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Peachtree Miata Club Members, Hope everyone is having a great weekend. Over the past year I've had the opportunity to speak with many members about keeping your Miata paint finish nice and in its best shape. I've taken some time to put some information together on washing and protecting your car's finish. Please feel free to directly message me if you have any questions. Car detailing has become a hobby for me over the past eight years and I wanted to share with you some things that have worked for me. A lot of things I do myself and a few things I leave to the professionals like PPF (paint protection film). Please note, I'm not paid or endorsed by any of these companies or individuals below. This is just my experience over the past years of being a hobbyist detailer. I am not a professional and just enjoy washing and detailing my own cars. I have taken multiple classes at Detail Garage and would recommend them if you want to get into paint correction for your own vehicles. I follow professional folks like Pan the Organizer on Youtube and Mike Phillips from AutoGeek on best methods. These two guys have also helped influence what products I've purchased over the past few years. If you have personal methods and products you like for detailing that work for you, please stick with them. This has just been a great combination of things below that have worked for me. It's a good read below but I put each topic in bold to make it easy to narrow in on a topic you might like. Thanks for your time and keep Zooming!!! Good car washing videos: How to wash a car - keys to success - don't push down on the washing mitt or pad & make sure you have plenty of lubricant in the form of suds between the clearcoat paint & mitt. DO NOT USE BRUSHES even if soft. You can, but they can introduce mild scratching or marring of the clearcoat. Shows was one panel at a time https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLiePQRMFc8 Wash w/ ceramic coat - good methods https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9s54K84m2Y https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWgqv3RvYEQ If you must use a brush: I've used this one on one of our trucks with good success and it doesn't scratch. Please do not use plastic ones... https://www.autogeek.net/moor36bohawa1.html Wash Bucket System: You have to use two buckets - one bucket is for soap & one is for rinse - this is how you don't wash your car with dirt and re-apply towards the clearcoat.... be sure to use the grit guards.. $119 - they have coupons or free shipping sometimes. Another option is to buy grit guards on Amazon and buy two home depot buckets which will cost about $25 all in. Autogeek 2 Bucket Wash System: (has wheels on the buckets to make moving them around a breeze) $119 - I really like this system! https://www.autogeek.net/grit-guard-wash-system.html Grit Guards: $15.99 https://www.amazon.com/VIKING-326501-Bucket-Insert-Black/dp/B089DPR2G1/ref=sr_1_5?crid=14715NUPNIRI4&keywords=grit+guards+for+5+gallon+bucket+2+pack&qid=1673217086&sprefix=grit+guards%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-5 Buy this to keep a ceramic coating in top shape and keep its water beading properties or to give you great water beading if you use regular wax: $29.99 1st pick / $14.99 2nd pick - (1st Pick) is one of the only things you can apply to a car already ceramic coated and will last 4-8 months or you can apply to a non ceramic coated car to give it some beading properties. There are several good products out there. This is one of my favorites. My 1st pick: Gtechniq C2V3 Liquid Crystal https://www.amazon.com/Gtechniq-C2v3-Liquid-Crystal-500ml/dp/B00CE03HYA/ref=sr_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=Gtechniq+cmx&qid=1589838410&sr=8-10 My 2nd pick: P&S Beadmaker https://www.amazon.com/PROFESSIONAL-DETAIL-PRODUCTS-Application-Enhancement/dp/B0779KCS7D/ref=asc_df_B0779KCS7D/?tag=&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312061076118&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=453024986272767314&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9010753&hvtargid=pla-611122635827&ref=&adgrpid=62430536632&th=1 Car Wash & Detailing Training + Supplies: The professional car wash class is $99 and professional detailing class is $199 but they do run specials sometimes. A good place to get car wash or supplies: These guys also have classes that you can take on detailing, washing, and buffing. The guy that teaches the classes used to be the head guy at Carmax here in Atlanta and ran their detail shop. I've taken one of the classes and they also give you a 25% off coupon on anything you want to buy that day in the store. We used my old car for the class test subject and got out a ton of scratches out of the clearcoat. This place is off of old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta and they recently opened a store in Buford. They have literally hundreds of detail products available. I like their carwash and they have over 20+ different types. If you shop at Costco, Meguires is also okay and most others are good out there. I really like using a foam cannon in addition to the two bucket method. You can also buy Chemical Guys stuff on Amazon if Alpharetta or Buford is quite a drive. The store is worth visiting once as a cool field trip. Most automotive soaps work well. A foam cannon makes them incredibly effective. https://www.detailgarage.com/alpharetta https://www.detailgarage.com/ga_buford.html Good Carwash from Chemical Guys - smells like lemons & citrus - lots of suds - This is one of my favorites and it does a great job! It seems expensive but you only use a few ounces per wash so it lasts a long time. They run specials around Christmas time on Amazon and it was $25 for a gallon. https://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guys-CWS_301-Citrus-Concentrated/dp/B004K9KETY/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=chemical+guys+lemon&qid=1589839142&sr=8-2 My favorite washing pads: The key to using a mitt - do not push down and let the pad float above the foam and it will glide across - also only go in one direction front to back - do not use circular motion like taking old paste wax as it will leave scratches. https://www.theragcompany.com/microfiber-towels/exterior-detailing/wash-mitts-pads/ My Favorite buffing rags / towels: I use these sparingly as the less you have direct contact with the clearcoat, the less you will put scratches in it. My 1st pick : Super soft cloth that will not scratch a clear coat. https://clean-garage.com/plush-edgeless-350-gsm-microfiber-detailing-towel-mint-green-20-pack/ My 