Overview
80 hours.Hand WashDecontamination
Stage III PolishCeramic Coatings
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Wheel Armor
Wheel-Off Detail
Glass Coating
Trim Coating
Engine DEtail
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Swissvax Leather
Fabric Guard
Interior Vacuum
Carpet Care
No Compromise.
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Pre-DEtail Condition
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Mileage: 61,000km
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Wash Process
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Multi-Bucket Wash Method
To help minimize the chances of scratching the paintwork during the wash process, we use a multi-bucket wash method. This technique involves the use of multiple buckets to separate the soapy wash solution used for the paintwork from the solution used to clean dirtier areas of the vehicle (i.e., wheels, exhaust, etc). Allowing the metallic brake dust and heavy dirt to contaminate the wash mitts greatly increases the chances of scratching the paint. In this particular scenario, we used the two-bucket method. For added protection, Grit Guards were placed in each bucket. Grit Guards are a plastic filter-like insert that is placed at the bottom of each bucket - they allow dirt to fall to the bottom and prevent you from scooping it back up. Quality Wash Equipment
Drying Method To dry the vehicle, we used microfiber drying towels to soak of the majority of the water - along with a car dryer that blows heated, filtered air to free the water trapped in the various hard-to-reach places (weather stripping, under mirrors, etc). |
Foam-Cannon Pre-Rinse
Before the initial rinse, we coat the vehicle in foam using a Foam Cannon and allow it to dwell for a few minutes. Not only does it look cool, it helps loosen the dirt so that more can be removed during the initial rinse. The more dirt that can be safely removed without touching the vehicle, the better. 
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Decontamination
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Overall, the paintwork had a reasonable amount of contamination given that the vehicle is daily-driven. However, large chunks of tar and sap were present along the passenger side of the vehicle.
To remove them, we used a number of special decontamination chemicals along with clay. Although we typically refrain from using decontamination chemicals, the satin-grey paint on the fender flares is very sensitive to abrasion. Satin paint (whether clear coated or not) is a non/semi-glossy finish that cannot be polished if it is scratched. The vehicle received a second wipe-down to remove any remaining residue from the clay lube prior to the pre-polish inspection. |
Chunks of tar stuck to the paint (i.e., the black dots)
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What Are Paint Contaminants?
Tar, sap, fallout, iron, and over-spray are some of the various contaminants that stick to the various surfaces of the vehicle. These contaminants can exist on every car (even brand new ones), regardless of color. Typically, these cannot be removed with regular washing and must be removed using a clay bar or a special chemical. Clay barring is the process of lightly rubbing a piece of detailing clay against the paint (along with a lubricant such as clay lube or soap).
To determine whether your paint is contaminated, feel the paint while it is wet/soapy.
If the paint feels rough or like sandpaper, it has contaminants stuck to it. You can clearly see these contaminants as white/brown dots on lighter coloured vehicles.
Clay barring should be done only when required (with the finest/least abrasive grade of clay possible) to reduce the possibility of marring the finish.
To determine whether your paint is contaminated, feel the paint while it is wet/soapy.
If the paint feels rough or like sandpaper, it has contaminants stuck to it. You can clearly see these contaminants as white/brown dots on lighter coloured vehicles.
Clay barring should be done only when required (with the finest/least abrasive grade of clay possible) to reduce the possibility of marring the finish.
Wheel-Care
Basic Wheel CleaningTo clean and protect the gorgeous Bead-Lock rims and meaty off-road tires, we performed the following steps:
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Advanced Wheel Cleaning
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Foam Cannon Pre-Rinse
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Before Wheel Armor
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After Wheel Armor
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Interior Detailing
Pre-Detail Condition
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Interior Detailing Process
To begin the interior detailing process, all personal belongings were gathered, packaged, and neatly placed aside.
Afterward, we vacuumed the interior and wiped down the whole interior twice. The preliminary wipe-down of the interior using a light interior cleaner and microfiber towel/interior brush is meant to remove the surface dust, dirt, and grime.
During the secondary wipe-down, we went over all of the textured plastic pieces and applied a satin-finish UV protectant to help prevent the black plastics from fading.
Once the interior wipe-down was complete, we shampooed the carpet using a hot-water carpet extractor and hand-shampooed the fabric inserts on the seats.
Once dry, we protected the carpet/fabric surfaces using Gtechinq I1 Smart Fabric (including the fabric inserts on the seats).
Finally, the all-season floor mats were vacuumed and hand-cleaned using a soapy solution and soft brushes and hand applied a UV-resistant protectant, going over all of the ridges - one at a time.
Afterward, we vacuumed the interior and wiped down the whole interior twice. The preliminary wipe-down of the interior using a light interior cleaner and microfiber towel/interior brush is meant to remove the surface dust, dirt, and grime.
During the secondary wipe-down, we went over all of the textured plastic pieces and applied a satin-finish UV protectant to help prevent the black plastics from fading.
Once the interior wipe-down was complete, we shampooed the carpet using a hot-water carpet extractor and hand-shampooed the fabric inserts on the seats.
Once dry, we protected the carpet/fabric surfaces using Gtechinq I1 Smart Fabric (including the fabric inserts on the seats).
Finally, the all-season floor mats were vacuumed and hand-cleaned using a soapy solution and soft brushes and hand applied a UV-resistant protectant, going over all of the ridges - one at a time.
Leather Care
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After vacuuming the seats, we used an ultra-soft leather cleaning brush to lather a pH-neutral leather cleaner onto the leather – one panel at a time. Each panel was immediately dried with a microfiber towel.
