Opening the can again: Detailing

CatmanV2

Member
Messages
48,938
So, my Jaaaag has the potential of looking very nice indeed. Not perfect given it's an 09 and 113k on it but it's a fab colour and I'd like it looking its best.

Is this this time I decide to learn how to correct paint? There are many swirls which are visible even in today's ligh.
If so, what's the recommended (hah!) kit I need? I seem to have lost all my old reference links.

I guess a DA polisher, pads, compounds, idiot proof guid to not ******* up etc etc .

Or just pay my detailing guy....

C
 

Gazcw

Member
Messages
7,800
So, my Jaaaag has the potential of looking very nice indeed. Not perfect given it's an 09 and 113k on it but it's a fab colour and I'd like it looking its best.

Is this this time I decide to learn how to correct paint? There are many swirls which are visible even in today's ligh.
If so, what's the recommended (hah!) kit I need? I seem to have lost all my old reference links.

I guess a DA polisher, pads, compounds, idiot proof guid to not *** up etc etc .

Or just pay my detailing guy....

C
Angle grinder, wire brush and go for the Delorean look. Be fine.
 

spkennyuk

Member
Messages
5,979
So, my Jaaaag has the potential of looking very nice indeed. Not perfect given it's an 09 and 113k on it but it's a fab colour and I'd like it looking its best.

Is this this time I decide to learn how to correct paint? There are many swirls which are visible even in today's ligh.
If so, what's the recommended (hah!) kit I need? I seem to have lost all my old reference links.

I guess a DA polisher, pads, compounds, idiot proof guid to not *** up etc etc .

Or just pay my detailing guy....

C

Do it yourself you lazy ....... ;)

Have a look on slims detailing online shop. Das 6 or Das 6 pro kit. The auto finese kit gives you everything you need for a decent price and gives really good results.

If you need any help / advice then give me a shout.

The only other things you will need are.

Plenty of plush MF cloths.
Wax / sealant / ceramic coating of your choice.

If you want a half way house finish with high gloss but not as long lasting as a ceramic coating then the turtle way hybrid solutions ceramic spray (sio2) or the graphene version are both very good. Gives you 3 to 6 months protection without issue if your car lives outside. Up to 12 months if it lives in a garage.
 
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c4sman

Member
Messages
1,264
So, my Jaaaag has the potential of looking very nice indeed. Not perfect given it's an 09 and 113k on it but it's a fab colour and I'd like it looking its best.

Is this this time I decide to learn how to correct paint? There are many swirls which are visible even in today's ligh.
If so, what's the recommended (hah!) kit I need? I seem to have lost all my old reference links.

I guess a DA polisher, pads, compounds, idiot proof guid to not *** up etc etc .

Or just pay my detailing guy....

C
So, you could spend many hours debating the right compounds, polishes, waxes and sealants. Or start simple like this and probably get great results. Wash it, clay bar it then do this.
 

mjheathcote

Centenary Club
Messages
9,046
I bought a das 6 Pro plus, green chemical guy pads, and a one step polish by scholl.
Basically anything similar to the above.
Forensic Detailing channel on YouTube very good.
One of his last videos was using autoglym silicone resin polish with a DA with excellent results!

Edit: as above!!
 

spkennyuk

Member
Messages
5,979
Slims detailing you get 10% off your first order


The £170 own brand / auto finesse kit is a Das 6 machine.

The one further down at £210 is the Das 6 pro version.

The polishing compound kit that comes with them both it is around £90 worth from memory.

And you get 10% off those prices above.
 

CatmanV2

Member
Messages
48,938
Thanks all. So that's £260 for the kit and the DA

Pretty sure I'd just rather pay a pro (lazy bugger indeed @allandwf !) ;)

Edit: Oops, no. Just checked so that's about £150 all in. Hmmmmm

C
 

Gazcw

Member
Messages
7,800
Thanks all. So that's £260 for the kit and the DA

Pretty sure I'd just rather pay a pro (lazy bugger indeed @allandwf !) ;)

Edit: Oops, no. Just checked so that's about £150 all in. Hmmmmm

C
Yeah my local detailer charges 250 for a polish and a silicone coating. Normally a full day with wash, de iron and all that bs. Not the mas obv.
 

spkennyuk

Member
Messages
5,979

spkennyuk

Member
Messages
5,979
Fabulous, no doubt.

