I went to cars and coffee and got caught in a storm on the way home. I just finished washing and claying the car and plan on polishing it tomorrow. I just wanted to be sure if I need to tape off the clear bra before polishing and is there anything due to road conditions I should also take care of?

 

WOW!!!! That is pretty cool. We don't get weather like that here in SoCal. After a proper wash and clay, you should be in great shape to start polishing and waxing. As far as taping goes, unless you're using a polisher, you should be fine. Just polish away from the seams instead of into them. Hope that makes sense. Can't wait to see the end result.

 

I would definately tape the clear bra areas otherwise you may end up with a lot of build up along those seems that can be difficult to remove.

 

thankfully you have AWD! good luck with the detail...

 

I've been trying to imitate the sponsors here, what a job, you guys definitely earn your money. So far I've washed and clay barred the paint, and also gave the wheels a real thorough cleaning. I'm about half done polishing and I have to admit it was really tough to put the porter cable to the paint the first time. Two more questions what do you do on the louvers over the engine and should I just tape over the emblem on the back?

Getting ready to start.


2/3 done polishing.

 

Damn! what great pictures. I've only been in snow like that once and have never driven in it.

 

Great gob taping the rubber trim; don't worry about the door edges. Since you're using a da, you're not going to burn through anything. Keep up the great work and show us progress along the way.

 

Well I'm finally finished. According to my wife I now have a new hobby so I'm thinking I'll never be finished. I do need some metel polish for the tips, and the engine bay isn't done yet. I almost hate to post pictures since they don't seem to do justice with a silver car. I have to say going to premium products the results are stunning, and well worth the time. Also like I've said I have way more respect for the Top Detailers out there now. I ended up getting my products from Detailer's Domain mainly because I wanted a porter cable and Phil has a group buy on them, it was a tough decision since all the sponsor's have been so helpful on this board.

Products used.
P21s wheel cleaner
Adams VRT
Foam Gun, and sheepskin mitt with Blue Coral wash
Zaino ClayBar with Z7 as a lubricant
Mezzerna Intensive and Nano with the porter cable.
Swissvax cleaner fluid
Swissvax Zuffenhausen
Zaino Z9 leather cleaner and Z10 leather in a bottle
Lot's of Phils Uber towels and applicator pads

The carnuba wax is sure different than what I'm used to using. My first impression was how do you get it out of the tub, thinking I need to use way more. after I realized how little is needed it's very easy to use with none of the residue around the edges and emblems. Plus it smells great!!

We still have a little snow in the yard but the temp is up to 40.









This inside picture gives an idea of the shine.

 

EXCELLENT WORK!!!! The silver really has a nice shine to it. Glad to hear you had fun and enjoyed the experience. Can't go wrong with using great products and having the right tools. I'm sure Phil also filled you in on the right techniques. WIN-WIN; this is why I enjoy this board. No matter where you are in the world, a little passion + a little guidance + a little time = Enhanced Ownership Experience and Pride of Ownership

 

airflite, that looks great. You usually don't see that much depth in silver. Kudos, especially considering that first picture. Thats absurd.

Me and switchcars had a similar situation with his S5 a month ago, he tried to plow his driveway with it. Needless to say we got stuck.

Also, as a sidenote, I was thinking of getting a foam gun, would you say that's been a good investment?

 

Hey Strada, I see you found my new hiding place. As far as the foam gun, it took a lot of thought, I was concerned the soap would dry before I could get the whole car washed, I got it anyway thinking it would be better to soak the car with soap to loosen dirt before I start rubbing on it. Now that I have it, the quick diconnect makes it simple to switch from soap to water and I'ld get it again because I'm confident I'm reducing the chance of scratches. It does use a lot more soap.

And thanks for the complement!

 

Haha, I'm a detailing nut on the side.
Hiding is far from it, I just pick and choose what/when to post. I like to browse and learn more than post.

And the issue of drying is precisely why I want something like a foam gun so I can coat and wash quickly. Thanks for the opinion. I think I'll grab one as soon as I find my damn car.

 

Damn dad... I was hoping you would screw it up so I'd have an excuse to make you leave the car with me to fix it. Haha


That looks great.