Not that Detailers Paradise needs more help around here, but I thought I'd put up some pictures of my recent polishing/waxing job on my red 1992 Mini Sprite.
The paint is a re-spray using single-stage (not clear coat) red paint, and as you can see, it wasn't in terrible shape, but it certainly wasn't what you'd call slick or "liquid". It had heavy swirling and even actual scratches visible to the naked eye, as if the original owner used a coarse towel to wash or dry:
And here's the finish after:
1. Use of clay bar all over the car. Claying pulled off a great deal of red, oxidized residue - looks like the last owner did not properly wax the car to me.
2. Use of Prima Swirl on a fine white pad using a Porter Cable random orbital polisher. Nothing fancy - just the basics as outined in OctaneGuy's DVD.
3. 2 coats of Prima Epic synthetic wax.
As you can see, even on the badly swirled single stage red paint, a mirror gloss has been restored. If I put a clean microfiber detailing cloth on the paint, it will slide off - it's almost frictionless. I know from experience that using Prima Mystique car wash followed by Hydro, and a 2-3 times weekly spritz-down with Prima Slick detailing spray will keep the waxed surface looking great for several months.
Pics:
My '06 MINI in the reflection...
Garage roof...
Garage roof - other side
Reflection of wiper blades in bonnet...
Boot lid
Threaded Mode