How long did it take?

C

If you have a garage you can work in then i would say on the jag around 16 hours.

I had to work outside over a few days so had to wash and dry inbetween stages.

If you decide your doing it yourself then. I dont mind spending a night away with Mrs Spkenny and giving you a tutorial if you like. I did the same for jkulin.

The only other thing you may need depending on what top coat you wanted is some all purpose cleaner to wipe the panels down before you put your top coat on. Removes any polish residue and gives the top coat the best surface to bond too.

Spend £150 once and you can do 10 or more cars and still have compounds left and the ability to do light polishes when needed.

If you wanted to spend a little more on products then the turtle wax hybrid ceramic polish and wax could be used instead of the stage 3 final polish its around £12 a bottle which also put on a ceramic (Sio2) coating which can be topped off with the ceramic spray for 6 months plus protection.
 

CatmanV2

Member
Messages
48,938
If you have a garage you can work in then i would say on the jag around 16 hours.

I had to work outside over a few days so had to wash and dry inbetween stages.

If you decide your doing it yourself then. I dont mind spending a night away with Mrs Spkenny and giving you a tutorial if you like. I did the same for jkulin.

The only other thing you may need depending on what top coat you wanted is some all purpose cleaner to wipe the panels down before you put your top coat on. Removes any polish residue and gives the top coat the best surface to bond too.

Spend £150 once and you can do 10 or more cars and still have compounds left and the ability to do light polishes when needed.

If you wanted to spend a little more on products then the turtle wax hybrid ceramic polish and wax could be used instead of the stage 3 final polish its around £12 a bottle which also put on a ceramic (Sio2) coating which can be topped off with the ceramic spray for 6 months plus protection.

Thanks, chap. 16 hours is way more than I want to devote right now, especially with additional wash and dries. I don't think I'm ever going to want to put that much effort in, although I totally get it.

When are you heading down this way?

C
 

spkennyuk

Member
Messages
5,979
Thanks, chap. 16 hours is way more than I want to devote right now, especially with additional wash and dries. I don't think I'm ever going to want to put that much effort in, although I totally get it.

When are you heading down this way?

C


If you want something quick cheap and effective. Wash and clay mitt the car and then either borrow a DA from a local to you member or do it by hand with just the turtle wax ceramic polish and wax. Excellent results even by hand but a massive step up with a DA with a single application. 1.5 to 2 hrs total including washing and drying the car.

Not sure when i will be down your way next. But hopefully at some point this year.
 

spkennyuk

Member
Messages
5,979
Here you go Chris. Video below demonstrates the turtle wax hybrid solutions ceramic wax and polish both by hand and by machine on the same panel. There is also a version with added graphene. You will get similar results from both version. The added graphene means your less likely to get water spots after washing or it rains.

You can follow the polish stage with the spray on ceramic /graphene matching product to add more protection and a even deeper shine. The spray on top coat is around 15 minutes to do a car.

 

CatmanV2

Member
Messages
48,938
Here you go Chris. Video below demonstrates the turtle wax hybrid solutions ceramic wax and polish both by hand and by machine on the same panel. There is also a version with added graphene. You will get similar results from both version. The added graphene means your less likely to get water spots after washing or it rains.

You can follow the polish stage with the spray on ceramic /graphene matching product to add more protection and a even deeper shine. The spray on top coat is around 15 minutes to do a car.


Thanks!
C
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,674
The problem you have is yes anyone can do it but it takes practice.

If this is your first go, you will get mediocre results but they may be what you are happy with.

The experience you gain teaches you when you need to go harder or softer and not be afraid to get in there with the 2000 and 1200 grit wet and dry.

There are two types of pads which give very different results and cut.

A hard pad which is a very firm and dense foam and a very soft, finishing foam

So your experience you gain will determine:

wet n dry sanding
Hard cut firm
Hart cut soft
Med cut firm
Med cut soft
Fine cut soft (no firm option)

All this going hard enough and not burning through the lacquer but hard enough to go deep enough to get it all out.

It is very rewarding but incredibly hard work.

8hrs solid polishing is no easy task,
 

zagatoes30

Member
Messages
21,043
In my view if the swirling is deep best get a pro to correct it first and then manage it from there on
 
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CatmanV2

Member
Messages
48,938
Thanks again, all!

I sort of wish I had time, and probably capability but will consult with the pros when he comes next

C