How do I make my Mazda Miata shine like it used to?

Washing it doesn't seem to give it that new shine that it used to have. I even tried waxing it and still, it's not as shiny as it once was. I'm thinking about getting it detailed, but if it's something I can do myself, i'd rather not pay somebody else to do it.How do I make my Mazda Miata shine like it used to?
What a strange question to put in Computer Networking. =)



When you say "even tried waxing" it makes me think that the paint has never been properly cared for. It's important to wax regularly, from the beginning, to keep the finish at its best. That said, there are things you can do on your own, and there are things you can't.



Detailing is just a fancy word for waxing. The products they use *might* be a better grade than what you buy at Target, but sometimes are not. They might know more about it than you, and they might not.



If you're going to take it on yourself, the one thing that makes a big difference is using a motorized polisher and a good cleaner like Meguiar's or Mother's. That's how you get a significant amount of oxidation off evenly.



So often, the trouble with hand polishing is that you don't get a very even application (of product, or of power) and you end up with splotches. Or your oxidation on the paint is too heavy to remove easily by hand. Using an electric buffer can be a big help in this case.



Please don't use the kind that just spins around like a saw blade. The best ones are random orbitals that move back and forth as they go around the circle so you don't get giant swirl marks.



http://www.autogeek.net/dual-action-poli鈥?/a>



http://www.autogeek.net/bupo.html



Also you'll want to use a finishing pad that looks basically like a big sponge. In this way, you can go around the curves of the surface without grinding out. Also keeps the abrasion to a minimum (just what's in your polish).



http://www.autogeek.net/foam-polishing-p鈥?/a>



Using the appropriate liquid product (designed for machine polishing) is also key. If you use a hand wax with an orbital, you're almost certain to hurt the car.



http://www.autogeek.net/carwax.html



NOTE: Polishing is a lot like sanding, just at a smaller detail level. If you're not comfortable with power tools, you can do more harm than good using power tools on your car!



So in this case, you might be ahead to pay $100 for a decent exterior detail. Ask specific questions about what will be done, what products will be used, and how oxidized they believe the paint looks. Ask how much you can expect the overall look of the car to change after the treatment.



If your paint has been out in the sun for a lot of years, it might never return to its previous luster.



Use a shop, not a car wash. Make sure an adult who knows paint is doing the work (not a kid at the car wash).



Make sure the price is for exterior work. I went somewhere and purchased detail once without asking any questions, and they did the interior completely (dusting, vacuum, armor-all) and nothing to the body. D'oh.



You could have it clearcoated somewhere. They can just hit the whole thing with a fresh layer of clear and it will really glow. =)



Good luck.How do I make my Mazda Miata shine like it used to?
You can detail it yourself. Don't buy the cheap stuff like Turtle Wax, obviously. I knew a guy who did detailing in Florida and he definitely liked Meguiars and Mother's. The guy on the link recommends them as well.



Best of luck,

WG