MINI Cooper MINI Cooper specs
MINI Cooper MINI Cooper Forums MINI Cooper Pictures
Mark Forums Read MINI Cooper radio MINI Cooper latest news
 

Go Back   North American Motoring > MINIs in General > Detailing 101
Sign in using an external account
Register Forgot Password?

Welcome to North American Motoring !
Welcome to North American Motoring,

You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, at no cost, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!


» Latest Main Topics
Go to first new post New MCS owner!
by kablam
2 Replies, 71 Views
Go to first new post Hello to eveyone from...
2 Replies, 82 Views
Go to first new post OK we all own MINIs but...
by airmini
1,180 Replies, 58,641 Views
Advertisement

Reply
 
 
 
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
  #1  
Old 04-17-2009, 04:27 PM
HHFD633 HHFD633 is offline
4th Gear
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Coventry, RI
Posts: 489
Gallery
Recommended polishes from Chili Red owners

Ok fellow CR owners what polishes are you using. I am currently using Meguiers polish but thinking of using there M80 polish. What yall think.
__________________

06' MCS CR/W, SPORT PKG, MOONROOF, 17" S-lites
17% Alta Classic, Gatorback, TSW Engine Damper, Dinan CAI w/K & N, Aero front Bumper, Aero Grills
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 04-17-2009, 07:11 PM
jimmieshear's Avatar
jimmieshear jimmieshear is offline
3rd Gear
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Cupertino, CA
Posts: 211
Gallery
I use Scratch X on my 2007 Chili Red MCS. It's the only thing I've used that works on the invisible shield protection on the hood. Other stuff (including plastic polish) hazes up.

For everything else I use Swirl.
__________________
http://homepage.mac.com/rhill/images/MiniSig09.png
Click my signature to view my spec
My 2009 JCW Gallery
My 2007 MCS Gallery
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 04-17-2009, 07:22 PM
CR&PW&JB CR&PW&JB is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Eldersburg, Maryland
Posts: 9,606
Gallery
Quote:
Originally Posted by jimmieshear View Post
I use Scratch X on my 2007 Chili Red MCS. It's the only thing I've used that works on the invisible shield protection on the hood. Other stuff (including plastic polish) hazes up.

For everything else I use Swirl.
Are you polishing by hand ?

Time to get a PC Buffer and use polish that is not so abrasive like Scratch-X. That stuff is good for spot-use on tough spots like bird crap.

If you want a good protection for your paint while getting a deep, reflective shine.... Prima Swirl, Prima Amigo, two layers of Epic, let it cure at least one day between layers, let it cure another day, and top it off with Prima Banana Gloss.

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet.



And here's another shot... except this is a pic of the door of my Jet Black MINI, the CR Cooper is a reflection. Also use the same products on the Jet Black MINI.

__________________
http://www.mini2.com/galleries/data/500/CR_PW007.jpg
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 04-17-2009, 07:39 PM
-=gRay rAvEn=-'s Avatar
-=gRay rAvEn=- -=gRay rAvEn=- is offline
Modder-ator
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: SoCo
Posts: 3,264
Gallery
Garage
Quote:
Originally Posted by HHFD633 View Post
Ok fellow CR owners what polishes are you using. I am currently using Meguiers polish but thinking of using there M80 polish. What yall think.
Meguires ?

I have been detailing cars for over 30 years and have tried them all. From California to Germany. Zaino by far is the BEST of them all.n It is like adding more layers of clear coat to the finish every time I use it.

Zaino.bmp

http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc

Even after driving in the rain, when I park the MINI in the garage, there are no water spots left on the surface.

