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View Full Version : 2011 Chevy Silverado - Corrected & Coated with CQuartz Finest



Zach McGovern
03-20-2015, 02:19 PM
The owner of this truck had contacted me to have the vehicle polished and protected. As we all know, black paint is a real chore to maintain, and this one was ready for a full correction process. The truck had seen its fair share of car washes over the past few years which led to quite a bit of scratches and marring on the surface. It was decided that a 2 step polishing process would be needed to remove the majority of the moderate surface defects and restore the depth and gloss in the paint. Many panels came out with 90%+ defect removal, however there were some areas that had quite a bit of heavier scratches, so I would say I removed 80% of the overall defects from the vehicle. This tastefully modified truck already looked great, but the polishing process topped with the amazing CQuartz Finest coating truly transformed the appearance of the paint and it now looks stunning! When it was all said and done, I had about 17 hours of work, 15 polishing pads, and ~60 microfiber towels into this truck, but it was all worth it!



Process
Tires: Tuf Shine Tire Cleaner & Tuf Shine Tire Brush
Wheels: Sonax Full Effect + Wheel Woolies + Various Brushes
Wash: Chemical Guys Citrus Wash & Sheepskin Wash Mitt (2BM)
Bug Removal: CG Bug Bugger & Tar Remover (6:1)
Dry: Master Blaster
Iron Removal: Iron X
Tar Removal: Stoner Tarminator
Decontamination: Nanoskin Fine Grade Mitt (until I ruined it) & Medium Grade Clay with Nanoskin Glide (10:1) as Lubrication
Dry: Waffle Weave Towels
Compound: Menzerna FG400 on an Orange Light Cutting Pad via Rupes LHR21ES (5.5" pads) and Rupes LHR75e (3" pads)
Polish: Optimum Hyper Polish on a White Polishing Pad via Rupes LHR21ES (5.5" pads) and Rupes LHR75e (3" pads)
Surface Prep: CarPro Eraser
Paint Coating: CQuartz Finest (2 thick coats)
Chrome Bumpers: Chemical Guys Metal Polish + Protection via Microfiber Towel by hand
Trim: 303 Aerospace Protectant
Glass: Stoner Invisible Glass with Microfiber Glass Towels
Tire Dressing: Optimum Opti-Bond Tire Gel





During
The vehicle was not that dirty to begin with so I did not capture any photos of the wheel cleaning or washing process.


After the vehicle was washed, the paint was treated with Iron X to remove any bonded iron particles from the surface. Detailing clay was then used to remove the remaining contamination. This paint was long overdue for a proper decontamination. (this was the contamination from the lower portion of one of the doors)


This is the contamination from a 3'x'3 section on the hood.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140215-DSC_6927_zps8bd02a95.jpg



Once the paint was cleaned and decontaminated, I was able to properly inspect the condition of the paint. I found some sanding marks on the rear driver's side that needed to be removed.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140215-DSC_6933_zpsa927e20a.jpg



There were swirls and marring throughout the rest of the vehicle.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140215-DSC_6936_zpsc6212d2b.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140215-DSC_6938_zpsae387db8.jpg





Even without harsh, direct lighting it is easy to see that the paint looks dull and scratched.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140215-DSC_6942_zpsfaef170e.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140215-DSC_6940_zpsc2ab1915.jpg




Paint thickness readings were taken to ensure it was safe to polish the paint. These readings were very good
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140215-DSC_6956_zpsbcdd7c16.jpg



I began my test spot on the rear where the sanding marks were. Again, without direct lighting you can clearly see the improvement in clarity on the left hand side after compounding. This would be improved even further after polishing.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140215-DSC_6944_zpsb46bae95.jpg



Lighting up the test spot shows the great improvement. You can see the slight haze left over on the left side from the cutting compound. This is to be expected, and is easily removed with the proper choice in finishing polish, pad, and technique.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140215-DSC_6947_zps31727018.jpg



After polishing the test spot, the haze is removed and the paint looks fantastic. Notice the drastic difference in color at the top of the photo. The corrected area is a true black while the original paint now appears faded/gray.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140215-DSC_6948_zps0f6bfd71.jpg



