"When" do you think "maybe" he should be taken to a doctor?

 

Look for xD's "ask me about detailing" thread

 

There's loads of discussion, but lots of tips too

 

You can't go far wrong with some Autoglym super resin polish (SRP) - it contains fillers so can reduce any swirls in the paint. Top this off with a couple of coats of decent hard wax. I would recommend some Collinite 476s which will last through the winter.

Also - Avoid the jetwash - or take a washmitt with you and avoid the brush unless you want to put more swirls in the paint.

 

Honestly you need to consider 'paying' someone local to you and giving them a hand so you learn how to do it yourself. I think Paul ( S2kNUT) does a very good job but i've no idea on his prices

If you want someone else local who is VERY good then have a look at http://www.finerdetails.co.uk/ - Iain is a TOP bloke and highly skilled at what he does although he's not cheap but then he doesn't need to be due to his deserved reputation.

Also worth talking to Rich / Clark at http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/ as they're detailers as well as suppliers of the gear you need, not sure if they answer questions in person any more but their advice section http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acata...re-advice.html is well worth a read.

 

SRP is excellent (Autoglym)

As UNCLEF said - its worth getting into detailing.

Lots of stuff on detailingworld.

 

Big for Polishedbliss here - the website as a resource (as well as the excellent advice sections, beginner-friendly, every product has got an individual "how to use it" section) and the people themselves who respond quickly, honestly and helpfully. Free postage as well. Ok, nothing's actually free, but at least the price on the page is what you end up paying.

For those of us who live many miles from an S2KNut or a Tango; invaluable - and a big thanks from me to John (jsh) for putting me onto it.

 

Collinite really is a great wax. There are others that give a more depth and a 'wetter' look but none that will last as long. And the last thing you want to be doing in the depths of winter is waxing a car.

Make sure you get a foam applicator, it makes things a lot easier. And you need a really thin layer - once the pad is loaded up you probably only need a light swipe through the tin for each panel. Any more is a waste as you'll buff most of it off. Apply 2 or 3 coats with a day in between and you'll not need to do it again for another 6 months.

Makes washing a breeze too - most of the time a blast with a pressure washer is all it needs. If you haven't placed your order yet - get some plush microfibers and a good drying towel.

A good starter kit would be:

2 buckets
Eurow Washmitt - has a waterproof liner, great if it's cold out.
A wax safe shampoo so you don't strip all your hard work off the paint (Dodo Juice Born to be Mild is good)
Autoglym SRP
Collinite 476s
Decent microfibers & drying towel.

Probably £60-70 or so all in but will last you all year.

 

Just my 2p worth .

As a quick enhancement detail use SRP to improve clarity and hide minor defects .

Apply with a slightly damp applicator as IMHO it reduces white staining on plastic / rubber . Use IPA or AG fast glass to remove said staining if you get any .

AG SRP will last about 30 second's unless protected ( alright I exagerated a bit ) so needs protecting with a wax /sealer .

In response to the above post's regarding Collinite I have to say , Yes , Collinite is very good , however , for ease of use , longevity and finished gloss you will not beat G-Techniq C2 !! (unless you want to get into the expense and complexity of the "daddy" of All LSP's , G-Techniq C1 .

Last's upto 8 month's has incredible ' stay clean '(water repellent) property's and is ' wipe on , leave for 15 min's , buff off .

You may want to consider claying the paint work before polishing .

Welcome to the moneypit of vehicle detailing .

Regard's John .

 

Don't do what I did , read everything out there , buy load's of stuff , spend a fortune and waste load's of money .

You need a proper wash technique to minimise marring , ( Polished Bliss tutorial's )

1 very decent drying towel , carefully looked after ,( Polished Bliss ).

Some high quality MF cloth's ( for buffing ) and a couple of work cloth's . (polished bliss ).

Gtechniq C2 ( a 100ml bottle will last a year , half , undiluted ,for initial application , then diluted 1/10 part's water as a rinse aid/ refresh once every 1-2 month's )

Gtechniq C5 on your wheel's once a year will mean easy clean , contamination free wheel's for a year ! but is a little more involved to apply .


Regards John .