No more heavy difficult buffing, waxing. One round with the clay bar, some Z5 swirl remover, wash with Z7, and spritz with Z6 and wipe down, that simple and easy. After that just continue with washing with Z7, dry surface and spritz with Z6 which has the consistency of water. After using this stuff, the cloth goes across my body decals like they are not even there. I highly reccomend this product for anyone with side, bonnet and boot decals as this product and application method does not turn up decal edges ect. Instead makes them more durable.
__________________

2003 R53 - DS - 135K + Miles
Parts of MINI NOT Modded ( A Shorter List ) Block/Head/HK Stereo.

Last edited by -=gRay rAvEn=-; 04-17-2009 at 07:50 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 04-17-2009, 08:06 PM
CR&PW&JB CR&PW&JB is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Eldersburg, Maryland
Posts: 9,606
Gallery
If this Zaino stuff is so good, where are the pics ??

Come on now, put your pics where your mouth is !





__________________
http://www.mini2.com/galleries/data/500/CR_PW007.jpg
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 04-17-2009, 08:24 PM
-=gRay rAvEn=-'s Avatar
-=gRay rAvEn=- -=gRay rAvEn=- is offline
Modder-ator
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: SoCo
Posts: 3,264
Gallery
Garage
Quote:
Originally Posted by CR&PW&JB View Post
If this Zaino stuff is so good, where are the pics ??

Come on now, put your pics where your mouth is !





Go to their web site, I will shoot some when I have a chance, in the meantime why not just go to their web site and paruse their gallery and testimonials.

Like I said, I have been detailing cars since 1979, this stuff rocks! And it is soooo easy even a cave man can do it.
__________________

2003 R53 - DS - 135K + Miles
Parts of MINI NOT Modded ( A Shorter List ) Block/Head/HK Stereo.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 04-17-2009, 08:41 PM
CR&PW&JB CR&PW&JB is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Eldersburg, Maryland
Posts: 9,606
Gallery
Go to their website ??

Who wants to see Ferraris and Lambos ? I want to see YOUR MINI.

And no, I don't want any GEICO ads, either.
__________________
http://www.mini2.com/galleries/data/500/CR_PW007.jpg
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 04-17-2009, 08:44 PM
CR&PW&JB CR&PW&JB is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Eldersburg, Maryland
Posts: 9,606
Gallery
Here, I'll save you the trouble.




Nice MINI... not sure if you used Zaino products on it just before this pic. It looks clean, but hard to get DS to be reflective and show a deep shine. Maybe someone else can post pics of a CR with Zaino.

Ps. Still have the stripes on the boot or did you go ahead and take them off ?
__________________
http://www.mini2.com/galleries/data/500/CR_PW007.jpg
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 04-18-2009, 01:59 PM
jimmieshear's Avatar
jimmieshear jimmieshear is offline
3rd Gear
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Cupertino, CA
Posts: 211
Gallery
Scatch -X isn't very abrasive, it breaks down with use, it's a great overall hand and PC polish. I use Swirl in other places and I think it's a great product. Yes, I do have a PC and use it all the time.
__________________
http://homepage.mac.com/rhill/images/MiniSig09.png
Click my signature to view my spec
My 2009 JCW Gallery
My 2007 MCS Gallery
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 04-18-2009, 02:47 PM
HHFD633 HHFD633 is offline
4th Gear
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Coventry, RI
Posts: 489
Gallery
q
__________________

06' MCS CR/W, SPORT PKG, MOONROOF, 17" S-lites
17% Alta Classic, Gatorback, TSW Engine Damper, Dinan CAI w/K & N, Aero front Bumper, Aero Grills
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 04-18-2009, 02:51 PM
HHFD633 HHFD633 is offline
4th Gear
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Coventry, RI
Posts: 489
Gallery
I use a pc. As i stated above i have been using the same meguiers polish for years and have changed looking for something a tad bit more abrasive for scratches here and there. Zaino out i dont like it. Thinking of another meguiers product or prima or griots.
__________________

06' MCS CR/W, SPORT PKG, MOONROOF, 17" S-lites
17% Alta Classic, Gatorback, TSW Engine Damper, Dinan CAI w/K & N, Aero front Bumper, Aero Grills
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 04-18-2009, 04:56 PM
lotsie lotsie is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 15,383
Gallery
Some pics of a CR I did with Zaino a couple of years ago.






