What did the Pro use on my car?

M

miataman

New member
Had my Miata totally buffed, waxed, etc. When I picked it up a month ago it was had super glossy, plastic-like look, even the wheels. I've been using S-100 and Zaino on it and it still looks great, however........it has lost the real shiny edge it had initially.



Also, I can now see some paint imperfections that weren't visable when I first got the car back.



So what do I need to get that "edge" back? What did he use that looked great......but apparently didn't last long?



Thanks.
 
i'm not sure if there is a way to find out by just looking at it... i would just call the pro up and ask them. If they are a good detailer and not one of those shady shops he should have no problem telling you. He might even be a reseller for it.
 
yeah I'd contact the guy and find out... also what kind of "imperfections" are you talking about- scratches/swirls? If so you may want to examine your detailing methods (not products, but methods of applying/washing/etc.) because those could be introducing fresh defects.



:xyxthumbs
 
I did try to find out what they were using but they were somewhat protective of the information. It's a big shop, sort of connected to a Honda/Toyota dealer. I did notice lots of gallon jugs of Blue Coral substances sitting around.



The more I think about it...I would imagine what I saw was the effects of some sort of glaze. The imperfections I mentioned were tiny tiny swirls, etc. Even though the work they did took out most of that kind of thing.



If I decide on a glaze to try....can I get that shiny/wet look over the Zaino and S100 wax....or do I put on the glaze first then put on more wax?



Last, what about the Blue Coral brand?



Thanks guys.

STeve
 
I think your finding the initial protection starting to wear, and if he used a glaze, it has probably deteriorated now.....Its getting back to its original condition, as when you brought it in. What color Miata are we talking about here ? Im assuming its dark, less forgiving.....Im not real familiar with Zaino, but I know its known for durability, but other products give better appearances....Maybe its time to consider another product if your not happy with the way your car is looking now, or experiment with techniques......As you can tell, its now up to you, to bring your baby back to life ! + its funner that way....
 
FWIW, I've noticed that cars tend to look a little better when someone else does an excellent job than when *I* do an excellent job myself. I guess it's the before-after shock and whatnot.
 
I don't use it on my zaino (yet) but try the z5 - it's a filler that may cover up those imperfections you're talking about. You can even cover that with z2 (or z3, whichever you use).
 
Louisiana, would you mind expanding on this? Zaino amplifying imperfections. Is tht becuase of it's clarity? If so....what would be a better option....S100?

Thanks

Steve
 
Zaino is a very clear product and I guess it doesn't fill imperfections as well as other products so surface prep is very important.



Maybe a mix of Meguiars BSP stuff and S100 would give you the effect you want.
 
My recent experience is that polymers (Meg's #20 in my instance) highlight flaws, and natural waxes fill and blend them.



As to why, I have a few guesses. One is that any interruption in a highly reflective surface (such as that produced by a polymer) is very noticeable. The second (related to the first) is that highly reflective surfaces accentuate the harder lines of a car, by their very reflectiveness. Harder surfaces show imperfections more readily than softer ones do. The third is that the polymer coat is possibly thinner and therefore doesn't round off edges of chips and scratches as well.



I'm in the middle of an experiment topping my Miata with Meg's #20, then Meg's #26, then Pinnacle Souveran (very similar to S100). I'm looking to get the reflectiveness of the polymer and the depth and glow of the carnuba. As always, what I'll probably get is a shiny car. WTH, if nothing else, I have a reason to polish, as if I needed it.



I haven't used S100, but judging from what I've read here, it would work well. If a glaze was used, then try Meguiar's #7 (see the HOF for an excellent post on how to use this fascinating product), followed by the S100. In my mind's eye, I see that combination having major eyeballs.



Tom
 
I agree that he probably used a traditional glaze then wax combo on your car. :up You never did say what colour your car is, but on very dark and vibrant colours (red for example) a glaze can really make the paint "pop" by filling in the microscopic swirls/haze - something that polymer sealants don't seem to do as well (in one shot anyway).



It's not the "best" way to do it, but in the absence of a perfect, proper prep job, a quick glazing and waxing can make a noticable difference.
 
My car is Laguna Blue, a medium bright color. Not dark blue at all.

My hunch is the same as most....a glaze then waxed. Interestingly the wheels looked the same way....almost wet. So I guess I'll try the 3M Hand Glaze or the 26 with the S100 wax and see if I can duplicate that look. :) Thanks guys.

Steve
 
If you are looking for a glaze that is easy to use, try Mother's sealant glaze. Cheap, easy to find and easy to use. I'm not a big fan of most mother's products, but their sealant glaze works really well.



Michael
 
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