An example of a full detail - our C2 Part II

[PolishedBliss]

Part I of this example showed the washing, claying, polishing and protecting steps in detail. Well, over the Xmas holidays last year we went over it again, this time addressing the engine bay, the interior, a couple of serious scratches and the level of protection. Here are the results…

Step 1 ”“ engine bay detail. Although the car was only a year old, the engine bay was in a bit of state, due to Angela covering 350+ miles a week on mucky back roads. A lot of people seem to think that engine bay detailing is difficult, but the opposite is the truth ”“ we completed the whole job in less than 30 minutes. Firstly, with the engine cold, we covered all sensitive electrical contacts with foil, in order to shield them. Then we applied a strong citrus degreaser (P21S Total Auto Wash) to the whole engine bay, and left it to work for 15 minutes. Then we rinsed everything off using a low pressure hose angled down from above. All surfaces were then dried off using an old waffle weave towel. We then dressed all plastic and rubber surfaces with 303 Aerospace Protectant.

[PolishedBliss]

Step 2 ”“ interior detail. The interior was in good shape, so didn’t need much work other than a good vacuuming and a wipe down. An interior brush was used to help clean the fabrics and the carpets. All plastic and vinyl surfaces were cleaned and dressed with Poorboy’s Natural Look Dressing. The glass was wiped down with a damp microfibre and then cleaned using Meguiars NXT Glass Cleaner. The sills were washed down and dried normally and then dressed with Optimum Car Wax.

[PolishedBliss]

Step 3 ”“ scratch removal. After a visit to the local supermarket over the holidays we found a nasty scratch in the rear quarter panel. What is it with people?! Anyway, it didn’t penetrate the clear coat, so we went at it with the PC. Firstly we primed a 4”� spot pad with a shot of Quikshine. Then we applied SSR2.5 and spread it across the work area. Then we buffed gently for 2 minutes before cranking the speed up to 6 for several slow passes using firm pressure. After the residue showed the usual signs of being worked enough, we buffed using a microfibre work towel. We then repeated the process. With the scratch virtually gone, we opted to fill the remainder using Menzerna Finishing Touch Glaze before reapplying Menzerna FMJ. We then finished off the detail by applying another two coats of FMJ to the whole car, dressing all of the trims with 303 Aerospace Protectant and dressing the tyres with Poorboy’s Bold n Bright.

[saxoash]

My cars covered in scratches, is the only way to get them out (if they havent penatrated the clear coat) is with a buffer thing what you used?

[PolishedBliss]

On a Saxo, probably yes. Some paints (like Honda's for example) are very soft and can be worked well by hand, but Euro paint is typically much harder and therefore difficult to correct by hand. A good starting point for working on hard paint by hand is Menzerna Intensive Polish, applied using the white side of a German Applicator. Then it's a case of many hours of hard work I'm afraid...

[saxoash]

how much do the PC's? cost (buffers)

[PolishedBliss]

£150 - £200 all in. You can get the basic unit or a kit from www.autopia-carcare.com - these guys offer great prices, fast delivery and superb aftersales care (I've bought four units off them in the last year with no problems, and had one replaced under warranty). If anyone intends to buy one pm me first as I can save you some money. The units are all 110V, meaning you also need to buy a site transformer, plus a new plug and an extension cable. However, despite the heavy initial outlay, these tools are superb, and are the best way of maintaining paint properly and safely.

[James]

ash

Clicky

Its $149, dollars , so your looking at about 90 dollars or something, aint to bad.

[rayvtr]

many ways to remove scratchs i use a polish type called clear cut just simply add with a little elbow grease and then buff off and add polish to bring it back up again

[b0t13]

ur a legend lol, there should be more posts like this with step by step guides on doing things

[Dan]

Again, some great work!!!