p057_mini_aug09
Transcription
p057_mini_aug09
Buff D addy’s world of perfection SmartCarWash foamed exceptionally well Smartwax Smartwax is a range of high-quality detailing products from California, USA, where concours is king. Beautifully presented in high-end cosmetic style containers, the range is impressive. I had the pleasure of testing a full concours preparation selection comprising SmartWax Carwash, SmartBlueClay and SmartDetail spray, SmartPolish, SmartSealant and Concours paste wax. The test bed for this was a friend’s lovingly-kept MGTF. Many thanks Adam and Stacy for trusting me with your pride and joy! I started off with a full wash using the SmartCarwash, which is an ultra-sudsy citrus based formula, that was highly lubricated which reduces the chance of inducing any swirl marks during the wash stage. Next I used the SmartBlueClay bar with SmartDetail spray as a lubricant to remove all the embedded contaminants. The clay was brilliant to use, removing all contamination with very little effort. Now it was time to assess the paint work. The car had all the usual light swirl marks, marring and a few RDSs (random deep scratches). In order to correct the paintwork I opted to use the SmartPolish. It can be used by hand as a paint work cleanser and polish or with machine (rotary or random orbital). I opted to use the Makita 9227CB Rotary Polisher (www.makitauk.com). The polish was very easy to use and broke down nicely to reveal a swirl-free finish in one hit. I found the polish worked better at lower speeds (1,000-1,400 rpm). With the paint work now corrected it was time to add some protection in the form of SmartSealant. SmartSealant is a new formulation of detergent-resistant polymers blended with pure Brazilian #1 Grade Ivory Carnauba Wax and natural oils. SmartSealant can be applied in layers to achieve more shine, depth and durability. I applied three coats to get a super-high gloss, wet-look finish. It is so simple to use. Apply with a foam applicator, let it haze (around 10 minutes) and then buff it. To give the finish that extra bling I followed this stage with Smartwax Concours paste wax. This is hand-blended with the finest imported raw ingredients, rare Brazilian Carnauba (Over 50 per cent White Carnauba), protective agents and coconut, sunflower and propolis oils to produce a paste wax that is as pure and refined as possible. I applied this with the supplied red foam applicator in thin layers and then allowed it to cure for around 20 minutes. I then buffed the surface to a high gloss shine with a microfibre cloth. The wax stage added an incredible wetness and depth to the finish. Buff Daddy’s verdict: The Smartwax concours range of products is mighty impressive. Beautifully presented in highend containers, incredibly user friendly and performance is up there with the well known, very expensive high-end detailing brands, but at a fraction of the cost! 10/10 SmartCarwash £7.99, SmartClaybarBlue £21.00, SmartDetail £ 10.50, SmartPolish £15.99, SmartSealant £20.00, Smartwax Concours £48.99 Available from all good car accessory retailers or try: [email protected] www.smartwax.net Spot Pads The SmartClay and SmartDetail easily removed all bonded contaminents. The smartClay is a hefty bar and will last a long time A Meguiar’s foam polishing pad was used to apply the SmartPolish SmartSealant Applying the SmartPolish with the rotary polisher The Smartwax Concours limited edition hand-blended pastewax The owner used to own a red Rover Mini Cooper before the MGTF. Here it is before the Smartwax products had been used... ...and here it is after. What a transformation, crystal clear, super wetlook finish. Love it! Sonus SFX-1 4-inch yellow compounding Spot Pad is the ideal solution for polishing out surface scratches, water or bird spot etching and heavy swirl marks in tight areas, the Sonus SFX-2 4-inch white polish Spot Pad is perfect for enhancing gloss, and the Sonus SFX-3 4-inch red finish Spot Pad is ultra-soft and allows you to apply an ultra-thin coating of wax or sealant. Buff Daddy’s verdict: Awesome pads, very high quality. A must have for your detailing kit bag and a bargain at this price! 10/10 £6.00 each www.theultimatefinish.co.uk 0845 838 1200 Interior Shine Supreme Shine Protectant is the fastest and easiest way to transform the appearance of dashboards and trim with powerful UV blockers. Buff Daddy’s verdict: Great interior protectant that creates a non-greasy, glossy finish. If you are after a matt look this isn’t for you. 8/10 £8.99 www.meguiars.co.uk MINIWORLD.CO.UK AUGUST 2009 57 hardwarekdmbw2PW.indd 57 11/6/09 17:39:34