Just a quick footnote to this thread, I’ve been using Meguiars Ceramic wax for a while now, works a treat and leaves the car waterproof, and once you have completed the 2 step first application, washing the car thereafter just requires the normal jet wash shampoo and rinse , followed by a few squirts of the wax onto the still wet car , wipe it in and then dry off with a microfibre cloth, easier than rubbing wax in, gives a good shine and water just beads off
Its worth a try as an alternative to Carnauba wax, although I’m sure someone will say its cr*p
Hi Tiki, having time on my hands and hopeful that one day I can take my Mk3 back on the road again, I thought I’d try out the FSE - and I have to say I was very impressed with the results with all water spots gone. Thanks for your suggestion, really helpful.
Now I’m after a recommendation of a wax to finish it off.
The Bilt hamper waxes are all good value and easy to use. I use auto balm on older finishes as they contain anti corrosion additives but they’re all pretty good especially after using the paint cleanser or a decent “polish”
Hello, after a bit of help please, I have had my MK3 under a cover on the drive, I have found rub marks on the top of the wings and boot lip where the cover has been moving in the wind. I have tried a bit of elbow work with normal polish but they are still showing through. Any advice gratefully welcomed.
OK so I’ve just polished it with Bilt Hamper and first results seem pretty good but I guess time will tell.
Now I’m moving to the soft top. I tried Auto Glym cleaner and protector a couple of years ago (when I flooded the cabin because the drains were blocked!) but not very happy with the result.
Any suggestions please?
I was also less than fully impressed with the Auto Glym hood cleaner as I had bought my car with several unsightly stains on the hood that the Auto Glym didn’t touch. I bought the Renovo kit, and although expensive gave some excellent results & hopefully return to the Auto Glym next time & keep on top of it.
And my son told me to vigourously shake them immediately prior to use. It makes sure they haven’t acquired any grit in storage and makes the pile stand up so it can be more absorbent. It seems to work.
Washing machine with regular detergent or a specialist microfibre wash, do NOT wash them with anything else because they will attract all the lint. No hotter than 40’c and don’t tumble dry.
What “normal polish” was it? You can only get so much correction by hand application, after a while it either needs machining or the damage is too deep and it requires a respray.
For hand application I find Gtechniq P1 nano works well you can work it at little or as much as you want and keep reactivating it with a water mist, the level of cut depends on the type of pad so you’ll want a firm foam one.
Farcela G3 scratch remover diminishes down IIRC and is a bit more aggressive than P1, used that on some deeper scratches inflicted by bushes on the rear bumper (don’t ask!)
Here’s an update: I thought I’d practice on my CX-3 before using the Bilt Hamper on the MX5. The CX-3 never suffered with water spots but after applying the BH the water spots were terrible and only started to fade after a number of applications with FSE. So my question is after waxing, should I apply a polish to prevent instead of cure the water spots?
Polish is abrasive and is not really a wax or sealant. It is normal to polish the paint (assuming marks/scuffs/hazing need to be removed) and then apply the wax (or sealant) afterwards. A good wax should help protect against dirt and contamination as a final layer.
Water spots in my experience are a result of washing your car and just leaving it to dry. They are a result of salts etc in the tap-water drying onto the surface. The only solution is to dry the car after you have washed it. Rain doesn’t normally leave water spots.
I have actually just ordered a nice big water ■■■■ for rinsing water as well as for the nearby planters. Of course we will now have a drought, but this is a long term investment and I have the perfect place to hide it after painting it to match the wall behind.
