Zach McGovern
Certified Finest Installer
This vehicle was brought to us for some deep cleaning and paint correction to restore some gloss and shine in the paint. After many, many hours reviving the paint, the vehicle was coated in our standard ceramic coating for added protection. In the end, the vehicle turned out great. The paint is now deep and dark with clear and vibrant reflections. A true example of how great black vehicle can look!
Process
Tires: Tuf Shine Tire Cleaner & Tire Brush
Wheels: P21S Gel Wheel Cleaner & Various Brushes
Foam Soak: Citrus Wash
Wash: Citrus Wash
Chemical Decontamination: IronX and Tarminator
Mechanical Decontamination: Medium Speedy Prep Towel with Glide for Lubrication
Wash: Citrus Wash
Tape: CarPro 1" Tape
Paint Thickness Measurements: Defelsko Combo Gauge
Paint Correction: Griot's Garage Fast Correction Creme on MF pads via GG21, GG 3rd Gen DA, and Rupes LHR75e
Polishing & Coating Prep: CarPro Essence on Yellow Griot's Perfecting Pads via GG21, GG 3rd Gen DA, and Rupes LHR75e
Paint Protection: CarPro CQuartz UK (1 coat, baked with IR lamps)
Wheel Protection: CarPro HydrO2
Glass: Meguiar's D120
Exhaust: CG Metal Polish with #0000 Steel Wood and MF towel
Tires: CarPro PERL (2 coats, neat)
The wheels were incredibly dirty and coated with brake dust
The engine was lightly dirty
As always, we begin by cleaning the tires. Dirt and grime is removed and rinsed away
We continue to the process until the tire cleaner remains white indicating the rubber is clean
The wheels are then soaked with a pH neutral cleaner
Wheels are thoroughly scrubbed to remove dirt and grime
The vehicle is then soaked with a heavy layer of shampoo to begin the cleaning process. The vehicle is then thoroughly washed and decontaminated.
Once the paint was clean, we began the paint correction process.
Before Correction
After Compounding
Before Correction
After Compounding
After Finish Polishing
50/50 showing the increased color and clarity after final polishing
Before Correction
After Compounding
50/50 During Compounding
Before Correction
After Compounding
After Polishing
50/50 Showing increase in color and clarity while polishing
*****************************************
We interrupt this thread to share a few quick thoughts on Essence.
When doing a 2 step correction, it seems like Essence is going to be a no brainer. It worked great as a final polishing step to easily clean up haze left by the cutting process. It behaved just like Reflect. If you have used Reflect, you know there is a bit of technique involved, but once you know how to work the product it is insanely easy. Wipe off is a breeze, too. A few passes with a clean microfiber towel and no more residue. It is not sticky, or hard to wipe either... it was a real pleasure to use!
I also did some testing using Essence on a MF pad to increase cut, and I was pleasantly surprised at the defect removal and clarity. Will have to do more testing on various paints, but I'm hopeful this product will become a very regular part of our services for coated vehicles.
Now back to the Show N Shine
*****************************************
Working hard, removing defects from the side skirts
Incredible gloss after correction
The paint was then protected with a ceramic paint coating that was then baked onto the paint
Exhaust before polishing
Exhaust after polishing
The paint looked great once completed. Deep, clear reflections.
The following morning, the engine was dressed and interior received a light cleaning
The paint looked great in the sun.
Nothing better than glossy black paint!
As always, thanks for reading! Please feel free to leave comments and/or questions below.
-Zach
Process
Tires: Tuf Shine Tire Cleaner & Tire Brush
Wheels: P21S Gel Wheel Cleaner & Various Brushes
Foam Soak: Citrus Wash
Wash: Citrus Wash
Chemical Decontamination: IronX and Tarminator
Mechanical Decontamination: Medium Speedy Prep Towel with Glide for Lubrication
Wash: Citrus Wash
Tape: CarPro 1" Tape
Paint Thickness Measurements: Defelsko Combo Gauge
Paint Correction: Griot's Garage Fast Correction Creme on MF pads via GG21, GG 3rd Gen DA, and Rupes LHR75e
Polishing & Coating Prep: CarPro Essence on Yellow Griot's Perfecting Pads via GG21, GG 3rd Gen DA, and Rupes LHR75e
Paint Protection: CarPro CQuartz UK (1 coat, baked with IR lamps)
Wheel Protection: CarPro HydrO2
Glass: Meguiar's D120
Exhaust: CG Metal Polish with #0000 Steel Wood and MF towel
Tires: CarPro PERL (2 coats, neat)
The wheels were incredibly dirty and coated with brake dust
The engine was lightly dirty
As always, we begin by cleaning the tires. Dirt and grime is removed and rinsed away
We continue to the process until the tire cleaner remains white indicating the rubber is clean
The wheels are then soaked with a pH neutral cleaner
Wheels are thoroughly scrubbed to remove dirt and grime
The vehicle is then soaked with a heavy layer of shampoo to begin the cleaning process. The vehicle is then thoroughly washed and decontaminated.
Once the paint was clean, we began the paint correction process.
Before Correction
After Compounding
Before Correction
After Compounding
After Finish Polishing
50/50 showing the increased color and clarity after final polishing
Before Correction
After Compounding
50/50 During Compounding
Before Correction
After Compounding
After Polishing
50/50 Showing increase in color and clarity while polishing
*****************************************
We interrupt this thread to share a few quick thoughts on Essence.
When doing a 2 step correction, it seems like Essence is going to be a no brainer. It worked great as a final polishing step to easily clean up haze left by the cutting process. It behaved just like Reflect. If you have used Reflect, you know there is a bit of technique involved, but once you know how to work the product it is insanely easy. Wipe off is a breeze, too. A few passes with a clean microfiber towel and no more residue. It is not sticky, or hard to wipe either... it was a real pleasure to use!
I also did some testing using Essence on a MF pad to increase cut, and I was pleasantly surprised at the defect removal and clarity. Will have to do more testing on various paints, but I'm hopeful this product will become a very regular part of our services for coated vehicles.
Now back to the Show N Shine
*****************************************
Working hard, removing defects from the side skirts
Incredible gloss after correction
The paint was then protected with a ceramic paint coating that was then baked onto the paint
Exhaust before polishing
Exhaust after polishing
The paint looked great once completed. Deep, clear reflections.
The following morning, the engine was dressed and interior received a light cleaning
The paint looked great in the sun.
Nothing better than glossy black paint!
As always, thanks for reading! Please feel free to leave comments and/or questions below.
-Zach
