Tips for Silver Car?

**Fishmichael** · 17th January 2011, 17:27

I've now got a pressure washer, and will be getting a snowfoam lance shortly. The car is Star Silver. I've not looked properly at the paint, but would imagine it has swirls. I know it has stone chips, and lightish scratches. I would like to get into machine polishing, but that won't be for a while.

I've used SRP and EGP last year (only one coat of EGP), but even now the car still beads really well, and it's not been polished for 4 months. Had put three coats of SRP on over the summer.

I'd like to get the paint looking pretty good. I know it will never shine like a black car, but was wondering about any other recommendations? I've seen some Poorboys Diamond White Glaze, which is suppose to be very good on light cars.

Or should I just stick with SRP and EGP until I can get a machine? What would be best for a machine - in terms of the unit, pads and polishes?

Thanks

**rushy** · 17th January 2011, 17:42

Megs #16 over megs #7 works very well on light silvers mate.

**Fishmichael** · 17th January 2011, 17:48

By hand? So, snowfoam, wash, dry, #7 then #16?

Will give that a go. Where's the best place to get them, Autobrite, Clean Your Car etc, or Halfords?

**bobssignum** · 17th January 2011, 18:00

Autobrite or c y c or shinearama will provide all you need. halfords wont ,also sign up to [url]www.detailingworld.co.uk before hand and you get discount codes for these sites saving £,s

**Das** · 17th January 2011, 18:01

Used #16 and its ok, especially at the price, but you really really really have to apply it very thinly as it can be a burger to remove. Using AG HD wax at the moment and really loving it, very easy to apply very easy to remove. Don't buy from Halfords as its £40 there. Check ebay or Amazon. Ive yet to try a glaze, I guess im old fashioned. Im looking forward to the better weather coming in so I can do the whole machine polish thing myself.
Have you thought about Claying your car too?

**Fishmichael** · 17th January 2011, 18:10

I have a clay bar here - think it's the one you just need water with. Looking forward to giving it a go, but need a day of good weather and no other plans!

I've just looked on CYC, and their prices seem pretty good - £40 for the snowfoam lance, £3 cheaper than Autobrite.

The big problem is that there's so many different things out there, it's an absolute minefield! Everyone has different opinions, which adds to the confusion! But, that's the reason I asked - what works for one doesn't for another etc, so good to get a range of responses.

Will hopefully help others with Silver cars aswell!

Whilst I don't want to be getting into the whole 6 hours a week on the car, I do want it to look as good as I can - it's an Exclusive with steel wheels, so never going to turn heads in the style stakes, but would like to be noticed for the condition!

I figured that half an hour a week with a wash, then a polish and wax/seal every four weeks would keep it looking good. Would it be best to clay it every time I polish it, or is it not needed?

**rushy** · 17th January 2011, 18:19

Thats the fun thing about detailing, everyone has a different preferences and different techniques. Next year you'll be using something different. As long as you follow the simple rules you cant go wrong.

**Grumpy1954** · 17th January 2011, 18:28

Originally Posted by rushy

Megs #16 over megs #7 works very well on light silvers mate.

New to this myself, bought a DA from CYC after seeing what Messsy could do with one. I asked Meguiars, they suggested, if paint in good condition, #80 glaze followed by #20 sealant. I have got #16 which I want to try, and apparently still could, over sealant, but #26 gives a wetter look.
Have been reading up on poorboys, they do a diamond white and a softer one for light colours. Trouble with going colour related ones for me is wife's car is dark. Will watch this thread with some interest, as weather stopped play with my DA and I haven't got a snow lance yet.

**Fishmichael** · 17th January 2011, 18:32

Trial and error I guess.

I like the fact that you don't have to do the whole shebang every week. Am already seeing the results of applying polish a few times last year, by the fact that even after just a wash and dry the rain beads really well. If I get into the habit of doing it every few weeks (more often if I get chance), it will stay better for longer.

Just need to assemble the kit now! I've got applicator pads (from tesco), mf wash mitt (tesco), lots of mf cloths (tesco again!), and a meguirs water magnet towel. Although, I'm not that impressed with it - should the car be bone dry after using it? Mine isn't, but it does leave it streakless. Was thinking of a fluffy deluxe one from either CYC or AB, as they look the same - just depends where I get the rest of the stuff I guess.

My main concern is applying thinly. To say I'm heavy handed with polish is an understatement! Never think there's enough on there if I can't see it! will hopefully come with practice.

**Grumpy1954** · 17th January 2011, 18:35

Originally Posted by Fishmichael

I have a clay bar here - think it's the one you just need water with. Looking forward to giving it a go, but need a day of good weather and no other plans!

I've just looked on CYC, and their prices seem pretty good - £40 for the snowfoam lance, £3 cheaper than Autobrite.

The big problem is that there's so many different things out there, it's an absolute minefield! Everyone has different opinions, which adds to the confusion! But, that's the reason I asked - what works for one doesn't for another etc, so good to get a range of responses.

Will hopefully help others with Silver cars aswell!

Whilst I don't want to be getting into the whole 6 hours a week on the car, I do want it to look as good as I can - it's an Exclusive with steel wheels, so never going to turn heads in the style stakes, but would like to be noticed for the condition!

I figured that half an hour a week with a wash, then a polish and wax/seal every four weeks would keep it looking good. Would it be best to clay it every time I polish it, or is it not needed?

It would be worth doing the 6 hour job - and do use something like Sonus and/or the Meguiars stuff on tyres and rubbers, done right all you need to do for months is wash, then go over it with Quick Detailer - spray on, spread around, wipe off. I want to try Meguiars gold shampoo, but I like Zymol and bought some while Halford had stock. Around £6 per bottle and that'll last a year. Half a capful for 5 litres water, smells of coconut and banana and cleans well.
If no-one's told you, use microfibre/lambswool mitt to wash, NOT a sponge, microfibre to dry - check the detailing threads about 2 bucket method etc. I'd hand detailed mine for years with classic cars, the range of stuff available now is bewildering. I tend to go with Meguiars, but everyone has their own favourite.