Product recommendation

[S3_MCD]

Soooo many options, where do I start?

I've always always washed my car by hosing down, using autoglym shampoo with a real soft bristle brush, hose, balde and autoglym chamois dry. Autoglym polish with micofibre cloth.

Reading the really useful posts in the detailing section have confused me no end. I've always thought the finish I've achieved has been good. The paint remains in very good condition, no swirls (not that justify purchasing the MEGS 220 just yet).

Can it be better, if I'm reading right,Yes?
So what to use, how and why?

Dolphin grey 2002

Cheers.

 

[White220]

I think you are coming from the same postition as me.
I have always taken care of my cars using the autoglym products and believed I was doing the right thing for my cars.
I recently (after getting my white A4) started reading all of the detailing guides on here and on the pb website.
I also recently polished and sealed my reflex silver Golf. I thought it looked amazing and couldn't wait until it rained to see the beautiful beads of water.
A couple of nights later whilst at the petrol station with the Golf noticed that my perfect finish was not so. There were swirls to the extent of the ones I'd scoffed at looking at some of Rich's brilliant detail threads. The intense white lights at the petrol station really do bring out the swirls and ive since then seen my a4 in the same light and realise I must be doing things wrong.

I'm just waiting to finish my autoglym goody bag and will be going along to pb to fill my boot with goodies!

 

[WX51TXR]

I've always always washed my car by hosing down, using autoglym shampoo with a real soft bristle brush, hose, balde and autoglym chamois dry...

...and the paint remains in very good condition, no swirls (not that justify purchasing the MEGS 220 just yet).

I would be amazed if you have managed to brush wash it, use a blade and a chamois and not put defects into it; as the chap says above, try looking at the finish under artifical lighting, or full sun conditions, and check again. Are you sure it's not too bad?

Amazing car care results depend on two key factors; the use of good quality products, and more importantly the use of good techniques. Regardless of whether or not you have gotten away with your current wash method, it would be wise to change it to a lower risk routine in the future. The use of lambswool mitts, waffle weave towels and two buckets is recommended for the reasons given in the following guide...

http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/guides_wash.html

The other series of guides on our site do tell you why tasks like claying are important and what they do, and the myths srurrounding polishing are also explored. Links here...

http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/guides.html

In terms of taking things further, and for now assuming that your paint is indeed in great condition (if it turns out it's not then it will be time to look at a machine and review the sticky guide on polishing harder paints), then the following routine will be easy to follow, and will deliver great results on your colour of car...

Wash (ideally every week)

Basic Car Wash Kit £34.85 - http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/basic-car-wash-kit-wash.html

Clay (once or twice a year, spring and autumn are the best times)

Meguiars Quik Clay £11.95 - http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/meguiars-quik-clay-clean.html

Polish (after claying, thus done once or twice a year)

Blackfire Gloss Enhancing Polish, applied using the white side of an Ultimate German Applicator Pad, and buffed off using Poorboys Deluxe Mega Towels

Blackfire Gloss Enhancing Polish £13.95 - http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/blackfire-gloss-enhancing-polish-polish.html
Lake Country German Applicator Pad £2.95 - http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/lake-country-german-applicator-pad-polish.html
Poorboys Deluxe Mega Towel £3.95 - http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/poorboys-deluxe-mega-towel-protect.html

Protect (apply a fresh coat every 6-8 weeks)

Blackfire Wet Diamond All Finish Paint Protection £21.95 - http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acat...mond-all-finish-paint-protection-protect.html

This product gives a highly reflective wet looking shine and is very easy to put on and take off (apply using the red side of a Lake Country German Applicator Pad and buff off using Poorboys Deluxe Mega Towels). If you want to take the look of the car further, you could optionally finish with our Blackfire Midnight Sun Carnauba Paste Wax, which is very easy to use, and which will give even more wetness and gloss. However, because of the high carnauba content, it is pricey, and thus optional...

Blackfire Midnight Sun Carnauba Paste Wax £39.95 - http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/blackfire-midnight-sun-ivory-carnauba-paste-wax-protect.html

I hope that helps, if you have any more questions please fire away, I'm always happy to help.

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