Today's detail: Integra + new favourite sealant

[Mad iX]

Wow lots of Hondas all of a sudden.



Start with an after pic:

A Red Integra, probably the nicest colour, imo. We don't have Acuras here.

Friend just got back from overseas, and his car needed a wash. So I offered to detail it.

Usually gets cleaned at a car wash cafe, so the normal "dirty rag" swirls were present all over the car. Paint also felt like sandpaper especially on horizontal surfaces. No wonder since this car is parked outside most of the time.

Originally planned for a Poorboys detail, with SSR2.5, Pro Polish, EX-P and Blue Natty's but something changed after SSR2.5. No particular reason, my hands just reached for something else.



Final process:



Wash

Clay

Rinse

SSR2.5 w/ polishing pad

AIO

FMJ



AIO/SG on wheels

AIO on exterior glass (this car has a huge rear windscreen)

"Yuk Off" on tyres, wheel wells and lower trim



Didn't do the interior.



Now for the pics:



Foam gun in action:

Looks wet? That's because it is. No beading at all on the roof.

Swirls:

More swirls:

After SSR2.5:

 

[Mad iX]

All done.

After AIO, the car was looking quite nice, but once I started buffing off FMJ, I had a feeling I was on to something special. Application was ordinary, felt a bit like NXT. Smell was far from being as nice, but it wasn't strong, so I had no problem with it.

Buffed off quite easily, not as easy as say UPP, probably about as easy as Z2Pro.

Once it was off though, I was really impressed. The wet look that this has, is amazing for a sealant. Also very deep, and slickness was just short of UPP. Considering there's only one layer, I'm really keen to find out what multiple layers of FMJ can do. I absolutely felt no need to top it.

If durability is anywhere close to UPP, I believe I have my new go-to sealant.



More pics:

 

[Mad iX]

Not so impressed with this. '04 Honda with no clearcoat?

Was the first time I used Yuk Off, was fine with it. I felt I used a bit much but for AU$6 a can, it's not too bad.

I really hope Menzerna FMJ has decent durability.

 

[papi_jay]

What did the AIO do for the glass ? That's interesting ( but I'm a n00b anyways )



looks sweet !

 

[klnyc]

Dang single stage paint.

 

[stilez]

:bow



Great work on the DC5...I could do without the wheels, but the paint looks stunning! I love how you lose the paint in the red taillights .





I have found FMJ to rival UPP in many aspects, but please let me know how you feel over time.

 

[mgm2003]

Wow, you uncovered some incredibly wet red paint on that car –very nice job!



I like FMJ too, but won’t buy it again because it’s too $$$. IMO it doesn’t distinguish itself enough from other choices to command such a premium price. I’ve been just as happy rotating Finish Kare #218/2180, UPP, WG, OCW, and EX.



Now Menzerna polish….. that’s another story! IMO you can clearly tell a difference from many other popular choices used on the boards

 

[imported_series1]

Very nice job, it turned out great!

 

[chevyguy28]

How would you guys characterize the difference between UPP and FMJ?

 

[Mad iX]

papi_jay: AIO cleans/polishes/seals glass, just like paint.

How would you guys characterize the difference between UPP and FMJ?

Application: UPP, a little goes a looong way

Residue removal: UPP, but FMJ is nice

Slickness: UPP, but not by that much

Layering: ??? but I expect UPP to be better

Reflections: UPP

Wetness: FMJ, 1 layer of FMJ is like 3 on UPP

Depth: layer for layer, FMJ

Durability: ??? but I think UPP will win

Bang-for-buck: UPP no doubt, half the price for the same amount

 

[EdLancer]

Nice work mate, single stage paint is the norm with solid color on Japanese cars, only metallics get clearcoat. I guess theres a reason for it, maybe better defect removal and wetter look ! Only yankee cars put clearcoat on everything.



What type of Mitsu is your ride ...Mirage ?



What do you think of 845IW ? is it as wet as the other products you tried. I'am experimenting 100% with Colinite products this summer.