Newbie

[Booth11]

Just for info - as the subject of new car detailing and particularly collecting a new car in an unprepped state from dealerships is becoming more common practice, to assist those new to detailing, I have done a quick guide to detailing and made it a sticky thread in the detailing section. 

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=277318.msg2534393#msg2534393

Also, for anyone interested here is my thread of detailing a brand new car that has NOT been prepped by the dealership.

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=275907.0

Hope this is of help to those considering looking after their own cars. 

[Booth11]

I drove my car home completely unwashed and covered in stickers.
I have noticed a paint blemish near the petrol cap that is being looked at tomorrow by my dealer. Hopefully it can be sorted, if not I will have a few decisions to make.
I also noticed a tiny scuff near the volume knob on the centre console as I was sat with my salesman during handover. He was morified and it is being changed tomorrow when the look at my paint issue.
If I was doing it all again, I would be tempted to get a specialist detailer down to the dealership to prep the car. Mine was so filthy, you would't have spotted any flaws in the paintwork unless they were blatantly obvious.
I only spotted the console damage because the sun was shining through the drivers window and showed every mark up.
I noticed the flaw in the paintwork the minute I dried the car off, again because of the angle the sun was at.
I'm quite relaxed about these issues at the moment and not allowing them to spoil ownership of my gorgeous GTI

 

Kalimon - that blemish will polish out easy peasy either by hand or by DA.

[kalimon]

Thanks yet again Rebecca, you've put my mind at rest

[Bubba Nutkin]

Well, so many helpful replies - this seems like a really friendly site with none of the nonsense that you see on, say, Pistonheads.  Pompey1972 and Booth11 you both must also frequent Detailing World methinks!

I think I'll ask James at JCB Medway to remove the transport stickers and that's it.  I'll then get the car professionally detailed once back at home.  Booth (Rebecca) what sort of cost am I looking at for this?  Can anyone recommend a good detailer around Fareham, Hants?

Bubba.

PS Pompey1972 it's looking like the play offs at best, not sure my nerves can stand it.

[Booth11]

Well, so many helpful replies - this seems like a really friendly site with none of the nonsense that you see on, say, Pistonheads.  Pompey1972 and Booth11 you both must also frequent Detailing World methinks!

I think I'll ask James at JCB Medway to remove the transport stickers and that's it.  I'll then get the car professionally detailed once back at home.  Booth (Rebecca) what sort of cost am I looking at for this?  Can anyone recommend a good detailer around Fareham, Hants?

Bubba.

PS Pompey1972 it's looking like the play offs at best, not sure my nerves can stand it.

Bubba, pro detail costs will vary but a new car detail will be somewhere in the region of £250 which would include a machine polish, as well as all the usual stuff like decontamination, final stage protection for bodywork and wheels and interior and glass prep. Check out the detailing section here and of course Detailing World for more detailing advice and info. 

[kalimon]

Any recommendations for a polish to get that blemish off my paintwork Rebecca?
I don't own a DA.

[PompeyFC1972]

Hopefully this picture link will work!



This was after I first cleaned it, only took the 1 picture on my phone but will take some better ones when I next clean it.



Bubba - I think your right, play offs at best this season!

[dipstick]

I've been researching polishes for a minor swirl I have probably caused on one of the doors.

Meguiars ScratchX 2.0 and Meguiars Ultimate Compound look like decent options that I might try. Both apply with a foam applicator and wipe off with a microfibre.

I'll be using the ScratchX first as it is a finer compound, and if it doesn't work then I'd try the UC.

Has anyone tried either of these products? Or has anyone used other similar products with success?
I'd prefer to have a go by hand before I invest in a DA!

[kalimon]

Thanks dipstick, I'll check it out

[Booth11]

Any recommendations for a polish to get that blemish off my paintwork Rebecca?
I don't own a DA.

I'd recommend Poorboys SSR1, or Meguiars 205.  Both quite fine compounds with fine abrasives.  If a slightly more abrasive compound is required the SSR2 or Meguiars 105.  It looks like quite minor marring so start with a the least abrasive polish, on a foam applicator (if by hand) or on a finishing or very light cut pad (if by DA).

Will you be polishing by hand Kalimon?  Although these polishes are optimised for a DA, they can be used by hand too to great effect.  I've polished many a bird poo mark out with SSR1 or SSR2 by hand. Common sense but start with a clean car, paintwork must be very clean before polishing.  If by hand:

By hand:
Apply with a foam applicator and work gently in to the paintwork
Wipe off with a microfibre, check the progress using an LED torch (smartphone one will do for small areas) If necessary go over again with a bit of fresh polish until the marring is gone
Wipe off all polish residue
Apply your preferred protection (wax, sealant) to the area

If using a DA:
Start with light cutting compound as above, on a black finishing pad
If that's not enough move to a light cutting pad
Wipe off residue to check progress as before
Repeat polishing if needed
Refine down with a black pad
Wipe off residue
Protect as before