2nd pick : Soft cloth that will not scratch clear coat - be sure to remove paper tag on the end of the towel before use https://www.costco.com/kirkland-signature-ultra-plush-microfiber-towel%2c-yellow%2c-16-in-x-16-in%2c-36-count.product.100356999.html Below is some pricer stuff but well worth it if you really want your car to shine! If you buy this stuff below, you have to look at this as an investment. Your cars will look brighter and the paint will last longer. I have purchased all of these items and they are excellent! It took a few years to build the collection. I could write another email on paint polishing but will save that for another day. Kranzle Electric Pressure Washer: Packages Range $1,600 approx - this pressure washer will last for 20+ years using weekly - please make sure you order the foam cannon - it is worth every penny and I love mine. There are cheaper options for electric pressure washers but I wanted to buy one that would last for years and we have several vehicles. Obsessed Garage - Kranzle - Matt Moremanat of obsessed garage put together a really solid package - buy a few extra quick connect fittings if you want to make connecting your garden house a quick swap. I also use these to switch from regular to deionized water. The deionized water is typically used for rinse only. I like to use a 40 degree tip and stay a few inches away from the car finish. https://www.obsessedgarage.com/ Pressure washer package: https://www.obsessedgarage.com/collections/kranzle-portable-solutions/products/pressure-washer-package Pan the organizer short video on the pressure washer I love so much: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cj4FDpKuORI Why Kranzle is different: This is why they last so long https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VovAxVAIBKQ A Tip: If you buy one just make sure you unplug it when not in use or turn off the off switch to make sure it is off. I once left mine on by mistake for 5 minutes w/o water but it is okay. A normal pressure washer will be destroyed if it is run without water for 15 minutes or more as it eats up the seals in the pump and can crack the piston. Also, change the oil in the pressure washer about every 50 hours with 0W-40 motor oil or they sell special Kranzle oil. Water Deionizer: $400-$450 - The water deionizer takes any sediment out of the water so you don't have water spots. You can rinse a black car down in the summer and not have spots! The water deionizer allows you to skip the drying towels or blowing off the car. I only use this to rinse my car as a final step and do not use filtered water at any other stage in the car washing process. This device saves me so much time having to not dry cars. It also keeps my cars from getting scratched in the drying process of using drying towels. Drying mitts and cloths can introduce the opportunity to give your clearcoat fine scratches - don't ever use one of those rubber california blades. I once used a blade and it put several scratches in my clear coat and I had to buff them all out. I've had my CR spotless for five years and changed my cartridges out once at the three year mark. We have a fleet of over five vehicles including our Miatas. Our public water in Cumming, GA is roughly 25-30 parts per million and the filters last a long time. The filtered water takes it down to zero parts per million. The refills are not as expensive ($139) and there are some companies that make some even more economical options. You know when the filter is wearing out when the meter on the deionizer reads 3 parts per million. OEM Website CR Spotless: https://crspotless.com/product/dic-20-high-output-rolling-system/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIq_DAmai-6QIVgpOzCh28JAcnEAAYASAAEgKJJfD_BwE Free Shipping $439 on Water Deionizer - this is also available on Amazon too if you wanted to get it from them. We got free shipping and 5% back on our Amazon credit card when we purchased this. https://www.amazon.com/CR-Spotless-DIC-20-Motorcycles-Water/dp/B072FJTX8X/ref=sr_1_3?crid=LBX2YZOQDWP5&keywords=cr+spotless+dic-20&qid=1673204812&sprefix=cr+spotless%2Caps%2C81&sr=8-3&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.c3015c4a-46bb-44b9-81a4-dc28e6d374b3 Good video showing what to expect: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnU2KdJIfrY Totally optional but a blower option if you want to blow off the deionized water or want to dry a car using regular tap water to rinse- this is somewhat overkill but I purchased this first - this also does an awesome job cleaning dryer vents for laundry. I once removed a bird's nest from one! You can also dry your pets if you give them a bath. This blower blows hot air and is powerful. The price is $414 to $571 depending on what package you would want to purchase. https://www.autogeek.net/metro-master-blaster-revolution.html If you ever get dents in your car please see a paintless dent repair specialist - don't try and do it yourself - I purchased a kit on Amazon and a key to fixing dents is hammering down the high spots you create after you pull the dent out. It is really an art and the people that do this professionally do a great job. I had moderate success on my airport car and would recommend a professional. I've provided the name of a guy who is reasonable and AWESOME in the Cumming area if you are located on the north side of town! He removed a horrible pine cone dent for me and only charged $75 and you can't tell it was there. He works on Ferrari and Porsche dealers locally when they bring in cars with dents or cars for sale. I highly recommend paintless dent repair in general. There are many great providers out there in the greater Atlanta area though if you don't live close to this area. https://fivestardentremoval.com/ Other information: I have experience with Paint Protection Film "PPF" (had it installed by a pro), Ceramic Coatings, and regular wax, Doctor Color Chip, AT 205 Reseal. PPF Paint Protection Film: this is a great option if you want to keep your Miata looking New! If you have a Soul Crystal Red paint color like me, it is very prone to chipping and it is tough to touch up. Google Soul Crystal Red and stone chip and you will see horror stories. PPF can keep your paint looking great for years to come! It will benefit all paint colors though. However, some colors are easier to apply paint successfully. I have never installed PPF but will leave it to the professionals. Cutting the PPF and applying it is very complex and takes experience. The amateurs that I have seen in youtube videos get it to look nice sometimes. However, it takes them tons of hours or it is not perfect. The Pros in my opinion:

• No micro scratching or marring on the paint from washing - this is amazing.....

• Easy to wash bugs off the front of the hood, bumper, and lights

• Has a new gloss type look all the time - I use Xpel cleaner and sealer to keep the finish outstanding

• I did not opt for a ceramic coating on top of the PPF and really happy with the Xpel cleaner and sealer.

• If you opt for ceramic coating on top of PPF it can be an amazing combination making it even easier to wash the vehicle.

• A professional installer will wrap the PPF over the body seams so you don't have dirt build up on the edges and make ugly lines. This is huge if you have had PPF or partial panels with clear protection and they didn't do this.

• If you have small scratches, they heal when the PPF heats up in the sunlight or using a head gun (be careful using a heat gun but I have done this with success) see video

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ND4vE9vmQWE&t=320s

• You do not always have to paint correct any light scratches before applying PPF. However, you want to make sure the installer can make any touch ups / rock chips ect... prior to PPF. A professional installer can guide you on this.

The Cons in my opinion:

• It is not bulletproof - if a rock hits your PPF it takes the hit instead of your paint.

  • Small Rock Chips - hardly show up but you can see them

  • Large Rock Chips - will show up and the set in the PPF

  • A video against PPF: I still got PPF even after watching this. It was good to look at both sides of PPF: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3iaYrtd6Nw&t=463s

  • It is expensive - I really like Xpel but there are lots of options including cheaper ones
    

• Because I'm so invested in this car looking good now, I spend a ton of time detailing it, more than I should lol.

A good installer in the Atlanta Area: Steve Thoma recommended this installer and they did an EXCELLENT job on our 2021 ND Club. Atlanta Protective Films, Inc 645 Hembree Parkway Suite H Roswell, GA 30076 (There is a flat entrance for lower cars on the Hembree Park Dr side) Feel free to view my gallery below or "Atlanta Protective Films" on Facebook or Instagram as well. www.flickr.com/photos/atlantaprotectivefilms Pics of Mazda Models including Miata w/ PPF: https://www.flickr.com/photos/atlantaprotectivefilms/albums/72157693430441210 Ceramic Coatings: this is a great option if you want your car to be easy to wash. The hydrophobic properties keep water beading up and running down panels. I've had ceramic coatings applied both professionally and done them myself. The Pros in my opinion:

• Protection from Harmful UV Rays

• Protection from Chemical Stains

• Hydrophobic Nature, Ease of Cleaning

• Candy-Like Gloss - the gloss is sick and looks awesome!!!!