This MINI was about 4 years old when I did this work on it, and had never been waxed.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 04-18-2009, 05:03 PM
lotsie lotsie is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 15,383
Gallery
Quote:
Originally Posted by jimmieshear View Post
Scatch -X isn't very abrasive, it breaks down with use, it's a great overall hand and PC polish. I use Swirl in other places and I think it's a great product. Yes, I do have a PC and use it all the time.
Explain "breaks down with use". I thought polishes were supposed to break down, or become less abrasive as they were worked.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 04-18-2009, 05:19 PM
jimmieshear's Avatar
jimmieshear jimmieshear is offline
3rd Gear
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Cupertino, CA
Posts: 211
Gallery
Quote:
I thought polishes were supposed to break down, or become less abrasive as they were worked.
You answered your own question.
__________________
http://homepage.mac.com/rhill/images/MiniSig09.png
Click my signature to view my spec
My 2009 JCW Gallery
My 2007 MCS Gallery
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 04-18-2009, 05:21 PM
CR&PW&JB CR&PW&JB is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Eldersburg, Maryland
Posts: 9,606
Gallery
Hey, Mark... since you've worked with both Zaino and Prima products, do you have a preference, and why ?

And to the Scratch-X user... you use that with your PC Buffer ? Never heard of anyone doing that.
__________________
http://www.mini2.com/galleries/data/500/CR_PW007.jpg
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 04-18-2009, 06:57 PM
lotsie lotsie is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 15,383
Gallery
I find the Prima line of products to be more complete, and less complicated to understand. That said the end results are more or less the same, and the durability is the same. The main difference for me is the customer support that Detailers Paradise offers both one on one, and here to the membership of this forum.

jimmieshear, this is a forum about helping each other, so it tends to be more helpful to explain a statement, rather than just make one without explaining what your talking about. I don't need an explanation on how/why polishes work, but others may.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 04-18-2009, 07:04 PM
HHFD633 HHFD633 is offline
4th Gear
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Coventry, RI
Posts: 489
Gallery
Ok so if i want a mild polish in the prima line which do i want to try?
__________________

06' MCS CR/W, SPORT PKG, MOONROOF, 17" S-lites
17% Alta Classic, Gatorback, TSW Engine Damper, Dinan CAI w/K & N, Aero front Bumper, Aero Grills
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 04-18-2009, 07:12 PM
CR&PW&JB CR&PW&JB is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Eldersburg, Maryland
Posts: 9,606
Gallery
Quote:
Originally Posted by HHFD633 View Post
Ok so if i want a mild polish in the prima line which do i want to try?
I always start with Swirl. It's not as abrasive as their Cut polish but more abrasive than the Finish or Amigo.

Now, if you have paint that has very minor swirl marks or scratches, maybe you can get away with skipping the Swirl and using the Finish.

If you use Swirl, go to Amigo afterwards.
__________________
http://www.mini2.com/galleries/data/500/CR_PW007.jpg
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 04-18-2009, 07:59 PM
jimmieshear's Avatar
jimmieshear jimmieshear is offline
3rd Gear
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Cupertino, CA
Posts: 211
Gallery
Quote:
Originally Posted by lotsie View Post
jimmieshear, this is a forum about helping each other, so it tends to be more helpful to explain a statement, rather than just make one without explaining what your talking about. I don't need an explanation on how/why polishes work, but others may.
I don't know what you mean by explain my statement. There's been some rather odd focus on why I use Scratch X. So I guess if that's the question, even though it hasn't been asked, I'll explain. Oh one other thing so there's not "More" confusion, I don't endorse this stuff, in fact I prefer Prima's great products. I use Swirl and Amigo followed up by Epic, with regular washing followed by hydro.

