zmcgovern45
07-22-2014, 08:27 AM
The owner of this vehicle was referred to me by a previous customer who has had CQuartz Finest on his vehicle for about a year. This owner requested the same service, as he was interested in enhancing the look of his vehicle while also protecting and preserving it`s finish. Although the paint looked great to begin with, there was plenty of room for improvement. The highly metallic grey paint helps to hide minor imperfections, however once the paint is cleaned and viewed with specialized lighting, the defects became more apparent and were corrected properly. After about 18 hours of work, the car turned out great.
Process
Exterior
Tires - Tuf Shine Tire Cleaner & Tire Brush
Wheels - Sonax Full Effect Wheel Cleaner with Various Brushes & Tools
Convertible Top Cleaning - RaggTop Convertible Top Cleaner
Foam Presoak - Chemical Guys Citrus Wash via MTM Foam Lance & Karcher X-Series PW
Wash - Chemical Guys Citrus Wash with CarPro Merino Wool Wash Mitt
Iron/Fallout Removal - CarPro Iron X
Tar Removal - Stoner Tarminator
General Paint Decontamination - Speedy Prep Towel (medium) with NanoSkin Glide (7:1)
Paint Thickness Readings Taken
Tape off Trim and other areas of Concern
Compound - Menzerna FG400 on Meguiar`s MF Cutting Pads via Rupes LHR21ES (5.5" and 6.5") and Rupes LHR75e (3")
Compounding Oil Residue Removal - CarPro Eraser
Polish - CarPro Reflect on Rupes Yellow Pad via Rupes LHR21ES (6") and Rupes LHR75e (3")
Coating Prep - CarPro Eraser
Ceramic Paint Coating - CarPro CQuartz Finest (2 thick coats)
Other Paint Protection - CarPro Reload
Convertible Top Protection - 303 Fabric Guard
Glass - CarPro Fast Glass Towels
Tire Dressing - CarPro PERL (neat)
Exhaust Tips - Chemical Guys Metal Polish + Protection via #0000 Steel Wool and Microfiber Towel
Wheel Sealant - CarPro Reload
Interior
Thorough vacuum
Wiped down all leather and vinyl with ONR
Glass was cleaned with CarPro Fast Glass towels
Engine
Engine Compartment Rinsed
Sprayed with Meguiar`s D103 All Purpose Cleaner (4:1)
Agitated with various brushes and then rinsed
Dressed with 303 and CG Black on Black
Before
The vehicle arrived in pretty good shape. There was light dirt and bugs visible, and the paint looked pretty glossy already. These lighter colored metallic paints do a very good job at hiding light defects such as swirl marks... but having previously inspected this vehicle, I knew there was plenty of room for improvement as you will see later.
https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t1.0-9/10418440_422349291236529_3975198078528158722_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t1.0-9/10488209_422349284569863_8573224305038405590_n.jpg
The wheels were caked with brake dust and dirt, which is an unfortunate trade off for having a high performance vehicle with large brakes.
https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/10547701_422349297903195_2117130776180376944_n.jpg ?oh=86cdb4c15d6cf10cb357fd1f203a1c8f&oe=544AB0CB
Notice that the faces of the wheels were not too terribly dirty, however the barrels of the wheels hadn`t been cleaned in a very long time.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t1.0-9/10500379_422349334569858_1951058285394604918_n.jpg
The area under the gas cap can often be very dirty, this car just needed a quick cleaning. Nothing nasty hiding under here.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t1.0-9/10556527_422349337903191_938295203225814785_n.jpg
The engine was not too bad either. Just normal dirt and dust on the engine covers.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t1.0-9/10325682_422349381236520_1885100094505475355_n.jpg
During
As always, I began by cleaning the tires. The tire cleaner turns brown when agitated, indicating there is dirt present on the surface.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t1.0-9/10547615_422349504569841_2433168138253001369_n.jpg
I will continue to apply tire cleaner, scrub, rinse, and repeat until the suds remain white which indicates the tires are clean.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t1.0-9/10553588_422349514569840_4509916325228903202_n.jpg
Next, I turned my attention to the wheels. As you can see, there was a fair amount of brake dust buildup both on the faces and mostly on the barrels of the wheels (which are completely black in this photo)
https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t1.0-9/10419382_422349391236519_6156284520874956389_n.jpg
Wheel cleaner is generously applied to the entire wheel and allowed to dwell for several minutes.
