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:
info@smartwax.net
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
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11/6/09 17:39:34