Bec’s Lapiz 8R first detail - *pic heavy*

[Booth11 19,201]

It’s that time again....another first detail photo thread.  I posted up a bit yesterday in the other general detailing thread but thought I’d start a new thread rather than fill that one with my detailing rubbish.  

 

Having collected my new Lapiz 8R (named Snoopy) exactly 3 weeks ago, finally have the time to give him his first detail.  As a keen DIY amateur detailer, I enjoy getting intimate with paintwork, so always like to detail my cars myself rather than hand them over to a pro detailer, though half way through with an aching back and frozen fingers, I usually wonder why I didn’t just pay the cash and put my feet up!  🤔 😁  

 

Not finished yet so still a work in progress but here’s the story so far...

 

After being lulled into a false sense of weather security with Sat just gone being a lovely warm sunny spring day, Monday killed that off by turning Siberian!  So I stayed in the comfort of my warm house and just stared out of the window at the car feeling guilty I’d not got started.   Tues dawned and the weather was no better but as I’m on leave this week I thought it’s now or never, and so after donning several fleecy layers I made a start.  The sun did make a VIP appearance for an hour or two before it then started snowing in the afternoon!  

 

So before snow stopped play, Tues heralded a thorough wash (as was covered in Saharan sand), followed by the decontamination stages.  

 

 

Bathtime

 

Decon time - Bilt Hamber Auto Wheels 

 

 

Bilt Hamber Korrosol on body work 

 

Gyeon Tar on whole car  

 

Then clayed using Wo-Wo Clay mitt and Dodo Juice Born Slippy lube (no pics) 

 

Followed by another quick wash and ready for a single stage polish today. 

 

 

 

 

I had intended to put up my detailing tent (don’t have a useable garage) as it saves the car getting dirty in between stages, but it was just too windy for it.  So it remained a lazy bystander.  
 

 

As the tent was a no go, with Snoopy spending the night uncovered and at the mercy of the elements, a layer of overnight frost left behind myriad small spots of sand and dirt on the car, so a super quick wash and dry was needed.  With that done, it was time to break out the DA for a spot of polishing.
 

As the paint is in very good condition (the car was not prepped by the dealership at my request) and with just a couple gentle washes done so far, and after the decontamination, the paint as smooth as a cherubs bottom, a single stage polish is all that’s needed.  I decided to try out a new polish and pad combination this time and super impressed with both!  Scholl Concepts S40 polish on Scholl Orange Polishing pads.  The S40 is an absolute dream to work with, and paired with the recommended orange pad, it’s a match made in polishing heaven.  My new favourite!  

Polishing gear ready 

 

Snoopy taped up for business

 

Scholl Concepts S40

 

Let the polishing commence!

 

 

Spurring pad between panels 

 

Progress checked with swirl spotting torches

 

 

 

 

Polishing complete, time to Panel Wipe whole car to remove any remaining polish residue, as prep for wax

 

Nice clear paint

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ready and waiting for next stage - protection

 

 

Waxing and sealing up next......but not till Friday.  Tomorrow (Thurs) is a day off tomorrow as need to use car to go and collect our new rescue cat.   So Friday for protection on bodywork, trim and glass.  Wheels will get temporary sealant until I’m able to get time to remove them and apply Gyeon Q2 RIM.   Roll on Fri!......

 

[Clarkie48 527]

As always you have done an amazing job.Think it’s been mentioned before but there seems to be a lot more metallic flake in your paint compared to the mk 7.Can’t wait to see it once the wax goes on.😎

[PRP74 167]

Amazing job 👏 

[Peter Wynne 129]

Great job!! Love the flakes


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[Scudgie 41]

Stunning job and stunning car 👏

[Richard_Nottm 408]

Congrats. Didn't know the car had arrived! Looking good. Have you got the akro exhaust? 👍

 

My back aches at the thought of getting the DA out....but mine is due. Good to get the flake popping again!  May try the S40.  Been using menzerna for a few years as part of a DA package.

 

 

[Booth11 19,201]

Thanks all.  It was very cold out there today and my arms are still burning from the DA, but worth it.  Give it a good start in car life.  Looking forward to getting some protection on it.  

[Booth11 19,201]

1 hour ago, Clarkie48 said:

As always you have done an amazing job.Think it’s been mentioned before but there seems to be a lot more metallic flake in your paint compared to the mk 7.Can’t wait to see it once the wax goes on.😎

It does sound like it might be the case.  It’s really lovely metallic flake especially when the sun hits it.  So pleased with the Lapiz.  