https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t1.0-9/10530760_422349417903183_1634440380185387986_n.jpg
Throughout this period of time, the wheel cleaner begins to react with the dirt and brake dust and turns purple as it starts to break down and loosen the contamination.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t1.0-9/10492333_422349434569848_7200617798257063155_n.jpg
Once the wheel cleaner had been given several minutes to start loosening the grime, I then proceeded with cleaning the barrels of the wheels. Notice the massive amount of dirt flooding from all areas of the wheel.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t1.0-9/10561578_422349441236514_8642461643207059371_n.jpg
The face of the wheel was then cleaned, as were the lug nuts.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10525754_422349457903179_6211944484517107071_n.jpg ?oh=19f3ac24e7206b24f45bd93ed36408b2&oe=54427CBB&__gda__=1414250855_73ec0aef7d68861ab2b01dcd825ec08 6
After rinsing, the wheel looks great. Notice that the barrels are not black anymore!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10527783_422349491236509_3413212449187515008_n.jpg ?oh=5af183c48ba3fb9056a6624e45b7f90c&oe=54452F68&__gda__=1414938804_ecba9992c2769ad08dfe54762975207 6
Once the wheels were cleaned, I scrubbed the convertible top with specialized cleaner, and then foamed the rest of the vehicle to help break down any remaining protection and loosen dirt on the surface prior to washing.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t1.0-9/10494799_422349534569838_2256680970859843609_n.jpg
After the foam was rinsed away, the vehicle was carefully hand washed, blown dry, and then treated with CarPro Iron X to remove embedded iron particles (aka industrial fallout/rail dust). Iron X starts as a clear liquid and turns purple as it reacts with the iron and starts to dissolve it.
https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t1.0-9/10429407_422349547903170_3218683390085061246_n.jpg
Iron X reacting with bonded iron contaminates
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t1.0-9/10553453_422349561236502_3942460363425265268_n.jpg
Process
Exterior
Tires - Tuf Shine Tire Cleaner & Tire Brush
Wheels - Sonax Full Effect Wheel Cleaner with Various Brushes & Tools
Convertible Top Cleaning - RaggTop Convertible Top Cleaner
Foam Presoak - Chemical Guys Citrus Wash via MTM Foam Lance & Karcher X-Series PW
Wash - Chemical Guys Citrus Wash with CarPro Merino Wool Wash Mitt
Iron/Fallout Removal - CarPro Iron X
Tar Removal - Stoner Tarminator
General Paint Decontamination - Speedy Prep Towel (medium) with NanoSkin Glide (7:1)
Paint Thickness Readings Taken
Tape off Trim and other areas of Concern
Compound - Menzerna FG400 on Meguiar`s MF Cutting Pads via Rupes LHR21ES (5.5" and 6.5") and Rupes LHR75e (3")
Compounding Oil Residue Removal - CarPro Eraser
Polish - CarPro Reflect on Rupes Yellow Pad via Rupes LHR21ES (6") and Rupes LHR75e (3")
Coating Prep - CarPro Eraser
Ceramic Paint Coating - CarPro CQuartz Finest (2 thick coats)
Other Paint Protection - CarPro Reload
Convertible Top Protection - 303 Fabric Guard
Glass - CarPro Fast Glass Towels
Tire Dressing - CarPro PERL (neat)
Exhaust Tips - Chemical Guys Metal Polish + Protection via #0000 Steel Wool and Microfiber Towel
Wheel Sealant - CarPro Reload
Interior
Thorough vacuum
Wiped down all leather and vinyl with ONR
Glass was cleaned with CarPro Fast Glass towels
Engine
Engine Compartment Rinsed
Sprayed with Meguiar`s D103 All Purpose Cleaner (4:1)
Agitated with various brushes and then rinsed
Dressed with 303 and CG Black on Black
Before
The vehicle arrived in pretty good shape. There was light dirt and bugs visible, and the paint looked pretty glossy already. These lighter colored metallic paints do a very good job at hiding light defects such as swirl marks... but having previously inspected this vehicle, I knew there was plenty of room for improvement as you will see later.
