Car Detailing Product Guide

Some brands or specific products tend to get negative feedback. That doesn’t always mean “always bad”, but there are recurring issues worth knowing.

Armor All (and similar overly glossy “protectants”)

Many car folks call out Armor All (especially its protectants / vinyl/plastic dressing lines) for some of these problems:

• High silicone or solvent content that can provide a greasy or overly shiny finish initially, but attract dust & dirt, or degrade over time.

• Can leave sticky residue or build up, especially if over‑applied, leading to more frequent cleaning/removal.

• Some formulas can dry out or crack plastics or vinyl, because the balance of softeners vs solvents may not be optimal. Over time UV damage is less well prevented in some cheaper protectants.

• In some cases, their gloss or shine is very “cosmetic” and short‑lived versus more premium or specialized products.

Also, brands with strong marketing & “show” appeal sometimes are criticized for overpromising. “Looks great right now” vs. “Lasts weeks or months under real conditions” are different.

So, Armor All isn’t “always bad” but it’s often cited as something to use with caution (or sparingly) for serious detailing or preservation.

Chemical Guys

Chemical Guys has a large fan base and broad product line, but also its share of criticism:

• Some detailers say that some Chemical Guys products are overpriced for their performance. Variability: Some products do well, others less so, especially when compared with “pro‑grade” specialty brands.

• Marketing: Big budgets, flashy packaging, influencer culture. This doesn’t by default mean low quality, but some say you sometimes pay more for branding than chemistry.

Brands & Products That Get Recommended — What They Do Well

Here are three brands you mentioned (P&S, CarPro, Koch‑Chemie), why many detailers prefer them, and what to look for if you go with them.

P&S Detail Products

Strengths / What they do well:

• Long heritage: since 1961, widely used in professional detailing.

• Broad lineup: from soaps and shampoos, to sealants/coat protectants, wheel cleaners, interior cleaners, etc. You can often cover most of your detailing needs with P&S.

• Some excellent standout products: Bead Maker Paint Protectant (good gloss, beading, protective qualities) Brake Buster Wheel Cleaner (non‑acidic wheel cleaner that still cuts brake dust etc.)

• Value for professional use: Many P&S products come in larger sizes / gallon sizes, so cost per use tends to drop. Less “fast fade” marketing hype.

Things to check / limitations:

• Dilution: some P&S products are not very “dilutable” (you may need to use more concentrated or “neat”) which can affect cost.

• Finish/Aesthetic preferences: The gloss, beading, etc., are very good, but some users prefer the aesthetic finishes from other luxury or ceramic‑rich brands.

• Some P&S users say certain strong cleaners need care (not damaging surfaces, etc.), so following instructions matters.

CarPro

Strengths / What sets CarPro apart:

• Innovation & nanotechnology lab work: CarPro has built reputation around ceramic coatings (e.g. CQuartz) and advanced surface protection.

• Full range: not only coatings, but also pre‑coat preparation (iron removal, clay/mitt products), maintenance products, sealants, interior coatings, etc.

• Strong performance: Many detailers praise CarPro for lasting protection, hydrophobic behavior, gloss, etc. Their coatings tend to stay active/perform better over time.

• Transparency & quality control: CarPro produces much of its R&D in‑house, has lab standards, tries to ensure product integrity.

Things to watch / drawbacks:

• Price: Some of the higher‑end coatings cost significantly more. If you're buying many bottles for maintenance, cost adds up.

• Learning curve: Using coatings, prep, etc., properly (cleaning, decontamination, curing) requires some care. If surface prep is poor, even top‑tier coatings won’t perform well.

• Availability / counterfeits: As with any high‑end brand, there’s risk of fake or diluted copies if bought from unauthorized sources. Always check authenticity.

Koch‑Chemie

Koch‑Chemie is another pro level brand (originally German) that’s known for:

• Very high dilution ratios: many of their cleaners / detergents / APCs can be diluted heavily and still perform well. This is economically beneficial.

• Broad range of products that are safe on many surfaces, including delicate trims, interiors, etc.

• Excellent quality control, consistent performance, “feel” of the product (texture, smell, how it cleans, rinses cleanly). Many detailers feel Koch‑Chemie feels more “precision” laboratory‑grade.

How to Pick the Right Products (for YOU)

Here are some questions to guide your decisions:

1. How often do you detail vs. how “deeply”?
   If you just do light washes & interior wipe‑downs, you may not need premium coatings; a good sealant or synthetic wax might suffice.

2. What’s your budget / cost per use?
   Compare not just the price tag, but how long bottles last, how much dilution is possible, how long protection lasts.

3. What surfaces/materials do you have?
   If your car has a lot of plastic trims, vinyl, leather, matte surfaces, or PPF/film, verify that product is safe for those.

4. Appearance preference:
   Do you like ultra‑wet gloss, or more natural OEM finish? Some products are made to “pop” visually. Others, more subtle but durable.

5. Check compatibility with coatings / films if you have them.
   Using the wrong shampoo or cleaner can degrade coatings or leave awkward marks.

Sample Product Arsenal (What Many Detailers Use from These Brands)

Here are “go‑to” items from P&S, CarPro, Koch‑Chemie that often form the backbone of a serious detailer’s kit:

• P&S

  • Bead Maker Paint Protectant

  • Brake Buster Wheel Cleaner

  • Xpress Interior Cleaner

  • Pearl Auto Shampoo

  • Iron Buster (for iron fallout)

• CarPro

  • CQuartz coatings (for paint protection)

  • Reset Shampoo (gentle, safe for coatings)

  • IronX (iron remover)

  • TarX (tar & adhesive‑type contaminant remover)

  • Inner QD / Inside (interior quick detailer)

• Koch‑Chemie

  • APCs / All Purpose Cleaners (for interior / underbody)

  • Pol Star (gentler interior/trim cleaner)

  • Wheel cleaners specific to type (coated vs. uncoated)

  • Leather care / dressing that retains soft finish but resists UV

My Recommendation: What to Use / Avoid

Putting everything together, here’s how I’d advise a car owner who wants good results without wasting money or harming their car long‑term:

• Avoid heavy use of generic protectants (especially if they are silicone or petroleum solvent‑based) like many Armor All protectants/dressings that leave a greasy shine. Use them sparingly, or only for cosmetic short‑term effects.

• Don’t get distracted by flash; demand real durability — gloss + water beading that lasts, protection vs: environmental threats (UV, fallout, acid rain, brake dust).

• Invest in solid products for wash/prep, because if your prep is bad (iron removal, claying, correct cleansers), even the best coatings/waxes won’t perform well.

• Mix and match intelligently — you don’t have to stick to one brand; pick the items that perform the best in their category (shampoo, wheel cleaner, wax, etc.). Many detailers do this.

• Test in small areas first, especially interior plastics/leather/vinyl and trim, to avoid unwanted finish or damage.

Final Thoughts

If I were to sum up: Brands like P&S, CarPro, Koch‑Chemie tend to give better long‑term results for serious detailing because they focus on chemistry, safe ingredients, durability, and performance rather than just instant shine or strong branding. Products like Armor All or heavily marketed “glossy protectants” can have a place, especially for light upkeep or budget users, but are often not the best choice for lasting protection, or for cars with coatings / premium surfaces.