Paintwork protection

[marancat]

Hello.... I am recently retired and so money saving is more important to me than ever. I have just changed my old car (mot results suggested this would be wise!!) and want to keep my new (second-hand) car in good condition for as long as possible. The car dealer offered something called 'GuardX' to seal lthe paintwork and 'scotch guard' the interior. But it would cost £169.00 so I declined.
Can anyone advise me about the best way to care for car paintwork and interior? All suggestions gratefully received. Thank you.

[anewman]

There's a forum called detailing world http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/ where this sort of stuff is discussed, but beware you'll end up spending loads of money :D. I think you made the right choice as those protection things dealers sell are generally only sold to make them lots of money. They also would probably not have prepared the car paint surface properly and it wouldn't have looked too good.

If you're on a budget, I would probably go for a good wash using a good quality shampoo that does not contain any wax additives (people recommend using a lambswool mit instead of a sponge, but I don't think it matters, do NOT use washing up liquid). Then use some detailing clay with detailing spray (these come in a box together) probably cheapest here http://www.motocare.co.uk/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=0&P_ID=567&strPageHistory=search&numSearchStartRecord=1 you just spray onto the paint and draw the clay across the surface of the paint - you do not need to push or use any force. Then give the car a quick wash again. Mask off the edges of any rubber or plastic components that meet with the paintwork (you can get scotch masking tape specially made for this purpose) - and then use something like Autoglym super resin polish which will help bring up a shine and fill any imperfections. Next step would then be to use something like Autoglym extra gloss protection - cheapest here (liquid hardwax is the trade version) http://www.fasteronline.co.uk/Autoglym-autoglym-liquid-hardwax-p-3271.html?osCsid=6fcc736e06eacb870af4094311e73da3 and do 2 or 3 coats of that. Then lastly use something like Collinite 476s which is probably the most durable car wax available, give it maybe 2 coats of that.

[Conor]

Cannot recommend Autoglym enough. Their car shampoo foams up well but when you put it on the car with a sponge, it's like water and you think you've not put enough in. End result is that it does a damned good job of cleaning and you don't end up with loads of soap scum smears as you do with the normal stuff.

[maniac886]

There's a forum called detailing world http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/ (http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/) where this sort of stuff is discussed, but beware you'll end up spending loads of money :D. .


That comment is so true... I have spend over 100 notes on megs/autoglym stuff and now got myself a Karcher pressure washer and lance. The website is bleeding me dry!:rotfl:

P.S Getting some snow foam next!!

[maniac886]

Cannot recommend Autoglym enough. Their car shampoo foams up well but when you put it on the car with a sponge, it's like water and you think you've not put enough in. End result is that it does a damned good job of cleaning and you don't end up with loads of soap scum smears as you do with the normal stuff.

When I first used the Autoglym bodywork shampoo i though I had not put enough into the bucket as it was not foaming that much..but once i had given the car a scrub and washed the residue off it had done a damn good job!

P.S OP get yourself a microfibre wa!!!!!t. Never use a sponge...you will scratch the car to death!:money:

[vikingaero]

You can Scotchguard the interior with a can of Scotchguard for about £6 from John Lewis.

[wyze]

Dont confuse your wax with your polish - they are very different things read this! (http://www.torquecars.com/articles/polishing-waxing.php):confused: Get it wrong and you can ruin your paintwork.;)

I totally agree with using a lambswool wash mitt - if you are careful you will avoid those swirl marks on new car paint that look so annoying in the light. I have also used meguiars NXT tech wax and found this to give a better finish than many waxes.

[vansboy]

I'm a fan of www.meguiars.co.uk (http://www.meguiars.co.uk) products. Easy to use & a first class finish,.
Far better than any dealer add on product.

The Autoglym range does have a strong following, too.

The Detaling World link is a goods place to see some REALLY well presented examples!!

VB

[marancat]

Gosh - I have a lot to learn! Thank you all so much for the welcome advice. I have noted all the websites you mention and shall check them out. Shall also get the microfibre mitt as suggested - only have an old sponge at present. Thanks again.

[AdrianHi]

More modern cars have "environmentally friendly" water based paints. Sadly these paints pick up swirl marks and micro scratches so much easier than older cars with oil based paints.
To minimise the introduction of these marks it a "lambs wool wash mitt" or similar synthetic and microfibre drying towels for drying the car off. Sponges and chamois leathers are evil on this kind of paint work.#
To futher help use the "two bucket" washing method. One bucket soapy water, one fresh water for regular rinsing out of the dirty wash mitt, before re-soaping in the soapy water. Also work from the top of the car down using strokes along the length of the car.
Autoglym products are good, especially on silver and pale colour cars and super resin polish contains fillers and has a mild cut to it to help temprarily hide soem swirls marks.
On a dark colour car Duragloss products give a long lasting wet look, are pretty cheap and easy to use. I have some photos of my car before and after a pro-detailer used these products (including clay barring and swirl mark removal) on my dark blue car if it's of interest.