In addition to the leather on the seats, we also cleaned the leather steering wheel and leather portions of the gear selector. To condition and nourish the beautiful two-tone leather interior, we applied ultra-premium Swissvax Leather Milk for a high-quality matte finish. |
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Touch-Up Paint Application
To touch up the many stone chips on this vehicle, we did three (!) rounds of touch-up paint and repaired over 100 rock chips.
Paint Correction
Pre-Polish Inspection
Prior to polishing any vehicle, we take the time to examine the vehicle's paintwork understand the condition of the paint, and take note of any significant defects.
Although we inspect customer vehicles prior to working on them, we inspect the vehicle a second time as it's easier to see scratches and other paint defects on a clean surface.
We noted all the significant defects (swirls, random deep scratches, holograms, chips, etc.) and prepared a report that was later delivered to the customer.
Although we inspect customer vehicles prior to working on them, we inspect the vehicle a second time as it's easier to see scratches and other paint defects on a clean surface.
We noted all the significant defects (swirls, random deep scratches, holograms, chips, etc.) and prepared a report that was later delivered to the customer.
Swirls
Fading |
Scratched Reflectors
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Oxidization |
Paint Thickness Inspection
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Because power-polishing the clear-coat removes microscopic amounts of clear-coat, it only makes sense to check how thick the paint is to determine if it's safe to proceed. We use a quality paint thickness gauge to determine what sort of thickness we are working with.
Factory automotive clear-coat is (typically) thinner than your fingernail and is usually measured in microns (µm). 1µm = 1/1,000mm We took well over 100 paint thickness measurements across the entire vehicle and presented the customer with a written report outlining the paint thickness of each (metal) panel. |
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Trim Masking
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When we power polish a vehicle - we take the time to do the job right.
All sensitive areas that could potentially be damaged were masked off using professional-grade automotive masking tape. Decal MaskingYou'll notice that the Limited-Edition "Raptor" Decals along the box are not masked off - this is because we do not leave tape over-top of decals for longer than necessary. This minimizes the chances of lifting the decals.
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Test Panel
When power polishing a vehicle, it is vital to test the paintwork to:
a) Determine the hardness of the paint (which comes with experience), and:
b) To check which pad/polish combo is appropriate
a) Determine the hardness of the paint (which comes with experience), and:
b) To check which pad/polish combo is appropriate
- given the scope of the polishing and the desired results
Before
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After
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30 hours of polishing
90%+ Defects Removed
Power Polishing - Stage III
Stage I - Compounding / Heavy Defect Removal
Stage II - Polishing / Refinement
Stage III - Fine Polishing / Jeweling
Stage II - Polishing / Refinement
Stage III - Fine Polishing / Jeweling
Before - Inside "Raptor" Decal
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After
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Before - Left Side of Box
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After
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Before - Passenger-Front Door
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After
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Before - Tail Gate
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After
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Coatings
Ceramic Paint Coatings
Overview
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Unlike traditional waxes and sealants, nano coatings form a semi-permanent chemical bond with the paintwork, providing unmatched durability, swirl resistance, and protection from the elements. These long lasting coatings also allow for easier maintenance and they retain the "freshly polished" look for longer.
The ceramic coating system we use is comprised of two layers, the ceramic layer and the hydrophobic layer. We even coated the inner fenders, skid-plate, and the satin portions of the rear bumper and front bumper. (Hydrophobic layer only on satin-paint) Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light (CSL) Durability: ~3-5 Years Gtechniq's CSL is a ceramic, semi-permanent nano coating that is designed to provide maximum gloss, swirl resistance, and chemical resistance. This coating is no joke - you can measure the additional thickness of the paint after application. As per manufacturer recommendation, we applied one layer. Gtechniq EXO Durability: ~18-24 Months Gtechniq's EXO is designed to maximize the hydrophobic properties of the paintwork. We installed two layers of EXO once the CSL had fully cured. |
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Trim
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As the vinyl trim was faded, we used Gtechniq C4 Permanent Trim Restorer to restore the plastics.
Durability: ~1-2 Years Unlike traditional dressings, Gtechniq C4 chemically bonds to the trim, restores and protects the trim, and adds a non-greasy satin finish. After application, the trim can actually repel water. We coated the following using this high-quality, long, lasting , and non-greasy product:
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Before/After - Side Steps
Before/ After - Tonneau Cover
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Before - Door Handle
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After - Door Handle
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After - "Raptor" Emblem"
Wheels
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Gtechniq C5 Wheel Armour
Durability: ~1-2 Years Gtechniq C5 Wheel Armor is a long-lasting, hydrophobic, and heat-resistant coating that protects the rim from environmental contaminants and assists in repelling brake dust. |
Glass
As this vehicle is driven in all weather conditions, we installed Gtechniq's G1 Clear Vision Smart Glass to protect the glass against the elements. Three layers were applied to the front windscreen and one coat was applied to the side and rear windows.
Durability: ~1-2 Years
Benefits:
Durability: ~1-2 Years
Benefits:
- Increases hydrophobic properties
- Makes cleaning/bug removal easier
- Protects against environmental contaminants (tree sap, fallout, etc.)
- Increases visibility
Finishing Touches
Wheel-Off Detail
Cleaned
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Box Detail
(Vacuumed + Hand Washed + UV Protected)
Exhaust Tip CAre
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Cleaned |
Polished |
Coated |
Door Jam s
POlished + Ceramic coated
Results
Interior
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Exterior
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Post-Detail
- Provided copies of almost 1,500 high resolution photos to the customer.
- Provided the customer with additional maintenance equipment including a premium wash mitt, top-up sealant, and a drying towel.
- Provided copies of the paint thickness inspection, pre-polish inspection, and detailing summary/log.
- Provided a document with swirl prevention tips and techniques.