Ok this is the second time i am writing this up as i was writing the last line before and then my browser decided to have a fit! so here we go again as i have to rewrite it all!!!!!
As i am new to detailing i was a bit apprehensive about using my car for my first attempt so i had to try and convince my sister to let me have the key to her car! she eventually gave me the key on the grounds that i didnt take the p%$$. (her words)
So firstly this was what i was faced with.
So firstly i decided to snow foam the car with Valet Pro ph Neutral. As it was dwelling i went around the car with Bilt Hamber Surfex HD (10:1) and a Valet Pro detailing brush and cleaned all the plastic trim. I then washed it off and then gave it another coat.
Once washed off i started on the wheels. Used BH SHD on the tyre walls and BH Auto Wheel on the alloys.Used a stiff bristle brush on the tyre wall and a DJ wheel mitt and detailing brush on the alloys.
I then washed the car with BH Auto Wash and the 2 bucket method and a lambs wool mitt. Once this was done i dried a panel so i was able to see the paint work more clearly.
Next i used Iron X to remove all the fallout on the car. Was a bit hard to see on a black/blue car.
Next it was onto claying the car with BH regular clay bar. As the instructions said i just sprayed the car with water as a lubricant but i would recommend using a lubrication if your not going to polish the car afterwards as it will mar the plaint. A lot of contaminates were pulled out the paint!! the paint now was like glass. very smooth to the touch.
The car was then rewashed with 2bk method and dried.
Now it was onto the taping and even tho the mini is a small car it has a lot of plastic all over it so i had to make sure everything was covered so this took some time.
Once everything was taped up i tried a polish and pad combinations to see what i would need to correct the paint. Eventually i settled on Scholl S17+ and a yellow pad on my CYC DAS6 pro. I had to go over a couple of panels twice as the mini has very hard paint.
As i was going around the car my sister opened the window and said "dont you think that your taking the p%$$!" I then explained that i hadnt finished and the car would be a mess if i stopped. she then closed the window and left me to finish the car. lol.
As the polish broke down really nicely on the yellow pad it meaning that i didnt need to go over the car with a cleanser or a blue polishing pad.
I went around the car with Carpro Eraser to clean all the oils and dust for the LSP.
Now it was time for the LSP
Firstly i went around the car with DJ Basic Detailing Spray and then applied Wet Glaze 2.0 with a foam applicator. as the instructions said spread it until it melts into the paint which it actually did. As i was doin this my sister came outside to see how long i was going to me. before she started having a go at me i told her to come feel the paint. she was a bit reluctant and said "i can see it cleaner". she then felt the paint and her slightly annoyed looking face started to smile! lol she then walked away quietly with a smile on her face. this meant i could continue with my madness.
After i finished with the West Glaze 2.0 it was onto the sealant SN Acrylic Spritz. Now this was the easiest product to use. just spray it onto the panel and spread with a micro fibre and then buff off. simple! by the time i finished this it had gone dark so i had to stop. I did give the windows a quick go with DJ Menthol Glass cleaner tho and a waffle weave micro fibre. then i had to pack up.
I had to wait a week to finish of the car which wasnt ideal. I firstly washed and dried the car then i went onto applying another layer of wet glaze in the same way as before.
Now the wax was the stage i was waiting for the most. Bouncer's Vanilla Ice! now this was the nicest smelling product i used on the car. Using a DJ Basic finger applicator i applied the product. was so easy to apply. you do need to buff it off quickly but if u accidentally leave it too long just reapply the wax and then buff off and its done! After i finished the car smelt like vanilla! (picture will be at the end)
I then remembered that i needed to do the wheels so put came the PB Wheel Sealant and a cotton applicator pad! Easy to apply and easy to buff off so a delight to use. Finally it was onto dressing the tyre walls. SN Tyre Dressing and a applicator. this was left for about 20mins then was buffed off with a cotton cloth!
Finally the car was done. In total the car took me over 10hours ( i think as i didnt really keep tabs on time). Now my sister doesnt want the car to get dirty and has been avoiding taking it anywhere. lol. so i made a believer out of her. ha ha ha.
Here are the final few reflection shots
And finally a beading shot
Thanks for reading. Feedback it welcomed and so is advice.
Cheers
Praj
P.s I did not enhance any pic. the only editing i did was to cover up the licence plate. (the last few pics are on my iPhone hence they dont look as good as the early ones. forgot my camera. oops!)
