FinnishPride

Here are the steps I took for this lengthy operation.

1)Wash: (Did not use Dawn! I used Meguiars Gold class soap, and a large amount of it for extra suds)

2)Clay: (I decided to go with Mothers after previous experience. I recently have been traveling a route near a rail road and the clay successfully removed small areas that appeared orange"rust". The clay bar was the longest process. They recently re-paved a large section of Interstate 5 and I had small dots of black asphalt all over the car. Washing removed most of it, however, it needed the extra effort, and clay prevailed.

3)Wash: (I figured it wouldn't hurt)


4)Menzerna's Intensive Polish with a Green pad, The most abrasive pad from Adams: (This was thick stuff. I recommend that you spray your pad with water to effectively work it in. If you do not spray the pad, the machine has a jerk to it, as though friction is building up! That will add swirls and remove clear coat with a circular polisher. Despite possible damage, if you don't spray the pad, you waste product because with the water, the Intensive Polish will cover more area.)


5)Menzerna's Final Polish 2 with a orange pad: (I know this is less abrasive than Intensive Polisher and can be effectively utilized with a white pad, however, I still had swirls after the previous step and needed a pad with stronger abrasive capabilities. This product is a lot tamer than Intensive polish and does not need water on the pad to be applied. It is important for one to note that you do not need very much of this product for a quality job. If an area still has imperfections after one coat of Intensive Polish, It is safe to apply a second coat of IP followed by the Final Polish 2.


6)Menzerna's Finishing Touch Glaze with a white pad at setting 2 on the Porter Cable: (I worked this product in at a slow speed to maximize its capabilities. This product is as thin as the Blackfire sealant, thus it is important to remember that you do not need to use very much. This product was my favorite step besides the Sealant because it seemed to fill in the swirls that could not be removed with the polish. Obviously under intense light my paint still has swirls, but I am not a professional like Jin at mirrorworks(props to you for your inspirational pictures) on that 98 a6!)


7)Blackfires Sealant on a Black pad: (One month ago I did a detail with Carnauba wax. The paint looked great, especially considering it is a light colored car. I respect anyone who sticks by this type of product. But now after applying Blackfire, I am a changed man. The product is very thin and takes minimal effort to apply and remove both by hand and machine. I even enjoyed the smell. Truth be told, I need a couple months off from detailing, so I decided on using a chemically engineered Sealant for long lasting coverage. For those who have never heard of BlackFire, it is the house product for www.properautocare.com. It is cheaper than Menzernas FMJ and as you can see, quite stunning.)


8)2nd coat of Blackfire sealant today by handa cake walk to apply on the smooth surface)


9)Detail spray: (The cheapest product of all, Meguiars Detailing spray, cheap and effective.)

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/107337/10-2-2006_002.jpg">

With M?lange paint, I had to wait for the perfect time to take some pictures to show the quality of the job. It doesn't "pop" as much as a darker color but I am very satisfied with the results.

A couple shout outs:
1)I was going to order my products on www.properautocare.com and noticed their website had a link to www.blackfireusa.com . Interesting enough Blackfire is PAC's house brand and they offer free shipping to any customer who orders a product through blackfireusa.com. I ordered all of my Menzerna product plus the Blackfire and received 10% off for a new customer and free shipping, which, would have been over 10 dollars. So that's a fyi for anyone interested in saving $

2)SouthburoAudiGuy: You were the one who sold me on the Menzerna product line. Besides that, you are an asset to the c5 forum.

Pleas email me with any questions about detailing and related products, I'd be happy to answer them!

Brandon

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/107337/10-2-2006_001.jpg">




<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/107337/10-2-2006_003.jpg">


P.S: As you can see there is a small curb at the entrance to my driveway, this is the primary reason I do not lower my car(besides just paying for tuition and books). Believe it or not, many make and model of vehicle have been victimized by this malevolent foe. For now, I make the best of what I have and remain untouched by the grey beast.

Grapeking

Nice looking car there, Brandon. Good post.

HaimA.

nice detail . is that the factory paint job or has it been renished?

FinnishPride

Factory, 98