CSM Hardware shop (mostly Shah Alam side) has up to 3000 grit. 1000 to 2000 grit most other hardware shops will carry.

If u unable to travel that far, 2000 grit is already easy enough to get compounded off with minimal sanding marks remaining.

Easy fix for issue 1: spray Perl on a corner of microfiber towel and use that corner to apply on slim trims, the remainder of clean towel to buff off.

Easy fix for issue 2: 1 squirt, keep rubbing until dry, then 1 squirt and continue. No point applying ample or thick because the remainder gets buffed off anyways. More key is thin and even applications.

Hope this helps.

I used both brands u mentioned a long time ago, both are okay and gets the job done. U could also pop by Osren in Kepong if convenient and see if they have a comparable offering.

In the more recent years I have moved on to Meguiars NXT shampoo. I find it to be as good, and slightly less strong so as not to strip my wax within 1-2 washes. However, as u mentioned u dont want something too expensive for wash shampoo, I did not put this into my recommendation and instead suggested Osren. From many reviews and former knowledge of their products, they are equally reliable and cheaper than Meguiars.

Plenty, if u search this thread, there are many tips written about white care maintenance and care.

Best fabric cleaner I know is also easiest to find: All Purpose Cleaner (APC). Whether its Simple Green, Meguiars, or even Cosway, APC can literally clean the entire interior of your car. U just need a few good brushes to assist in scrubbing.

Correct. Spray, agitate, wipe off.

Ideally u wanna use a shorthair soft bristle brush for all the hard parts of interior like dashboard and doors. For tight crevices, toothbrush. For seats and carpet, medium bristle brush. Try avoid hard bristles like toilet brush types as that would most likely damage your fabric. Whe u are at any hypermart, go get a feel of the brushes and u will be able to tell soft, medium and hard when in comparison to each other.

Hmm, my very rough estimate is it should cost somewhere between RM500-1000. I dont own any polishers from Osren or SGCB, so honestly wouldnt know.

For Osren and SGCB, u can actually msg them on FB and enquire price before going to their shop.

However, just remember the machine cost is only 1 factor to total cost. There is also cost of pads, compounds and polishes, and possibly extra microfiber cloths. Please bear that in mind before purchasing.

Most likely Iron X could degrade your windshield coating to some mild degree. If u are trying to decontaminate your windshield while preserving your windshield coating, perhaps consider light claying instead.

However, if your intention is to strip your windshield coating, then better option is to polish.

My reply same with bro V429.

Perl isnt the most durable of products, but it is very well dilutable, so that still makes it highly value for money. Probably just need to apply more frequently.

As for things going into the lamps, if there is no crack on the exterior, then chances are it may have gone in from the inside somehow.

Generally paste and liquid wax would be slightly more durable than spray wax. If u intend to migrate to spray wax for ease of application, then u may need to re-apply more frequently.

I used to live in an area where morning mist is a regular thing also. What I do is usually take a pail of water from my house and throw over the car, then go out. The wind speed from driving should push away most of the water.

Mmm, let me clarify. Every morning I used to splash my car with water then drive out to work. If u just spray water and let it idle and dry, then the water will become watermarks instead.

Honestly there is no guarantee that watermarks wont form over time. Some days when the day is extra hot after a short drizzle or rain, watermarks may still form because of it. However, as long as u continue to clean your car regularly and apply protection like wax, then u should be able to remove watermarks easier in the future if the need arises.

Hope this clarifies.

For me:

1) Thorough claying: only before polishing, usually 1 time per year
2) Simple/quick claying: 1 time before applying paste/liquid wax, maybe 2-4 times a year

I never bothered to clay if I am applying spray wax.

Depends on wax, if its spray wax, that I wont bother claying. Paste/liquid wax tend to have a very minute amount of abrasives and solvents, and by applying paste/liquid wax it starts removing contaminants that is unable to be removed during wash. So if applying liquid/paste wax, then perhaps a simple/quick claying can help prior to waxing.

APC if u want cost effective, can approach Osren and buy Meguiars APC. If want convenient can try Simple Green APC (available in Ace Hardware nearest to u).

I will only answer no. 4 since the other 3 questions are already answered well by others.

4. Since ppf is a film, it is technically a permanent layer on top of your paint. While scratches on the ppf cant be polished, I believe the ppf installers can repair scratches on their films without replacing it (assuming it is not torn)(***double check and confirm with your installer***). If u dont mind having swirls and scratches on the film, then I guess no issues to pay your condo cleaner to clean your car. I believe everyone would agree that better to have defects on your protection layers instead of your clearcoat/paint layers.

Coating however, is not a permanent layer, but semi permanent. It is harder, stronger and longer lasting than traditional wax and sealants, but over time can be still reduced with the weather and washing. It starts as a liquid, applied with a special sponge to your car paint and cured.

Just to also share some advantages and disadvantages that I have seen:

1) ppf can turn yellow over time (some claim theirs cant, but not sure if true)
2) coating tends to attract more watermarks
3) in the event if ur car accidentally scrape a wall or something of similar damage, if ppf torn then need to strip and reapplied (usually entire piece), coating just need to compound/polish off (assuming no damage to paint) and reapply the affected spot.

Just my 2 sen. Anyone else feel free to add in.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYsa8SOy3TkoxI5D17s1u-w
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFjVBSAfPGjTNsEhjaBG01A
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVlOAVbs8QbHMmKdVWTleaQ
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIYCuTtugo3u4ks8azQJl5A
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE0kcuDlwjfP2982jVH6WkQ

Just a few that I follow regularly.

Car soap wise, my go-to for longest time is still Meguiars NXT, can buy online or from ACE Hardware.

Wash mitt, I use Mr Clean wash mitt, microfiber noodle type. Also found in ACE, or some AEON Big or AEON. Best to get 2, one for car body, one for rims and wheel arches only. Dont mix up the uses.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/mr-clean-miracl...sh-pad_p4460225

Microfiber cloths, u can refer to Osren or SGCB Malaysia for some help.

Wash bucket I am generally not particular. If u can find anyone doing house renovations and have those 5 liter paint bucket that they dont want, just take it and wash it thoroughly and it can become ur wash bucket.

Tar remover should do the trick just fine. Plenty of such products in the market. If ACE Hardware is near to your place, u could also try there.

Wow, that is one cons that I have not heard of before. I had always thought that if removal was required eventually, there would be some glue solvent that would seep between the ppf and clearcoat and make peeling off quite easy and painless.

Personally, with that cons alone I would not apply PPF already. If there is such a risk which if really happens then I have to repaint my car anyway, then might as well just suffer the paint chips and whatnots and respray anyway.

I see many reviews raving Sonax Brilliant Shine Detailer. Hype or true?

Hmm, u mean to say even with the sprayer head provided with the bottle wouldnt last? Is it because of the fluid drying in the nozzle causing it to gunk?

Hmm, then I would wanna try it with the black sprayer head I got from SGCB. They say it is the most tahan lasak, even better than the typical grey ones.