Brun

I've just signed my life away on a brand new Lotus Elise S . As i don't want it to go the same way as my Scoob due to neglect, i want to throw maybe £100 at some products which will keep it looking good
I've had a look around the car care section and i guess i need everything from the washing side through to buffing, starting with two buckets
My budget is flexible to a degree. The car i have is identicle to this one (pic borrowed from another post )

alpha charlie

Nice one matey, Elise was on my short list before buying the STI.

If youre not already join Detailing World and have a read up on there, you will be able to see what other Lotus owners recommend to use and what not to use.

Looking forward to the pics
AC

Brun

alpha charlie

No worries matey, see you there soon

Be carefull though as its cost me a bomb over the past year!!

AC

Brun

Just spotted a post on there about someone signing up to a quarterly care programme. Do many of the detailers out there do this? Sounds like my kind of thing if the price is right

Rich @ PB

iTrader: (3)

Most well established companies offer maintenance contracts; they are a good way of securing cashflow, whilst at the same time offering discounted rates for repeat custom. Works well for us! Now, onto the Elise; are you after a wet & glossy finish (as above), or a sharper, more reflective look, with less wetness but more flake pop when the sun is out? Let me know and I'll write out a suggested care routine for it.

Brun

Tough question. I can't really tell the difference to be honest. As long as it looks clean and shiney i'll be happy. Which ever is the easiest to attain and maintain will be my top choice

Rich @ PB

iTrader: (3)

Ok dokey, if ease of use is the priority, then this is the routine I would follow...

Wash (ideally every week)

Basic Wash Kit £34.85 - Basic Wash Kit

Clay (once or twice a year, spring and autumn are the best times)

Meguiars Quik Clay £11.95 - Meguiars Quik Clay

Polish (after claying, thus done once or twice a year)

Blackfire Gloss Enhancing Polish, applied using the white side of a German Applicator Pad, and buffed off using Deluxe Mega Towels

Blackfire Gloss Enhancing Polish £13.95 - Blackfire Gloss Enhancing Polish
German Applicator Pad £2.95 - Ultimate German Applicator Pad
Deluxe Mega Towel £3.95 - Poorboy's Deluxe Mega Towel

Protect (apply a fresh coat every 4-6 weeks)

Blackfire Wet Diamond All Finish Paint Protection £21.95 - Blackfire Wet Diamond All Finish Paint Protection

This product gives a great wet shine on mid tone metallics, and is very easy to put on and take off (apply using the red side of a German Applicator Pad, buff off using Deluxe Mega Towels). There are products we do that give slightly better results on metallic greys (more flake pop) but they are a bit harder to work with, and thus need more effort. If you want to take the look of the car further, you could optionally finish with Blackfire's Ivory Carnauba Paste Wax, which is very easy to use, and which will give even more wetness and gloss. However, because of the high carnauba content, it is pricey, and thus optional...

Blackfire Wet Diamond Ivory Carnauba Wax £39.95 - Blackfire Wet Diamond Ivory Carnauba Paste Wax

Wheels (wash weekly, protect every 4-6 weeks)

Basic Wheel Kit (gives you two protectants and a tyre dressing) £44.45 - Basic Wheel Kit

Hope that helps and provides some food for thought, if you have any more questions please fire away, I'm always happy to help.

Brun

Fantastic reply, thankyou very much
Expect an order very soon