Best process for bringing paintwork up

[CHIMV8]

Hi All
Was going to send car to a detailer,then thought for the money could I get a DIY attempt close

Any recommendations for products and process on paint clean,wash down and polish up please

Same for wheels

Cheers in advance

Mark

 

[Hairyarse]

Hi Mark. A machine polish is the ideal, but if you're not setup for that, washing the car then clay-baring it will get rid of a good amount of surface contamination and make the results look even better if you hand polish or wax afterwards.

 

[mr wilks]

Worth spending on some products to apply yourself , very rewarding to see what can be achieved . Its not that difficult to suss out & a 6-8hr shift you should see & feel some real difference .
I'm no pro & i know many members with a lot more expertise but here's one way to get good results with a spend of around £50
1) clay the car to remove contaminants
2) apply Meglars Ultimate https://www.amazon.co.uk/Meguiars-Car-Care-Products-G17216/dp/B001O7PNNM/ref=sr_1_5?crid=ZXTCQE9D3TL9&dchild=1&keywords=meguiars+ultimate+compound+polish&qid=1595757251&sprefix=meglars+ultimate+compound%2Caps%2C157&sr=8-5
3) & here's where many will recommend their own favourites but this one product will give you a great finish with ease & no need for a machine
Autofinesse tripple

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Auto-Finesse-MICROFIBRE-POLISHING-APPLICATOR/dp/B00FDRU5H8/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1KCV0SPRHZNN2&dchild=1&keywords=auto+finesse+tripple+3&qid=1595757766&sprefix=auto+finess+triple+%2Caps%2C160&sr=8-3

alternatively for stage 3 you could apply two products like Chem guys butter wax https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chemical-Guys-Butter-Wet-Cream/dp/B07F9X1L6K/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2502ROCZXTDDQ&dchild=1&keywords=butter+wet+wax+chemical+guys&qid=1595757819&sprefix=butter+wet%2Caps%2C263&sr=8-1
followed by AF radiance carnuba https://www.amazon.co.uk/Auto-Finesse-Radiance-Carnauba-Cr%C3%A8me/dp/B071CRRWGX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=32XA3RG0Y0K49&dchild=1&keywords=auto+finesse+radiance&qid=1595757861&sprefix=autofinesse+rad%2Caps%2C154&sr=8-1

or spend a bit more on the top coat with Fusso99 which is harder to apply & remove than Autofinesse products but gives a durable finish https://www.amazon.co.uk/SOFT99-420-Scratch-Mirror-Finish/dp/B0035ZIABS/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3OTZ0TI9ILGBQ&dchild=1&keywords=fusso+soft99&qid=1595757898&sprefix=fusso+%2Caps%2C166&sr=8-5

you can apply all above by hand but if you are planning to invest in a DA polisher here's a basic kit i bought many years ago & still find it does all i need it to https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dodo-Juice-Orbital-Machine-Polisher/dp/B00FQF045A/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=dodo+juice+Das+6+polishing+machine&qid=1595758229&sr=8-5

 

[Angelus666]

Mr Wilks is spot on with that view if you want to commit to getting into detailing. I’d not rush into buying everything up front as, for some, detailing takes a lot of time and some can’t be bothered. Get your wash technique right (1 bucket for wheels, 2 for bodywork) and once you have this part sussed then I think you’ll need a DA machine as the more you detail it, the higher level of perfection you’ll want and a hand polish on BMW paint is pointless at removing swirls.

 

[sydown]

It is a multi step process but worth the effort.
Jet wash
Snow foam
Jet wash
Hand wash with two buckets, one with soap one to rinse your mit (no sponges allowed!)
Clay bar
Meguiars DA with ultimate compound (if you have a lot of swirl marks / minor scrathes then 105 compound then 205)
Polish
Wax, i use zymol titanium but cheaper alternatives available!

Then wheels, interior and glass

I’m not a pro but it works for me!!