My dealer has just called to let me know that the transporter has just arrived and that i could come a take a look - as well as choose a reg...

 

I am a bit OCD about my cars and like the idea of doing the prep myself. I usually use the AutoGlym range of:

 

Interior Vacuum, Dust, Window Clean

Then:

Wheel Cleaner

Tar/Bug Remover

Shampoo

Chamois

Polish (The red bottle)

Sealant (Deep shine or something) (Black Label Bottle)

Alloy Sealant

Tyre Shine

Windows

Done

 

Can anyone give me guidance on what is a better approach for the paintwork and which products to use - especially the first time round?

 

Thanks

 

Take a look at the GTechinq range.

Gtech again, great stuff, good prices and the products are excellent at the job they are required to do.  If you only get two Gtech products get C2 as a sealent for the paintwork, wheels, windows lasts several months at a time on paintwork, windows and wheels need top ups every few months, but it is a great product, excellent beading, sheeting and makes cleaning a breeze, and then I1 for fabric protection, does exactly what it says a 100ML bottle is the right quantity for a hatchback vRS.

I did that as soon as I picked the car up (let them prep it though) I also applied glass polish to all clear and reflective surfaces inside and out

Edited 4 October, 201312 yr by boff180

You may want to have a look on the Detailing World website for some guidance on a better line/different of products, as well as cleaning methods & techniques. Things like "Claying" and IronX Decontamination may be a worthwhile addition to your armoury and look up the 2 bucket method of washing your car

Tomorrow is my prep day as didn't get chance today due to a issue with the car. The dealer left mine for prep as im a keen detailing wnthusiast if you like haha.

I will be washing mine. However iv never ever used the 2 bucket method. My 2012 octavia i had before the new one had 19k on it and had very minimal swirls and a local detailer said he would say its an acceptable level of damage (if you like) for a car driven daily down country roads doing 1000miles a month, and that was done just been sensible using one bucket and washing top down and making sure no grit

In your wash mitt/pad.

Claying (where required)

Iron x to remove fall out that may be present

Tardis to remove any tar and glue that may be on the car.

I will give it a one stage polish using menzerna and my flex 3401 polisher to bring gloss levels up. Super resin polish will be sufficient by hand for you if tools aren't available.

I will be using IPA to wipe any polishing oils and residue away leaving only the paint.

Then im going the route as said above Gtechniq C1 + EXO, however tomorrow i dont have inside space available so just going to put some Swissvax Crystal Rock wax on it however for someone that just wants a shiny car thats protected with wax then Autoglym HD wax will do you .

You may not want to go as in depth as me but thought id describe my process.

Rob

What would you guys suggest to protect the alcantara/leather in the elegance?

I'd snowfoam 1st, use either a mf or lambswool mit with the shampoo (don't use a sponge) and throw the chamois away and get some decent microfibre drying towels - wooly mamouth or the extra large kent ones. Lie them flat and either pat them or draw across the surface by holding 2of the corners. If you've got a sponge only use it to dress the tyres.

What would you guys suggest to protect the alcantara/leather in the elegance?

 links may be helpful

 

 

http://www.autobritedirect.co.uk/index.php/alcantara-suede-cleaner.html

 

http://www.winning-formulas.com/search?searchterm=alcantara

 

http://www.raceglaze.co.uk/car-care-interior/fabric-upholstery-cleaning/race-glaze-alcantara-leather-cleaner/