mx5cartalk.com

Did the daily today, and being black mica, it'a a bitch to get right.

It's taken me 4 years of trying different methods, and I haven't been completely happy with any of them until today.

Tried something different, started out with a wash - with dish washing detergent , first time since many years ago when I had no idea what that meant.

Then hit the car with Meguiars Ultimate compound, followed by Zaino Z2 polish and then Meguiars Ultimate Wax. Three passes down from five, still four hours work though, but this time, I'm finally happy with the car!

I used a random orbital buffer for this by the way.

Spray of Isocol was used to remove the streak marks left by excess wax, worked a treat.

Good job, nice reflections

Looks great, still yet to give my SE a proper clean and wax.

I haven't polish/waxed my NA since Aug 2011. And my ozito orbital is totally sh*t..

Wow - impressive!

Just a tip. If you find the product is streaking this is almost always related to using too much of it.

great result with a tough colour!

Also, Isocol (I'm guessing Isopropyl Alcohol? and I'm guessing a low dilution, 80%?)

Anyway, it will remove the wax, it's what a lot of detailers use after the polishing step to remove the oils etc the polish leaves behind. (removing this makes the wax stick better)

Using Isopropyl on the top wax has probably removed the wax from that area. (next time use a bit less wax, no streaks, and means less of it is wasted)



I'd also recommend against using dishwashing detergent for the wash, it's quite hard stuff and isn't that great for the paint long term. (it does howeer do a great job removing oils etc)

hks_kansei wrote:
Using Isopropyl on the top wax has probably removed the wax from that area. (next time use a bit less wax, no streaks, and means less of it is wasted)

I'd also recommend against using dishwashing detergent for the wash, it's quite hard stuff and isn't that great for the paint long term. (it does howeer do a great job removing oils etc)

hks_kansei wrote:I'd also recommend against using dishwashing detergent for the wash, it's quite hard stuff and isn't that great for the paint long term. (it does howeer do a great job removing oils etc)

A clay bar followed with a paint cleaner would also be a better alternative for prep prior to polishing and waxing.

Agree with the comments re dishwashing liquid, but the point of using it was to remove oils etc. Second wash was done with Meguiars yellow wash stuff, which is what I normally use.

What's left of my claybar is ruined and I couldn't be bothered going to get another one, thereby putting off further what I was going to do 6 weeks ago!

The isopropyl is 65%, and was only used where the wax had built up, which became less often as I progressed as I kept reducing the amount each time until I just about had it right.

Thanks for all the additional tips though guys, this is what makes this forum a pleasure to be a part of!

I have a question, I have never used a clay bar, I use cleaner wax, polish, then canubra wax to finish, but how good is a clay bar?, and is it reusable? also what is the correct way to use it.
Thanks guys over to the experts
Cheers
Dale

Old Dude wrote:I have a question, I have never used a clay bar, I use cleaner wax, polish, then canubra wax to finish, but how good is a clay bar?, and is it reusable? also what is the correct way to use it.
Thanks guys over to the experts
Cheers
Dale

Dale, a clay bar is reusable for a period of time providing it hasn't been dropped and that the contaminants it has picked up have not over populated the bar. Although, a clay bar will normally last at least 5 details before it needs replacing.

Some of the information on this page (http://www.autogeek.net/detailing-clay-bar.html) shows how Clay Bars work and how to use them properly.

You can spend a good amount of money on getting some brand name clay bars, but I normally just buy 180gm 3M clay bars from Ebay for about $5 delivered ( I cut them in half) and use a solution of Meguiars Gold Class & Water in a spray bottle as a lubricant (despite the above guide not recommending a soap/water mix, but many do it with success). Much more affordable than some of the more mainstream clay kits (usually between $30-$40).

Come to the dodgy day and I can show you or look here for an example http://www.bowdensown.com.au/I_Like_It_Smooth

Key is to keep the clay lubricated and turn the clay often. If you drop it on the ground throw it out.

I think I might have to drop into the dodgy day and see how these things work in the flesh and its also a good excuse to meet a few forumites.

Cheers
Dale

Magpie wrote:Come to the dodgy day and I can show you...

This is what makes the MX-5 community awesome.