Auto Balm or other?

[Louis Balfour]

We've a couple of cars that aren't high miles but are several years old. They have lost that new depth and gleam. I assume it's the paint having sustained minor scratches from many washes.

I could have them machine polished or use some "corrective" polish. I have used Bilt Hamber Auto Balm in the past, but that was a few years ago and I imagine there is something better now.

Pointers appreciated.

[Summit_Detailing]

An easy, cheap DIY option without resorting to machine polishing is Autoglym Super Resin polish which will clean the paint chemically and leave behind some fillers and a little protection. Top this with a durable wax and job done.

My recommendations for a wax would be either Collinite 476S or Finish Kare 1000p - apply either sparingly.

Cheers,

Chris

[Louis Balfour]

Summit_Detailing said:

An easy, cheap DIY option without resorting to machine polishing is Autoglym Super Resin polish which will clean the paint chemically and leave behind some fillers and a little protection. Top this with a durable wax and job done.

My recommendations for a wax would be either Collinite 476S or Finish Kare 1000p - apply either sparingly.

Cheers,

Chris

Many thanks.

I THINK I may have some of the Autoglym stuff, which came as part of a set as a present.

[Belle427]

For a novice it’s hard to beat, If you do want to top it off with a wax for extra protection use their spray on aqua wax.

[Louis Balfour]

Belle427 said:

For a novice it’s hard to beat, If you do want to top it off with a wax for extra protection use their spray on aqua wax.

Is Autoglym stuff OK then? I use it because I have had quite a lot gifted to me. I had it in the back of my mind that it used to be not that well considered.

[Louis Balfour]

I have got an unopened bottle of the Autoglym. It must be ten years old but still sealed.

[Summit_Detailing]

Louis Balfour said:

I have got an unopened bottle of the Autoglym. It must be ten years old but still sealed.

The recipe/formula for Super Resin has changed in the last couple of years which makes it even easier to use. For the sake of £10 I'd go and buy another bottle.

It is an excellent product. Most people overlook Autoglym because it is available on the high street and thus doesn't have the cache of more modern/expensive/online only brands that promise the world but often fall short.

Cheers,

Chris

[Belle427]

Louis Balfour said:

Belle427 said:

For a novice it’s hard to beat, If you do want to top it off with a wax for extra protection use their spray on aqua wax.

Is Autoglym stuff OK then? I use it because I have had quite a lot gifted to me. I had it in the back of my mind that it used to be not that well considered.

Hard to beat for someone not too obsessed with the detailing scene.

[Louis Balfour]

Belle427 said:

Louis Balfour said:

Belle427 said:

For a novice it’s hard to beat, If you do want to top it off with a wax for extra protection use their spray on aqua wax.

Is Autoglym stuff OK then? I use it because I have had quite a lot gifted to me. I had it in the back of my mind that it used to be not that well considered.

Hard to beat for someone not too obsessed with the detailing scene.

Good to know. As already stated, it's easily available.

[Louis Balfour]

I bought some of the Autoglym Resin today plus some foam applicators.

I was surprised how easy it was to use. I did a black car in about half an hour and it looked very good. So I went over the bonnet and boot lid again and it became even better.

Many thanks.

[Belle427]

In my experience the finish doesn’t last very long which is why most top it off with some Autoglym extra gloss protection or a Wax.

[Louis Balfour]

Belle427 said:

In my experience the finish doesn’t last very long which is why most top it off with some Autoglym extra gloss protection or a Wax.

Oh now you tell me.

[Belle427]

Louis Balfour said:

Belle427 said:

In my experience the finish doesn’t last very long which is why most top it off with some Autoglym extra gloss protection or a Wax.

Oh now you tell me.

It may have improved, I have not used it for a few years.

[Louis Balfour]

I gave one of the cars a second coat of Autoglym today and it looks great. But I was surprised at how many stone chips the car has accumulated in the past week. Except it hasn't, has it. I think the polish is highlighting the previous chips. Is there anything I can do to lessen the appearance of them?

[gweaver]

You could paint them.

Clean the SRP off the chips with IPA, panel wipe or paint preparation wipes. Use a cocktail stick to apply a small amount of touch-up paint. There are several guides on Detailing World and Youtube. There is an art to doing a neat job, but a pragmatic aim is to pass the six foot test - where you wouldn't notice the stone chips from six feet away.

[Belle427]

As above, a few thin coats not one big lump of paint will disguise them well enough.
Make sure you clean them well as suggested and just key the chip slightly with a sharp edge or similar to promote adhesion.