[SiBradbury]

Quote: Originally Posted by burns863 (original)

Just a bit of help ......

Firstly... you say that you removed the polish residue from the plastic using back to black? Its highly likely to just wash off in the rain and you will see the white marks again. You need to remove these properly and the easiest way to do this is to use peabnut butter believe it or not Use the smooth (not crunchy) and rub it in to the plastic then remove with a microfibre.

For the glass I would recommend you get some Einszett Glass Polish from www.cleanandshiny.co.uk and then once polished get some rain X (from Halfrauds believe it or not lol) and apply this. But always apply as it says on the bottle otherwise you will encounter an residue/smears on the windscreen after you have done. Then choose the glass cleaner of your choice. Megs class cleaner isnt bad! The rain X will repel the water and make it bead even when at motorway speeds

As for the EGP you are using (which is actually quite an underrated product) you need to top with a carnauba wax to prolong the sealant. I recommend collonite 476s if you want durability. Chemical Guys 50/50 wax is getting some great reviews (iv not used it as of yet). But there are tons of waxes available ranging from prices of £15 to £3500

Hope I have helped!

If you don't fancy smearing your car with a tasty nut based sandwich spread, its a little known fact that Autoglym Fast Glass (which u mention u already own) removes white polish stains very well indeed. Autoglym are bringing out a new product this quarter called something Ice which is a wax which is clear and can be used directly on plastics too. Apparently during development they treated a vehicle with this stuff and even after over 100 washes, the water was still beading on the paintwork!

[burns863]

Quote: Originally Posted by SiBradbury (original)

If you don't fancy smearing your car with a tasty nut based sandwich spread, its a little known fact that Autoglym Fast Glass (which u mention u already own) removes white polish stains very well indeed. Autoglym are bringing out a new product this quarter called something Ice which is a wax which is clear and can be used directly on plastics too. Apparently during development they treated a vehicle with this stuff and even after over 100 washes, the water was still beading on the paintwork!

haha I didnt mean smear the whole car with peanut butter.... just rub it into the white stains on the plastics and this will remove the white stains.

I have heard something about the AG wax. Not sure how much of what I heard was true though? If it ever hits the shelves I will give it a go. Although it sounds like it has the durability.. will it have the shine and how will it compare to the current tried and tested waxes such as collonite, zymol, swissol and CG?? Thats the question

[SiBradbury]

Quote: Originally Posted by burns863 (original)

haha I didnt mean smear the whole car with peanut butter.... just rub it into the white stains on the plastics and this will remove the white stains.

I have heard something about the AG wax. Not sure how much of what I heard was true though? If it ever hits the shelves I will give it a go. Although it sounds like it has the durability.. will it have the shine and how will it compare to the current tried and tested waxes such as collonite, zymol, swissol and CG?? Thats the question

My Autoglym rep is coming in tomorrow with it so i'll let you know what its like.
Here's the press release:

Date: 01/03/07
A Wet Car Is No Problem For Autoglym Aqua Wax


Exciting new wax can be used on paintwork and trim

A wax which will bring a brilliant shine to a car even when the vehicle is wet has been launched by Autoglym.

Called Aqua Wax, it has been specially formulated to produce a smear-free finish to all exterior surfaces – bodywork, rubber, plastic and glass – and can be used on all paint types, including metallic.

Polishing a car with Aqua Wax is simplicity itself. Just wash the vehicle, remove excess water, spray on the Aqua Wax, and buff with a microfibre cloth, which is included in the pack.


Aqua Wax - a revolutionary car care product

David Rogers, Autoglym’s Sales Director, said: “Aqua Wax is ideal for motorists who want to a perfect shine on their car but do not have time for it to dry completely before applying the polish.

“Most polishes will not be effective if bodywork is wet or even a little damp, but the formulation of Aqua Wax, which includes carnauba wax, has been developed to overcome this problem.”

Aqua Wax comes in a 500ml trigger spray bottle complete with two microfibre cloths, and sells for £12.99 in all good independent car care stockists

[burns863]

Quote: Originally Posted by SiBradbury (original)

My Autoglym rep is coming in tomorrow with it so i'll let you know what its like.
Here's the press release:

Date: 01/03/07
A Wet Car Is No Problem For Autoglym Aqua Wax


Exciting new wax can be used on paintwork and trim

A wax which will bring a brilliant shine to a car even when the vehicle is wet has been launched by Autoglym.

Called Aqua Wax, it has been specially formulated to produce a smear-free finish to all exterior surfaces – bodywork, rubber, plastic and glass – and can be used on all paint types, including metallic.

Polishing a car with Aqua Wax is simplicity itself. Just wash the vehicle, remove excess water, spray on the Aqua Wax, and buff with a microfibre cloth, which is included in the pack.


Aqua Wax - a revolutionary car care product

David Rogers, Autoglym’s Sales Director, said: “Aqua Wax is ideal for motorists who want to a perfect shine on their car but do not have time for it to dry completely before applying the polish.