• Some protection from Scratches and Swirl Marks

• Some protection from Water Spotting

• Protection from bird poop stains

• Makes it easy to wash off bugs from the front

• Is amazing on glass and your windshield

• Stop the Need for Car Wash as frequently

• It can be removed with Isopropyl alcohol (most of the time)

The Cons in my opinion:

• It's not a permanent solution. Ceramic coating will eventually wear off, so you'll need to have it reapplied every few years to maintain the protection.

• It's not cheap

• It can be difficult to remove

• You can still get scratches in the clear coat (not bulletproof)

• You can't buff the ceramic coating without impacting the finish. In this case, I will re-apply the coating to the impacted area.

• You can still get water spots. To remove the water spots, sometimes you have to remove the coating in an area.

• If you have any paintless dent repair in an area it must be removed.

If you want to do it yourself: I've had good luck with Avalon King ceramic coating. It was designed for amateurs to install: https://avalonking.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=12607407047&utm_content=119365260229&utm_term=avalon%20king%20ceramic%20coating&gadid=622144290655&gclid=CjwKCAiA8OmdBhAgEiwAShr405G6zWpEWHoTrWVuRclUA_iuV10VoKgaiPaNdhZsPTPzF7C1IbgkSxoC5nsQAvD_BwE Video of how to apply Avalon King Pro application: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rgli6VNLsK4 Amateur Avalon King application video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pwEMLqenaQ Good installers in the Atlanta Area I've used: Atlanta Protective Films, Inc 645 Hembree Parkway Suite H Roswell, GA 30076 (There is a flat entrance for lower cars on the Hembree Park Dr side) Feel free to view my gallery below or "Atlanta Protective Films" on Facebook or Instagram as well. www.flickr.com/photos/atlantaprotectivefilms or Atlanta Ceramic Coating and Paint Protection https://www.ceramiccoatingandppf.com/about/ Evan Morris Owner 5880 Gateway Drive Alpharetta, GA 30004 Call us: 470-253-4649 Old Wash and Wax: With some of my older vehicles, I go with traditional washing and waxing. Don't forget to claybar the car before waxing it. The new speed clay makes this step take a lot less time than in the past. Clay Bar Speed Option: https://www.amazon.com/Mothers-17240-Single-Unit-Speed/dp/B01MPYDYWT/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2LVZMC7FDSS6X&keywords=mothers%2Bclay%2Bbar%2Bkit%2B2.0%2Bspeed%2Bclay&qid=1673218805&sprefix=mothers%2Bclay%2B%2Caps%2C97&sr=8-6&th=1 Traditional Wax The Pros in my opinion:

• It offers some hydrophobic properties

• It can help make your car easier to wash

• It can make your paint and clearcoat shine

• It is very economical compared to PPF or Ceramic Coating

• A good SiO2 spray or bead maker can extend the life of a traditional wax

• I've used ceramic waxes but they have some ceramic properties but not a ceramic coating. It makes the wax last a little longer.

• Economical

• Many Options

The Cons in my opinion:

• You have to wash/clay/wax the car a few times a year if the car is a daily driver

• It can take an entire afternoon to wash/clay/wax the car

• The costs can add up if you are waxing a car multiple times per year

• Waxing does not offer any scratching / swirl resistance

Doctor Color Chip: An option of touchup / rock chips: If you are looking for a 80% to 95% solution to rock chips, I would recommend Dr. Color Chip. I have been using their products for over a decade and had much luck with them. https://drcolorchip.com/touch-up-paint-kits-premium-packages/?gclid=CjwKCAiA8OmdBhAgEiwAShr406umcBKLS8IAJIhQPD7nPVLtIX6xFav5sLVeHHuaVALx20Su-i4imBoCn54QAvD_BwE Video: of how to use it... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsDUQQkCm74 AT 205 Reseal: The primary use for this product is to stop oil leaks. Please don't ever put AT 205 into an automatic transmission. It works great in engines and it has stopped a quarter size oil drip (after every drive) to nothing for me in our 2004 Mazda Miata. It also can be used on. your bushings and steering rack and rear CV shaft boots to keep them like new. Use on the bushings / boots / under the hood and suspension rubber components: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FGPbSafSpI Use on engine leaks video testimonial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbTIsZtCv7M Where to get it: https://www.amazon.com/AT-205-Seal-Leak-Stopper-Ounce/dp/B017C5YWNQ/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2Y7U4RAGG4WWO&keywords=AT+205+reseal&qid=1673215698&sprefix=at+205+reseal%2Caps%2C83&sr=8-3 Keep Zooming!!!! -- "Brad" Oren Persons Cell Phone: 864-561-2080 Email: ORENHPERSONS@GMAIL.COM

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