Advice Needed

I

imported_StitcH

New member
Hey guys, new to the forum. I just bought a 2010 Mazda3 Hatchback and want to get her all nice, clean, and sealed before winter rolls around. I'm a member on a mazda forum, and a few of the people there spoke very highly of Blackfire products. I went to the site, and ended up buying the Clay, Polish & Shine Kit.

It comes with all kinds of pads and towels and I'm not sure what to use for what. I am a complete "n00b" to this detailing thing so I have no clue what I am doing. A few years ago I bought a polisher, but I'm not sure how good it is. I think I only used it once or twice, lol. It is the one in the top right: WAXMASTER WB9000. The bonnets that came with it are garbage now, so if you guys think I should use it, could you recommend good bonnets?

Here is what I understand so far...
  1. Wash car with Gloss Shampoo and Conditioner (all I have is a foam sponge, it that okay?)
  2. Dry car completely (I'm thinking about getting something like this to dry faster as I absolutely HATE drying)
  3. Clay bar entire car using clay lubricant and one of the microfiber wipe cloths
  4. Apply Gloss Enhancing Polish (should I use my polisher, or use the microfiber applicator?) and buff off with either the power scrubber cloth or the microfiber wipe cloth (not sure which one)
  5. Apply Wet Diamond Paint Protection (once again, what should I apply with and what should I buff out with?)
  6. Let set for at least 8 hours before applying another coat (I'm thinking about putting a coat of Carnuba over the Wet Diamond, what would I apply that with? What is your preference with Carnuba wax?)

Then after washes use the Deep Gloss Spray to maintain the "just waxed" look.

Thanks for any insight provided! Sorry for being such a n00b, lol
 
xX StitcH said:
Here is what I understand so far...
  1. Wash car with Gloss Shampoo and Conditioner (all I have is a foam sponge, it that okay?)
  2. Dry car completely (I'm thinking about getting something like this to dry faster as I absolutely HATE drying)
  3. Clay bar entire car using clay lubricant and one of the microfiber wipe cloths
  4. Apply Gloss Enhancing Polish (should I use my polisher, or use the microfiber applicator?) and buff off with either the power scrubber cloth or the microfiber wipe cloth (not sure which one)
  5. Apply Wet Diamond Paint Protection (once again, what should I apply with and what should I buff out with?)
  6. Let set for at least 8 hours before applying another coat (I'm thinking about putting a coat of Carnuba over the Wet Diamond, what would I apply that with? What is your preference with Carnuba wax?)

Then after washes use the Deep Gloss Spray to maintain the "just waxed" look.

Thanks for any insight provided! Sorry for being such a n00b, lol
Click to expand...

Welcome!

I'll answer a few questions and others here will fill in the blanks.

As to washing methods and materials, use the two bucket method - one for soap and one to frequently rinse your sponge.

Your selection of sponge is very important as that is the first place swirls are created. i use the ProLine Professional Tile and Grout sponge from Lowe's as it is inexpensive and very soft...you find it in the cleaning/cleaner section not with the tile and grout (go figure):

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=109653-962-K-28P&lpage=none

While a blower isn't required you will like using one and your choice will be fine. However, you still need some micro fiber cloths to complete the drying - the blower does 90% but there is still hand drying to do.

Clay bar - definately!

Gloss Enhancement Polish on a new finish - can't hurt. You could use your polisher for this if you get a good micro fiber bonnet for it, also to remove the gloss enhancement polish.

Now the fun part (really) - the BLACKFIRE Wet Diamond. I use the Gold Finger Pocket to apply Wet Diamond - goes on soooo easily and the finger pocket gets into the smallest places.

http://classic-motoring.stores.yahoo.net/gofipo.html

Wet Diamond then comes off easier than any product I have used...I take it off by hand with a plush micro fiber cloth (two per car typically required). Wait 12 hours and do another coat. You will be very pleased with the results!

If you want, top with a wax but the way Wet Diamond looks you may not want to use a wax top coat.

Regards,
GEWB
 
xX StitcH said:
Hey guys, new to the forum. I just bought a 2010 Mazda3 Hatchback and want to get her all nice, clean, and sealed before winter rolls around. I'm a member on a mazda forum, and a few of the people there spoke very highly of Blackfire products. I went to the site, and ended up buying the Clay, Polish & Shine Kit.
Click to expand...

Welcome to the forum and congrats on the new car! Our boy Angelo (@ properautocare.com) is an official Mazda nut and has probably one of the glossiest, swirl free, and nicest looking Mazda 5's out there.

Thank you for joining the forum!



It comes with all kinds of pads and towels and I'm not sure what to use for what. I am a complete "n00b" to this detailing thing so I have no clue what I am doing. A few years ago I bought a polisher, but I'm not sure how good it is. I think I only used it once or twice, lol. It is the one in the top right: WAXMASTER WB9000. The bonnets that came with it are garbage now, so if you guys think I should use it, could you recommend good bonnets?
Click to expand...

