Car care - Shine

jimmay

I'm looking for tips on how to get my former shiny red mobile (non metallic) back sparkling. I went through a Shell car wash (Tallaght area) :rolleyes: never again, about a year ago and it's never been the same since. The roof, top of boot and small spoiler are badly faded and borderline pink at the edges. Not a good look

I've tried T-Cut, wax etc. several times and nothing really works longer than a couple of days. I was tipped to use a rubbing compound but after picking up some in Halfords and looking into it I'm getting the impression - beware it's only for the pros?? From the net I learned maybe a cleaning compound would be better (and safer at least to start with) as it's inbetween polish and rubbing compound). Does anyone know a suitable product or the best way to deal with it? I would prefer to do myself as opposed to professional valetors.

NiSmO

This post has been deleted.

Victor_M

Meguiers (spelling?) 3 in 1, an electric buffer and about 4 hours will get you the best result you can get from your paint, it's bloody hard work.

If it's a nice car and you don't mind spending a few euro on it detailers.ie may be worth getting in touch with, I hear they do a super job.

TomMc

You would be best to use a chemical based polish like Carlack or Gollit as they are non abrasive and will soak up the oxidation (white patches and dead pink paint) without abrading away whatever sound paint you do have left underneath. T-Cut is crap. It is to car care what a big mac is to health food! I would also advise you to use a clay bar first to remove bonded contaminants as this will make polishing afterwards that much easier and also help to give much better optics overall.

HungryJoey

Check out the link in my signature

You may get some tips there, or as said above if you think its worth it, I'm sure andy over at detailer could bring that shine right back up.

Red is one of the nicest color to shine up, once done correctly.

conneem-TT

I know you said you want to do it yourself, but if you say the paint is badly faded and swirled, it sounds like it could need a machine polishing and if it does, depending on the age of your car it might need a paint inspection to see what depth of paint is left on your panels.

irish.rugby.fan

Please stop using T-Cut. It is so bad for your car.

Sounds like your car needs paint correction.

Help over at www.detailingworld.com

Neilw

Firstly you need to give your car a good wash with proper carwash solution not washing up liquid. Garage car wash detergents are very harsh and strip any wax and dry out the paint on your car.

Wash car twice with car wash solution.
Use a clay bar on the paint to leave it silky smooth, this will remove any contaminants from the paint work.
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/detailing-clay/meguiars-quik-clay-kit/prod_226.html

Next step is to remove the oxidised (pink) paint, carlack 68 is very good stuff for removing oxidation. Work it into the paint with a foam pad and leave for 25 mins then buff off.
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/sealants/carlack-68-nano-systematic-care-300ml-/prod_380.html

Finally put a layer of wax on the car, this will protect the paint. I would recommend collinite 476s as it's one of the most durable waxes available.
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wax/collinite-no-476s-super-doublecoat-auto-wax/prod_207.html

To keep the paint from fading, steer clear of garage car washes of any kind, hand wash the car and reapply a coat of wax every month or so.

Neil.

Just spotted this offer on both of the products I listed above.
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/complete-detailing-kits/collinite-476s-carlack-kit/prod_408.html