I have just bought a car that has had Autoglym Lifeshine treatment in October 2013. From what little I have read this is under the polish coats rather than as a top coat, is that correct?
While nice and shiny from a distance, close up there are plenty of swirl marks in evidence, any advice on the best way to approach this given the Lifeshine coating?
You’ve posted in the correct section, so I’ll leave the detailers on this forum to decide what’s best for your car.
Not much help I know, but having had a brand new car that had the Lifeshine treatment (I got it at a special offer, normally £299 I think) I didn’t rate it and turned down the offer of it again on a another car purchase.
Nope Lifeshine itself is a protection only product nothing more nothing less simply put it is little more than a sealant.
In regards to removing swirl marks you will end up destroying the sealant layer (I will avoid calling it a coating as strictly speaking it is so far removed from a coating) - simple as.
From my point of view I would suggest you have three routes:
doing nothing and leave the Lifeshine and live with the swirls but improve wash technique however even then you will only ever minimise inflicting swirl marks.
Having them removed and applying the lifeshine again but I don’t rate it overall
Get the swirls removed on the pre context that you will need to replace the protection and in honesty Lifeshine would never last.
Wax - traditional bit “old-school” now for many but equally gives a nice warmth to colours.
Sealants - many of them on the market with varying degrees of protection I am currently running my 5 with Gtechniq C2 version 3 for instance.
Coatings - Quartz/Hybrids etc. will outlast pretty much anything of the other two and give the best performance (and additionally take the most abuse before swirl marks are inflicted) however they really need a lot of practice and understanding before playing or getting a professional to do the application.
I have played with a fair few I like them and they have their place however they are not for everyone as they can be a bit “sterile”.
Ian
Give Polished Bliss a ring, they are in Aberdeen and will give you good honest advice on what is what with many products, they also do a bit of detailing and could fix the swirls for you no problem, far better you get someone to see the problems than on the internet only.
http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/detailing-services.html
Ian,
They’re 2 miles from me so will go and see them.
They start at £384 for a detail so advice and some products only probably at this stage…
Ian
It is very labour intensive hence the cost, they do have a very good reputation, once done a shiny Black Five is just the dogs whats its, then just keep on top of it with some good quality products. Enjoy.
I had mine done earlier this year, it was as mentioned above labour intensive and the products used don’t come cheap either. Jon pulled out from his extensive kit a container of wax, or some sort of protective coating (forgive me for my limited knowledge on the subject) and I had to ask him to repeat the price to me when I asked about it. This… http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/swissvax-crystal-rock-cat13.html …glad they have it on offer. If I wanted that product applying I would have had to pay him in instalments
The job Jon did for me. https://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/yaf_postst77748_Detailing-Day.aspx
Talking about repeating the price Mick, The detailer that looks after my Concours Mk1 applied Zymol Royale at the last detail, makes Swissvax seem plain ordinary.
http://www.zymol.co.uk/zymolroyaleglaze44oz.aspx
£8K… at least you get free refills for life!
Makes my bag of Autoglym goodies (they gave it me with the Lifeshine treatment) seem like £1 shop quality.
I don’t think I can add much other than what’s been said. Polished bliss are very good. That said, there starting price may not be the price for a full correction detail… Detailers who have big flashy units and a fantastic reputation as they do don’t come cheap. I charge peanuts in comparison.
My my repuation is getting there but I find I still undercharge. The problem is people don’t want to pay for the products or the amount of backbreaking time it takes. Always a balance between getting the work and doing your self Out of pocket. I have started turning work down if people take advantage though.