[cisach]

I've decided I want to polish/wax/detail my new BSM E92 by myself.

I don't know what sort of wash routine was used on the car perviously but it's in overall good shape with some light swirl marks here and there...

I'd like to wait a bit on purchasing everything needed to machine polish(PC 7472xp , M105/205 ,Pads, Cleaners for the pads, etc etc

I have all the basic stuf to wash the car ; CG Wash and Gloss, plenty of high quality MF towels / waffle weave towels, 2 buckets, grit guard, wheel cleaner, brushes, MF wash mits.
I also have a bottle of OCW that I bought for my girlfriends car but have yet to use it (don't know what kind of results to expect from it)

I think I have everything for a proper wash, just wanted to see what the experts have to say as far as protection/gloss finish.

Should I do a "Strip Wash", Clay the car, and then hand wax?

Or untill I'm fully ready, just wash, dry, and finish with QD or spray wax?

I'm open to any reccomendatinos and don't mind buying a few more prodcuts if needed, just want to wait on all the machine polish stuff for a few months.

PS: I have an old [one speed] buffer from PepBoys from way back in the day....

[Detailed Image]

Sounds like you have everything needed to properly wash and dry your car. If you are going to reapply protection, I would use the Citrus Wash & Gloss in a paint prep (stripping) ratio so that you get a fresh start.

When it comes to deciding if you want to clay the paint, there are two ways of looking at it. Using the clay bar will help ensure you get the maximum protection out of your wax because there will be little to no contamination remaining on the paint after you clay. On the other hand, if you clay the paint, you potentially could add more swirls or marring to the finish that won't be removed until you polish.

Ideally, for maximum polishing results you'll want to clay right before polishing, so I'd decide if you want to do it now and prior to polishing or just stick it out before you decide to polish.

As far as buffers go, you won't want to use the one speed buffer for polishing your paint. If anything, it'd be ok for applying a sealant or wax, but nothing more than that. Those types of buffers do not offer enough power to properly break down the abrasive particles in the polish and often use proprietary pads and backing plates, which can be cumbersome to work with.

If you have any other questions on anything let us know.

[cisach]

Thanks for the reply and advice, I agree with your claying; I'll stick it out till I have it all ready for a polish.

Will a paint prep wash followed by OCW be enough for protection or should I use some sort of synthetic sealant or wax by hand or buffer.

I bought all that stuff from Detailedimage just a few days ago! Wish I knew about the 10% off code!! BAH! I can say between your site and others, I really appreciated the easy of use on the website.

[Detailed Image]

Originally Posted by cisach

Thanks for the reply and advice, I agree with your claying; I'll stick it out till I have it all ready for a polish.

Will a paint prep wash followed by OCW be enough for protection or should I use some sort of synthetic sealant or wax by hand or buffer.

I bought all that stuff from Detailedimage just a few days ago! Wish I knew about the 10% off code!! BAH! I can say between your site and others, I really appreciated the easy of use on the website.

Thanks for the kind words about our site. We do our best to make the experience one of the best on the web.

Believe it or not Optimum Car Wax is one of the longest lasting spray on waxes. You can expect up to 8 weeks of protection from it, but start monitoring beading and protection after a month or so. Application is very easy, especially right after a wash so it won't be too much work for another coat.

If there's anything else I can help with, let me know.

[cisach]

Originally Posted by Detailed Image

Thanks for the kind words about our site. We do our best to make the experience one of the best on the web.
Application is very easy, especially right after a wash so it won't be too much work for another coat.

If there's anything else I can help with, let me know.

Your welcome, I'll be buying quite a few more items over the next few months

Last question:

So you reccomemnd doing two coats of OCW? Just want to make sure I read you correctly

Thanks again!

[Detailed Image]

Originally Posted by cisach

Your welcome, I'll be buying quite a few more items over the next few months

Last question:

So you reccomemnd doing two coats of OCW? Just want to make sure I read you correctly

Thanks again!

You certainly could apply more than one coat. What I like to do is apply OCW after every other wash. This allows for the previous coat to fully cure and you extend the protection and enhance the gloss and depth.

In a single day, I only apply one coat though, you want to give it at least 24 hours for the first coat to fully cure before applying a second one.

Keep us posted how things turn out.

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Originally Posted by Detailed Image

Thanks for the kind words about our site. We do our best to make the experience one of the best on the web.

Believe it or not Optimum Car Wax is one of the longest lasting spray on waxes. You can expect up to 8 weeks of protection from it, but start monitoring beading and protection after a month or so. Application is very easy, especially right after a wash so it won't be too much work for another coat.

If there's anything else I can help with, let me know.

Optimum car wax is legit. I love that stuff.

[Bobble]

I could be way off base here but I always thought the rule was: If using a synthetic or polymer based product let it cure for 24 hours: If using a natural based product, IE carnuba wax, you could follow up multiple coats with no cure needed. Not that anyone in their right mind would hand wax a car twice in one day!! Is that rule true??

[UncleWede]

^then most of us aren't in our right mind

[Bobble]

I'm definitely not in my right mind! Just ask my ex wife

[Envious Eric]

I'll quote DI to a "T"

[cisach]

Thanks everyone. I'll post results!

I've never been so excited to simply wash a car before!

[ideliver]

consider the joining us....in the cult called "Zaino"

Enjoy...btw I must be in a "wrong mind" 'cause I have spent upwards of 18 hrs in one day...only to follow it up with 6 more hours the next day...WAAAY more than "one coat"

[cisach]

Some pics after the wash!

[jopa489]

NICE pictures! Car looks sweet!