In general, polishers such as a Waxmaster are used for applying and removing glazes and waxes. They are 'traditional' orbital polishers and do not have enough power polish out the paint. Also it can be very difficult to find bonnets for these machines that will not scratch or swirl the paint up. This link covers the different types of machines and how they work.

Machine Polishers

If your goal is to polish the paint and increase the gloss then you will need, at the very least, a random orbital polisher such as a Meguiar's G110 or Porter Cable 7424XP. Removing defects and increasing gloss is a function of mechanically abrading the paint in order to create smoother, more perfect finish.

Removing Paint Defects
Here is what I understand so far...
  1. Wash car with Gloss Shampoo and Conditioner (all I have is a foam sponge, it that okay?)
  2. Dry car completely (I'm thinking about getting something like this to dry faster as I absolutely HATE drying)
  3. Clay bar entire car using clay lubricant and one of the microfiber wipe cloths
  4. Apply Gloss Enhancing Polish (should I use my polisher, or use the microfiber applicator?) and buff off with either the power scrubber cloth or the microfiber wipe cloth (not sure which one)
  5. Apply Wet Diamond Paint Protection (once again, what should I apply with and what should I buff out with?)
  6. Let set for at least 8 hours before applying another coat (I'm thinking about putting a coat of Carnuba over the Wet Diamond, what would I apply that with? What is your preference with Carnuba wax?)

Then after washes use the Deep Gloss Spray to maintain the "just waxed" look.
Click to expand...

Washing a car correctly is more complicated then using a good sponge and a great shampoo. Correct or proper washing includes removing the dirt as safely possible so that the dirt does not damage the paint during washing.

Washing your car using a Two Bucket Method

Proper washing, IMO, is the most important step in keeping your car looking its best.

As explained in the thread, using a 'sheeting' or 'flooding' method, by disco'ing the nozzle from the hose and using a steady stream of water is the most effective and time saving method to safely remove a large volume of water from the surface safely.

After sheeting of the paint, using a high quality microfiber 'waffle weave' towel such as our big blue will take care of any reaming water quickly.

Because I do not recommend using your polisher, I would suggest using a foam applicator pad to apply the Gloss Enhancing Polish as well as the Wet Diamond All Paint Protection.

You can also use microfiber applicators but ensure they are clean and do not swirl the paint.

You can 'top' Wet Diamond with a carnauba wax but take care to use a Carnauba wax that does not contain cleaning agents.

Blackfire Midnight Sun #24 is a high quality, 'pure' boutique wax that is designed to work in conjunction with the sealant. This will give you the best performance and a very wet deep look.

If you are on a budget, the best bang for the buck is S100 Carnauba paste. It really is an amazing performing and looking wax that is fairly easy on the wallet.

If you want to shoot in between, I would recommend P21s 100% Carnauba Paste.

Of course the look and feel of Wet Diamond is so good that most people choose not to top it with anything!



Thanks for any insight provided! Sorry for being such a n00b, lol
Click to expand...

Thanks for joining our forum and please let me know if I didn't answer anything in a way that helps you. That is what I am here for.

Todd
 
Glad to see you join us hear xX StitcH, Go with Todd had said and remember one thing about Mazda's ..........Hard Clear Coat.............ZoomZoom
 
Thanks for the replies everyone!

I have a few follow up questions after reading everyone's responses.

Todd, how do you feel about the sponge that gewb linked to? I'm sure you don't want to hear this, but I don't think I'm going to buy the remaining things I need from PAC because it is only a few things and I can't justify spending $5.95 for shipping and then waiting a few days for it to come :( I want to do some detailing this weekend :) I will definitely use the method you linked to. Thanks for that!

As far as drying, I have "The Absorber". Is that something ok to use (at least until I'm ready to place another order at PAC and I will get Big Blue).

When I clay bar, should I be using the Dragon Fibre MF towels that came with the Blackfire kit, or should I use the microfiber wipe towels that also came in the kit?

Unfortunately, I cannot afford the 7424XP right now. I will be buying it come Christmas time (along with some other things I'm sure ;)). So I should use the foam applicator that came with the kit to apply the polish? Then I can use the MF applicator that came with the kit to apply the Wet Diamond? Which MF cloth should I use to buff each out? Dragon Fibre or wipe towel?

zoomzoom mazda5 said:
remember one thing about Mazda's ..........Hard Clear Coat.............ZoomZoom
Click to expand...

What does that mean to me? Harder to polish? I would think a hard clear coat would be good, no? ZoomZoom is right :D

Things I'll Buy Come Christmas Time
  1. Porter Cable 7424XP
  2. Big Blue
  3. Misc detailing tools
  4. Anything else?

Thanks for all of your help guys! This is a great community!

Mike
 
xX StitcH said:
Thanks for the replies everyone!

I have a few follow up questions after reading everyone's responses.

