Hi everyone,

I just wanted to say "thank you" to everyone in this forum who've helped me (either actively by answering my questions, or passively by writing helpful threads). After getting my car, I was just going to continue doing what my parents have done - namely wash with normal shampoo & a grouters sponge. However, after reading the various articles on here, I decided to do it properly, and bought some Sonus Green Clay (thanks to Mr Baker), a wash mitt, microfibre applicator pads & cloths, and some Autoglym SRP/EGP/shampoo. The car looked pretty good to start with, although there were a fair few light scratches on it (to be expected really - it's 5), and the paint felt pretty smooth.

However, I was amazed at how much better the paint felt after I'd clayed it - it not only took off what I assume were two patches of over-spray (they felt a bit "dull" before), but also all the tar/bug/sap/brake dust spots on it (the area around the number plate on the boot was really dirty, apparently!). After going over it with Megs ScratchX 2.0 (localised) and AG SRP, almost all of the scratches came out - some of those that were left probably would have come out if I gave it a couple more goes with the SRP, but I was a bit nervous not to over-do it, and I also wanted to get it finished before the rapidly approaching bad weather hit (maybe I'll have another go in the spring). Three coats of AG EGP later, and it was looking quite nice ...

Reflections in the roof:

Boot badge & reflections:

Have to say I find the "beading" phenomenon quite funny to see (we had a little light rain during the night):

Not up to Mr Baker's standards, but I'm happy with it. Hopefully I will get some decent pictures of the whole car at some point before it gets dirty :eek: ...

Have to say that the "stone grey" paint is a funny beast - it looks blue in the morning, and grey at night! :confused:

Pictures not displaying

Doh - I forgot to set the access controls. Try now?

That's better!

Very nice mate!

Looks good, well done!

Thanks, guys

Great results there and nice to see someone taking the time to find out how much of a difference the right product and process can effect their own car..........

Well I have the same colour......but the state of my car , you would not believe it

But if someone wants to practice on my car.......:lol:

Sarah

Oooh , yes , sorry great job , well done

Sarah

Great results there and nice to see someone taking the time to find out how much of a difference the right product and process can effect their own car..........

Thanks - I figured it's a fairly big investment ('54 plate), so I really should try to take care of it.

Well I have the same colour......but the state of my car , you would not believe it

Hehe ... can't be worse than some of the cars around here - the typical "grey" Transit van :eek:

Nice result

Sorry if I've missed it, but what wax have you applied?

Steve

Good results there fella, makes the hard work worthwhile when you stand back and admire the finish:cool:

Sorry if I've missed it, but what wax have you applied?

Steve

No wax, EGP was the LSP according to the writeup:thumbup:

Thanks, Steve & Chris

@Steve - I didn't use a "true wax" - I used multiple coats of AG EGP sealant over a single application of AG SRP. No detailing sprays or anything else used at all (except AG Rapid Detailer to lubricate the clay, and AG Bodywork Conditioning Shampoo to wash it).

@Chris - Yeah, it did seem like a bit of a work up, but, as you say, worth it.

Thanks for the info. Just thinking about whether you could achieve an even better finish, including better protection, by applying a wax as your final layer(s).

Steve

I went with the AG EGP because it was generally regarded as being quite "hardy" - I didn't want to be having to re-apply it every month or so. Did you have any wax products in mind? If there's something as long lasting that would give better protection, I'm willing to consider it.

I went with the AG EGP because it was generally regarded as being quite "hardy" - I didn't want to be having to re-apply it every month or so. Did you have any wax products in mind? If there's something as long lasting that would give better protection, I'm willing to consider it.

Collinite 476s or FK1000P are good cheap choices offering long term protection........

Yep, agreed. I use the former and find it excellent - 2 coats and beading/protection for at least 9 months on some other cars I've done

Steve

Thanks, Simon & Steve. I may well have a look at the Collinite - would this be OK over the top of the EGP, or would that be problematic?

No problems with that IMO...

Steve

Not up to Mr Baker's standards, but I'm happy with it. Hopefully I will get some decent pictures of the whole car at some point before it gets dirty :eek: ...

I don't know, that looks pretty good to me

Thanks, Simon & Steve. I may well have a look at the Collinite - would this be OK over the top of the EGP, or would that be problematic?

Fine, just make sure you wash the car well before you apply it.

I use a few layers of sealant (inc EGP in the past) with a couple of layers of colli on the top and it lasts very well.