It's no secret that I like to keep my zed looking pretty (much like a lady and her face). To do so takes lots of time and chemicals (much like a lady and her face!). I get lots of questions at shows and events on what methods I use so I decided to create this thread. Obviously there are loads of different products and techniques but this is what I have found works well through trial and error.....
Before (and yes I know it's not that dirty but but I'm a perfectionist):
It's the fanciest fly swat I've ever owned:
To start I apply snowfoam straight to the car whilst dry to help it cling. I've tried many but my favorite is Bilt Hamber:
Next is the 2 bucket wash. I like to dilute Mer ultimate polish as my detergent as it cleans very well and is gentle. I've got colour coded microfibre cleaning pads too. This one is only for body work on the zed:
Wheels next. I use a two bucket wash again with a (wheels only) cleaning pad and some fancy tools to reach to the back:
Next it's a rinse and then clay bar. I use a Maguirs bar. The trick is to keep it lubricated. As I was using it on a wet car I used a Britemax detailer spray neat as it diluted on the car. If the car is dry I dilute it in a spray bottle (1 part detailer - 2 parts water). U just do small areas at a time and wipe immediately as I go to dry the car lift the excess detailer spray:
Once dry it's polish time. I like this polish as it's easy to use by hand. I won't get into the technical properties and it's one of about 6 different polishes I have but this one is good. Be aware though, if using it on a hot day like I am, you will get through more product as it dries quickly on the warm surface. Apllying more also means working harder to get it off afterwards too:
Once the polish is removed it's time to wax. I love this wax as its really easy to apply and remove at any temperature. Just apply with a pad, leave about 20 mins until it goes hazy, then remove with a new microfibre cloth:
After that you need to leave 4 hours before applying a second coat. I ran out of time so my second coat will have to wait until tomorrow.
For now though, here's where we are:
Before (and yes I know it's not that dirty but but I'm a perfectionist):
It's the fanciest fly swat I've ever owned:
To start I apply snowfoam straight to the car whilst dry to help it cling. I've tried many but my favorite is Bilt Hamber:
Next is the 2 bucket wash. I like to dilute Mer ultimate polish as my detergent as it cleans very well and is gentle. I've got colour coded microfibre cleaning pads too. This one is only for body work on the zed:
Wheels next. I use a two bucket wash again with a (wheels only) cleaning pad and some fancy tools to reach to the back:
Next it's a rinse and then clay bar. I use a Maguirs bar. The trick is to keep it lubricated. As I was using it on a wet car I used a Britemax detailer spray neat as it diluted on the car. If the car is dry I dilute it in a spray bottle (1 part detailer - 2 parts water). U just do small areas at a time and wipe immediately as I go to dry the car lift the excess detailer spray:
Once dry it's polish time. I like this polish as it's easy to use by hand. I won't get into the technical properties and it's one of about 6 different polishes I have but this one is good. Be aware though, if using it on a hot day like I am, you will get through more product as it dries quickly on the warm surface. Apllying more also means working harder to get it off afterwards too:
Once the polish is removed it's time to wax. I love this wax as its really easy to apply and remove at any temperature. Just apply with a pad, leave about 20 mins until it goes hazy, then remove with a new microfibre cloth:
After that you need to leave 4 hours before applying a second coat. I ran out of time so my second coat will have to wait until tomorrow.
For now though, here's where we are:
