Hey Folks!! It's Time Again.......

[AGR]

After applying Platinum Ultimate Paint Pre-Cleaner & Platinum Ultimate Paint Protection. Amazing!
www.premiumautocare.com

I have never felt a paint surface so smooth. The Mica just comes out at you in the sunlight. We used Meguiar's Dual Action #83 Cleaner/Polish for some deep swirls/scratches (applied with the Porter Cable 7424 Dual Action Polisher) - then the Meguiar's #9 Swirl Remover with the Porter Cable. The Platinum Pre-Cleaner, we applied with the Meguiar's Applicator Pads.
Then; the Platinum Ultimate Paint Protection with Meguiar's Applicator Pads. We removed both with Micro Fiber towels. It was fairly easy.

The Platinum Ultimate Paint Protection; you apply very thin. That bottle will last a very long time. You can apply another coat after 24 hrs. The Meguiar's 3 Step System is wonderful, but this is a notch above. Being a Polymer, this will last much longer than Gold Class or other Carnuba waxes. You can however, layer a Carnuba over this. If you do that; you must (before you apply another coat of Platinum Ultimate Paint Protection), apply the Platinum Ultimate Paint Pre-Cleaner again, first.

 

[kwiktsi]

Wow, that looks good!!! I have been hesitant to go too crazy with my car because of the finish not being too smooth to begin with- a lot of orange peel!!! I was going to wetsand and buff it, but the paint is really thin and I don't want to go through it. Maybe I will just try what you used. I have some overspray to clean off the decklid next though from when I got the quarter painted . I hate cleaning off overspray..

Quick question- are there any swirls in your car at all from waxing and such, or do those micro fiber towels work that well?
Joe

 

[mopiko]

I LOVE MY sushi PROTEGE5!!!

 

[AGR]

Wow, that looks good!!! I have been hesitant to go too crazy with my car because of the finish not being too smooth to begin with- a lot of orange peel!!! I was going to wetsand and buff it, but the paint is really thin and I don't want to go through it. Maybe I will just try what you used. I have some overspray to clean off the decklid next though from when I got the quarter painted . I hate cleaning off overspray..

Quick question- are there any swirls in your car at all from waxing and such, or do those micro fiber towels work that well?
Joe

Thanks Joe!

Actually, yes; I did have some (damn) swirls. We used Meguiar's Dual Action #83 Cleaner/Polish for some deep swirls/scratches (applied with the Porter Cable) - then the Meguiar's #9 Swirl Remover with the Porter Cable. The Platinum Pre-Cleaner, we applied with the Meguiar's Pads.

I honestly; have never been happier with my car's finish.

Those swirls/scratches were bad in a couple of places. I guess they happened as a result of those yellow flannel cotton towels I had used before. The Micro Fiber Towels are wonderful.

I'm learning from my buddy Joe. It's really his magic. If anyone knows automotive detailing, it's this guy!
This photo was taken in March, when he and I went out to a nearby lake for some early am car shots. His Civic Si is gorgeous!

 

[dominoy2k1]

damn agr how about you make a how-to......

 

[AGR]

hmmm...good idea!! But first; I think I will have another beer. (cheers)

 

[EBP]

I'm learning from my buddy Joe. It's really his magic. If anyone knows automotive detailing, it's this guy!

Thanks for the props Greg, I apprecaiate it! Platinum is amazing, I am glad you were pleased with the results!

 

[unwrittenLaw]

Yeah can someone make a car detailing faq or something...I'm getting confused. I don't even like to wax too often because I'm afraid I'm gonna make it look worse...lol. I'd like some info on what's the best stuff to use and the best way to use it...
Thanks for any suggestions...

 

[fhexed]

a how-to would be nice, never waxed my car because im afraid i might mess something up. like the paint!

 

[twiztedjeckel]

i'm not trying to take anything away from Greg or the products he uses nor am i affiliated with Zaino but i gotta say Zaino is the best stuff i've ever used.

i've been cleaning cars on the side for about 6 years or so now and i've used a ton of different products over the years and this stuff is amazing. one of these days if it ever stops raining and i can get some decent pictures of the car i'll post them

 

[orangezoom]

Love MY Mazda

/members/orangezoom/dscf0014.jpg

 

[AGR]

Please read: For everyone afraid of detailing (waxing) their MAZDASPEED!! Don't be Skeered!

I have heard some great things about Zaino. I am new to this high-end type of detailing, actually. Before my MAZDASPEED, I just used basic wax. My friend Joe, has been detailing for many years. He is the one that first bought the Platinum Protection from www.premiumautocare.com . He has purchased many things from them, and he details other cars on the side. He has all the goodies, and also turned me on to the Micro Fiber towels.

He uses Meguiar's, and many other products. This Platinum Collection is incredible; and when you look at the price, and realize these people at Premium Auto Care developed it, it's pretty cool. It was so easy to apply, too.