I use it on my invisible bra on the car. I have a full hood wrap that doesn't take kindly to most of the polishes I use. Scratch-X appears to be the only thing in my garage that doesn't add a weird haze to the finish. I've used Swirl before, but had to finish up with Scratch-X (by hand) to remove the odd haze from the finish.

As far as the info on "Scratch-X" that came from a DVD I got my hands on. I think it was from Car Care Garage or something like that. The guy had some great tips on how to hand polish (using Scratch-X) and how to polish using the PC. There's numerous web-sites that have similar information regarding Scratch-X and it's "diminishing abrasive breakdown". If that's the info you're looking for.
__________________
http://homepage.mac.com/rhill/images/MiniSig09.png
Click my signature to view my spec
My 2009 JCW Gallery
My 2007 MCS Gallery
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 04-18-2009, 08:03 PM
CR&PW&JB CR&PW&JB is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Eldersburg, Maryland
Posts: 9,606
Gallery
I've never had a problem with hazing from using any of the Prima products, and that includes using it on my clear bra.

Which film do you have on your MINI ? I have the 3M brand.
__________________
http://www.mini2.com/galleries/data/500/CR_PW007.jpg
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 04-18-2009, 08:07 PM
jimmieshear's Avatar
jimmieshear jimmieshear is offline
3rd Gear
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Cupertino, CA
Posts: 211
Gallery
Venture shield, from a guy around the area who does fantastic work. I'm glad Swirl works for ya It doesn't on my clear bra.
__________________
http://homepage.mac.com/rhill/images/MiniSig09.png
Click my signature to view my spec
My 2009 JCW Gallery
My 2007 MCS Gallery
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 04-18-2009, 08:12 PM
iwashmycar's Avatar
iwashmycar iwashmycar is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Posts: 2,633
Send a message via AIM to iwashmycar
Gallery
My last car was red, and for a simple wax job inbetween really polishing it, I used the colored Turtle Wax... They make a red wax and its great. Really adds depth to the color.. I've used the blue on my first car, which was light blue and the black was amazing on my black mustang... kept the white haze off of it that you always get with normal wax... also if it gets in any little rock chips it doesnt turn white
__________________
-Adam. 09' MCS - SOLD 5/2011
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 04-18-2009, 10:24 PM
MiniMaybee MiniMaybee is offline
Former President MINI5280
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Centennial, CO
Posts: 6,041
Gallery
Not all polishes breakdown with use, only diminishing abrasives will. Rubbing compounds will not breakdown and are therefore more aggressive. Scratch-X, Z-PC and Prima Finish, Swirl and Cut all use diminishing abrasives.
I use Prima Swirl now but started out with Z-PC. For me Swirl works better, it is more predictable, has more range and works well with the different pads with minimal splatter and no clumping. Z-PC was less aggressive and took longer to effect the changes I was looking for plus splatter was an issue due to its rather thin consistency. I would put Scratch-X in the same abrasive category as Z-PC although it is thicker. BTW Scratch-X has been reformulated to work with rotary tools (really the only change is they made it a bit thinner). I've used Scratch-X with a PCDA but pad clumping was a huge issue. Still I use it for spot applications.
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 04-18-2009, 11:41 PM
OctaneGuy's Avatar
OctaneGuy OctaneGuy is offline
Vendor & Moderator :: MINI Camera and Video & c3 club forum
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Anaheim, CA
Posts: 8,794
Send a message via AIM to OctaneGuy Send a message via Yahoo to OctaneGuy Send a message via Skype™ to OctaneGuy
Gallery
Garage
Sounds like you got my DVD...How to use the PC for Show Car Results. It was made by the joint venture company I had back then called Show Car Garage..which became Show Car Detailing after Mike, the host on the video, stayed with Meguiar's.


http://www.showcarsupplies.com/shopexd.asp?id=62&bc=no

And once and for all, this is a DETAILING FORUM. Please learn to spell names (not aimed at any one person). It's MEGUIAR's. Not Macguires or anything else. I know it's difficult to remember, but is IS important.

