I'm trying to piece together a simple/effective solution based on Prima due to all the great feedback I've been seeing. The Non-OC thread has a lot of information in it and after reading through it I wanted to clarify my thoughts now that some new products are available:

Which soap should I use with Banana Gloss? Mystique or Hydro Wash? I'd like to go with the Banana Gloss as my primary wax layer. From what I've read it's kind of the best of both worlds - it reduces visibility of light swirls and reportedly holds up well. I read that Hydro Spray and Wax can be used over that on quick washes, but if that's not accurate I'll go with the Hydro Seal.

Proposed system:
Detailed wash:
-Wash with Mystique or Hydro Wash
-Claybar
-Wax with Banana Gloss (or Hydro Seal)

Quick Wash:
-Wash with Mystique or Hydro Wash
-Rinse and dry with Hydro Wax and Dry


Since I bought Midnight Black (in my infinite wisdom) I'd like to get the system right the first time. I've already got a few swirls here and there, which you simply can't avoid getting with black, so my thought is to do the least touching as possible so that there are less chances of swirls. I'll be using a foamer to apply the soap and letting it soak. Two buckets, etc.

Lastly, when the swirls get bad enough, would you reccamend that I call a pro to do a full detail, or is there a formular for removing swirls that can be properly done without a random polisher?

Thanks guys!

 

Also, I'd love to take my wife's Mazda in to get it fully detailed. We're in Vancouver, WA (Portland, OR) area and if anyone has any referrals they'd be appreciated!

 

My advice would be to learn how to detail on your wife's in need of a detail Mazda.

Prima makes good products, you won't go wrong with them. You need to use a 2 bucket method on your black MINI. Use extream care with that black paint.

http://www.autogeek.net/exterior.html

Don't use a blade to dry your black car.

 

Yeah I never use the blades to dry. I've got the two bucket system in place I just need good products to use with it. I'm hoping to get a power washer this year but until then I'll be using one of those hose foamers.

I've went through a touchless/brushless wash once - it was so dirty I couldn't take it - and luckily I didn't pick up any more swirling than i would have with the old mitt i have at home (also going to replace with a wool fist). The only weird spot is the rear-bumper clear film is pretty swirled. Not sure if that can be smoothed out or not. The rest of the clear bra (installed by Mini) is perfect still.

 

Midnight black is a great color but it is hard to keep up with. I'd suggest getting a grit guard for the wash buckets to ensure that when you dunk your mitt into the water, you're not picking up any of the crud.

Hydro seal needs to be used with hydro wash, so keep that in mind when you purchase a wash. Mystique won't work with it, but if you're not using hydro seal, then mystique is fine. Hydro is great in between full waxing because it gives off a lot of shine, but you'd be surprised how easy banana gloss is to use so you might want to try it before you even order the hydro.

 

Thanks for the reply! I was primarily going to order the Hydro wax spray just as sort of a "No time to spare" backup. I'm ...... rather lazy on my weekends....

So I'll grab the Hydro Wash and Spray, and Banana Gloss then. I'm still debating on whether I want to try to deswirl my wife's car. It's that velocity red that mazda uses once in a while and it could really stand to have a pro bring it back to life before I fart around with it

 

Having a pro go over it or using a orbital polisher, you should be able to get rid of the swirls. You help some by using a polish applied by had, but it probably won't get rid of all of the swirls. Not sure where you are located, but if you're near north jersey, you're welcome to use mine on your car and see what you can accomplish.

 

I got nuttin'...I called around to see if anyone in the Vancouver/PDX Metro Area would do a simple Hand Wash...not without an appointment and it was only done as part of other detailing services. I know of a decent place in the PHX Metro Area if you want to take a drive!!

Reviews for Shine-no-Time are not that great, I had used them once on my 1996 Chevy pickup, I can't remember what happened but I was not happy!!

If you do find somebody let me know, like I said all I wanted was someone to wash both my MINI and my Husbands Soul.

I even commented to my Husband that we should open one up, I have no clue why in the PNW noone offers this service??

 

Ah sorry I missed the post where you mention you are located in the Vancouver. Rj kimball might be in the right track...time to open up your own shop!

You may not want to spend the time on this, but if you invest the $200 or so on a porter cable/griots polisher, you will be able to detail both cars for half the price of what someone else will charge you to do it. If you feel like its in bad enough shape that you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself, that's understandable.

You may want to go to the regional forums and ask there if someone has a detailer they like. I tend to see more replies there for regional detailing/car wash questions than on the detailing section.

 

I appreciate the offer for the loan of your polisher, but like you saw, it'd be a bit of a drive Probably a fun one, though.

The main issue with my wife's car is that it's got 5 years of going through the car wash "built up" on the paint. It still looks great, the car wash we go to (Kaady Car Wash) is very gentle, but it still has built up the swirls. Now that I've invested in some good product I'd like to put her car back to square one rather then spend a lot of time trying to get it done myself. It's probably a good idea to do what was suggested and practice on one of her panels, though