Another angle showing the awesome transformation.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140215-DSC_6952_zps2e7ff70a.jpg



50/50 showing after compounding the rear door
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140215-DSC_6958_zpsce7ddd05.jpg



Driver's side after compounding
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140215-DSC_6966_zps56b0b0af.jpg



50/50 on the B-Pillar
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140215-DSC_6973_zps89f8417c.jpg



Door before correction
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140215-DSC_6974_zps7958b54d.jpg



Door after compounding. Notice there are still some heavier defects remaining, however the clarity is still greatly improved.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140215-DSC_6975_zpsf5db25fa.jpg



Door before correction
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140215-DSC_6979_zpsa8f4574a.jpg



Door after compounding
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140215-DSC_6980_zpsc502eb6d.jpg



Tailgate before correction
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140215-DSC_6983_zps36ce8f72.jpg



50/50 on tailgate after compounding the right section
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140215-DSC_6985_zps797942f0.jpg



Door after final polishing.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140215-DSC_7014_zps5a29e5b6.jpg



Left side after final polishing . Looking like a mirror!
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140215-DSC_7019_zps56f750aa.jpg



This photo shows the difference in clarity between the lower section that was compounded and has haze/micro marring remaining and the top section that has been polished to remove the haze.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140215-DSC_7024_zps55d2619a.jpg



Same photo as above, but without direct lighting. You can still see that the reflection in the lower section is less crisp. This is why the final polishing step is crucial after using a heavy cutting compound.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140215-DSC_7030_zps3f129744.jpg



Fender after polishing
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140216-DSC_7035_zps6b295f2d.jpg



Hood after final polishing
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140216-DSC_7038_zps438d4296.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140216-DSC_7040_zpsb34b0487.jpg




Checking surface temps prior to applying the paint coating
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140216-DSC_7042_zps83c1db02.jpg


Safety first! I wear a respirator during coating installation (yes, this is a selfie taken in the reflection of the paint... don't judge me).
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140216-DSC_7050_zps99c417cf.jpg

Zach McGovern
03-20-2015, 02:19 PM
Wiping away the coating after it has flashed. (Right side has been wiped and left side has not)
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140216-DSC_7052_zpsb262a2ca.jpg



Personalized door jam sticker
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140216-DSC_7058_zps79e4b9f5.jpg





After

It was a long 2 days of work, but it was completely worth it when we pulled the truck out and got to see it in the sunlight.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140216-DSC_7060_zps95a550ca.jpg



Wheels and Tires looked great
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140216-DSC_7075_zps52013c51.jpg



The paint looked amazing! Black is such a satisfying color to work on. It is a lot of work, but when it is cleaned up, there is nothing else that compares.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140216-DSC_7068_zps1c7ccd87.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140216-DSC_7070_zps37d88706.jpg



It was like looking into a mirror
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140216-DSC_7063_zpsf881e0e3.jpg





The reflections were crisp and the paint looked deep and dark.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140216-DSC_7065_zps4ebe7602.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/AttentiontoDetailingPeoria/Detail%202011%20Chevy%20Silverado/20140216-DSC_7074_zpsdb33f8d7.jpg








As always, thanks for looking!!

Pureshine
03-21-2015, 03:48 PM
Great work Zach! The truck need some help.

Smitty
03-22-2015, 04:06 PM
Very nice work.

Sent from my phone when I am supposed to be doing something else.

DARK HORSE
03-23-2015, 05:31 PM
Very nice!

CarPro Mexico
03-24-2015, 05:53 AM
Outstanding work!

I really enjoy this kind of every day driven vehicles threads. Thanks for taking your time to put this kind of detail (no pun intended) in your posts :D

Dr_Pain
03-24-2015, 02:45 PM
You did a whole truck by yourself?? a black one at that?? that was hammered that bad?? YOU CRAZY????? I won't every do a truck all by myself ever again!!!

BTW, great job as usual brother. Photography is top notch as usual but way too many selfies ROFL!! (joking)

roger3380
03-24-2015, 07:35 PM
Great job like always. I like Optimum Hyper Polish it has a little more cut the M205 but i use each of them.