[Booth11 19,201]

13 minutes ago, Richard_Nottm said:

Congrats. Didn't know the car had arrived! Looking good. Have you got the akro exhaust? 👍

 

My back aches at the thought of getting the DA out....but mine is due. Good to get the flake popping again!  May try the S40.  Been using menzerna for a few years as part of a DA package.

 

 

Thanks.  Yes it’s got the Akra which is lovely to look at and makes some very pleasing sounds!  And is very easy to keep clean!   I’m really enjoying the car.  Have written up some thoughts on it in this thread https://www.vwroc.com/forums/forum/109-8r-members-rides/

 

My back is aching now after several hours with the DA, but a hot bath has eased it a little. My knees feel like they need oiling though!  
 

The S40 is such a lovely polish.  It’s a fine cut polish and is quite oily so have a good working time and very easy to wipe off once its been refined down.  One of the nicest polishes I’ve used.  The Scholl Orange pad is quite firm but the S40 needs that, if the pad is too open celled (like a black waffle pad) then it doesn’t have much impact, so the orange  one is a great pairing. Really good for a single stage polish.  Gives a nicely jewelled finish and great clarity and gloss.  Definitely worth a look if you’re thinking of a new polish.  

 

 

[Msportman 1,629]

Looking great.

With your chosen wax do you have to use a pre wax cleaner before applying the wax?

I assume the wax will give protection from the usual washing process to avoid the swirls. I always think wax looks a deeper shine at car shows tbh.

[Booth11 19,201]

17 minutes ago, Msportman said:

Looking great.

With your chosen wax do you have to use a pre wax cleaner before applying the wax?

I assume the wax will give protection from the usual washing process to avoid the swirls. I always think wax looks a deeper shine at car shows tbh.

Thanks. 
 

It’s much better to use a pre wax cleanser before applying the wax, as it ensures there is nothing on the paint (polish residue etc) to affect the bond between paint and wax.  Squeaky clean paint ensures the very best bond of wax to paint base.  Panel Wipe (that I used post polishing today) serves as such a pre wax cleanser, but I have used others in the past such as Swissvax Cleaner Fluid and Dodo Juice Lime Prime Lite, but Panel Wipe works well and is much easier to use than its Swissvax equivalent.  

 

Wax won’t stop swirls but it offers good protection, beautiful beading, and for me, a high carnauba content wax (the one I’m using is 76% carnauba by volume) gives an outstanding finish with superb depth and gloss.  That’s a combination that clinches it for me.  Compared to ceramic coatings wax is not as durable or long lasting, and some coatings are reputed to reduce and minimise swirls but they won’t stop them completely.  For me some sealants and coatings lack that characteristic depth a very good wax brings.  But it’s really down to personal preference.  Even though it’s not the popular choice these days wax still does it for me.  

[Msportman 1,629]

20 minutes ago, Booth11 said:

Thanks. 
 

It’s much better to use a pre wax cleanser before applying the wax, as it ensures there is nothing on the paint (polish residue etc) to affect the bond between paint and wax.  Squeaky clean paint ensures the very best bond of wax to paint base.  Panel Wipe (that I used post polishing today) serves as such a pre wax cleanser, but I have used others in the past such as Swissvax Cleaner Fluid and Dodo Juice Lime Prime Lite, but Panel Wipe works well and is much easier to use than its Swissvax equivalent.  

 

Wax won’t stop swirls but it offers good protection, beautiful beading, and for me, a high carnauba content wax (the one I’m using is 76% carnauba by volume) gives an outstanding finish with superb depth and gloss.  That’s a combination that clinches it for me.  Compared to ceramic coatings wax is not as durable or long lasting, and some coatings are reputed to reduce and minimise swirls but they won’t stop them completely.  For me some sealants and coatings lack that characteristic depth a very good wax brings.  But it’s really down to personal preference.  Even though it’s not the popular choice these days wax still does it for me.  

They say that when wax hardens especially with high Carnauba content it still is very tough resisting some of the lighter damage from washing and is durable easy to work with. 
 I find Ceramics just don’t give that super depth or look artificially glazed.. It’s all in the prep I suppose but once a ceramic coating is on any issues or correction will need a pro to sort it out. At least waxing can be done on a nice weekend giving more return after your efforts. Which reminds me I’ve got to order my Zymol Glasure.

I may get the old rotary out to prep it or give it to a Pro to prep it firstly.

[Leespo 420]

great job as normal Becs and congrats on the 8R, hope your enjoying it

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[veneeringman 652]

Damn that’s a great looking job you’ve done Bec


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[Jens0n 177]

Stunning Becs,

no anxt with the DA polishers on new paint? - of course not =o)

J