Hi, I have cleaned my RRS more than i have cleaned my last 6 cars put together and I've only had it 7 weeks. What is happening to me ?????

I have read lots of info on here and the detailing world forum about cleaning my Sport. I have chucked my sponge and chammy leather out and got a lambswool mitt and a microfibre towel, bought a power washer, now a foam lance, even use two buckets (if i remember to use the 2nd one). Got all the chemicals i can think of and as you can tell i'm becomming hooked. Truth is i've got all the gear and no idea!!!!!!!!

My RRS is Buckingham Blue so shows all the marks and even when i have foamed it, washed it dried it and used a Quick Detailing spray you can see lots and lots of faint water marks(and loads of tiny scratches) Went to see a Detailer and he gave a price to sort it out but is this something that I can do myself (no experience) or should i spend some money with him and get it done properly? Then once it has been done is it easy to keep it looking good or will it look like it does now a few months later?

Anyone else taken the plunge and done a good job or bol ed it up and regretted trying

welcome any of your thoughts regards Rigsby MY16 AUTOBIOGRAPHY Indus silver with some toys

2012 3.0 SDV6 Luxury gone, but a great motor

Personally i would let the detailer sort it out for now, then get inside his head and ask him how you need to keep it looking good, he will give you all the advice and tips you need. Also Nick pinks or beano will be along soon to give you a few tips on what products to use and how to use them properly.

cheers Ady MY16 AUTOBIOGRAPHY Indus silver with some toys

2012 3.0 SDV6 Luxury gone, but a great motor

It depends on what your after, pro detailer grade mirror looks finish or a freshen up lose a few swirls

First it's not a easy job to do, you'll have a lot of preparation and a long time working on polishing, I think all too often someone buys a machine polisher and thinks it speeds up the polishing, in fact doing it right takes more time than what you may do with a bottle of polish and cloth

Firstly, you'll need to wash, getting into gaps and rinse, clay the car to remove paint contamination, de tar and wash all over again and fully dry the car. (this took me a full day)

Tape up the panels, to prevent grit/dirt been pulled in, Polish with the safer Dual action your going to be working in small section, and move it on once your desired finish is sorted, (how toos can be found on DW or YouTube) but you'll be at this all day too and again to refine the panels if need

Polishes it's a mine field, Meguirs Microfibre kits a supposed to be good, and so is the foam pads and GTechniq P1

But when you have bought a DA polisher the pads the polishes and the last protective layer be that wax or sealent, your not looking at much more for someone else to do it and you maintain it after

Thanks npinks, i think it sounds a bit involved for me to have a go at especially with limited time, plus i will need to buy a polisher and all the polishes/pads etc. I have been quoted £550 for paint correction, leather clean / feed and interior done as well, does this seem a sensible price? MY16 AUTOBIOGRAPHY Indus silver with some toys

2012 3.0 SDV6 Luxury gone, but a great motor

Rigsby, can't really add much more than Nick has said

Could be worth canvasing a few detailers and comparing prices just to make sure you're happy. Sounds like you've already been over on Detailing World, but check out some of the detailers near you and see their work in 'The Studio'.

There's a sticky thread on there that has all the detailers by location.  ON THE WAY: BMW F21 M140i
MERCEDES GL350 - Metallic Navy Blue w/Grey interior

GOING: BMW F31 335D MSport+ xDrive Touring
GONE: Land Rover Discovery 4 HSE - Stornaway Grey w/Black Interior (wish we'd kept it )
GONE: BMW F10 520D MSport - Carbon Black
GONE:MY12 RRS SDV6 HSE Sumatra/Ivory/Grand Black Privacy glass

Cheers Beancounter, just registered on DW so think I,m on the slippery slope, no going back! MY16 AUTOBIOGRAPHY Indus silver with some toys

2012 3.0 SDV6 Luxury gone, but a great motor

Yup, it does pay dividends though. I've really not had that much time recently to keep the car looking clean, but I always foam, rinse, foam again, wash, rinse then dry. Sounds a ball ache, but the paint has virtually no marring as the snow foam and rinse allow all the grit to come off before I touch it with a mitt.

I also sealed the car with Gtechniq C2 and C1.5 when I got it and it makes washing a doddle.

Once corrected, you should be able to minimise any damage with a decent wash technique, you just need to decide if you sub out or do it yourself  ON THE WAY: BMW F21 M140i
MERCEDES GL350 - Metallic Navy Blue w/Grey interior

GOING: BMW F31 335D MSport+ xDrive Touring
GONE: Land Rover Discovery 4 HSE - Stornaway Grey w/Black Interior (wish we'd kept it )
GONE: BMW F10 520D MSport - Carbon Black
GONE:MY12 RRS SDV6 HSE Sumatra/Ivory/Grand Black Privacy glass

Thanks Beancounter,

Think it may be wise to have it done properly to start with, I know its £550 but by the time I spend £200 on the stuff I need it doesn't sound quite as bad. The guy I went to see was a gut called Paul Harrison in Bosham. He had a RRSPORT there that he had just completed and it looked wonderful. Mind you I thought mine looked good two weeks ago !!! Then someone pointed out all the little scratches

When you do your 2nd snow foam do you rinse that off then add shampoo and wash or do you use the mitt straight on the foam ?

Rigsby MY16 AUTOBIOGRAPHY Indus silver with some toys

2012 3.0 SDV6 Luxury gone, but a great motor

Sounds like a plan, have seen his work on DW

No, I don't rinse off the second snow foam, I tend to just make it a slightly more watery mixture (turn the dial on the top of you foam gun) then just wash with the car shampoo.
Probably a bit overkill, but works for me.

To be honest, once you get it corrected and you get some decent protection on it (be that wax or sealant) washing will be so much easier.
As I mentioned I've been using the GTechniq range (C2 and C1.5) and I have to say, their ability to resist dirt is and they are a doddle to apply if you do fancy topping them up.  ON THE WAY: BMW F21 M140i
MERCEDES GL350 - Metallic Navy Blue w/Grey interior

GOING: BMW F31 335D MSport+ xDrive Touring
GONE: Land Rover Discovery 4 HSE - Stornaway Grey w/Black Interior (wish we'd kept it )
GONE: BMW F10 520D MSport - Carbon Black
GONE:MY12 RRS SDV6 HSE Sumatra/Ivory/Grand Black Privacy glass

glad my reply helped a little

there is a section on DW for sponsored details, you might fined others in your area to get a quote from too

..."The guy I went to see was a guy called Paul Harrison in Bosham."

Hi Rigsby, - I've heard good reports about Paul from others not on this forum and seen the results of his work. I believe he is highly recommended.

 Carl

Thanks V8SC that's good to know, bit concerned letting someone loose on my paintwork, although the one he had in at the time was in cracking condition. He seemed to know what he was talking about. Mind you he could have told me anything I would have been none the wiser  MY16 AUTOBIOGRAPHY Indus silver with some toys

2012 3.0 SDV6 Luxury gone, but a great motor

Was good to see you and the car the otherday

Let me know if you need anymore info etc or what to get it booked in, I'm Paul Detailed Car Care (*hampshire detailer* over on DW

Paul

Hi Paul and welcome to the forum.

Sorry I couldn't remember your company name when I posted, but found your card since.
I'm sure there will be plenty of questions on here if other members know who you are and what areas you cover. Not sure what the rules are on the forum with regards to businesses etc but welcome along anyway mate

Regards Rigsby MY16 AUTOBIOGRAPHY Indus silver with some toys

2012 3.0 SDV6 Luxury gone, but a great motor