After the first 'real' winter since we've owned my mini, I'm about to try polishing again. It's a 2005 BRG MCSC. I tried buffing it out with some swirl and a white pad a couple of years ago. Paint was pretty good at the time but didn't see much improvement. Think it was mostly my technique and the fact I was injured and on a LOT of DRUGS at the time.

So, any tips as I go about it again? I've got a Porter Cable DA and the entire Prima line. I was thinking about starting out with Swirl and an orange pad this time as it is moderately swirled. Thoughts please

 

Remove the existing wax.

Give it a good claying.

Then, yes, start with Swirl on the orange pad.

Once you remove the swirls (check it under direct light), then go to Amigo on a white pad.

Put on a coat of Epic. Let it cure for at least 24 hours. Put on another coat.

Let that cure for another 24 hours and put on a coat of Banana Gloss. Dark colors LOVE Banana Gloss.

Your MINI will be the envy of all who are lucky enough to get a look at it.

 

Whoa! Wait just a minute... aren't you going to be trying the ONR/Optimum No Rinse stuff soon?

Personally, I would not spend hours polishing out your paint before experimenting with something new that may create scratches. If the ONR/Optimum No Rinse stuff causes any paint issues, you should be able to just polish them out but you don't want to do 2 big polishing projects unnecessarily in a short period of time, IMO.

AFTER trying the ONR/Optimum No Rinse then I would follow the outline ChiliPepJet (aka CR&PW&JB) provided you. I probably wouldn't bother removing the old wax though... just because you'll be doing such a thorough abrasive polishing anyway. The clay will likely remove at least some of any existing wax too. Your call, but I wouldn't. You'll already have a very full day ahead of you to do your clay and polishing work.

Some reminders/tips as you polish:

With Swirl and the orange pad- remember to spend at least several minutes per small (~4'x4') section before stopping to take a look at your progress. (I almost always use a timer) When in doubt, work it longer! I can't tell you how many times I've been tempted to bump it up to a more aggressive pad and/or polish when all it took was a few more minutes per section instead. MUCH more efficient and effective this way.

Finally, remember to resist the urge to add pressure or weight to the polisher as you work. The weight of the machine itself is all you want or you risk bogging it down (which stops it from oscillating and doing the bulk of its work).

Have fun!

-Heather

PS- Thanks for the opportunity to use a bunch of smilies that I don't usually get to use! This hot weather in Denver is getting me silly in the head!

 

I bought your PS21 wash for nothing, Heather ??

Oh well, I don't spend a lot of time stripping the wax. In fact, the time it takes me to wash iwth PS21 is about the same amt of time it takes to do a normal wash.

Nice to have you back here on NAM, Heather. Your words of wisdom are always appreciated.

 

Yeah, I did get the ONR stuff and am still just a little nervous about it. That's why I'll probably try it on the wife's car first Also plan to use it on a basically clean car at least at first.

One question, when you say you use a timer for each section, how much time do you put on it?

 

Depends on the condition of your paint and even which color paint you have... some are softer than others.

Test one 4 x 4 foot section first. Check it after about two or three minutes. If it needs more time, give it another minute. Once you know how much time is needed, set your timer for each subsequent section.

 

I must be getting old and slow, just A FULL DAY

Yup do what they are saying, and your BRG will sparkle







Mark

 

Lovin' that deep reflection, Mark.

Process has been working for me for over two years now. Although Banana Gloss has improved the deepness of the shine since I got my hands on it about 8 months ago.











Those last two shots were taken after an application of Banana Gloss.

 

Yikes, Note to self: must wear sunglasses before viewing these post-detailing pix! WOW!

 

 

Last pic of Poco was last fall, after his 100k mile detail.

You have some pretty nice reflections yourself Mr. ChiliPepJet

Mark

 

No, no... of course you didn't buy that for nothing. It's an important step to strip your wax before doing non-abrasive work, i.e. prior to waxing. Don't worry... you should still use your P21S Total Auto Wash! It's just not necessary prior to abrasive polishing. Some people will do it anyway, but I don't think it's necessary.

Glad to be back!

-Heather

 

Exactly what I was going to say.

-Heather

 

I agree!

Nice work, ChiliPepJet & Lotsie!

...even if it does take you longer than a day, lotsie! I don't think it's because you're getting old though... it's just that you're an extreme stickler for every wee little detail!

-Heather

 

I tend to think of sections this way on a MINI.

1/4 of the roof is a section.
A bumper is a section.
1/2 the bonnet is a section.
Front quarter panel, leading edge of door is a section.
Rest of door, leading edge of rear quarter panel is a section.
Rear quarter panel is a section.
Boot, is oh so nice

I work 3-5 minutes on each section, depending on need. Except when I apply Epic with the PC, then it's a minute or two, moving fairly quickly.

Mark

 

Actually I think its a good idea to polish out the car or atleast the area he is testing out ONR. Make the paint swirl free, then use ONR and see if the swirls return. Maybe do a half/half somewhere so that you can have unpolished and polished section...use ONR over the whole thing and see how it affects both sides.

Richard

 

That's a great idea... I wasn't thinking about it that way! I agree- I would do a section for your ONR test site. Or, you mentioned you might try it on your wife's car first... you might want to setup a test site on her car too.

Just remember that different car paints have variations between them in terms of softness/hardness. So, what might not scratch your wife's car could still scratch your car, and vice versa.

Heather