Decisions

[bounax]

I look after my Monaco Blue Z4 with a combination of claying, SRP & Dodo Juice Blue Velvet. However - I want to take my growing obsession to the next level and get rid of the swirl marks.

I see my options as:
1) Continue as is (just purchased Dodo Juice Lime Prime & Poorboys Blackhole Glaze)
2) Buy a machine polisher (probably the DAS6 Pro) and attempt improvement/correction myself
3) Seek the services of a profesional detailer for full paint correction

As always its cost Vs benefit, and naturally I see pro's & con's in all of the above. I would really appreciate any comments fellow forum members may have from their own experiences....

Thanks in advance!

Chris

 

[AlanJ]

Not sure how bad the swirl marks are but if it were me I would leave proper paint correction to an expert - but thats just me as I don't have the confidence or understanding of the process to do a proper job with a machine polisher.

 

[Taz]

the satisfaction of diy can be extreemly rewarding

 

[srhutch]

I would say seek some advise but have a go yourself. I bought a PC when I damaged my last car as the cost was the same as getting somebody else to repair but I would be set for the future.

With some advise on products you cant go wrong really unless you are really stupid.

PC's are also very handy for buffing after polishing :wink:

 

[cj10jeeper]

Get the equipment and have a go yourself. It's not difficult to get good results and satisfaction from doing it.

Practice on an old car or panel if needs be. (I have a very shiny 02 plate KA now!!!)

Professional will of course get better results, when they do it but the one-off cost would have covered all you need to buy for DIY.

 

[scottbt]

Regradless if you get a pro or not a simple DA polisher with the basics will still be needed eventually just to give the car the once over as it will tire over time.
Even using 2 buckets, soft mitts and towels you will still get wash marring just not as aggressive and it will start showing much later than if taken care of with simple bucket and sponge.

A pro will ( or should ) get your car to its peak
A pro ( should ) know all aspects of what they are doing and most importantly they should be fully insured to work on your car.
Ive heard of so many chumps thinking they can polish paint and have really fapped the paint up, if that were you where do you stand?
Where you were anyway only with a knackered car after a no brain has polished it

Get the kit and have a go, if your unsure get the pro in then seek advice which majority will give after a full treatment.

 

[bounax]

I am tempted to have a go myself but don't want to be one of the chumps.... I have heard of a guy who does machine training sessions in Cumbernauld for bout £50.... May be worth the investment.

I kinda like the idea of picking up a door panel from a scrap yard, having a bash at that and seeing how I get on. I am presuming the lime prime will be enough for removing minor/mild hologramming & swirls?

 

[scottbt]

Lime prime does have abrasives but not to the point of deswirling.
You will get good results from LP by machine but if your wanting to take the next step then menzerna polishes are exceptional for DA use and are very good on hard paint types like that of VAG, bmw and mercedes.
A scrap panel is always best to test run on unless your under supervision so if attepmting yourself then get a panel, something with not to many awkward curves and lines so you can get the feel of the machine.
When your confident enough, tackle the car.
As you go on and become more comfortable you canm attempt heavier cutting etc.
Starting with LP is a good place to be, preferably on a finishing pad then step up to a polishing pad as this will givce a little more bite to the LP and give even better results.
The courses im sure would be by caldonia and davekg defined deatils.

 

[Z4 Beemer]

When mine is 2 years old (next May) I would like to get it properly detailed by a Pro just to get it looking new again.

bounax, if you happen to come across any good detailers that are located in the west and get your car done, let us know.

scottbt, I wondered if it was DaveKG from detailingworld. I think they work from a place on the outskirts of Glasgow... Cambuslang maybe???

 

[scottbt]

Not sure entirely other than its scotland hes based.
I have a good contact in scotland also and his work is excellent and is a full time detailer.

 

[Z4 Beemer]

Not sure entirely other than its scotland hes based.
I have a good contact in scotland also and his work is excellent and is a full time detailer.

If your contact is Glasgow/west would be good to know. Is he on detailingworld? If you are ever up this way yourself and looking for a bit of work on a Zed, give us a shout!

 

[bounax]

Z4 Beemer - I'm pretty sure Dave KG is based in Cambuslang.

Scottbt - Could you PM me your contact in Glasgow's number? I would like to get a bench mark price for a full paintwork correction.

 

[scottbt]

Not sure entirely other than its scotland hes based.
I have a good contact in scotland also and his work is excellent and is a full time detailer.

If your contact is Glasgow/west would be good to know. Is he on detailingworld? If you are ever up this way yourself and looking for a bit of work on a Zed, give us a shout!

He is central scotland.
Im potentially due a visit to gallowshields at some point as part of my other halfs family live there, could make it a working holiday

Doubt it would go down too well with her in doors though

 

[BlueZ4]

From personal experience, I have noticed that swirls come back over time and the car needs another dose of swirl cutter 1 or 2 times a year. Getting your own buffer and professional products really pays for itself.