R's first detail

[Blackmass]

Hi Rebecca,

A thorough and brilliant write up. It may have been knackering but the fruits of your labour have been worth it, the car looks stunning. 
Your write up was just in time for my first Winter prep (weather permitting) which I plan to start next weekend.  Just waiting on a Carpro clay cloth and some Dooka applicators to arrive then I'm all set....Apparently you never forget 'your first' Winter prep;-)

Here's what arrived last Thursday....

Ooh!  Lots of nice goodies there.  Don't you just love it when a big box of detailing stuff arrives, lol. Be sure to post up a review and some pics if you get the chance. Are you planning on polishing?  I'm saving that till springtime.  No you never forget your first winter detail.  I've done a few but won't forget this one as my knees keep reminding me every time I walk up the stairs....creak!!!

Reminds me I need to order one or two bits but mainly some more DJ shampoo and a new pot of Mothers metal polish, having 4 tailpipes helps to get through the stuff.

Yes I'll be polishing (by hand), no stage skipped. I decided on using AF Tripple in the end. It was either that or Autoglym SRP. I'll using Collinite 845 as my sealant.

As this is my first time I've no idea how long it's going to take me. It usually takes me around 3 hours just for a basic wash.
I'll take some photos and try to give my impressions of the products I've used....no pressure then.

[Booth11]

Yes I'll be polishing (by hand), no stage skipped. I decided on using AF Tripple in the end. It was either that or Autoglym SRP. I'll using Collinite 845 as my sealant.

As this is my first time I've no idea how long it's going to take me. It usually takes me around 3 hours just for a basic wash.
I'll take some photos and try to give my impressions of the products I've used....no pressure then.

I should set aside 2 days and eat a good breakfast before you start!  Yesterday the washing, sealing and waxing (incl wheels and tyres etc) took me 5/6 hours.  The initial decontamination stage took a morning but if you are claying and hand polishing that'll take a few hours too.  Best not to rush it, take your time.

Good luck!!  Look forward to the product review and write up (that takes a few hours too!). 

[TwoSheds]

[/quote]

Thanks to all. 

Hope the write up is of use to some not yet a slave to the mistress of detailing. 
[/quote]

Hi Booth,
Thanks for the write up and pics.

Very useful tips for me as it looks like I would have made a rookie detailing mistake otherwise of applying the sealant as a final stage after the wax rather than before.

[Blackmass]

Yes I'll be polishing (by hand), no stage skipped. I decided on using AF Tripple in the end. It was either that or Autoglym SRP. I'll using Collinite 845 as my sealant.

As this is my first time I've no idea how long it's going to take me. It usually takes me around 3 hours just for a basic wash.
I'll take some photos and try to give my impressions of the products I've used....no pressure then.

I should set aside 2 days and eat a good breakfast before you start!  Yesterday the washing, sealing and waxing (incl wheels and tyres etc) took me 5/6 hours.  The initial decontamination stage took a morning but if you are claying and hand polishing that'll take a few hours too.  Best not to rush it, take your time.

Good luck!!  Look forward to the product review and write up (that takes a few hours too!). 

Thanks. Full English it is then.

Anyway....back on topic. I'm surprised you didn't apply a coating such as Gtechniq C5 to those drop dead gorgeous wheels of yours? Talking of coatings. What do you use to protect the rubber trim? I don't need revive the black, just protect it.

[Booth11]

Hi Booth,
Thanks for the write up and pics.

Very useful tips for me as it looks like I would have made a rookie detailing mistake otherwise of applying the sealant as a final stage after the wax rather than before.

Thanks.

It depends. What sealant did you use?

The rule of thumb is Sealant - Glaze (if using) - Wax. Because many sealants won't bond with wax if they are applied on top.

That said, many of the new nano sealants will let you apply wax on top.

[Wo-Wo]

Yeah, all good thanks.

A tractor kindly covered me in mud the other day which was a great experience!!!!

[Booth11]

Thanks. Full English it is then.

Anyway....back on topic. I'm surprised you didn't apply a coating such as Gtechniq C5 to those drop dead gorgeous wheels of yours? Talking of coatings. What do you use to protect the rubber trim? I don't need revive the black, just protect it. 

I might have used G5 if I'd had time to take the wheels off (and do a proper job, lol). As it is they've got Poorboys Wheel Sealant on for the moment, but once that's worn off or when I do my spring detail, I will probably try either the Gtechniq G5 or Gyeon Q2 RIM, and whichever I choose, will also be used on the exhaust tips too.

Poorboys wheel sealant has not let me down yet but I must admit I wish it wasn't pink. It really shows up if you inadvertently get it in the wheel nuts and is nigh on impossible to get out.  I managed not to do this on most of them but Sod's Law it happened on the final wheel.  I will coax it out with a cotton bud or toothpick this weekend.     

As for rubber trim, funny you should mention it.  At the moment it's got nothing on it but the trim on the Mk7 even new looks like it needs some help.  So I'm getting some Gtechniq C4 to protect it. I used this on the plastics of the Mk6 and was very impressed, but I gave what I had left to a colleague at work for his Mk2 bumpers so need to buy some more. Otherwise on a monthly basis, I've used Chemical Guys New Look Trim Gel before, it's good but a bit messy.  Currently like Auto Finesse Dressle, so that would be my everyday choice at the moment, after the G4.

[Blackmass]

I've already got some Auto Finesse Dressle which, if I'm being honest I've only used once but I used it with their quick detailer Finale at the same time and wasn't that impressed. Bouncer's Done & Dusted was in another league. I was very tempted to buy their Winter wax Fortify, so impressed was I with D&D.

I think I'll buy some C4. I haven't bought anything by Gtechniq yet....Will this ever end

[Booth11]

I've already got some Auto Finesse Dressle which, if I'm being honest I've only used once but I used it with their quick detailer Finale at the same time and wasn't that impressed. Bouncer's Done & Dusted was in another league. I was very tempted to buy their Winter wax Fortify, so impressed was I with D&D.

I think I'll buy some C4. I haven't bought anything by Gtechniq yet....Will this ever end

No! 

See now you've got me looking up the Bouncer's D&D, lol!  But I love Chemical Guys Speed Wipe as a QD or DoDo Juice Tropical Red Mist as a spray sealant gloss enhancer.

[seabrook132]

Rebecca, you have absolutely nailed the care of a black car in a way I've never seen before. I can see why you love it with results like that! 

Try Gtechniq C5, you won't regret it