polish

[Nathan Morrisen]

Although the paint work on mine is in good condition I want it to gleam. What polish is best, do I have to watch what polish I use because of the gel coat or will any do? many thanks

[slimtater]

Learnt a bit at Meguiars yesterday:

1) Wash using 2 bucket method with wash mitt and dry off
2) Clay bar with clay and detailer if car feels contaminated (not smooth to touch). Dry off after each section using microfibre.
3) Step 1 - Meguiars paint cleaner
4) Step 2 - Meguiars deep crystal polish
5) Step 3 - Meguiars wax of your choice (or other if you prefer - I use Dodo juice and then top up with Meguiars)
6) Admire!

Suggested to do a panel or section at a time and see if you need to do more.
Not on commission by the way - impressed with their products (value for money) and advise.

Autoglym SRP is also good but you still need to wax afterwards.

[TurboTony]

I use Meguiars as well.

[Barkychoc]

Claying the paintwork if you've never done it will improve it no end - prepare to be amazed.

[wanacoop]

Barkychoc said:

Claying the paintwork if you've never done it will improve it no end - prepare to be amazed.

really that good then??

Is it easy to do?

[Nathan Morrisen]

Great stuff, I will be buying the gear and doing this next weekend. I think it will appreciate this.Many thanks

[TVR-Stu]

wanacoop said:

Is it easy to do?

Yes, just warm the clay in your hand, spray a little bit of the detailer onto the paintwork in a smallish area, rub the clay over it and buff with a cloth.
Simple as that. Its just time consuming and a bit knackering on the fingers.

Then of course, you need to wax the surface to protect it so it takes time but as Barkychoc says so worth it.

[slimtater]

Make the clay in to a 5cm diam disc and use LOTS of detailer. As the saying goes, the moister the better so don't be tight! Rub the clay in straight lines in a section at a time. If the clay picks up contamination, fold it in on itself and do again until the are is "clean". Remember, lots of detailer - I was surprised by how much.

[markbigears]

Mega stuff is ok. I use a few of their products, but it doesn't compare to the finish or durability of Zaino. I've just spent a few days applying their products via dual action polisher and the results are outstanding.

[pies]

markbigears said:

Mega stuff is ok. I use a few of their products, but it doesn't compare to the finish or durability of Zaino. I've just spent a few days applying their products via dual action polisher and the results are outstanding.

I just knew you would reply,how you doing stranger

[wizzer]

A good wash, then as the others say treat with a clay bar, remember to only go in one direction, then a polish with carnauba wax, we use Blitz Wax but there are plenty of other makes . This will get a superb shine and keep the weather off.

[markbigears]

thought you might pop up too! Doing well mate. Just bagged a brand new aluminium radiator on fleabay for £120, so very pleased, mines always had a slight weep. Been detailing the car to an inch of its life, interior too, looking fantastic. Very impressed with the Zaino range. Nearly finished mt tub of P21S too! You keeping your car? Whats the plan of action?

[Scoobimax]

+1 for the Meguiars and clay bar.

I went on one of their open days and it's a revelation.

I use the NXT range (synthetic) as it has a water softener if you live in a hard water area, so reduces the tidemark rings.

[slimtater]

What I like about Meguiars is the ease of use and good finish.

Washed mine today - new mitt and 2 buckets with the "cheapest" Megs Soft Gel shampoo. After a dry off, a quick going over with the Megs NXT spray wax which is just meant for topping up. Don't think it looks too bad at all: