How to treat a white WRX?

[matc]

Hi All,



I`m heading in interstate for the weekend and a friend of mine wants to have a shot at detailing his white late model Subaru WRX. I assume it has a clear coat.



Since I won`t be taking the random orbital with me:( , I wanted to take a few products that are easily applied by hand. My plan is to:

- wash

- clay bar (blue clay magic)

- GEPC

- AIO

- P21S



Since I have never dealt with white paint, can anyone comment on my approach. Do you think this is suitable for white paint?



Other products I have: Megs SMR, DACP, Carlack, Autoglym Super Resin Polish.



Thanks

:wavey

[2wheelsx2]

I have a 2004 white one. Yes, it has a clear coat. If he has not detailed (especially clayed) it before, be prepared for a LOT of work. That white paint shows up everything. It cleans up really well though, and when finished, is super bright. Lots of nooks and crannies which trap water too, so it`d be easier if you can blow the water out.

[bunmango]

These aren`t the best pictures, but here`s my buddy`s Aspen White WRX. I washed/clayed, DACP + yellow pad on PC, AIO, UPP



It wasn`t too hard to work with, then again, I had my PC with me :) How come you won`t be taking your buffer?



before:

http://www.swirlfreecrew.org/albums/versusgda/IMG_3764.jpg



after:

http://www.swirlfreecrew.org/albums/versusgda/IMG_3778.jpg



http://www.swirlfreecrew.org/albums/versusgda/IMG_3779.jpg



http://www.swirlfreecrew.org/albums/versusgda/IMG_3781.jpg



http://www.swirlfreecrew.org/albums/versusgda/IMG_3776.jpg

[matc]

Thanks. I don`t believe it has ever been properly detailed, however I think it is quite well looked after.



When you say a lot of work, do you means the whole process or just the claying? Do you find claying alone will bring back a lot of true color?



Also is it more difficult or easier to see where you have gone with the clay / polish because of the white paint.

[2wheelsx2]

The claying will take longer because you can see every little spec of dirt on the paint, unlike on a dark car. It`s very annoying.



The GEPC and the AIO will clean it up really well. The clay will help, but the true colour will only be revealed with a paint cleaning, so if it is as you say, and well taken care of, then, it will clean up well. If not, then a PC may be needed to really polish it up for that dazzling shine.

[matc]

Thanks for the pics bunmango! The car looks great. Did you find the white paint harder than other colours?



I wanted to take the PC, however he`s never seen me in action before and I think he`s a little worried about high power tools going near his car.weiss Also I`m an enthusiast rather than a professional detailer so I guess he figues he can`t rely on any insurance it if all goes wrong.



However, he knows I use the PC on my 03 boxster S so I think that should give him some comfort!;) :nix



Anyway, it`s going to be the hard way - all by hand :(

[breakneckvtec]

Bunmango...I think I know you from H-T



Nice job on the Rex



And...is that a 4 door teggy with a JDM front end conversion I spy?

[bunmango]

As 2wheelsx2 mentioned, claying a white car is a PITA because you can see every little speck of dirt on the finish. If the car has major swirls, I don`t think that the GEPC will do much for the finish. I even had to step up to DACP because the SFP wasn`t agressive enough for me.



As far as using a buffer on his car, I don`t see any need for him to worry, especially if you aren`t using any abrasive products. Just bring your SFP and your buffer just in case ;)



breakneckvtec - yep, that`s me. Good to see another HTer up here :wavey I`m a newbie Autopian so I`ve been a little scared and intimidated to post some of my work over here :o And yes, that`s my JDM front GSR sedan there ;)

[breakneckvtec]

Dont be afraid to post here, your work looks good and from what I saw in your detailing FAQ you have at the very least the basics down pat. Autopia is one of the most friendliest car forums I have ever posted on.



I am really impressed with the WRX, you got a reflection from white :bow

[matc]

I agree with breakneckvtec - your work looks great! Thanks again for the advice.



breakneckvtec - what is "someones detailing FAQ"?

[breakneckvtec]

On Honda-tech another car forum him and I belong to he made a post about detailing called "detailing FAQ" FAQ standing for Frequently Asked Questions where he basically went through the process of detailing a car.