Tangerine Scream Ford Focus ST One Step Correction and Opti-Guard - TLC Auto Detail

[gsxrboy]

Awesome write up, thanks for posting.

[xxMichaelAnthony]

Originally Posted by Dave@TLC

Thanks! Dealership "detailers" can really wreak havoc on paint, and make it necessary to buff even brand new cars.

I've seen so much holograming from dealerships it isn't even funny. And they say it is how it's supposed to be Fixed a friends car and we drove to the dealership to show them how it's actually supposed to be and he got his money back for the "detail". The guy was pissed that someone who is self taught and just starting out did a better job then he did. Apparently he was actually a detailer they have come in. Not a tech who knows a thing or two about detailing like most dealerships.

[Dave@TLC]

Originally Posted by old1030

Nice work, the before and after photos are a huge difference.

I have a question when using an orbital buffer, how much pressure do you apply? Also do you recommend applying the polish to the pad or onto the vehicle?

Thanks! I used a dual action buffer, with light pressure. It's a RupesLHF21 which is very powerful due to it's longer stroke, so it doesn't require a lot of pressure like traditional DA buffers. As for the polish, with a DA buffer I always apply it to the pad, and when I use a rotary buffer I apply it to the paint and "pick it up" with the pad.

Originally Posted by thejordan

Hey Dave, nice job!

I just did a 1 stage polish and used 22PLE glass coating on mine. So shiny!

These coatings definitely live up to their potential, I can attest.

After some rain, I went to wash the car and most of the dirt had already slid off, not to mention the car basically dried itself.

The 22PLE takes 5 days to cure, so a week later I added some Chemical Guys Black wax.

Car had 200 miles on the odo at the time:

Thanks! Looks like you did a great job on yours as well! I haven't tried 22PLE since I've been so happy with Opti-Guard and Cquartz Finest, but I've heard great things!

Originally Posted by gsxrboy

Awesome write up, thanks for posting.

Thank you! Happy to share!

Originally Posted by xxMichaelAnthony

I've seen so much holograming from dealerships it isn't even funny. And they say it is how it's supposed to be Fixed a friends car and we drove to the dealership to show them how it's actually supposed to be and he got his money back for the "detail". The guy was pissed that someone who is self taught and just starting out did a better job then he did. Apparently he was actually a detailer they have come in. Not a tech who knows a thing or two about detailing like most dealerships.

Yep, same here. The problem is some people's egos don't allow them to continue to learn their craft. I learn something new just about every day in regards to detailing and I have no problem admitting that. Glad you guys were able to get your friends call looking right!

[thejordan]

Originally Posted by Dave@TLC

Thanks! Looks like you did a great job on yours as well! I haven't tried 22PLE since I've been so happy with Opti-Guard and Cquartz Finest, but I've heard great things!

From what I can tell, side-by-side comparisons yield a glossier "wet" finish on darker cars with 22PLE compared to the opti-coat. I'm sure it's negligible on lighter/brighter paints.

I believe optiguard is coming out with a wheel coating too?

[Twenty]

Originally Posted by Dave@TLC

Thanks! Dealership "detailers" can really wreak havoc on paint, and make it necessary to buff even brand new cars.

Careful now.
Quite often we have to deal with damage done in transit.

I do enjoy the look of flawless fresh paint. Mmm.

[HCAutoDetail]

Nicely done Dave! It's good to meet another "true" detailer in Virginia. It would have driven me nuts to do all that work and have to take photo's of that car with black rims. Argh! What a shame. Paint looks awesome though. I'm impressed with your camera skills too.