[wyze]

Bird Guano is a big paintwork killer. REMOVE Immediately. Is it me or do they aim for shiny "just washed" cars :lol:

[Jorgan]

OP, if you don't want to spend a fortune looking after your paintwork (as another member of detailing world I have never calculated what I have spent, it would scare me too much) Collinite do a range of waxes that will last for 4-6 months at a time. They cost from around £18 a tub and I have waxed 20-25 cars & still have quite a bit left. Google the name to find which on line shops sell it, don't confuse it with waxes that can be bought on the high street for similar money, but only last 4-6 weeks.

Get two wash mitts, one for the lower panels and bumpers, the other one for the rest of the car.

Be wary of going onto detailing world, two years ago I was a bucket & sponge man, now my neighbours have washed their cars before I have finished setting all my kit up.

[maniac886]

OP, if you don't want to spend a fortune looking after your paintwork (as another member of detailing world I have never calculated what I have spent, it would scare me too much) Collinite do a range of waxes that will last for 4-6 months at a time. They cost from around £18 a tub and I have waxed 20-25 cars & still have quite a bit left. Google the name to find which on line shops sell it, don't confuse it with waxes that can be bought on the high street for similar money, but only last 4-6 weeks.

Get two wash mitts, one for the lower panels and bumpers, the other one for the rest of the car.

Be wary of going onto detailing world, two years ago I was a bucket & sponge man, now my neighbours have washed their cars before I have finished setting all my kit up.

I was exactly the same as you. I used a sponge, bucket and some cheap shampoo from Tescos. Yes it did the job but after I joined DW I bought some poorboys stuff...since then I am now hooked and have a huge collection of cleaning products.

Today I just bought an AB snow foam lance and 5Ltrs of Bilt Hamber snow foam. :eek:

[Jorgan]

You know you've got it bad when your invited to help out on a detail, by the guy you usually buy products from & he pays your travelling expenses & lets you loose with his kit. I enjoyed myself yesterday.:D

[ihatecharges]

I'm another member from Detailing World and have parted with some cash I can tell you.

However, not all the items are expensive.

Wash........
Use a wash mitt and not a sponge. £7
Megs shampoo. £11
Dry with a Sonus Der Wunder drying towel £18 for 2 or Megs Water Magnet £10 for 1(Do not use a leather)

Polish...........
If doing the car by hand Autoglym Super Resin Polish is good value as it has mild abrasives and fillers to enhance the paintwork prior to a wax. halfords were selling the 1 litre bottle for £10.99

Wax...........
Collinite make good waxes which will give good protection on your car for months, Elite Car Car do a kit for about £18 which includes the wax, applicator pad and microfibre cloth to buff the wax, good value in my opinion.

Remove bird muck straightaway with warm mater, allow to soak and remove WITHOUT rubbing.

I use snow foam and it works a treat! Neighbours think I am bonkers though!!



NB - I have no association with Elite car care

[maniac886]

I'm another member from Detailing World and have parted with some cash I can tell you.

However, not all the items are expensive.

Wash........
Use a wash mitt and not a sponge. £7
Megs shampoo. £11
Dry with a Sonus Der Wunder drying towel £18 for 2 or Megs Water Magnet £10 for 1(Do not use a leather)

Polish...........
If doing the car by hand Autoglym Super Resin Polish is good value as it has mild abrasives and fillers to enhance the paintwork prior to a wax. halfords were selling the 1 litre bottle for £10.99

Wax...........
Collinite make good waxes which will give good protection on your car for months, Elite Car Car do a kit for about £18 which includes the wax, applicator pad and microfibre cloth to buff the wax, good value in my opinion.

Remove bird muck straightaway with warm mater, allow to soak and remove WITHOUT rubbing.

I use snow foam and it works a treat! Neighbours think I am bonkers though!!



NB - I have no association with Elite car care

Cant wait to get my lance and bilt hamber foam....what foam you using at the moment?

Also does collinite give the car a 'wet' look?

