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      04-16-2011, 08:48 PM   #1
Bruno28
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What products should I use?

Hello,

I have a E87 130i from 2006. Its black sapphire (metallic black). I have never polished or waxed since ownership, so I need some help, PLEASE!
When sunlight shines on the paint, I see these horrible swirls, they are not that horrible, but I want it to look like new again.

What are the steps I should follow and equipment to use?? (Clay, Wax, Sealant, Polish????)
What are some good/great products for giving it a great shine and depth in colour?

Remembering I don't want to spend too much, so no Swissvax.

Thanks in advance!

Last edited by Bruno28; 04-17-2011 at 06:04 AM..
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      04-16-2011, 09:37 PM   #2
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Bruno... you may need to use a fairly aggesive polish to get rid of swirls. Clay bar first, then polish, then wax. There are detailers here that will give you specific product names.
Good luck. Black is the worst to keep looking nice. And the best looking when clean.
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      04-16-2011, 09:50 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kja325ci View Post
Bruno... you may need to use a fairly aggesive polish to get rid of swirls. Clay bar first, then polish, then wax. There are detailers here that will give you specific product names.
Good luck. Black is the worst to keep looking nice. And the best looking when clean.
Thanks for that kja325ci.
I've been doing some research on how to clay on youtube.
That is true about black cars, i'm always washing it, like every week.

Another thing is that my car stays outside, so how long would I expect the wax to last before needing to redo it all over again?
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      04-16-2011, 09:56 PM   #4
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A good carnauba wax should last 3 to 4 months. You won't need to spend a lot of money on the wax. I have used mothers... P21s wax.. and just bought Midnight sun.
It has rained here the last few weekends so I have not had a chnace to use the midnight sun yet. Your car will look stunning when waxed.

Once you clay and get the swirls out you will only need to wax after that every 3 to 4 months.. The clay ... polish... wax procedure should only need to be done once a year.
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      04-16-2011, 10:00 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kja325ci View Post
A good carnauba wax should last 3 to 4 months. You won't need to spend a lot of money on the wax. I have used mothers... P21s wax.. and just bought Midnight sun.
It has rained here the last few weekends so I have not had a chnace to use the midnight sun yet. Your car will look stunning when waxed.
Yeah, I don't want to spend too much.
From your experience which one has given the best result in shine, durability and longevity?
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      04-16-2011, 10:07 PM   #6
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That's a tough question. Griots carnauba wax seemed to last at least 3 months. But, I am looking forward to using the Midnight sun wax I just bought. It was $50 so I am expecting great results. When I do it I will send you a pic via PM. if you like.
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      04-16-2011, 10:48 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kja325ci View Post
That's a tough question. Griots carnauba wax seemed to last at least 3 months. But, I am looking forward to using the Midnight sun wax I just bought. It was $50 so I am expecting great results. When I do it I will send you a pic via PM. if you like.
Ohkk, 3 months is ok, but do you use the whole thing (tube, tub) for each application?
What brand is this Midnight Sun Wax?

Thats would be great if you could send me some pictures, if its not too much take a before and after so I can see the results.
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      04-17-2011, 12:06 PM   #8
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If you want long lasting shine don't use a wax...go with a sealant. I have had good luck with Menzerna Power lock sealant. Goes on easy and lasts 6 months or more. You will need some swirl removal first...I use Meguires M105/M205.There is lots of helpful hints and tips and product info at detailed iamge and detailers domain.
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      04-17-2011, 02:00 PM   #9
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A paint sealant will last 6 months. Depends what you prefer to use. Some people prefer wax.
Lots of info here Bruno.. do a search you will find out all you need to know.
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      04-17-2011, 06:48 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kja325ci View Post
A paint sealant will last 6 months. Depends what you prefer to use. Some people prefer wax.
Lots of info here Bruno.. do a search you will find out all you need to know.
I've looked through many posts, but I just don't want to make any mistakes, thats why I'm looking which products you guys got the best results.
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      04-17-2011, 07:25 PM   #11
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If you want to use a paint sealant. I have only used one product so far and it worked very well. Griots "one step paint sealant".
I applied it in November, before the Winter and it lasted until April. Worked very well.
Have only used it through the Winter months, because I cannot wax at that time. Did the job I was hoping for.
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      04-17-2011, 07:31 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kja325ci View Post
If you want to use a paint sealant. I have only used one product so far and it worked very well. Griots "one step paint sealant".
I applied it in November, before the Winter and it lasted until April. Worked very well.
Have only used it through the Winter months, because I cannot wax at that time. Did the job I was hoping for.
Ohkk, cool. But to apply the sealant i will need the power tool right?

