Another one to put up, from last summer. I'll try to really write out more explanations about what I am/was doing. Oh, it's another Mazda 3 (I seem to get a lot of 3s)
Initial Engine bay Condition.
DSC_5229 by
brianjosephson1, on Flickr
A nice even coat of crap.
DSC_5232 by
brianjosephson1, on Flickr
Car isn't terribly "dirty" but it has an even layer, and there is some really nasty water spotting.
DSC_5233 by
brianjosephson1, on Flickr
Rims were okay, and off a Mazda 5.
DSC_5234 by
brianjosephson1, on Flickr
DSC_5236 by
brianjosephson1, on Flickr
Foam time. APC sprayed to the lowers, badges, grills, emblems, and anywhere extra attention is required.
DSC_5247 by
brianjosephson1, on Flickr
No photos of the "wash" process but it's always the same. Clean all the jambs, engine, and panels, then clay.
Moving on to the mats.
DSC_5257 by
brianjosephson1, on Flickr
Hot water, APC, Carpet soap, and some brush lovin'.
DSC_5258 by
brianjosephson1, on Flickr
And clean.
DSC_5259 by
brianjosephson1, on Flickr
Here we start the paint work. Notice the water spots on the left side of the hood. These are very ingrained minerals from the rain water. Normally we don't have hard water so this much have been a long build up. A medium compound on a medium cutting pad (orange for those that want to know), was not taking it out in one hit. This here is after 2 passes, and I didn't have time for that. I stepped things up to a Micro Fiber pad and changed polishing methods from a zenith technique (work the polish lightly, ramp up, and them slow down) to the Kevin Brown method (apply large force and speed until defects are gone then slow and ease up for a last couple passes). The Kevin Brown method requires a SMAT style polish (SMAT is a Meguiars term). Basically, the compound does not break down, the abrasives are very small to start, and they stay that size. You adjust speed and pressure to adjust the cut. DAT (diminishing abrasive technology) are when the abrasives start large and break down over time. SMAT gives you the ability to cut hard, quickly, and finish better then a DAT compound of the same cut level. Usually, even heavy SMAT polishes can finish near wax perfect.
DSC_5263 by
brianjosephson1, on Flickr
DSC_5266 by
brianjosephson1, on Flickr
Much Better.
DSC_5274 by
brianjosephson1, on Flickr
Door by Door.
DSC_5278 by
brianjosephson1, on Flickr
Polishing complete, Finished around 4:00am.
DSC_5288 by
brianjosephson1, on Flickr
DSC_5292 by
brianjosephson1, on Flickr
DSC_5295 by
brianjosephson1, on Flickr
Exhaust tip polished with #000 steel wool and Mother Metal Polish. Then buffed with a cotton towel to give it a shine.
DSC_5299 by
brianjosephson1, on Flickr
Yours truly.
DSC_5306 by
brianjosephson1, on Flickr
And after all the wax and tire shine and dressing is applied.
DSC_5331 by
brianjosephson1, on Flickr
DSC_5337 by
brianjosephson1, on Flickr
DSC_5346 by
brianjosephson1, on Flickr
DSC_5355 by
brianjosephson1, on Flickr
Thanks for lookin!
SheepStar