[Jorgan]

I'm onto my second 5l's of AB SSF, using the AB heavy duty lance. Collinite doesn't give as wet a look as some waxes, I use it mainly for the winter months and on cars were people aren't so keen on cleaning them.
Not a bad finish
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p40/Jorgan_photos/P1000352.jpg
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/%5BIMG%5Dhttp://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p40/Jorgan_photos/P1000352.jpg%5B/IMG%5D

[maniac886]

I'm onto my second 5l's of AB SSF, using the AB heavy duty lance. Collinite doesn't give as wet a look as some waxes, I use it mainly for the winter months and on cars were people aren't so keen on cleaning them.
Not a bad finish
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p40/Jorgan_photos/P1000352.jpg
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/%5BIMG%5Dhttp://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p40/Jorgan_photos/P1000352.jpg%5B/IMG%5D


Yeh i have ordered the AB heavy duty lance with the new karcher connector....dunno if you have got the old one but autobrite are sending out the connector for free for customers who have bought it off them in the past.

I was gonna get the SSF from em but peeps saying that Bilt Hamber stuff is the dogs b*llocks.

I am looking for a wax to make my silver car shiny..any ideas? Ta

[AdrianHi]

I am looking for a wax to make my silver car shiny..any ideas? Ta

There are so many great products, but as any pro-detailer will tell you, it's 80% surface preparation and technique, 20% product choice.
I've seen Duragloss work very well on silver too.

It will take too long to type up again, here is a thread on another forum which gives the full cleaning, surface preparation and sealing (call it waxing if you want) process with before and after shots. Note the kind of swirl marks you can pick up in just 1 year from brand new when you don't know how to wash your car properly :o. Some of the damage on the paint was masked by polishes the dealer used, shows up their shoddy buffing work.
http://www.bmwland.co.uk/talker/viewtopic.php?p=330980#330980

[ihatecharges]

Cant wait to get my lance and bilt hamber foam....what foam you using at the moment?

Also does collinite give the car a 'wet' look?

I use a gilmour with an inch of snowfoam, inch of Megs Shampoo Plus topped up with warm water. Works a treat for me.

I use a glaze, megs 7 first which helps with the wet look and apply the Collinite on top. Than after it is washed I give it a wipe down with Megs last touch detailing spray.

I understand that Collinite 476s is better for light colours and 915 is better for dark colours.

Collinite 845 is also good on white and silver apparently.

Its all down to the preparation as stated above. Collinite will give good durability where as other 'cosmetic' waxes are more expensive and need to be topped up on a regular basis, sometimes monthly!

[maniac886]

Cheers for the tips guys...

I think I may spend a few more bob on getting the polish/wax combination correct but I think I will cut the spending there cos at the end of the day its only a Focus(plus I am saving for an ST2/3)!

If the weather is alright this weekend I will spend a few hours on the car and get it polished and waxed. That should keep the car going for a few months and then I will only have to wash it every 2 weeks or so!

[nullogik]

All those "paint protection" things that the dealers flog you are just a waste of time - they're sold at massive margins as the dealers make a healthy profit from each kit.

I've seen some (who will remain nameless) claim that by applying "x" paint protection, that you'd never need to polish your car and that it would retain it's showroom shine for years to come with practically zero maintenance. Rubbish!

Save the £00's and invest in some decent car polish and wax (Meguiars, Autoglym) and give you car an occasional wash/polish/wax. It will be far cheaper and it will protect your paint work far much more than any of these snake oil solutions will.

[shona]

Do you think bright (magma) red would count as dark or light?
What's the best stuff to use?

I bought Meguiars Gold Class wax, but I found it hard to buff after I had clayed and everything!

[AdrianHi]

Do you think bright (magma) red would count as dark or light?
What's the best stuff to use?

I bought Meguiars Gold Class wax, but I found it hard to buff after I had clayed and everything!

I would still go with my favoured Durgloss products even on a pale silver car, yes Autoglym is works well on silver, but so does Duragloss. I've seen some pictures of a 8 year old silver car all 'glossed up in the last few days and it is absolutely stunning.
One of the things I like about this product range is they are very easy to ease, as in, no real elbow grease required to buff off or apply. That saves a lot of time too.
Prices also sensible. You can buy here http://www.ccs-inc.co.uk/, the link I posted earlier should give ideas on what and how to use.
There are some pictures of a 10+ year old burgundy red BMW 7 series around somewhere that looks "showroom" glossed up.

[vansboy]

I bought Meguiars Gold Class wax, but I found it hard to buff after I had clayed and everything!

I really don't understand this - it is usually sooooooo easy to remove.

Unless you were applying to a hot / warm surface, maybe??

VB

[shown73]

I had a 14 year old red Mondeo, which was obviously faded, and splashed out a fiver on a small bottle of Jof's carnauba wax on Ebay., just to try it. The results were astonishing. Just washed and waxed it as normal, but from that day on, that car drew many compliments on its condition relative to its age. There are no doubt many other similar products, I suppose, but I'm sticking with this stuff for now. No connections at all, just a very satisfied customer, and my new Mondeo is also showing the benefits.