OK so I have not had a chance to really give my car the detailing attention it deserves

My car has some swirl marks from dealers car wash

I want to do a full exterior detail job (Clean,polish,Wax Etc.)

so my question is what prima products would you recommend a newbie purchase and what order should I use them?

I went through the website but just want to see what real owners are using so I get right products.

My other option is to pay someone to detail my car(I just paid someone on my wife's car and was not thrilled with results) I enjoy the time I spend with my car so would rather not go this route.

thanks

 

I would send a PM to Octaneguy. He can set you up with what you need.

I personally like spending the time on the car myself as well. Gives you some pride in ownership and and least you know that corners aren't being cut.

 

re: Detailers
In the world of detailing, there are specialists and then there are production detailers. Most detailers are production detailers where their focus is on washing and waxing a car to add gloss back to the car and do it as quickly as possible.

When people are not "thrilled" by the work of a detailer, that usually means their expectations might not have been realistic to what the chosen detailer was capable of.

One type of specialist is the "paint correction detailer" or "paint polisher". These people charge more for their work because there is more time, skills,knowledge, and products used to get the desired results. But even within these detailers, there are many levels. At the lowest level are the body shop compounders who are a step above the production detailers but at the lowest rung of paint polishers mostly because they don't have the time or skill to properly finish paint, though they are very good at cutting it (removing and leveling paint quickly).

So back to my point..setting realistic expectations is key. If your paint has dealer swirl marks, the only way to get them out is through machine polishing. There are products with fillers that can minimize these defects and improve the look of the paint, but they are NOT the same as a fully machine polished finish.

However, in my work, there are multiple paint characteristics that define the look I strive for. Most people see reflectivity. Also most people can appreciate richness and depth. Purity is something that plagues most people..they have no idea what can be done, or if anything, and often when people find their paint all scratched up, and no detailer can fix it, they feel like it needs to go to the paint shop.

If you take your paint and can make it shinier, that makes the majority of people happier.

If you can make the metallic flakes "pop", and the color appear more contrasty than before, that also brings satisfaction.

Both of the characteristics can be met with products worked in by hand. Whether you use Prima Hydro, Banana Gloss, or Epic..these improve the finish..but it won't be swirl free, and that's true of any hand applied product. Set your expectations accordingly and you won't be disappointed.

I have a "Fresh Start" detailing kit that began with a customer on a $200 budget wanting the most for his money. We have since upgraded this kit with improved performing waffle weave towels. We can also custom tailor kits.

https://showcarsupplies.com/shopexd.asp?id=125

Richard

Thanks NJ!

 

Awesome!

Thanks for the advice

I will pick up one of those kits from you

So is machine polishing something a begineer should not try?

Do you sell those items as well?

 

Read up and maybe do a demo day at a detail shop(reputable one). I was a beginner at once, just takes time and practice and eventually it becomes second nature. I enjoy it soo much that i plan to open a local shop where i am once i save money this year.


PS: working for the man blows!

 

Oh no, machine polishing is something everyone should try for sure. There are different machines however. The easiest and most fool proof is the PC or dual action orbital polisher from Porter Cable and a few other manufacturers.

I made a 2.5hr DVD on how to polish paint using the PC and it's been a very popular DVD.

Here is our PC
https://showcarsupplies.com/shopexd.asp?id=115

And DVD
https://showcarsupplies.com/shopexd.asp?id=218&bc=no

Polishing paint with a PC is rewarding but it can be entirely ineffective if you don't use it properly. You can't do much damage with one however, and that's what makes it relatively safe.

I recommend the PC for finishing and maintaining paint. Even though I use more powerful buffers, I always finish with the PC.

Richard

 

It seems to me that if you noticed the swirls, they will bother you. They would (did) bother me! I would add a random orbit polisher, an orange and a black pad, and some Swirl to my order from Richard (Octane Guy). It made a world of difference on my car. I may be wrong (and if I am wrong, I'm sure many people will tell you!), but with a little care and common sense I really don't think you will hurt anything with a polisher and Swirl. Just keep it away from the black plastic trim (think wheel arches) and the edges of your clear bra, if you have one. In fact, you should get some Pre Wow for cleaning the wheel arches, just in case.

You didn't mention the color of your Mini or where you live. Richard might make some recommendations on which Prima products to use based on this information. For long term protection, I try to clay my car twice a year, and follow it with either Swirl or Finish, depending on how bad it has gotten. Then I put on a base of Amigo (my car is Lightning Blue), followed by a coat or 2 of Epic. On my wife's car (white), I skip the Amigo. For maintenance in between polishings, I use Hydro when I wash the car, and Banana Gloss at about 6 weeks. It is addictive, more satisfying, and less frustrating than golf. It also takes less time and money!

I know all this costs more money, but think of it as an investment. You will like the results so much and it is so easy to maintain, that you will find yourself doing it more often than you thought, just because it looks so good when you finish.

The enjoyment and results will be worth the money and effort!