Mazda3/Finish Kare

cgc2

New member
Ok, so I tried some FK products on my car, here is the process used:

Washed car with foam gun using Smart Car Wash.

While the car was still wet, applied #1119 Paint Decontamination Step #1.

I am on top of my car, always trying different items, etc., so I new I would not

need #883 Paint Sub-Surface Decontamination Step #2.



So I proceeded to step #3 which was basically to rinse and then wash with a PH neutral car shampoo, so again, I used Smart Car Wash via a Foam Gun.

After this, I pulled out the Electric Leaf blower I recently found on sale at HD for 14.99, and blew the water out of the crevices, badges, and panels.

The panels were sqeeky clean, and I did not feel the need for claying the car, which is what the Decon system is supposed to replace.



After masking off the black trim and badges, I was ready to either try 330, a micro abrasive light compound for some light swirls or try the #215 Ultra All-in-One Cleaner Polish Sealant, which is what I opted for.

I used this with a Propel Green Polishing Pad, and my Metabo Rotary set on Level 2.5-3

This product has a adequate working time with the rotary. Similar to Chemical Guys Polish 1,2, or 3, or PB 1,2, 2.5,3. But no way as long as OCP w/ a rotary.

It applied easy, and came off easy except for where I went a little thick. I used some QD to assist in removal, but really that was only needed in a couple of areas in the lower rocker panel area...my error in over applying. Oh yeah, no dusting issues when removing either.



After applying and removing #215, I used #2180 Ultra Poly Wipe Sealant, step #4 in the Decontamination System. I applied very thin using a Propel blue pad, and I let the product sit on the car for 30 minutes, then removed. It came off easily, no dusting.

It immediately added a glow and wetness to the car, but I really could not tell any other nuances since I was now working in garage.



After this, I added two coats of Pink Wax by hand. Stuff smells like chemical, but applies and removes easily. This really added some gloss. I debated if I should use #425 Ultra Slick Poly Wipe Spray Detailer now or wait till the next day, which is what I did.



So, prior to taking these picks, I applied #425 to the car. As luck would have it, after one of the first pics, hazy/clouds move in, taking away the sun.

But I will say, the car has never been this slick and shiney, and the depth and clarity is right there with the better products I have tried.



So, here you go....comments and advice are welcome.



fk-2.jpg




fk-9.jpg




fk-8.jpg




fk-7.jpg




fk-6.jpg




fk-5.jpg




fk-4.jpg




fk-3.jpg
 
I really like the looks!



Chris, can you answer a question for me? Is there an explanation for why the back wheels get more brake dust than the fronts on those cars?
 
SpoiledMan said:
I really like the looks!



Chris, can you answer a question for me? Is there an explanation for why the back wheels get more brake dust than the fronts on those cars?



I've noticed this too. Pretty much the only car I can think of that has this.



Anyway, looks really nice. #2180 and #2685 make a great combo. That red looks very clean and wet.
 
ScubaStevo said:
So many angled shot. My neck hurts now. :(



Oh, I thought the car was parked on a hill! :LOLOL



The paint looks really nice, I definitely agree about Pink Wax, it has a really wet shine!
 
Looks great, that paint is just glowing, but a little advice, for us lazy people who dont like to read, just put the procedure in a list format. lol ;)
 
Thanks for the comments folks.

Those with suggestion on listing proceedure to angled shots, advice taken.
 
Great work, Chris. As an owner of a 5-door 3S myself, I can certainly appreciate the work involved. As for the rear wheels getting more dust than the front, I've read reports that this was because the rear pads were "softer" than the fronts and dust more. I have no idea as to the validity of this statement, but if it is true, I'll be sure to change the pads to the "harder" ones when the time comes. I like the finish of the tires. What did you use to dress them?
 
SpoiledMan said:
I really like the looks!



Chris, can you answer a question for me? Is there an explanation for why the back wheels get more brake dust than the fronts on those cars?





Howdy Chris,

Yeah, the reason the rears get more dust is due to the brake biasing on the cars.

The intended reason for more bias to the rears is to assist in limiting nose dive when braking..this according to Mazda and subtantiated by a Mazda forum I belong to.

For those with newer cars, Mazda was to address this issue by using a different pad on the

rears



I still have the original pads on w/ 55k miles(all highway), but might try some ceramics out when brakes are needed on all 4 corners.

What has really helped out with keeping the backs clean OR easier to clean is using RimWax by Smartwax, or even some sealant.

Im curious as to how #425 may assist in enhancing Rimwax due to its protetective as well as anti-static properties.
 
cgc2 said:
Howdy Chris,

Yeah, the reason the rears get more dust is due to the brake biasing on the cars.

The intended reason for more bias to the rears is to assist in limiting nose dive when braking..this according to Mazda and subtantiated by a Mazda forum I belong to.

For those with newer cars, Mazda was to address this issue by using a different pad on the

rears



I still have the original pads on w/ 55k miles(all highway), but might try some ceramics out when brakes are needed on all 4 corners.

What has really helped out with keeping the backs clean OR easier to clean is using RimWax by Smartwax, or even some sealant.

Im curious as to how #425 may assist in enhancing Rimwax due to its protetective as well as anti-static properties.





Thanks for that. Ceramics should help out. My wife puts about 300-350 miles per week on our van and with ceramic pads there is very little dust after a week.
 
One tip: angled pics are annoying. Hard to really appreciate all your work. Anyway, how do you like the 3 5-door? I am seriously considering one of those if I go the new car route. I had been considering a Protege5, but I started to think why not get something new for as much as a P5 in good condition resells for. I love the looks of those cars.
 
Back
Top