DIY for the first time and so far so good (having a blast) until I hit a snag...

Detailing my wife's 2005 Pepper White Mini Cooper. Got the wheels, wash, and clay processes complete.

Now I'm going over the car again, and everything looked ok except for the plastic exterior pieces alongside the windows. They just have tons of swirls...they have a glossy piano black finish so the swirls really show. Wondering if I can use the flex with SIP/Nano to polish them out or would that not be recommended? Any help would be greatly appreciated

Thanks,

Dennis

 

Yup, polish it just like paint, keep the rpms down and you should have no problems.



John

 

Thanks John! It worked fine. I'm sure the pros here could've made them disappear altogether, but for my first try, I'm very happy with the results!

Now the question is how do I clean the pads? Can I just run them through water? Do I not clean them for future use?

 

The pads should be cleaned immediately after with a mild detergent and plenty of water. I recommend you put the pads back on the polisher and spin dry them. If you have compressed air, it helps dry the pads quicker.


John

 

Nice job, good advise too, I've lightly polished a few clear bras with that type of combo but never those black pastic pieces, think I'll go out and do the truck now..... if I ever get a day off...

Thanks for the info, learn something new everyday.

Josh

 

Nice work on the swirl removal! For cleaning pads, Dawn Power Disolver is always a good option, hope this helps.

 

Great job Dennis!! That combo does wonders on many paints and many imperfections. Glad all the products worked out and the results speak for themself. Keep up the great work and glad you enjoyed the experience

 

Thanks Moe! The products worked great and I really appreciate all the step by step details you provided. They really helped and made a difference.

Funny thing is I thought I'd get 2 cars cleaned today, but didn't know it'd take me ~6.5 hours to finish the Mini alone. I must say it humbled me and I def learned to appreciate the work you and the other detailers do day in and day out.

Here are some more pics from today (I'm just so proud)!



here's the interior...everything nice and new looking (cept the carpets which are on my agenda for "next time")

 

I should have sent you some Autoglym interior cleaner....that's will do wonders on the interior carpets, leather, vinyl, basically anything on the inside. Let me know if I didn't send it.

 

The thing I have found about detailing is that every car will always take longer than expected. No matter how many times I say "I should have this done by ..." it never works out that way

 

That is way to true.

I'm always telling my wife, I should be done and home by around 1 and end up home by 3.....

Sometimes I get to talking with my clients though and having a good time so it takes a bit longer.

Josh

 

Just because a car is small doesn't mean that it doesn't take a long time.

There are a lot of interior plastics in a Mini, getting all those squared away correctly takes some time.

Looks like it turned out really well though. Good choice in polishing the a-pillars, they are a big detractor if you take care of the rest of the car and choose to leave them.