krisclarkuk

iTrader: (1)

Im hoping others out there or the Polished Bliss guys can give some advice.

I currently use a selection of "off the shelf" products to polish and wax the car... nothing super expensive like some guys use.

Im also at the disadvantage that i have no power in my garage so i really need some products that i can use by hand.

Idealy i would like somethign that will remove light scratches and bring out the bright deep red colour before i wax and protect the car...

Any suggestions?

Rich @ PB

iTrader: (3)

Many people find it relatively easy to achieve a soft, warm, glossy finish on solid mid-tone colours like reds and yellows, and this can be explained as much by the characteristics of the paint as by the choice of last step product used. This is because the basecoat layer in such colour systems is usually twice as thick as in lighter and darker systems respectively, and also comprises light absorbing pigments that serve to minimise reflectivity and thus enhance colour intensity. It is possible to counter this effect to some extent by choosing a synthetic sealant instead of a natural carnauba wax as the last step product, and in many cases this will enhance reflectivity significantly, but unfortunately usually at the expense of colour intensity and gloss. In our opinion, it is better to work with the characteristics of the paint rather than against them, and for this reason we recommend using a natural carnauba wax as the last step product on solid mid-tone colours. This is because natural carnauba wax layers are microscopically rougher than smoother, denser, polymerised sealant coatings, and thus scatter a greater proportion of incoming light, meaning that reflections are afforded less clarity and depth, and that colour intensity is enhanced (a phenomenon commonly known as jetting). In real terms, this translates to the paint taking on a much softer, warmer, glossier appearance.

Out of the various natural carnauba waxes we stock, we favour the Werkstat Carnauba Kit for optimal results on solid mid-tone colours. This is because it delivers an incredible amount of jetting that makes solid mid-tone colours literally look like they are about to pop in front of you; no other product we have used makes such colours look as rich and intense. Further benefits afforded by the Werkstat Carnauba Kit include terrific ease of use, even in cold and damp conditions, and excellent durability, with a single application of the three component system typically lasting for around three months on a daily driver, although this can be extended almost indefinitely if regular quick detailing is undertaken. However, if you would prefer to use a paste wax as opposed to a spray wax, then Raceglaze Signature Series '55' is well worth considering. This high quality carnauba wax also delivers a high degree of jetting on solid mid-tone colours with even more outright gloss, and is also easy to use and highly durable. If your budget is too small to stretch to either the Werkstat Carnauba Kit or Raceglaze Signature Series '55', there is one further alternative option worth considering. The combination of Poorboys EX Sealant with Carnauba topped with multiple layers of Poorboys Natty's Paste Wax delivers a rich, warm finish with excellent gloss levels, and offers excellent value for money.

Given the above, here is the optimal routine and products we recommend for use on solid red paint (assuming all work is to be done by hand)...

Wash (ideally every week, including wheels)

Advanced Car Wash Kit - Advanced Car Wash Kit - Polished Bliss Car Care and Detailing Kits (choosing the Werkstat shampoo)

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

Step 1 - Autosmart Tardis & Accessories (to remove tar spots, tree sap, etc) - Autosmart Tardis - Autosmart Car Care and Detailing Products

Step 2 - Meguiars Quik Clay Kit (to remove industrial fallout, soot, etc) - Meguiars Quik Clay Kit - Meguiars Car Care and Detailing Products

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

To correct swirl marks and other light to moderate defects (fine scratches and oxidation) on your car, we recommend using Menzerna Intensive Polish in conjunction with Lake Country German CCS Light Cut Pads. Working small areas at a time using moderate pressure should enable you to correct around 95% of the defects present in just 1-2 attempts per panel. You should be aware from the outset that although this method will yield very good results, it will require a reasonable amount of elbow grease! Of course, if your paint is in excellent condition with no visible sub-surface defects, you can skip this step and go straight to the addition of the protection (see below)...

Menzerna Intensive Polish - Menzerna Intensive Polish - Menzerna Car Care and Detailing Products
Lake Country German CCS Light Cut Pads - Lake Country German CCS Pads - Lake Country Car Care and Detailing Products
Poorboys Super Thick & Plush Towels - Poorboys Super Thick & Plush Towel - Poorboys Car Care and Detailing Products

Protect (add fresh protection every 6-8 weeks for best results)

Werkstat Carnauba Kit - Werkstat Carnauba Kit - Werkstat Car Care and Detailing Products

This excellent value for money kit includes everything you need to achieve the Werkstat carnauba finish on your car, and works best on solid mid-tone colours like reds, yellows and blues. Werkstat Prime Carnauba is a light finishing polish that lays down a tough initial coat of carnauba-impregnated acrylic protection whilst deep cleansing the paint; you should use it once every six months after claying. Werkstat Carnauba Jett is a pure spray wax that should be used to add more gloss and protection every 6-8 weeks; the more layers you build up, the better the finish will get, in terms of both wetness and durability. Werkstat Carnauba Glos is a quick detailing spray and can be used to help boost gloss, lubricate when drying off after washing and loosen the residues of Werkstat Prime Carnauba and Werkstat Carnauba Jettshould you find them hard to remove. Here are full instructions for each major six-monthly detail with the products...

After washing and claying (and corrective polishing if required), start out by applying a basecoat of Werkstat Prime Carnauba using the white Meguiars Microfibre Applicator Pad. Once fully dry, buff off this residue carefully with the Poorboys Super Thick & Plush Towel, using a spritz of Werkstat Carnauba Glos to help loosen the residue if needs be. To complete the process, apply a coat of Werkstat Carnauba Jett by spraying directly onto each panel and buffing off immediately with the Poorboys Deluxe Mega Towels, again using a spritz of Werkstat Carnauba Glos to help loosen the residue if needs be. To maintain the finish, simply quick detail with Werkstat Carnauba Glos after each wash, and add a fresh coat of Werkstat Carnauba Jett every 6-8 weeks until the time comes to start over by claying again.

Here are some pictures showing the finish the above products/routine gives on red paint, in order to give you some idea in advance...