New White BMW needs more depth

rotts4u

rotts4u

Member
I just bought a new 2006 325i in Alpine white (Its actually my 3rd white 3 series I love them so much)



Anyway with the new ride I am anxious to make it look as good as possible. After getting it home I washed it clayed it and then started on my normal Zanio process where I applied first Z1 then z2 over the top of it and allowed it to cure. Then removed it as normal.



While the surface is super slick and blemish/swirl free and seems very bright etc it is not quite as deep as I would like. Like all of you I tend to obsess over this stuff so I clayed again and tried some other stuff like Mothers FX, Meguires #7 ,#9, #26 and a few different sprays as well like NXT, final mist and Zainos Z6.



Its still looks ok but not quite what I had in mind. I am looking for suggestions on how to get more depth and more of that wet look. I know on white it is not as easy so maybe I am expecting too much.



I just love the car and want to make it look the best I can. I am not too worried about durability.



Lastly where do you find the mothers FX tire dressing? None of my local Advance or Auto zones have it though they have the other FX products.



Thanks



Don
 
#7 and #26 have a lot of depth. I don't think Z8 will be enough to make you happy.

At least you do realise it's difficult on white. There's only so much depth you'll get on that color, maybe you are expecting too much, but I wouldn't give up just yet. Maybe try a few layers of carnaubas and see how that goes.
 
More depth . . . no problem. Use a quality synthetic LSP topped with a carnauba hybrid or plain carnauba. Enjoy :xyxthumbs
 
Are you using the standard Z2 or Z2 Pro?





I found Z5 to have the most depth followed by Z2 Pro. Standard Z2 proved to be VERY glossy and plasticy looking, IMO. I was not a fan for darker vehicles or vehicles I was trying to achieve depth with.



If you polish with a polish like Optimum or Menzerna FPII, follow with Z5, and finish up with some Z8, I think you are on the way to much more depth.
 
90% prep 10 % LSP



my recommendation is get a DA polisher, a light compound , a light polish and then zaino



(ie Optimum , AJ Prime, z2 pro, z8)
 
Thanks for all the tips and yes I am using z2 pro now. I may try to order some of the things you all suggested to see if it helps me. With white I may be trying too hard and may never get what I need.



Does anyone use any of the Megs polymer sealants anymore like 20 or 21? I searched on that and did not see anything discussed. I used to use it 10 years ago but have not heard any talk about them lately.



Thanks again



don
 
^ I use Meg's #21 as one of my standard LSP'S and LOVE IT !!!! but do top with a carnuba like Natty's in your case :D
 
gentlemen,



i don't mean to be stupid here.....but why do you guys ALWAYS talk about applying one product over another, over another, over another? what does this accomplish??? if the final result is achieved buy the last applied product, why would you apply 2-4 other products??? it seems like applying multiple coats of clear to the base coat when after you have the required clear coat, you have clear. please inform me on this. thanks.



j. jam
 
because proper "paint prepping" is the norm in the world of automotive cleaning and detailing.



with a trained eye, i rarely see a LSP do everything and produce a desired effect.



there are just standard methods of doing things.



I see many finishes that can be improved upon in the click and brag, but most of are nice and don't say so..
 
tumbler said:
because proper "paint prepping" is the norm in the world of automotive cleaning and detailing.



with a trained eye, i rarely see a LSP do everything and produce a desired effect.



there are just standard methods of doing things.



I see many finishes that can be improved upon in the click and brag, but most of are nice and don't say so..
Click to expand...



so then what you are really doing is "chemically" wet sanding and polishing the clear coat by applying all of these products. correct?
 
You might want to try Mothers Reflections then follow with Top Coat or #26. I used Reflections on my TiAg e90 and it looked deeper than the FX. I also like the look with the FX though so its hard to know if you'll like Reflections. Reflections and FX tire dressing can be found at Pep Boys. By the way, great car isn't it?
 
Thanks 06 I went to Pep Boys at lunch and they do have the FX tire spray as well as the reflections wax. And yes I do love the car. I had assumed this time I would step up to a 5 series but after driving them back to back I just didnt care for the isolated feel of the 5. It felt way too big and lost the sporty edge of the 3. Not to mention the huge price difference.



Thanks again to everyone for all the tips. I love this place
 
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