Mk2 Detailing Mission - Planning

[Bjork]

Hi people, I'm very new to this whole concept of detailing. The only thing I've really done in the past is give the old girl a wash and some Super Resin Polish. I was very surprised to find out how much more there is to it from this Forum and also a little guilty as I thought I was doing a good job of protecting my car.

In the next couple of days I'm going to attempt my first ever full detailing since my eyes were opened. Just wanting to see if you guys think I've got a half decent plan of attack.

First up is the wash with the 2 bucket method and a lambswool mitt.

I've got a waffle weave towel to dry with after.

Then I will clay before washing and drying again.

Super Resin Polish is next up with an AutoGlym applicator sponge. (Would one coat be ok or 2)

Then we have some AutoGlym Extra Gloss Protection. (Again, how many coats do you think)

Last on the list is some Poorboy's Natty's Paste Wax to be applied with Maguire's App cloths. (Again- again, how many coats?)

Will then focus on the trim and the glass, I have glass cleaner and was considering using a heat gun on my exterior trim followed by bumper protector.

Interior clean I think I can handle and If my body hasn't broken I may get under the bonnnet for a bit of an engine bay clean up.

So what do you think? Any suggestions/advice for this novice would be very much appreciated.

I'll take pictures all the way and get the job posted in the next few days.

Wish me luck!!!!

[Conker]

Some of my suggestions...

I've got a waffle weave towel to dry with after.

I wouldn't go mad with drying it before you clay it - so long as its more or less dry. Just trying to save you some time...

Then I will clay before washing and drying again.

Definitely get some decent lube for the clay - I have tried using cheaper alternatives buts its definitely better with spray on quick detailer. I recommend Poorboys spray and gloss as its cheap and can be used for other things.

Super Resin Polish is next up with an AutoGlym applicator sponge. (Would one coat be ok or 2)

Then we have some AutoGlym Extra Gloss Protection. (Again, how many coats do you think)

Last on the list is some Poorboy's Natty's Paste Wax to be applied with Maguire's App cloths. (Again- again, how many coats?)

The SRP is GREAT polish for a hand job. I wouldn't think of it as a wax, so when you say "2 coats", think "2 polishes" i.e. you'll have extra shiny paint, but the protection offered by SRP is quite short term.

Extra Gloss Protection is quite good stuff and significantly extends the length of protection offered by the Autoglym range. I used to apply two coats and got good results but bear in mind it needs ages to cure properly (about an hour) and you should leave it for ages before applying the second layer. Remember its contains fairly strong solvent so less is more, and consider wearing a nice pair of marigolds when applying it. You prob ought to leave it 24 hrs before applying the paste wax.

Alternatively, one or two coats of collinite (e.g. 476s) after the SRP will give you much better protection for ages and ages, and you can skip all the other coats and save yourself a lot of arm ache. Like I said I used to use Autoglym stuff all the time, but after one use of trade quality wax and you won't go back. For example, after a coat of Collinite I can wash my whole car with one bucketful of water as the dirt just falls off. Its cheap too.

Interior clean I think I can handle and If my body hasn't broken I may get under the bonnnet for a bit of an engine bay clean up.

Try and get hold of some Aerospace 303 protectant for the interior as its uber protecting and gives a lovely matt finish. I like autoglym vinyl spray, but its a bit shiny in the sun and doesn't last as long.


Here are some helpful websites...

http://www.motorgeek.co.uk

http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/

http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/

[Bjork]

Cheers for that Conker, much appreciated. Definately some sound advice which I will be taking on board.

Gonna stick with gloss and natty's for the mo as I've already got it but will defo get some collinite for future use as I've heard quite a bit about it on here.

And thanks for pointing out I should wit 24 hrs before waxing and also curing time for gloss........had no idea!

Looks like the mission is going ahead on thursday.

[Dan J]

collinite 845 is a liquid/gel form of 476's and is easier to apply in the colder months than 476's,gives the same protection etc. for ultra shine and gloss top that off with a dodo juice soft wax.

[jamie_pyrite]

Just to add, you probably know this but you said "2 coats" of SRP.. Remember that it's a polish and not a wax so isn't just a case of putting it on, leaving then taking it off. Remember to work it into the paint as you're putting it on It's an excellent product!

Sounds like you're on the right track though!