Hi everyone,
I have finally decided to purchase my first batch of Prima products and actually give "true detailing" a shot! I am currently in the process of putting an order together for tomorrow (for my brithday and my MINI's 6th birthday
which, ironically, are only a few days apart!). With the information from the non-OCD detailers sticky and reading through a few other threads I have come up with the following so far:
I am currently going to try and stay with hand application methods and hopefully try advancing from this stage once I am more comfortable (adding a PC). I have a few questions about the process, any help would be appreciated. Here are my thoughts so far:
For the window products:
Prima Clarity
To Apply: 1x Paradise MF Glass Cleaning Cloth
For the exterior care (in order):
1) Prima Mystique (I am quite confident the old wax has been stripped off, but for furutre "major" details strip the wax with Dawn)
To apply: Thumbless sheepskin washmit
To dry: Use a paradise Waffle Weave MF Towel (x2)
Still need to figure out what the two bucket method is
-- but I have run into information on it in one of the threads, just need to re-read it.
I have been using two buckets - one for the "top half of the car" and the other for the bottom half (with two washmits --> one for the wheels, and one for the rest), however, I know now this is "incorrect" now
2) Black WoW for the exterior plastic trim (I have noticed that most have applied it prior to washing it down, however, my MINI is covered in mud after driving through some construction during heavy rain. For future washes I will apply it prior to washing it.
To Apply: Just a foam applicator with a pea sized amount.
To Wipe Off: Spray water on and wipe off (do I have to wipe it off with anything special, or would a soft piece of a shirt work fine?)
3)"Meguiar's Quik Clay Detailing System" --> Clay the paint/windows/stripes
During this step should I should tape the edges of the bonnet racing stripes?
Should I avoid areas where there are small rock chips?
I have heard you should not completely dry the car after the wash as the water can act as a lubricrant during claying along with the provided QD (Is this true)?
Should I only clay in "up and down" motions (or is this just for the verticle sides and horizontal motons for the bonnet/other "horizontal" areas)?
4) Prima Amigo (I am not sure if I should try applying a polish by hand prior to this step -- I have some swirl marks, but they do not appear to be deep, but that's from an "untrained" eyes perspective
).
To Apply: (1x) Paradise Skinny MF Pad
To Wipe Off: (1x) Paradise Platinum MF Towel
*At this step should I be careful of the plastic trim? (Tape it?)
5) Prima Banana Gloss - Only use a small amount, with light pressure.
To Apply: (1x) Paradise Skinny MF Pad
To Wipe Off: (1x) Paradise Monster Fluffy MF Towel
Dumb Question of the day: Do I put the wax on the Skinny MF Pad and then just apply lightly? (In small sections) Up and down motions for verticle areas (sides/boot) and horizontial motions for the bonnet? Can't wait to get ahold of Richard's DVD!
6) Prima Hydro (for detailing in-between banana gloss applications)
Eventually, once Richard's DVD is in stock I hope to add Prima Epic to the list (a step before Prima Banana Gloss), however, I am confident with my current skills that I will find a way to mess up applying Epic and from what I read banana gloss is easier to apply/remove and more "idiot-proof"
.
Interior Trim:
Prima Nero
Apply with: All purpose MF Towel.
If anyone has some suggestions or can answer any of my many questions, it would be highly appreciated. (Assume I am complete newb
, which I am).
I apologize in advance for any typos, I am currently on my laptop and the keyboard is small.
EDIT: Arg, the title should be "An OCD...", its driving me insane and I can't change it. hah
Another edit: My MINI is a BRG MCS.
Thanks,
Bill