How when and where do I begin with detailing my new MB?
Is the factory paint sealed in anyway? Can I wax immediately or do I have to wait a few months. Seeing that it's winter here, I want to protect the paint as soon as possible before the winter rocks chip it too much. I have also noticed that the Black paint seems "soft", easily scratchable, if you will. Will using microfiber mits and towels solve the light scratches on the paint during wipe downs? Thanks.
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1989 300ZXT - mine
A pair of running shoes
A 18Hp lawn mower
2 Mountain Bikes
350Z - will be mine when @ 300+HP and 3-Car Garage
RE: How when and where do I begin with detailing my new MB?
I'd at least give it a waxing with a high Quality Carnauba. Typically, after washing I'll use Klasse All in one polish. This gets most of the water spots off and cleans the paint, gives it a good shine. Then I'll put the Carnauba on (I use Mothers California Gold) To make the paint really sing. Its amazing how much more depth the carnauba adds to black paint. If your paint is clean and has a good shine with minimal spots, you can skip the polish step.
RE: How when and where do I begin with detailing my new MB?
Quote:
Darkmann - 1/3/2005 8:18 PM
Is the factory paint sealed in anyway? Can I wax immediately or do I have to wait a few months. Seeing that it's winter here, I want to protect the paint as soon as possible before the winter rocks chip it too much. I have also noticed that the Black paint seems "soft", easily scratchable, if you will. Will using microfiber mits and towels solve the light scratches on the paint during wipe downs? Thanks.
I don't see any reason not to start taking care of your car immediately. I also have a black MB and the P21S caranuba wax works marvels on my paint. You may want to initially put 2 - 3 layers.
Black paint is not any "softer" than other colors. The problem with black, is that it makes even the smaller scratches tremendously evident. -- That's the price we pay for having the best looking cars ;-)
Microfiber is great but it is NOT a substitute for care and attention to details. You must be very careful and properly use and mantain your microfibers.
Always machine wash your microfibers before the first use and after every use (use ONLY liquid detergent and don't mix them with cotton).
Also, please keep in mind that microfibers are designed to "trap" dust particles on their surface and not release them. If you keep rubbing a dirty microfiber on your paint you would be actually using it as sand-paper. It is important to soak your towels very often, for them to drop all the trapped particles in your bucket.
RE: How when and where do I begin with detailing my new MB?
I agree with Hoopsmx.
Another point about microfiber. The fact that it traps dirt very well and can eventually scratch the surface means you should change it often. I solve this problem by buying a few dozen of these cloths.
On the topic of Carnuba Wax. You only need one layer, but to get the best look 2 - 3 layers at a minimum. Depending on your obsession and time available, you may want to continue layering the wax and see for yourself how the paint is transform into something magical. Keep in mind also that 50% of the Wax on the car will evaporate after 30 days...even in winter.
RE: How when and where do I begin with detailing my new MB?
Microfiber drying towels are being produced now in extra large sizes, 30" x 30" or so. These are hard to handle but allow for folding so that you can get a "clean surface" with every fold.
Using a dozen or so, smaller towels works even better for drying.
RE: How when and where do I begin with detailing my new MB?
Good advice is given I will add a good start is by first rinsing the car good to shed as much of the particles as possible and then using s soft brush and soap, this prevents trapping particles and rubbing them on the finish with the resultant swirl marks, depending of the type of grime a soft brush will not always remove greasy type of grime but cleaning with your favorite mitt or rag with soap will be safer at this stage.
Pure wax on a new car that is all is needed.
Just make sure you clean good your glass and wipe dry as soon as possible, if you let water dry on the glass you will have water spots.
RE: How when and where do I begin with detailing my new MB?
Quote:
Darkmann - 1/3/2005 9:18 PM
Is the factory paint sealed in anyway? Can I wax immediately or do I have to wait a few months. Seeing that it's winter here, I want to protect the paint as soon as possible before the winter rocks chip it too much. I have also noticed that the Black paint seems "soft", easily scratchable, if you will. Will using microfiber mits and towels solve the light scratches on the paint during wipe downs? Thanks.
The best system I've seen and used on my collectors cars is ZAINO. The process takes a little time on the first go-around but after that it's the easiest and best performing product on the market. You can check it out at www.zainostore.com. Check out the pictures on the website. I've seen this stuff work just as the pictures show. I know people in my car club with over 100 coats of Zaino on their ride. The stuff is amazing. Bugs simply wipe off the front of the car. They also have great products for your leather seats.
Hope this helps.
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2004 E55 - stock
1987 GN with Mods...1/4 mile = 12.20 @ 110 mph
Linear Mode