Todd, how do you feel about the sponge that gewb linked to? I'm sure you don't want to hear this, but I don't think I'm going to buy the remaining things I need from PAC because it is only a few things and I can't justify spending $5.95 for shipping and then waiting a few days for it to come :( I want to do some detailing this weekend :) I will definitely use the method you linked to. Thanks for that!
Click to expand...

I don't mind hearing that you aren't going to order from PAC right now. My 'job' is to make sure you find this community helpful and that you have fun keeping your car looking great.

I have used the 'Grout' sponges from Lowes/Home Depot and find, bang for the buck, that they are amazing. A lot of top professionals use them as well. If your car is REALLY dirty, they might not work as well, because there is no nap, but for most cleaning, they work perfect.

As far as drying, I have "The Absorber". Is that something ok to use (at least until I'm ready to place another order at PAC and I will get Big Blue).
Click to expand...

The problem with the absorber is that there is no nap on the towel; if dust lands on the paint while you are drying it, then you could scratch it (because the dust has no where to go and cannot be picked up in the nap). Otherwise it is a great drying towel. If you flood the paint first to remove most of the water, then the absorber should easily remove the remaining water but you might get a little streaking.

When I clay bar, should I be using the Dragon Fibre MF towels that came with the Blackfire kit, or should I use the microfiber wipe towels that also came in the kit?
Click to expand...

You can use the Microfiber wipe towels.

Unfortunately, I cannot afford the 7424XP right now. I will be buying it come Christmas time (along with some other things I'm sure ;)). So I should use the foam applicator that came with the kit to apply the polish? Then I can use the MF applicator that came with the kit to apply the Wet Diamond? Which MF cloth should I use to buff each out? Dragon Fibre or wipe towel?
Click to expand...

I would personally use the MF appicator to apply the polish and the foam to apply the Wet Diamond. You can use either the Dragon Fiber or wipe towel to remove.


What does that mean to me? Harder to polish? I would think a hard clear coat would be good, no? ZoomZoom is right :D

Things I'll Buy Come Christmas Time
  1. Porter Cable 7424XP
  2. Big Blue
  3. Misc detailing tools
  4. Anything else?

Thanks for all of your help guys! This is a great community!

Mike[/QUOTE]
 
Good news! I'm not going to have to polish/seal by hand! I was over my friend's house today, and walking through his garage I noticed this sitting out on the workbench. I asked him if I could borrow it for my upcoming detail and he said sure :) He has both orange (polish) and red (wax/sealant) pads that I can use.

I can't wait to get this done now! I will definitely be posting up my results when I get everything done next weekend!

One last question... In this picture you can see that my garage is not very big making it very hard to work in.
xx-stitch-albums-my-mazda3-s-sport-hatchback-picture876-img-1562.jpg

My house faces north, so I get almost no shade in the driveway. It comes out about 4 ft past the garage door at one point during the day. I was thinking about getting one of those pop up tents to put up and work under, but they only make them like, 12x12 so I'm not sure what to do. Anyone have any shade making tips? I guess I can just wait until later in the day when the sun is lower.
 
First off, welcome to the forum! There are alot of very knowledgable guys on here that are very helpful. I bought this a little bit ago http://properautocare.com/blaccomkit.html and I beleive this will have pretty much everything you will need. I am a detail noob but I have been reading on here :D. I'm still anxious to try BF myself but it has been raining for 5 days or so. :(
 
Ok, it turns out I'm going to have to buy my own pads. I am looking at the "Pick 3 combo" and looking to get 2 white 6 1/2" pads and 1 red 6 1/2" pad. I also threw a packet of snappy clean pad cleaner into my cart, and some 1Z einszett Anti-Insekt in there just for the heck of it. Is that a good pad selection for a full Blackfire detail (polish and wet diamond)?

On my last order I did, I submitted it at around 10:00 pm EST on Wednesday, and the package got to me the next Tuesday. So I'm thinking if I place my order now, I can have the pads for my detail this weekend. Can anyone attest to the consistency of PAC's shipping?
 
All orders shipped out the same day Only if you place your order by 2:45 PM.
If their is a problem with it we email or call the customer to let them know.
 
xX StitcH said:
True. I guess I asked the question wrong. Is it possible for you guys to know how soon my order will ship out? Like if I order it by X:XX time, it will most likely ship out today...

I'm in NE Ohio, btw.
Click to expand...
If your order is in by 2:30 pm Eastern it will usually ship on that day. When it is absolutly slammed it can take an extra day to get it out although the crew at PAC does there best.
 
xX StitcH said:
Sounds good. Thanks, Angelo!

Is that a good pad selection for a Blackfire polish and wet diamond treatment?
Click to expand...

I would probably go with a white pad, a red pad, and a gold pad
I would use the red pad for the Gloss Enhancing Polish and the gold pad for Wet Diamond. GEP is a very mild polish so having the white pad a
handy might give you a little more power if you need it
 
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