New guy in Massachusetts!

[Garnetmica]

Hello everyone!

I'm a long time amateur detailer here in Massachusetts. Though I have been extremely meticulous with my vehicles I have never ventured into the world of machine polishers so I could use some guidance. I was also looking for recommendations for paint sealant.

For the last 15 or so years I have been a loyal Zaino user on my toy, S100 user for my daily drivers. More recently I have begun layering S100 on top of the Zaino on my toy. I have a variety of over the counter cleaners, polishes and waxes and recently decided it was time to venture into the world of machine polishing so I picked up a harbor freight DA, a couple of cutting pads, polishing and finishing pads. I also picked up a few Meguiars Polishing pads, some 205 and Mirror Glaze Swirl Remover.

The toy is a 2009 Mazda MX5 which is stored in the winter months, has never seen rain or snow and has a nearly flawless finish. It's a dark blue, "Stormy Blue Mica" as defined by Mazda. The clearcoat on the car is very soft. Two years ago it was washed, clayed, washed, polished by hand and several layers of Zaino applied. The car is quick detailed after almost every run. There are very few visible swirls and light scratches in the clear coat. Over the last year, I have begun layering S100 on top of the existing Zaino.

Obligatory iPhone pic:


Side shot:


Top shot:


The car is usually top ranked at Miata specific shows and many have inquired about my routine but it's not as good as I think it could be. With the DA now on the shelf, I have been considering the use of a sealant once the paint has been corrected to lay the foundation for what ever I decide to layer on above it. I joined to solicit advise on what sealant might be a good start.

My thoughts are as follows. Though I am very good at detailing by hand, I have not yet corrected with a machine. I have the opportunity to practice on my daily driver (2010 Sterling Grey Ford Fusion), I'm concerned about getting the paint correction right and then sealing the paint incorrectly. With factory paint thickness in question and the soft clearcoat I want to make sure there are no halos or micro swirls permanently imbedded in the finish. I'm admittedly intimidated by the permanence I have read about with products like Opticoat and 22PLE. Can anyone else recommend a sealant that would help the durability of the finish without sacrificing depth and clarity? Thanks in advance!

[smooth]

Welcome to AGO ! Nice car.

[rustytruck]

Welcome to Autogeek. Where in Mass are you? If detailing your car is your hobby something like a coating might not be for you.

[DaHen]

to Autogeek.

[Garnetmica]

Thanks for the welcome! I'm in Auburn. Honestly, that was one of my concerns. Though I enjoy the detailing process, my primary interest was to reduce micro marring in what appears to be pretty soft paint. I've literally found scuffs in the paint from oak leaves hit the nose at speed in the fall.

I have to admit that my self diagnosed OCD and feverish detailing revolves around a desire for paint perfection more so than the completion of the process. If a sealant were to get me to 95% with only the occasional dusting and quick detail, I could probably live with that. But if there were products that could get me to 100% with less potential for the marring I am experiencing now, I would be thrilled.

[Chris@AutoCleanse]

Welcome to the GEEK.

[Judge]

Welcome from a fellow MA member. It sounds like you might want to look into using a wipe on walk away sealant. This will minimize your risk of instilling imperfections in the paint

[Pats300zx]

Welcome to AGO !!!

[Garnetmica]

Welcome from a fellow MA member. It sounds like you might want to look into using a wipe on walk away sealant. This will minimize your risk of instilling imperfections in the paint

Any specific product you recommend?

[Judge]

Sure. I mean you can't go wrong here, as there are several good choices. I would recommend the Wolfgang Deep Gloss Liquid Seal. You can get that in an 8 oz bottle. If you're looking for a smaller bottle, you could go with Ultima Paint Guard Plus, which comes in a 4 oz size and is also very good