M21 question: I am assuming it is best to apply it right after a complete detailing session. (clean, eash, wax, M21). I waxed with NXT about a month ago and have been upkeeping the finish by Speed Detailing. Now I think Minerva looks great (quite shiny) and water is beading well. Can I put M21 on top of my current finish or is that a stupid idea? I was hoping to get a coat on before we get the winter weather (the salt I mainly want to protect from) Also I got the 8oz sample of it (no product information), does it it need to 'set' for a certain period of time. Is there a temp range it needs to be used in? (I sadly only have parking space and it is supposed to be pretty warm the next few days) Thanks!

 

If your paint is already clean and looks great with NXT Tech Wax, then I would just put M21 right over that. In fact, that's how I did my first application of it on my MINI. As long as the paint didn't need any claying--was already smooth as glass, and was clean--even Speed Detailed first--- then using M21 was fine. I know lots of people who feel that M21 offers more protection for the winter months over NXT--though I haven't verified that myself.

As far as application--make sure the paint is cool to the touch--you don't ever want to apply wax if the paint is hot. Most people advise not to apply wax in direct sunlight, but the caveat IMO is if the paint is light colored (pepper white/silver) and it's cool to the touch--then it's ok.

It will take about 15 minutes for it to completely dry. You will know because when you wipe it off--the microfiber towel just glides off. If there's friction it needs to dry longer.

Also a small amount goes a long way. I usually put about a pea sized amount on a foam applicator and rub that in. Usually enough for most of the bonnet!

Richard

 

M21 rawks!!! Minerv looks so good. I dont know why, but I swear she looks closer to jet black and Astro black. The color is less metallic and a richer, deeper black. Too easy to apply and take off!

 

I detailed this week old MINI on Sunday--actually held a small class teaching the new owner how to properly take care of it. Found some polish residue from the dealer in the cracks. Finish was mostly defect free.

Method:
Followed Meguiar's 5 Step Method
1. Wash with NXT Car Wash using 2 bucket method
2. Clay Bar (Removed above surface contaminants)
3. M80 with PC (Paint Clean/Polish)
4. NXT Tech Wax & M21 (Protection)
5. Dressed Trim, final detailing (Maintenance)

Result:
Finish was smooth as glass, numerous marks that looked like clear coat scratches turned out to be tape residue--assuming from when the MINI was covered. I used #39 Heavy Duty Vinyl Cleaner to remove some wax that still got on the trim--it removed it completely without much effort.

Final comments were it looked way better than the day they picked it up and were super pleased to learn to see how much they really didn't know about caring for their paint.



I liked this pic even though my hand was a bit shaky and blurred out the reflections.






This split screen turned out pretty well, however I still need to work on getting more consistent lighting. This was a 5 hour time difference here, and the sun was going down and the wind was picking up.

 

great write up octane guy!!

what product do u use for step 3? coz i onlyuse the polish (dont bother with paintclean)

 

Thanks! For the paint cleaning/polishing step I used M80 Speed Glaze. The only 2 polishes you might use on your MINI are M80 or M83. M83 is almost twice as aggressive. Both contain diminishing abrasives. The grit is at the microscopic level. Squeeze it in your hand and rub your fingers together, you won't feel any grit. Your skin is likely to be rougher!

Both of these are used with either a rotary buffer or a Dual Action Orbital Buffer aka (PC).

http://www.meguiars.com/?pro-cleaner...hs/Speed-Glaze


http://www.meguiars.com/?pro-cleaner...Cleaner-Polish


If you like to work by hand, you can still use a chemical paint cleaner like Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner:
http://www.meguiars.com/?auto-paint-...-Paint-Cleaner


Either one you choose should take your paint care up a notch.

Check out this finish on a C230 Kompressor that I inspected and did a test spot on today. Customer came to me because everyone told him it was a lost cause and needed to be repainted. After a little buffing with the rotary and PC using both M80 and M83, you can see the results on the left side of the line.



I couldn't have removed this many swirls without using a paint cleaner!



I topped the test spot with M21.

I will be returning Friday to buff out the rest of the car.

Richard