Silverstone 05 S2000 with 25,000 miles. I've owned her the last 11 months and 4,000 miles. In that time the car is garaged, has spent 2 nights outside, driven in the rain 3 times. Washed and quick wax and/or detailer 1-2 times a month to reasonable success. The paint still has great clear reflections and shine. Only problem are some light (annoying) water spots.

I just got a Porter Cable from a friend and detailed my DD 98 taffeta white (single stage) Civic over the weekend (Wash, Clay, Wash, Meg's Ultimate Compound, ColorX, Collinite 476). Sorry no before/after shots, but it was awesome. I plan on polishing a few more cars to learn, get new pads and less abrasive compounds from Detailers Domain, and then give the S2k a full detail sometime in January.

I know SSM will never have the dramatic effect of NFR or BB, but what do you think maximizes the SSM color and makes it Pop? I'm not overly concerned about durability and not looking for the ultimate "Wet" look. Conventional wisdom seems to lean Synthetic Sealant over a Carnauba (for color Pop over Wet), but I'm open to trying anything within reason, sorry no Swissvax.

Short list: Menzerna Power Lock, FK 1000p, Blackfire Wet Diamond, Wekstatt's Acrylic Jet.

Anything blown you away on SSM?

Thanks!
Reid

 

ZAINO. Check out the gallery, I posted some pics after my SSM full detail with Zaino. My favorite product is the Z-8 spray, it really makes the metal flake pop, and gives it a lot of reflection and that wet look. I would say it has a lot of reflection and wetness to the look.

I will never use anything other than Zaino on SSM, I was amazed at how great it turned out

 

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=812162

 

Wow. That looks Great!! I had not really considered Zaino, but that really looks fantastic. Thank you for sharing that!

Anyone else have any standout SSM products?

 

I don't have any direct experience with the silverstone metallic, but our CR-V is glacier blue (or silver blue). Two months ago I applied a couple coats of 1000p. I love the look that it gave. 1000p is often described as looking like an additional layer of clearcoat has been applied. I think this may be accurate. It gives more depth than the Ultima Paint Guard Plus I have been using (and which I will return to in the spring). 1000p is of course known for its durability, which is not a consideration for you; but given that it is also sold at a great price, one cannot go wrong getting a tin and trying it out.

I imagine you will be happy with any of the sealants you have mentioned. I love the BFWD on my black S2K. When (if?) I finish this bottle, I'll probably try Menzerna Powerlock next.

A carnauba you might want to consider: Pinnacle Signature II. I've seen several positive reports about how it looks with metallic silver.

 

Thanks for sharing your experience with Zaino, Your car looks awesome. I too have just bought the Zaino AIO, Z2, and Z5 with a bottle of Z8. Cant wait until spring to give my S a full ZAINO DETAIL JOB.

 

I used the Blackfire product line on my 04 and IMO it came out looking better than Zaino as I tried both. After claying, polishing and applying Blackfire Wet Diamond All Paint Protection I appled 3 coats of Blackfire Midnight Sun Ivory Carnauba paste wax. Just like Zaino there is some waiting time between coats but if you are not in a hurry the results are awesome. I sold the car last year or I would post some pics. Go to www.properautocare.com to check out the process (Wet Ice over Fire) if you are interested. Reviews were 5 star rated.

 

Really????

 

Sorry I didn't really qualify that one. From autopia it appears that for whites and light colors sealants can highlght the color more.

Those zaino shoots are awesome but the 1000p and bfwd all sounds like they make for great looks.

Thanks for all the great feedback from everyone!!

Edit: that pinnacle seems like a great product/price, thanks!

 

I was questioning the "Synthetic Sealant over a Carnuaba" part of your "conventional wisdom."