https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t1.0-9/10418440_422349291236529_3975198078528158722_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t1.0-9/10488209_422349284569863_8573224305038405590_n.jpg
The wheels were caked with brake dust and dirt, which is an unfortunate trade off for having a high performance vehicle with large brakes.
https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/10547701_422349297903195_2117130776180376944_n.jpg ?oh=86cdb4c15d6cf10cb357fd1f203a1c8f&oe=544AB0CB
Notice that the faces of the wheels were not too terribly dirty, however the barrels of the wheels hadn`t been cleaned in a very long time.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t1.0-9/10500379_422349334569858_1951058285394604918_n.jpg
The area under the gas cap can often be very dirty, this car just needed a quick cleaning. Nothing nasty hiding under here.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t1.0-9/10556527_422349337903191_938295203225814785_n.jpg
The engine was not too bad either. Just normal dirt and dust on the engine covers.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t1.0-9/10325682_422349381236520_1885100094505475355_n.jpg
During
As always, I began by cleaning the tires. The tire cleaner turns brown when agitated, indicating there is dirt present on the surface.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t1.0-9/10547615_422349504569841_2433168138253001369_n.jpg
I will continue to apply tire cleaner, scrub, rinse, and repeat until the suds remain white which indicates the tires are clean.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t1.0-9/10553588_422349514569840_4509916325228903202_n.jpg
Next, I turned my attention to the wheels. As you can see, there was a fair amount of brake dust buildup both on the faces and mostly on the barrels of the wheels (which are completely black in this photo)
https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t1.0-9/10419382_422349391236519_6156284520874956389_n.jpg
Wheel cleaner is generously applied to the entire wheel and allowed to dwell for several minutes.
https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t1.0-9/10530760_422349417903183_1634440380185387986_n.jpg
Throughout this period of time, the wheel cleaner begins to react with the dirt and brake dust and turns purple as it starts to break down and loosen the contamination.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t1.0-9/10492333_422349434569848_7200617798257063155_n.jpg
Once the wheel cleaner had been given several minutes to start loosening the grime, I then proceeded with cleaning the barrels of the wheels. Notice the massive amount of dirt flooding from all areas of the wheel.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t1.0-9/10561578_422349441236514_8642461643207059371_n.jpg
The face of the wheel was then cleaned, as were the lug nuts.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10525754_422349457903179_6211944484517107071_n.jpg ?oh=19f3ac24e7206b24f45bd93ed36408b2&oe=54427CBB&__gda__=1414250855_73ec0aef7d68861ab2b01dcd825ec08 6
After rinsing, the wheel looks great. Notice that the barrels are not black anymore!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10527783_422349491236509_3413212449187515008_n.jpg ?oh=5af183c48ba3fb9056a6624e45b7f90c&oe=54452F68&__gda__=1414938804_ecba9992c2769ad08dfe54762975207 6
Once the wheels were cleaned, I scrubbed the convertible top with specialized cleaner, and then foamed the rest of the vehicle to help break down any remaining protection and loosen dirt on the surface prior to washing.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t1.0-9/10494799_422349534569838_2256680970859843609_n.jpg
After the foam was rinsed away, the vehicle was carefully hand washed, blown dry, and then treated with CarPro Iron X to remove embedded iron particles (aka industrial fallout/rail dust). Iron X starts as a clear liquid and turns purple as it reacts with the iron and starts to dissolve it.
https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t1.0-9/10429407_422349547903170_3218683390085061246_n.jpg
Iron X reacting with bonded iron contaminates
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t1.0-9/10553453_422349561236502_3942460363425265268_n.jpg