OK, I jumped into the DP bandwagon and let me say, this area of the site has been a wealth of information and so was Heather. I was a sponge, dawn, cotton bath towel, windex guy before.

I'm still learning as I go, but what's the best way to learn; to dive in.

So, I did the following yesterday starting at 3pm and finished about 6pm.

1. (Wash) Mystique
2. Clay
3. Amigo
4. Epic (wax)
5. Nero on the interior and clarity on the windows.

It took a good three hours but i'm very happy with the results. After washing the car felt smooth to the touch but when I did the plastic bag test, was like running my hand over fine grit sandpaper.

Amigo was easy to apply and take off. Epic, I waited a good 45 minutes due to the temp before I buffed off.

Oh thing about Nero, it has a slick feeling to it. OK to put on the seats (non leather)?, I wouldn't want my ash to slide foward.

A couple of quick before and afters....





Before




After....

 

Great work! The results really prove how much you can learn in a short period of time. Way to "dive right in"

I'm glad you noticed how the paint can feel smooth to the touch after you wash UNTIL you do the baggie test. It's amazing how a thin piece of plastic can really heighten your sensitivity.

As a newbie, I'm sure the 3 hour process wore on your stamina a little since you're used to a much faster process. So keep this in mind: The next exciting part of your newly found hobby is that you will find your car will stay looking beautiful much more easily! High quality products last much longer and make other tasks much easier (like your next wash, for example).

Thanks for posting and again, great work!

-Heather

 

Looks great.
Did you use a hand application? And how did you let your MINI get so yucky to begin with

That paragrah is very true! You will find your weekly washes will now go a lot quicker, and drying will be much quicker also. And wait til you really get into it, that 3 hour process will turn into a 6 hour process, then you turn into octaneguy, and it takes you 14 hours!

 

Yes, it is fine to put Nero on your non-leather seats and many MINI owners do this. If you end up with a little slickeriness (combo of slick and slippery ) then just give them a dry-buff wipe down a few minutes after you apply Nero. That should do the trick and it won't be slickery anymore.

Also, keep in mind that a little goes a long way. In general, if any surface is nice and cool to the touch, you will need less dressing/protectant. So use a minimal amount and use on cool surfaces. That'll help too.

-Heather

 

Ords- that looks great! but you need to put more intermediate pictures
like how it gradually got there, or some warnings in your post... you kinda
scared me a little going from a nasty nasty filty car to a beautiful show
car.

 

Alas, if that were always true....

This is going to be my new signature quote.

 

I knew it wasn't going to be a quick thing, so I just planned accordingly. I know areas that I need to work on and apply myself to improving over time. You were a great help and I can see what people are saying about Clarity!


Thanks and yes, it was a hand job... and not washing it for a couple of weeks. I know, I know, but I was time limited and yesterday presented it self, so I jumped on it.

This is the key, small is better.

Ken, I bow to the detailing gods, so remember this, it was my first my first attempt using specific detailing products. But I will try the next time.

Ahh, this is the statement of the year. Enough said.

 

ords, regardless, your car looks great.

 

Car looks great. I am sure you didnt take pictures because as Heather mentioned it wears on your stamina. I usually dont take pictures because I forget my camera.

 

The MINI looks great Ords. Now you just need to order some Hyrdo to use between waxings to keep her looking spiffy
OMG Ken you dropped the ball

 

He's fat and happy with his #0 status. Coasting.

 

She did say plastic...


Another question for Ords, do you have the JCW Sound Kit? Or did you badge it with JCW just for fun?

 

Nice job. I'm a noob and pretty much did the same last weekend but I have no before pictures and my after ones don't do much justice (pics in gallery)

 

Must be Now that we have successfully pushed for him to get top Hydrodog member status, he no longer feels the need to be out there hawking it to everyone

 

WOW 3 hours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was a skeptic as the same process on the exterior takes me about 9 and then another 6 for the interior, but I might have to goive this stuff a try if it works that well.

 

Oh no... what have I done?? That is so wrong!

I just relayed this to Nick and he laughed right out loud. Now he's shaking his head at me (and still laughing).

-Heather

 

I have Hyrdo awaiting it use!


Oh I have the SK plus a Head from John Cooper Motorsports.

I would suggest you give DP a try, as it was mentioned, it shouldn't take me as long the next time around.


See what a slip of the tongue will do....