Detailing the Boxster

[fatmike]

I spent some time this weekend detailing my '02 Basalt Black Box. I wanted to share my technique and a few pictures of the results.

The steps:

1 - WASH - I washed with Dawn using a Viking wash mitt.
2 - CLAY - This was the hardest part. I cut my clay into a bunch of small pieces, then flattened it into the size of about a silver dollar. Then using quick detailing spray from Zaino, I wet the surface of the car & slide the clay back and forth until the paint was totally smooth. The paint tells you when your done. I washed the car again with Zaino car wash to remove the clay residue.
3 - POLISH - I used Manzerna (spelling) Intense Polish on my Random Orbit Buffer with a yellow cutting pad. I would buff it on at a slow speed to spread, then work the buffer up to higher RPM (5+ out of 6). I wiped the dryed polish off with microfibre towels. I protected the top from the overspray as best I could!
4 - FINISH POLISH - Similar to above, but used Zaino Z-PC with a white pad. It spreads easier and is generally easy to work with a white pad.
5 - SEALANT. I mixed about 1.5 ounces of Z5 with Zaino's accelerant. Then I wiped it on with a small terrycloth pad. It goes on in minutes. 30 minutes later buff off with microfibre towels. Then I used the Quick Detailer again to wipe the car down. This takes literally seconds.
6 - Repeat step 5.
7 - Repeat step 5 again.

Thats it! Although I do expect to do a top coat tonight of Z2. It goes on so easy, why not?

All motions are forward/back on the hood & rear. Up/down only on the side.

The car's paint is unbelievable smooth. Hard to describe. It feels cold and almost "soft". Its not soft -- there just is none of the usual roughness at all. 4 hours all in, and DEFINITELY worth the effort. Basalt black just glows. NO SWIRL MARKS AT ALL!!!

I still need to improve how clean my wheels are -- any advise on how to get lingering dirt (brake pad reside) off the INSIDE of the wheels? The usual soft brush and even wheel cleaner didn't work...

By the way, notice how the air intake & bumperettes are "body color" on a black car. I actually like the way the remaining amber looks... but feel free to comment on that too if you must!

Pictures attached. I hope this thread inspires you to do this! Its worth the effort. By the way, I am a total novice. Its really easier than you think. Did I mention that there are no swirl marks?