Detailed my '07 Black SLK55
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 43
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From: Germantown, MD
2007 SLK55 P30
Detailed my '07 Black SLK55
The local SCCA Autocross season has ended, so it was time to clean the car up for the off-season. Went to my local detailing supply store and rented a buffer and some supplies. The results speak for themselves (excuse the iPhone photos)
No before photos, it was getting late and I had to start so I could do a test spot while the sun was out. The car had light swirling throughout from dealer washes. Also had a deep scratch behind the passenger door from the previous owner. I don't have a close up picture of this, but I wet sanded it down with 2000grit paper and polished it. Greatly reduced the appearance.
Products Used:
Dawn Dish Soap
Pinnacle Clay Bar
Menzerna SF4000 Polish
Zaino Z5 Pro Sealant
Zaino Z6 Gloss Enhancer / Quick Detailer
Zaino Z8 Grand Finale Spray
P21S 100% Carnauba Wax
Griot's Random Orbital with Blue Pad
Two buckets with grit guard
Wool mitt
Process:
1. Washed and dried the car with Dawn to remove old sealant and wax using the "two bucket method"
2. Tested a 18"x18" spot on the hood to check effectiveness. Decided on two passes with SF4000 on a blue pad at speed 5 (spread with 3, work with 5.)
3. Brought the car back into the garage and began using the clay. Lubed with Zaino Z6
4. Taped up the trim, windows, and lights
5. Polished, two passes per panel with Griot's on Speed 3&5 with SF4000 on blue pad
6. Washed and dried with Dawn again to strip oils left by polish
7. Zaino Z5 Pro applied by hand, applicator kept slightly damp with Zaino Z6 gloss enhancer
8. Wiped Zaino Z5 off with Zaino Z8 Grand Finale
9. Repeat 7 & 8 one more time for a second coat
10. P21S 100% Carnauba wax applied by hand
11. Wiped wax off with Zaino Z8
12. DONE!
Total work time: 7 hours.
The money shots in this morning's sun
No before photos, it was getting late and I had to start so I could do a test spot while the sun was out. The car had light swirling throughout from dealer washes. Also had a deep scratch behind the passenger door from the previous owner. I don't have a close up picture of this, but I wet sanded it down with 2000grit paper and polished it. Greatly reduced the appearance.
Products Used:
Dawn Dish Soap
Pinnacle Clay Bar
Menzerna SF4000 Polish
Zaino Z5 Pro Sealant
Zaino Z6 Gloss Enhancer / Quick Detailer
Zaino Z8 Grand Finale Spray
P21S 100% Carnauba Wax
Griot's Random Orbital with Blue Pad
Two buckets with grit guard
Wool mitt
Process:
1. Washed and dried the car with Dawn to remove old sealant and wax using the "two bucket method"
2. Tested a 18"x18" spot on the hood to check effectiveness. Decided on two passes with SF4000 on a blue pad at speed 5 (spread with 3, work with 5.)
3. Brought the car back into the garage and began using the clay. Lubed with Zaino Z6
4. Taped up the trim, windows, and lights
5. Polished, two passes per panel with Griot's on Speed 3&5 with SF4000 on blue pad
6. Washed and dried with Dawn again to strip oils left by polish
7. Zaino Z5 Pro applied by hand, applicator kept slightly damp with Zaino Z6 gloss enhancer
8. Wiped Zaino Z5 off with Zaino Z8 Grand Finale
9. Repeat 7 & 8 one more time for a second coat
10. P21S 100% Carnauba wax applied by hand
11. Wiped wax off with Zaino Z8
12. DONE!
Total work time: 7 hours.
The money shots in this morning's sun
