Have recently bought a 2004 X-Type Diesel Estate. Well pleased with the car but have only just noticed that the paintwork is really rough and gritty across the whole car. Yes - I know I should have looked more carefully, and yes, I know you shouldn't view a car when it's wet - so, I realise this is my fault. There's no rusting from underneath - it's on the surface. It's almost as if it has spent it's previous life outside a chemical plant or similar. Since it came from the Teeside area, this is a distinct possibility. Only when close up is anything visible but it appears to be covered in tiny specks of something - almost like metallic shards of dust. It feels like a very fine grit sandpaper to the touch when it's dry. I know this sounds weird. T-Cut metallic improves things a little but what I would be interested to learn is whether anyone thinks a professional auto paint restorer might be able to bring it back to something like it should be. To complicate matters I live in Wester Ross - Inverness is the largest place within 150 miles - so I'm guessing either someone based there or mobile.

 

Have attached a pic, but not great!

 

Any advice/suggestions gratefully received. Thanks. Graham

Hi Graham,

 

It is not just chemicals in Teesside, but also a major steelworks [which I know very well] with the largest 

Blast Furnace in the UK.

 

Add to that, there is the coast and if it lived close to the coast the car would get a good sandblasting when it is windy.

 

I would look for a good detailer ---  they are often mobile  --  and get him to do a professional job.

 

Regards,

 

Peter.

Hi Graham.

 

i use a clay bar and born slippy lubricant by dodo juice which always gives me a smooth finish ready for a polish and wax.

They can be found on ebay for a reasonable price,could be a cheap and easy fix that you can do yourself.

Graham

Don't panic and I agree with Rob...get a clay bar kit ( I bought a Maguiars Ultimate Kitone from halfords ) but you can buy numerous brands and it works wonders plus is easy to do. Then just a good wax polish will bring it up a treat for a fraction of the price of getting it detailed. I got quoted about £150 for a full polish and buff. I know I can do as well myself with a bit of effort If you have access to YouTube there are loads of clips about how to restore paintwork on a car. Most just need some elbow grease. I've done my own cars for the last 3 I've owned and it's also very satisfying when you see the results. I think my profile pic of my last XJ gives a good example

I've just bought a 59 plate XF and have spent a reasonable weekend getting it back to a showroom shine £60 in total for all the bits and pieces needed. This includes a really good quality wax polish and all the microfibre cloths to go with it.

Give it a go and worst scenario is you will ache for a couple of days lol

I use a bilt-hamber clay bar twice a year takes a while but leaves to finish looking like glass. Highly reccomend it

Can get a claybar kit from halfords (it's not bad!). Can find some good guides across the web, although its not difficult, and finish with a good wax. 

Welcome to the Club, Phillip.

 

I am thinking along those lines, too, especially with a 15% discount from Halfords.

 

My car had the Supa Guard treatment two years ago and it is supposed to last 3 years, an so next spring I will be giving it a spring clean!!

 

Regards,

 

Peter.

i wasnt aware it was Supaguard you had done.

On 12/08/2015 at 8:03 AM, Old Peter said:

Welcome to the Club, Phillip.

 

I am thinking along those lines, too, especially with a 15% discount from Halfords.

 

My car had the Supa Guard treatment two years ago and it is supposed to last 3 years, an so next spring I will be giving it a spring clean!!

 

Regards,

 

Peter.

 

17 hours ago, RedguardAutoSpa said:

i wasnt aware it was Supaguard you had done.

 

Yes, Miles.

I would have done the job myself, but SWMBO wanted to share me the trouble.

I do use the three bucket system of washing, and am using Supernatural as I got it for nothing.

Regards,

Peter.

I think your post might be a little to late for Graham, Jim.

His message was posted in March 2015.

its always good for new viewers to follow up on though.
theres multiple different grades of clay.

Clay clothes and "3M Clay" from ebay are to be avoided as they Mar the paint finish.

Hi Miles, 

As you know  I had the Supa Guard process almost three years ago.  It is supposed to last three years.

In June I am giving my S Type a good detailing and would like a recommendation as to what process I should use.

I would appreciate your advice.

Regards,

Peter.

Hi Peter. So sorry for the delay we've had a big moved and relocation to scotland.

Are you looking to detail yourself or a recommendation of a professional local detailer who can provide your car with Protective coatings?

HI Miles,

No worries about  late reply.

I am undecided as whether to have another protective coating  ---  pensioners do not have much in the back pocket -- or just do a good bodywork clean up and a good polish.

If I go for the first, I am also undecided as whether to do it myself or have a local detailer do it -- cost is a factor.

If I go for the latter -- which is the one that is least expensive -- I would like the best cleaning and polishing products that you, as a professional, would recommend.

Regards,

Peter.

 

Hi Peter,

Once again I apologise for the lateness of my reply. 

If you want to prep it you'll need.

Bilt and Hamber clay

IGL Precoat

IGL Premier 

IGL Ecowash

 

Premier is a spray on sealant. So every time you wash the car just do your first pass drying then spray premier onto the panel and use as a drying aid.

Once the whole car is done buff the paint work for high shine. It's a 3 month protection.

I'll try and do a topic on the many different types of protection. And ease of application