I just found this folder on my computer of a test I did back in 2005. So this was the synopsis. In 2005, I decided to test for myself just how good my technique and the products I used were. I wanted to replicate an ideal real-life situation of caring for a daily driver. Over a six month period, after an initial full detail, the car was merely washed, dried, and only spray waxed using a liquid carnauba spray. Let me know what you guys think...

Subject:

2004 Mercedes CLK500. This car has been under my care since the week the clients bought it back in August of 2003.

Routine:

Initial full detail using Zymol Klay, HD-Cleanse, and Destiny as the wax. For the next 23 weeks, the exterior underwent a proper wash and the use of a liquid carnauba spray. The interior was vacummed weekly and wiped down. Interior was also cleaned and conditioned every 4 weeks.

Conditions:

• Monday - Friday 8:30AM - 4:45PM parked outside near John Wayne Airport
• Garaged when not in use
• Typical Southern California weather. Mostly sunny and some rain during the Fall and Winter months

Products used: (I no longer use the products in GREEN)

1. Water: De-inoized water
2. Wheel Cleaner: Zymöl Wheel Cleaner
3. Wheel Brush: Zymöl Wheel Brush and Meguire's Spoke Brush
4. Soap: Zymöl Clear
5. Wash Mitt: 100% Australian Sheepskin
6. Drying tool: WaterSprite chamois
7. Towels: High quality microfiber towels
8. Wax: Zymöl Field Glaze
9. Glass Cleaner: Meguiar's Detailer Line Glass Cleaner
10. Tire Conditioner: Meguiar's Detailer Line S-Dressing
11. Wheel Wax: Zymöl Wheel Coat
12. Interior Cleaner: Autoglym Interior Cleaner
13. Leather Conditioner: Zymöl Treat
14. Vinyl Conditioner: Zymöl Vinyl
15. Wood treatment: Zymöl Detail Wax

Final Results:

Interior has a soft a satin look.



Keeping the leather clean and conditioned has been quite a challenge considering the light interior



The wood trim has a soft and rich look to it. It is polished and waxed just like the paint. It has a clearcoat over the wood veneer



Better shot of the wood and center console

 

Zymöl Lehm Klay Before



Zymöl Lehm Klay Before



Zymöl Lehm Klay After. Notice not much impurities in the klay. Proper washing and garaging the vehicle is crucial. This assures contaminants don't get a chance to adhere to the finish.



Zymöl Lehm Klay After



Zymöl Lehm Klay After



Prior to klaying, you can see how well the Zymöl Destiny has held up. This is due in part to using Zymöl Clear as a soap and Zymöl Field Glaze as a liquid carnauba spray.



The smaller and more uniform beads of water are a sign of excellent protection. For the higher quality the wax, the tighter and more uniform the beads of water.



The reason the finish beads is due to carnauba's hydrophobic property. Hydro- meaning water and phobic-meaning repeling or fearing. This means that carnauba has a natural tendency to repel water. Carnauba basically swells and forms a barrier against water penetrating. Carnauba has been used for thousands of years. The Egyptians used carnauba to wax the sarcophagus as a moisture barrier.





Horizontal surfaces aren't too difficult to show beading. Vertical surfaces are. Because of gravity, water tends to sheed from the side of the car. It takes some impressive protection to bead the vertical surfaces after 6 months of not waxing in the traditional manner.

 

 

Finally a Movie Clip of the hood sprayed with water



In recap, these results are legitimate and can easily be reproduced. This CLK was not machine polished at all and all the work was done by hand. It's a testament to proper technique, using great products, and having the passion to do so.

 

Thanks Moe, I hope I can keep my wheels as sharp as the Mercedes since I will also be doing things by hand.

 

great right up!

 

Good write up...

 

hmmm nice