In fact it's VERY important because I love it when I read someone that says they use or have used Meguiar's polishes for years. I have to ask..which polish was that? None of their consumer polishes were formulated for machine use until a few years ago when ScratchX was changed. Prior to that...the Deep Crystal polishes were hand applied paint cleaners.

If you're considering to use M80...I say forget it. Either go to M205 or Prima Swirl..both are superior to the M80/M83 products.

I prefer Swirl over M205...but everyone has their preferences.

As for the comment about Zaino...it's good stuff to make paint very slippery and very mirror like...but it's just not that great for making paint look it's best..unless you think black paint is supposed to look look white because it's so reflective.

Richard


Quote:
Originally Posted by jimmieshear View Post
I don't know what you mean by explain my statement. There's been some rather odd focus on why I use Scratch X. So I guess if that's the question, even though it hasn't been asked, I'll explain. Oh one other thing so there's not "More" confusion, I don't endorse this stuff, in fact I prefer Prima's great products. I use Swirl and Amigo followed up by Epic, with regular washing followed by hydro.

I use it on my invisible bra on the car. I have a full hood wrap that doesn't take kindly to most of the polishes I use. Scratch-X appears to be the only thing in my garage that doesn't add a weird haze to the finish. I've used Swirl before, but had to finish up with Scratch-X (by hand) to remove the odd haze from the finish.

As far as the info on "Scratch-X" that came from a DVD I got my hands on. I think it was from Car Care Garage or something like that. The guy had some great tips on how to hand polish (using Scratch-X) and how to polish using the PC. There's numerous web-sites that have similar information regarding Scratch-X and it's "diminishing abrasive breakdown". If that's the info you're looking for.
__________________
5548 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, CA 92807 866 707 9292
Looking for Prima?? Buy Prima at ShowCarSupplies.com
11% off everyday discount code: MINI11NAM
2010 Midnight Black MCCSa
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 04-19-2009, 01:09 AM
ma78's Avatar
ma78 ma78 is offline
Coordinator :: Super Secret Orange County MINI Cooper Club
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Mission Viejo, CA
Posts: 814
Gallery
I don't know any professional detailers who regularly stock the Prima line. It's just not that great. I know I'm going to get pelted for saying that here, but it is what it is. I suppose it's nice for an OTC line, but I think Meguiar's offers a higher quality line-up. Especially their new NXT stuff. A rep dropped some off some NXT Tech Wax 2.0 for me and I was pretty impressed.
As far as the Zaino discussion goes, I think it's a great product. But I rarely use it as a stand alone or LSP.
For example:

With this car, I used three layers of Z-2 pro and then topped it off with a coat of Swissvax Concorso (51% Carnauba). I don't think it looks like a mirror, but the reflection balances nicely with the depth.

There, hope everything is spelled right.
__________________
http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/image.php?type=sigpic&userid=28721&dateline=116095  4228
Reply With Quote
Old 04-19-2009, 01:09 AM
 
 
 
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off

Forum Jump


MINI CooperMINI Cooper PrivacyMINI Cooper Terms of UseMINI Cooper Guidelines MINI Cooper Advertising The North American MINI Cooper Community
  MINI Cooper news, forums, FAQs, and reviews for enthusiasts and owners of the North American MINI Cooper
All times are GMT -7. The time now is 05:57 AM.
 Copyright © 2002-2008 North American Motoring. All Rights Reserved.     Powered by vBulletin and vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.

All times are GMT -7. The time now is 05:57 AM.


Powered by vBulletin and vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.
North American Motoring is an independently operated web site supporting MINI owners and enthusiastsworldwide. As such it has no official relationship with MINI USA, BMW AG, or BMW of North America.All original artwork and design is Copyright © 2002-2004 North American Motoring.
Admin Account Passwords

Search Engine Friendly URLs by vBSEO 3.5.2