I've learned a lot from the detailing contributions of OctaneGuy and others, and got a chance to apply some tactics over the weekend.

a) I'd ordered some Prima products from ShowCarDetailing, including a bottle of Hydro. With the drought we're having here, I haven't needed to wash my MINI, and so hadn't had it wet to try out the apply-Hydro-then-dry process after the car wash rinse. Reading the bottle: it can be applied dry, just mist on and wipe down. And that's what I did. Shake well, mist on, dry off with some quality microfiber, and it is SHINY! I was amazed that it was so simple to use, and produced such great results. Applying it, it seems too runny to do anything significant, sorta like a detailing spray. But it's really astounding how much my shine improved just from a quick, 10-minute application.

b) Non-MINI related: I also got good results with Amigo and Epic on my wife's Z06. The previous owner had put a zillion light scratches on the decklid and endcap, presumably from setting things on the finish. We'd clayed, polished, and waxed a couple of weeks ago for a car show, but in the bright daylight of the show I could see the decklid needed more work. I went after it again with a Nanoscrub pad, then Swirl and Amigo, followed by Epic. It's now MUCH better, 99% fixed, and looks perfect up to about 3" and at an angle, where a handful of fairly deep (but now smoothed) clearcoat scratches remain. I may try some carnauba wax for these and just let that fill them in.

 

Congrats!!! Glad you found success with the Prima products. This is only the beginning. Keep playing and experimenting! I like using Hydro dry as well.

Richard