“Most polishes will not be effective if bodywork is wet or even a little damp, but the formulation of Aqua Wax, which includes carnauba wax, has been developed to overcome this problem.”

Aqua Wax comes in a 500ml trigger spray bottle complete with two microfibre cloths, and sells for £12.99 in all good independent car care stockists

Ah... didnt realise it was Aqua wax that you were talking about! The trade version of this has been around for years and is called AutoGlym Rinse. From what I have heard from tests of the retail version is its ok. But its more suitable for a quick job rather than a "Proper" Detail So dont expect amazing reaults when compared to other hard, premium waxes

[scout70]

Quote: Originally Posted by xxx4xyz (original)

Thanks for the info chaps.... a trip to halfords is now on today's list of things to do!

The wheels are wet looking - well all i used was back to black on them too. If it's black and rubber / plastic it gets back to black !

It took me about 3 hours to do the whole car, and the only difficult part was the stripes! They dont like polish, or at least mine don't!

Your best using Autoglym Fast glass or similar on the stripes as they are plastic, not an expert but dont think the polish will do them any good.

[scout70]

Quote: Originally Posted by burns863 (original)

haha I didnt mean smear the whole car with peanut butter.... just rub it into the white stains on the plastics and this will remove the white stains.

I have heard something about the AG wax. Not sure how much of what I heard was true though? If it ever hits the shelves I will give it a go. Although it sounds like it has the durability.. will it have the shine and how will it compare to the current tried and tested waxes such as collonite, zymol, swissol and CG?? Thats the question

BURNS, you seem to know your stuff. Whats the ultimate finish for bodywork, polish or wax and what would u recommend? Do you rate those electric buffers by the way?

[burns863]

Quote: Originally Posted by scout70 (original)

BURNS, you seem to know your stuff. Whats the ultimate finish for bodywork, polish or wax and what would u recommend? Do you rate those electric buffers by the way?

For the ultimate finish you need to spend a good 2 or 3 days on your MINI, and you do need thehelp of machine polishing to remove all paint defects.

As for Machine polishing.... to start out and learn the best way is to buy a Porter Cable 7424 Random Orbital Polisher. These are only available from the US as they dotn comply with European wiring standards. You can import them from Autopia (google them ).

I wont go into the specifics of a detailing process as I mist have typed things like this out hundreds of time on various threads hehe Few links below to some of the threads I have articipated on where you can getinformation.

http://www.mini2.com/forum/maintenan...aned-mini.html

http://www.mini2.com/forum/exterior/...ase-paint.html

http://www.mini2.com/forum/maintenan...-cleaning.html

http://www.mini2.com/forum/maintenan...your-mini.html

Alternatively sign up at A world for detailers... or PM me with any questions you might have

[liznkev]

Got some Autoglym at the weekend......on offer at Halfords 2+1 FOC (cheapest item free)

[scout70]

Quote: Originally Posted by burns863 (original)

For the ultimate finish you need to spend a good 2 or 3 days on your MINI, and you do need thehelp of machine polishing to remove all paint defects.

As for Machine polishing.... to start out and learn the best way is to buy a Porter Cable 7424 Random Orbital Polisher. These are only available from the US as they dotn comply with European wiring standards. You can import them from Autopia (google them ).

I wont go into the specifics of a detailing process as I mist have typed things like this out hundreds of time on various threads hehe Few links below to some of the threads I have articipated on where you can getinformation.



Alternatively sign up at or PM me with any questions you might have

Cheers Burns, thx for the help.

[sel]

Quote: Originally Posted by xxx4xyz (original)

The only problem I have is getting the glass clean !! (still got smears) any suggestions on windows please? ? ? ? ?

This may sound crazy but...get yourself to a good 'kitchen' accessory store and buy some 'e-cloths-they come as a 2 pk' they are fab-use one wet (no chemicals) and one dry.... great for all the chrome/glass/mirrors... i first borrowed my mums olds one-which she used to polish our stainless steel kettle/fridge etc...and they work a dream...

[burns863]

Quote: Originally Posted by sel (original)

This may sound crazy but...get yourself to a good 'kitchen' accessory store and buy some 'e-cloths-they come as a 2 pk' they are fab-use one wet (no chemicals) and one dry.... great for all the chrome/glass/mirrors... i first borrowed my mums olds one-which she used to polish our stainless steel kettle/fridge etc...and they work a dream...

Might have to give that a try Sel

Another way is to use warm water and vinegar. Really cheap and effective way to get the windows clean!

Just to add (to the mini2'er that was having problems with smears) what type of cloth are you using? Use a good quality plush microfibre to apply your class cleaner and followed by a clean MF to buff off. You keep buffing untill all has gone. Maybe a quick spray of Quick Detailing spray or even a light mist of water will help remove all the product and not induce smears

[CC07ERS]

I hope you never try to colour code the arches as back to black will react bigtime still looks awesome