The new Superb arrived last Friday and was left in transport wrap for us by the dealer, as agreed. I decided to take the plunge and do it myself rather than go to a detailer, as the more I learnt about the whole thing (while researching what I was paying for) the more I got the bug. By day three the weather finally improved so it was time for a decontamination, wash and sealant.

 

I used Power Maxed TFR in a (new) garden pressure sprayer to loosen any glue, grime and wax (just because I had a free sample), followed by a rinse, then used my BH AutoFoam for a 'proper' pre-wash soak and rinse. Then onto a TBW with AG bodywork shampoo (pH neutral) and a lambswool mitt. After careful one-direction washing it was power rinsed off and then Gyeon Tar and a rinse was followed by Sonax Fallout Remover and another rinse. The amount of tar, glue and wax running off the car was unreal, and the fallout remover turned the whole car bright purple. They really do pick up a lot of contaminants on the way over, don't they?!

 

Then another TBW and rinse. Phew. Then I used a CG normal yellow clay bar and wow! I'd never clayed before, and I was really gentle (read: paranoid). It was amazing to feel how smooth most of the car was, but then the clay 'snagging' on contaminants and slowly turning the area to glass. Nice!

 

After that I gave another rinse, patted dry with two large Kent drying towels, and applied C2v3 and BSD in a 1:1 ratio to seal the paintwork. I then used neat C2v3 on the alloys (after IPA wipe down). I'm saving my C5 for warmer weather or when I can find an indoor space to cure it safely away from rain. The whole thing took me most of the afternoon but the results were really pleasing.

 

Once everything was done, the sun started shining brightly. Bearing in mind I started around 8.30am I hadn't noticed until then, but... The gloss black trim on the B pillars are fairly badly scratched. By that I mean there are lots of scratches, but they are very fine indeed (certainly nothing you can 'feel'). I'm kicking myself in case I did it with the clay when I did the glass (at the end, after the bodywork), but since the rest of the car is practically mint I think they may even have been like that on delivery (i.e. just very minor cosmetic damage as part of the manufacturing process)? 

 

Who knows. Either way I've just bought a bottle of Meguiar's PlastRX fine plastic polish. DW and other forums suggested it worked brilliantly for piano black trim, but as I've never tried it before I'm hoping one of you has some suggestions or experience before I go at it? Obviously I'll try a very small section out of eye line before doing the whole section, but does anyone have any input before I do? 

 

BTW: the interior was unwrapped the day after and sealed with two coats of Gtechniq C6 (24 hours apart) and Chemical Guys Fabric Guard. Having applied the same two coats of Fabric Guard to a MF I'm not at all impressed. Water just soaks right through. Hopefully that's because of the long pile and my alcantara is somewhat better protected - especially as I was much more liberal on the car seats than the 'test cloth'. I won't hold my breath though. End result is a gleaming car with unmarked paint and a lovely clean interior. I only have to get around to polishing the glass and applying G1 now... 

Edited 6 April, 201610 yr by Derv

Same issue I had with the Mk2 three years ago. Tape off the rubber around the door and then with with a fine polish gently polish is straight lines (it doesn't ake long and doesn't need much pressure as the plastic is very soft). Once done wipe with a panel wipe or similar and seal with a ceramic coating like Gtechniq C1/C4/C5 as this will add a degree of scratch protection for the future.

 

When taping off the rubbers, remember to tape off each B pillar at a time with 2/3rds of the tape inside the door frame (this will stop/reduce any polish/residue getting into the door recesses).

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The Mk2 before and after. Literally only took a few minutes.

 

 

 

 

That's fantastic info and a huge help. Thank you!