Soldato
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I really want someone to detail my car for me as I can't be bothered to do it myself. Most places charge like £200+ though 
*** The Car Cleaning Thread ***
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Right, I'm going to get an opportunity to give the car a good wash tomorrow. Im at work at the moment but Halfords is down the road so on my lunch Im popping down there to get hold of Meguiars Smooth Surface Detailing kit.
I know there's probably better clay/lube packages around. However, I wont be able to order them before tomorrow and probably wont get much chance to wash it again if I don't do it tomorrow. So Im deciding the take the plunge and give this claying lark a go.
Does anyone have any tips? I understand the best method is to wash, clay with lubricant, then wash the car again before applying waxes, etc. What about the actual method of waxing? Do I just work panel by panel, giving it a gentle sweep? I understand the clay has to be turned fairly regularly. I could really do with any tips you guys can give, Ive never done claying before.
Also, has anyone used this Meguiars kit before? Seems to have everything I need. It includes a wax although I already have some Collonite 476 which I was going to use to give good protection for the winter.
Edit: Your 335d looks gorgeous Tom
I know there's probably better clay/lube packages around. However, I wont be able to order them before tomorrow and probably wont get much chance to wash it again if I don't do it tomorrow. So Im deciding the take the plunge and give this claying lark a go.
Does anyone have any tips? I understand the best method is to wash, clay with lubricant, then wash the car again before applying waxes, etc. What about the actual method of waxing? Do I just work panel by panel, giving it a gentle sweep? I understand the clay has to be turned fairly regularly. I could really do with any tips you guys can give, Ive never done claying before.
Also, has anyone used this Meguiars kit before? Seems to have everything I need. It includes a wax although I already have some Collonite 476 which I was going to use to give good protection for the winter.
Edit: Your 335d looks gorgeous Tom
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frankly I wouldn't bother with the clay. I got one and did the 300zx the other week, took a lot of time and effort. Was super smooth and lovely after, but just 1 week later it was back to exactly how it was before. A waste of time if you ask me.
If you must, then get a more 'aggressive' clay.
If you must, then get a more 'aggressive' clay.
Clay is not a waste of time at all. My last claying was 1.5years ago and only now is the previous surface feel returning, a sign to clay again.
As long as you keep on top of the polish and wax/seal every few months then the paint surface will remain buttery smooth for longer. If you don't polish and wax properly then the surface will return to its non smooth feel sooner rather than later.
As long as you keep on top of the polish and wax/seal every few months then the paint surface will remain buttery smooth for longer. If you don't polish and wax properly then the surface will return to its non smooth feel sooner rather than later.
I'd rather start off with something easy to use; I have fears about getting something too course and scratching the paintwork.
Claying is better than polishing/waxing (well easier to do).
what does claying do?
Takes all the ground in grit and contaminants from the surface layer of the paint, giving the bodywork an extrmely smooth, glossy feel which makes it easier to wax and wash, etc.
Also makes it easier for companies like Meguiars to empty your wallet.
Also makes it easier for companies like Meguiars to empty your wallet.
ha! oh ok, going to give that a go. ive just orderd a few bits from juicy detailing
Sitting on OcUK is easier than climbing Everest too.
How can you compare two totally different things
Man of Honour
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Jet and hand washed last Tuesday, covered in dust already
I think it needs to rain more here - will be out in the morning after F1 giving the car a good wash and polish.
I think it needs to rain more here - will be out in the morning after F1 giving the car a good wash and polish.
Soldato
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If its lovely and smooth what would a more agressive clay offer?
Agresive clay is normally used for over spray and thick tar and other nasty stuff. However it can cause more marring of the paint if not enough water is used to lubricate it.
Sitting on OcUK is easier than climbing Everest too.
How can you compare two totally different things
I mean its easier to clay, than it is to polish or wax. Well I do, not saying they should be compared. But they aren't totally different, they are both stages to detailing a car.
Just to say that Nilfisk customer service is amazing.
A 'O' ring went on the 6m hose that goes in to the machine then to the handle, I went on their website and filled out a small form asking about a replacement seal just expecting a generic reply back. The next day I was outside my house speaking to my neighbour when a UPS van pulled up and handed me a box, in it was a brand new 6M hose.
A 'O' ring went on the 6m hose that goes in to the machine then to the handle, I went on their website and filled out a small form asking about a replacement seal just expecting a generic reply back. The next day I was outside my house speaking to my neighbour when a UPS van pulled up and handed me a box, in it was a brand new 6M hose.
Eh? Claying is bl**dy hard work. Polishing & waxing can be done with a mechanical polisher......
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