I washed my car on Friday evening to prepare for yesterday's application, and yes; I did have some damn swirls. These swirls first appeared, I think, a few weeks ago when I washed my car, then decided to Meguiar's Quik Detail the entire car using my 100% Cotton Flannel towels that I bought at Wal-Mart when I first applied the Meguiar's 3 Step System. In my garage, it looked awesome; then when I got it in the sunlight - oh s***!

I'm not sure, but Joe seems to think it was possibly caused because I had used dryer sheets when I washed these yellow flannel towels (learn something new everyday). So now; I never use dryer sheets with any of my car towels, etc...

Obviously using the Porter Cable Dual Action Polisher was a Godsend. Using the products previously mentioned (Meguiar's Dual-Action #83 Cleaner/Polish, followed by the Meguiar's #9 Swirl Remover), we were able to get a glass smooth surface, plus eleviate 99.9% of the swirls. You have to look really close to detect anything now. Virtually non-existent. Of course; these steps were followed by the application for the Platinum Pre-Cleaner, then the Platinum Ultimate Paint Protection.

I can honestly say; I have never seen a black car than looked like this. The Mica flakes, alone, are amazing now. To give some idea of what I mean; if you look at the top of the rear bumper from behind the car (in the sunlight); It appears almost silver! The Mica just comes through. It is beautiful. I am very impressed with the results.

With this said; I will no longer use the yellow flannel towels on my car - only Micro Fiber. They are fantastic. Here is the best deal I have found for those. I purchased the $24.95 sampler pack.
http://vaporcleanproducts.com/magic.htm (I actually received 12 towels, not the 10 mentioned).

I am going to buy the Porter Cable polisher, soon. I will 'Platinum' my wife's ES in a couple of weeks.

So; there are a lot of good quality products out there. I guess; it's what works best for you - that is what's important.

 

[funnylittlman]

AGR,

Spectacular Job!

I did mine today as well (but used Zymol Paste Wax ... carbon for dark cars)

I am very impressed with it... I will try your other Platinum stuff next time, but I really did like the job this paste did.

Easy to apply, Like butter, and easy to take off as well. The paint shimmers and yes I can see the flakes This Zymol gave the paint this ever so wet look, let's hope I can take a pic of it tomorrow (even though the car sits outside, maybe I can get one of the paint)

Hm..... As for the microfiber towels, Use them frequently, use them often! I am now a firm believer as well. I use the Quick detailer with the microfiber towel only too.

Congrats.. I'll take some pics tomorrow !

 

[unwrittenLaw]

Just ordered the Micro Fiber towels...thanks for the link AGR..hopefully I'll still get the 2 free ones...

 

[Natey]

I detailed cars for a little over five years, and I thought I'd inject this into this thread:

Find and buy a Watersprite! It's the only synthetic chamois that really works! You can feel how easy it is on your paint compared to a chamois when you pull it across your car, and it leaves no streaks. I've had one for 3 years and it's finally starting to wear out, so I ordered another one. They come in a water-proof plastic tube so you can just roll it up and throw it in the car for next time(it's mold/mildew proof). Really a great way to dry your car.

Here's one:
http://www.detailguru.com/watersprite.html

 

[AGR]

I detailed cars for a little over five years, and I thought I'd inject this into this thread:

Find and buy a Watersprite! It's the only synthetic chamois that really works! You can feel how easy it is on your paint compared to a chamois when you pull it across your car, and it leaves no streaks. I've had one for 3 years and it's finally starting to wear out, so I ordered another one. They come in a water-proof plastic tube so you can just roll it up and throw it in the car for next time(it's mold/mildew proof). Really a great way to dry your car.

Here's one:
http://www.detailguru.com/watersprite.html

Thanks Egg. I will check that out. Apparently; the Waffle Weave 27x16 towel that comes with the above sampler pack is quite good for drying as well. Previously, I have always used a natural chamois. Since; I just received my Micro Fiber towels this past Friday, and they need to be washed before use (( no dryer sheets )), I haven't dried with the Waffle Weave yet.

 

[unwrittenLaw]

Hey Greg, how long did it take to get your Micro Fiber towels delivered?

 

[AGR]

Hey Greg, how long did it take to get your Micro Fiber towels delivered?

I ordered them a week ago Saturday, and they arrived Friday afternoon (6 days).

Remember: no dryer sheets or any other fabric softener.

 

[unwrittenLaw]

What about washing them...just use water...no detergent or anything?

 

[AGR]

What about washing them...just use water...no detergent or anything?

Yes; use detergent. I use the mild cycle. I personally, set the dryer between air dry and delicate. But; warmer is probably ok, too. Also; be sure to remove the tags from the towels. Tags can scratch the surface.