO-DETAILER+SPRAY White Carnauba Quick Detailer UV Protectant (1 Gal)
Extreme Slick Synthetic -Polymer Detailer (Anti-Static) (1 Gal)

If MikeyC doesn't like QD's that leave behind wax/sealant then maybe CG Speed wipe is a good option.

 

I tried the CG QD spray, and it was great. I'm trying poor boy's QD soon, just bought a gallon of that stuff.

 

I have become quite the Chemical Guys convert. I am using the mirrorshine glaze with Jetseal 109 and topping it with the concours 50/50. Awesome stuff, definitely become my favorite line. Plus, I like stopping by the store in SoCal and having a chance to talk to them about any questions I have.

MikeyC, would you say you still prefer the PoorBoys S&S over the CG CW&G then? I am thinking about mixing them to spray out of the foamer for the best of both worlds.

 

CG's stuff is decent. I have Jetseal and speed wipe. I used Pete's 53 before. I got a sample from somewhere. For the price it is really nice. For the best wet look and ease of application with the best smell, I still like Souveran.

I think CG guys has some of the best values in detailing chemicals though. The gallon stuff is very well priced.

 

Thanks for the tip! I actually have the small size Vintage. I bought the Pebble Beach Sampler kit when it was still available. It's a great wax with exactly the look I'm going for, but application/removal wore on me after awhile and I'm kind of sick of what a pain it is. If like a really wet look then Vintage isn't the wax for you. It has more of a warm glow than really super glossy wet look. The reflections are absolutely unreal though.

Check out their website. I know in the product description for the QD I bought it said specifically that it could be used over either carnauba or sealant.