SO for now I have decided to:
1 Clay
2 Seal
3 Polish
4 Wax

are those steps correct?
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      04-17-2011, 07:38 PM   #13
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I do by hand.

1. Clay
2. Polish
3. Seal

No wax needed if using a sealant. It replaces the wax.

I do the sealant over the Winter because I only wash the car during those months.
The sealant is made to last... longer than wax.

An oribital buffer would be a good investment. Makes the job quicker and easier. I just have not bought one yet.

Here is my car after using the one-step sealant. This is my Winter set-up
Attached Images
 

Last edited by PA135i; 04-17-2011 at 07:51 PM..
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      04-17-2011, 08:15 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kja325ci View Post
I do by hand.

1. Clay
2. Polish
3. Seal

No wax needed if using a sealant. It replaces the wax.

I do the sealant over the Winter because I only wash the car during those months.
The sealant is made to last... longer than wax.

An oribital buffer would be a good investment. Makes the job quicker and easier. I just have not bought one yet.
Ohk, so no wax needed with sealant?
I've been researching and some people say that the buffer can cause small scratches and give off more swirls later as the seal is removed, so I might do it by hand.
How long does it take to completely seal your car?

By the way, you car looks sexy, I like the wheel and colour combination!!!
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      04-17-2011, 08:17 PM   #15
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Check this out

http://www.detailedimage.com/Auto-Detailing-Guide/
__________________
2012 Alpine White 135i | DCT | Dinan Stage 3 | ER Charge Pipe | P3 Cars Boost Gauge | Performance Suspension | Terracotta Leather | M Sport Pkg | Premium Pkg | Heated Seats | Comfort Access |
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      04-17-2011, 08:18 PM   #16
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One hour to apply the sealant to my 135i. Griots one-step sealant is easy on and off. Most sealants are, I suspect. Thx for the compliment and good luck.
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      04-17-2011, 08:22 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kgaler View Post
Thanks for that kgaler, very good site to help me on the how to's!!!
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      04-17-2011, 08:24 PM   #18
Bruno28
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kja325ci View Post
Maybe an hour to apply the sealant to my 135i. Griots one-step sealant is easy on and off. Most sealants are, I suspect. Thx for the compliment and good luck.
Thats fairly quick! I see people that take like 9 hours to do a car.
So wax is out and sealant definitely in!
When I get it done i will post some pictures of results!
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      04-17-2011, 08:28 PM   #19
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One hour to apply the sealant only.
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      04-17-2011, 08:36 PM   #20
Bruno28
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kja325ci View Post
One hour to apply the sealant only.
Yeah, so i'm thinking 2 hr for clay, polish 1.5hr and sealant another 1.5hr, should be good.

Now that I think of it, I might as well need a nice leather cleaner/conditioner.
But nothing that makes the rubber noise when wearing jeans on the seats!!!!
ANy good options?

Last edited by Bruno28; 04-17-2011 at 11:42 PM..
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      04-18-2011, 09:15 AM   #21
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Looks like your getting good info. I just wanted to add I just used Blackfire Wet Diamond for the first time. Awesome is all I have to say. It to is a seal and it took me about an hour to do the entire car. I didn't put a pix here because I posted them already in the europe section if you want a look.
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      04-19-2011, 02:23 AM   #22
Bruno28
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FDM68 View Post
Looks like your getting good info. I just wanted to add I just used Blackfire Wet Diamond for the first time. Awesome is all I have to say. It to is a seal and it took me about an hour to do the entire car. I didn't put a pix here because I posted them already in the europe section if you want a look.
Yeah, I've heard only positive things about the Blackfire Wet Diamond, how long did it last you??
i'll have a look at your pictures.
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