Chances are you'll learn something about detailing if you read this
09-18-2009, 01:01 PM
#1
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Chances are you'll learn something about detailing if you read this
Our latest auto detailing article was put together was designed to take you through an entire detail from start to finish while trying to explain the mindset of one of the top detailers in the industry.
The detail was performed on a 2006 Acura TL in Nighthawk Black Pearl, some of the softest black paint out there. The washing and drying section is an excellent read to understand getting the most out of every wash to minimize adding any imperfections to your finish.
With nearly 150 photos and 8 pages of explanation, we broke this article up into multiple sections so it would load faster and be better organized to find the information you are looking for quickly and easily.
Here's an overview of what is covered:
Page 1: Overview, Pre-Detail Prep, Washing and Drying
- An overview of the detail to be performed
- Assessing the easily damaged Acura paint
- Starting the detail
- Wash the wheels, tires, and wheel wells first!
- Properly washing soft black paint
- Cleaning and washing your exhaust tips
- Engine bay detailing
- Drying black paint without adding swirls
Page 2: Clay Bar, Polishing, Protecting
- Using a clay bar to properly prep the surface
- Polishing your paint to a swirl free finish
Measuring the paint's thickness
Properly taping your vehicle prior to polishing
Choosing the right polish
Using the proper amount of polish
Results after one pass of Menzerna Power Finish on an orange pad
Polishing lower panels with problem areas
Removing deep etchings from the paint
Safely polishing the trunk lid
Removing scrapes, scratches and other deep imperfections
Safely polishing pillars
Alcohol wipe down after polishing
Post-polish clean up with ONR
- Protecting your paint with a sealant
Page 3: Finishing Touches and Interior
- Dressing your wheel wells and tires
- Detailing the interior
Start your interior by dusting
Dressing and protecting the interior
Comparing Optimum Protectant Plus to 303 Aerospace Protectant
Caring for your leather
Streak free glass
Don't forget the sunroof
Page 4: After shots of the Acura TL detail
We hope this article improves your knowledge in detailing and translates into a better finish for your vehicles.
If you have any questions on anything, please do not hesitate to ask.
Let us know what you think!
Enjoy,
George
The detail was performed on a 2006 Acura TL in Nighthawk Black Pearl, some of the softest black paint out there. The washing and drying section is an excellent read to understand getting the most out of every wash to minimize adding any imperfections to your finish.
With nearly 150 photos and 8 pages of explanation, we broke this article up into multiple sections so it would load faster and be better organized to find the information you are looking for quickly and easily.
Here's an overview of what is covered:
Page 1: Overview, Pre-Detail Prep, Washing and Drying
- An overview of the detail to be performed
- Assessing the easily damaged Acura paint
- Starting the detail
- Wash the wheels, tires, and wheel wells first!
- Properly washing soft black paint
- Cleaning and washing your exhaust tips
- Engine bay detailing
- Drying black paint without adding swirls
Page 2: Clay Bar, Polishing, Protecting
- Using a clay bar to properly prep the surface
- Polishing your paint to a swirl free finish
Measuring the paint's thickness
Properly taping your vehicle prior to polishing
Choosing the right polish
Using the proper amount of polish
Results after one pass of Menzerna Power Finish on an orange pad
Polishing lower panels with problem areas
Removing deep etchings from the paint
Safely polishing the trunk lid
Removing scrapes, scratches and other deep imperfections
Safely polishing pillars
Alcohol wipe down after polishing
Post-polish clean up with ONR
- Protecting your paint with a sealant
Page 3: Finishing Touches and Interior
- Dressing your wheel wells and tires
- Detailing the interior
Start your interior by dusting
Dressing and protecting the interior
Comparing Optimum Protectant Plus to 303 Aerospace Protectant
Caring for your leather
Streak free glass
Don't forget the sunroof
Page 4: After shots of the Acura TL detail
We hope this article improves your knowledge in detailing and translates into a better finish for your vehicles.
If you have any questions on anything, please do not hesitate to ask.
Let us know what you think!
Enjoy,
George
09-18-2009, 03:02 PM
#5
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
George you're giving away a bunch of concours car detailing secrets....
Just kidding.
Seriously, that is a very thorough list and will get a car looking great. Nice job documenting each of the steps and including the photos.
Just kidding.
Seriously, that is a very thorough list and will get a car looking great. Nice job documenting each of the steps and including the photos.
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09-30-2009, 12:44 PM
#9
Rennlist Member
This is exactly what a novice like me needs. Thanks George! 
Now I'm wondering how to put this into easily printable format to preserve for future reference...
Now I'm wondering how to put this into easily printable format to preserve for future reference...
09-30-2009, 03:20 PM
#10
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Best way to retain this type of information is to actually use it! Your brain won't forget many of the suggestions because the minute you use the technique you will be surprised by the results.
10-01-2009, 08:56 PM
#11
I agree. Ummaaaz-ing document.
It's all on 4 or 5 main pages, just print each one out individually. Or install a tool that will let you "Print to PDF" to make Acrobat files.
It's all on 4 or 5 main pages, just print each one out individually. Or install a tool that will let you "Print to PDF" to make Acrobat files.
