What Would You Recommend From Start To Finish?

First of all you need to start with the very basics or else you are wasting your time!

Minimum, you'll need...
Two buckets with grit guards
A good wash mitt
A good shampoo
A good microfibre drying towel
Wheel Cleaner

With the above items, you'll be able to keep the car maintained, after you've put in all the effort of getting it to a condition you are happy with.

To do a good job by hand, you'll need to do the following....
Wash the car using the two bucket method
Wash out all the nook and crannies with a detailing brush and APC (all purpose cleaner)
Rinse
De-Tar
Rinse
De-Ironise - not a vital step but I strongly recommend it if planning on claying the car
Rinse
Clay
Rinse
Dry
Polish - by hand Id recommend something like Chemical Guys Pro Polish 3n or Autoglym Super Resin Polish = both contain fillers which help hide swirls - so only really a temporary solution, but will remove oxidization and give a good shine.
Protection - if going to hand polish using the products above, its best stick with protection from the same manufacturer as they work better together. So Chemical Guys Pete's 53 Wax or if looking for something more durable, JetSeal109 and if going with Autoglym, then HD Wax or Extra Gloss Protection for something durable. This step is necessary to seal in the polish or else it will just wash away.

If machine polishing, the technique is slightly different, as you'd have to wash off all the polish oils off the car to make sure the protection would bond correctly. The hand polishes are designed to take protection on top of them.

Obviously, a lot will depend on your budget as to what exactly you will buy, etc, but if you want a list of product recommendations, I can give you what I think is the best to use.

Once you've put in the hard work, its a simple wash on a weekly basis, with the products in the first section. A good wash technique and protection safe (pH neutral) shampoo will mean the finish should last a few months. Perhaps a gloss enhancer or quick detailer type product to boost shine between washes and top up protection.

Results to be expecet.....
Claying - makes a huge difference to the smoothness of the paint - removes the bonded contaminants from the paint that regular washing wont. I'd consider this step alone, to be on par with polishing, for the difference it makes to the appearance.
Hand Polishing - OK results - gloss and shine restored, no correction, but swirls hidden for a while if a good job is done.
Machine Polishing - With a DA and patience, excellent results are possible. With a rotary, a bit more risky, but results are achieved more quickly.

Any other questions - fire ahead!
HTH

dev110 wrote: »

do up a list of what are the best products to use I would be very grateful.

List of the best products to use, so budget aside....

Shampoo: Chemical Guys Glossworkz or Maxi Suds II
Wash Mitt and Drying towel - as plush as possible for both...I like microfiber mitts, others prefer noodle,...personal preference...go for a microfiber drying towel though!
Tar Remover: Orchard Autocare Tar Cleanse, quite expensive, but is the best out there and less needed so doesnt work out too bad
De-Ironiser: Orchard Autocare Iron Cleanse - be warned, these type of products stink, but very effective
Clay: Bilt Hamber Auto Clay is designed to work with just water, but I use it with some quick detailer. Autobrite Red Devil Clay is a different feel of clay than most regular clays and I quite like it...doesnt seem to grab as much and as a result leaves less marring
Polish: Chemical Guys Pro Polish 3n or Autoglym Super Resin Polish...the CG's would be my choice
Protection: As said previously, depends on the polish you choose and then the colour of your car and if you want durability ... if going for CG's polish, then Pete's 53 is a good wax on darker colours, Jetseal109 if you are looking for something very durable. If going for Autoglym polish, then HD Wax or Extra Gloss Protection if looking for durability.
Gloss Enhancer: Chemical Guys Blitz or Orchard Autocare Perfection...I like Perfection as it goes on glass, plastic trim and paint work. Protects and beads all surfaces...and works quite well on the windscreen in the rain too.


I did up a PM with a bit of a "How To Guide" for another member on here with the products above, if you'd like it, let me know and I'll forward it onto you.

huggs2 wrote: »

I did my 02 VW Bora using all Meguiars products. It gives that shiny wet look which i like.

That Bora is looking well :cool:

I would through the pics up here aswell if I was you so everyone can have a look

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=314368&page=390

Mister Jingles wrote: »

Not right now but its not badly faded, hasn't turned pink or anything just a light red in comparison to the paint work.

Faded plastics can be a bit of a nightmare. There are very few products on the market that I would consider worth buying. Most will do a decent job for a week or two and will have been washed away. Its a job that I couldnt do on every 2nd wash.

There are however a few solutions....
The first is a product called gtechniq C4....havent used it personally, but have seen it been used. Darkens the trim really nicely, and the best bit, its supposed to last up to a year. It is expensive however at £19 for 15ml of product. But for purely to keep yourself sane, its a value for money in my eyes. Cant report on the claimed year durability as only seen it applied a few weeks ago, but it gets great reviews.

Secondly, is to use a heat gun on the plastic. The heat rejuvenates the plastic. I tried it on an old piece of trim and it does work, but it can leave certain plastics a bit blotchy or patchy looking if the heat isnt spread evenly and for the same amount of time.
Here's a quick video....though if you choose this method, I wouldnt go as close to the trim as that person did. Id take my time from a bit further away. Will take longer, but less chance of burning, melting or causing patchy areas!



**Id rather take the gtechniq approach personally!

6 hours... is that all?

Looking good Ger.... Good work!

ger10 wrote: »

Whats the story with the alloy sealant you mentioned? Is it essentially a wax for the alloys?

Which one did I mention?

For faded trim gtechniq c4 is the only way to go IMO, it's expensive and you'll be surprised by how little you get but the tiniest drop does so much, and it lasts, well.
I did my grills plastics on the last car and it never faded.

Makes you afraid to go out in the rain, a quick wash does me.