That ended up looking brilliant. Pitty they don't stay looking like that.

Wow - that thing is gleaming!

Probably looks better than when you first picked it up!

Good stuff...

Looks awesome!!!

Wish my car was half that shiney! Very impressive

Swirls are the most horrible thing in cars :( I've nearly removed all of mine. About 90% of the way there!

Taping off the car is something I've never done properly before. Whats a good brand to use?

Edited February 17, 200917 yr by Mat

Thanks for the kind responses guys. First thing I want to make clear is that I am a beginner. I'd recommend looking at the detailparadise, detailingworld or autopia websites because the guys on there are much, much more knowledgable and have been doing this kind of work for ages. There are also many pro's that hang out there too. I am just a beginner finding my way...

I guess you should keep in mind that this process is about protection as well so by laying down a sacrificial layer it will defo minimise swirl marks and minor marring. I plan on polishing my car no more than once every 12 months (see how it goes), and I really only wash it about once every 2 weeks and will continue to apply wax every second to third wash.

Keep in mind that if you penetrate the clear coat you will need a respray so it's recommended that you start with a RO (random orbital) instead of a rotary as you will need to bring skills if you weilding the latter. This is not something you just wake up and do with no preparation so please don't be dilusional...

Personally I only let my car out to play on weekends so my routine will be very different to some of you especially those who have a daily driver or leave their cars outside. In those situations a sealant would add durability. It also depends on what finish you prefer too, and of course your budget. I really like poorboys because their great value for the money, but I'm wanting to try Swissvax and Pinnacle too down the track.

druxr6t: I imported it from the UK with 'brass fittings'. I have a Karcher pressure cleaner and it has the fitting for it. The website is www.cleanyourcar.co.uk. Now I need a longer hose for my Karcher though as it drives me crazy having to move it around the car. I used DP Xtreme (1:4) but I've also got some Chem Guys Citrus Wash Shampoo that I want to test too.

Mat: I prefer the 3M masking tape.

I'll prolly do my interior soon so I can post up again if there is interest.

Awesome job. I thought you also took your number plates of, but uyou just blacked over them. That is dark. Nice effort. BTW, you went to the trouble of blacking out your number plates, but not somewhere else that shows your Rego