RLX Detailing
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 348
Likes: 110
RLX Detailing
I am looking for some comments on a paint restoration and detailing price I just received for my RLX. He wants $650 for the paint restoration, $400 for the GTechniq C1 treatment and another $100 to put a second coat of the treatment on the front end of the car, that he recommends. What do you think, this is in Tampa fl?
Last edited by woropallo; May 21, 2015 at 05:16 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 748
From: NY
I am looking for some comments on a paint restoration and detailing price I just received for my RLX. He wants $650 for the paint restoration, $400 for the GTechniq C1 treatment and another $100 to put a second coat of the treatment on the front end of the car, that he recommends. What do you think, this is in Tampa fl?
This was 3 years ago and they did a great job, but it cost twice as much as what you are quoted. Maybe it was that much more because my car was in worse shape than yours, or maybe because i am in NY.
I would do it again, because it made the black TL look better than when it was new!
Most important point is to make sure that the person knows what he is doing, or he can ruin the paint completely. I am sure RLX Sport Hybrid will chime in, since he knows a lot more on the subject!
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,954
Likes: 1,164
I had the paint restoration done on my CBP Acura TL SH-AWD, from these guys: Detailing Dynamics - For those who expect the best!.
This was 3 years ago and they did a great job, but it cost twice as much as what you are quoted. Maybe it was that much more because my car was in worse shape than yours, or maybe because i am in NY.
I would do it again, because it made the black TL look better than when it was new!
Most important point is to make sure that the person knows what he is doing, or he can ruin the paint completely. I am sure RLX Sport Hybrid will chime in, since he knows a lot more on the subject!
This was 3 years ago and they did a great job, but it cost twice as much as what you are quoted. Maybe it was that much more because my car was in worse shape than yours, or maybe because i am in NY.
I would do it again, because it made the black TL look better than when it was new!
Most important point is to make sure that the person knows what he is doing, or he can ruin the paint completely. I am sure RLX Sport Hybrid will chime in, since he knows a lot more on the subject!
However, if for any reason you are looking to make a road trip to New York, my garage is yours and I would be glad to give it my best TLC. It will take all day though. You buy the beer!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 348
Likes: 110
The one that provide me the quote was Gary Dean Premiun Custom Detailing in Tampa Fl. He has video on youtube? Watching the video he looks like he knows what he doing. He likes GTechniq C1 verses Opti-Coat Pro. He told me he would do either but felt GT was better and last longer. Anyone with experience with either of these products?
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,954
Likes: 1,164
The one that provide me the quote was Gary Dean Premiun Custom Detailing in Tampa Fl. He has video on youtube? Watching the video he looks like he knows what he doing. He likes GTechniq C1 verses Opti-Coat Pro. He told me he would do either but felt GT was better and last longer. Anyone with experience with either of these products?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 348
Likes: 110
Actually it a good question, though it called paint restoraton from listening to him it sounds like detailing, he needs to make sure before they put down the treatment that the paint looks perfect, clean, highly buffed, no swirls, scratches, scrapes, chips, etc. Because the treatment apparently bonds with the paint and once it down that it. So I can understand why you want a professional, if it done wrong, your in a heap of trouble.
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Krava, remember, you werent the first person to touch your car.
it travelled long and far on rail road and has chances of picking up rail dust which embeds into the paint.
then it arrives at its destination and you have maybe a handful of people moving the car, touching the car and washing the car.
the dealer doesnt care about the paint and correct techniques of washing it. they are mass movers, quantity over quality...
so, by the time it reaches you at your house, the paint has been beat up. sure, it might LOOK good to the untrained eye, but believe me....
rail dust, swirls and scratches from improper washing and moving the car are in your paint right now!
so, detailers will preform a "New car prep"
- wash and dry with correct washing techniques
- clay bar to pick up all the rail dust embedded into paint
- paint correction with machine to take out paint defects such as swirls, scratches and other imperfections.
- then finally a sealant to protect from the sun and to keep that paint looking minty
it travelled long and far on rail road and has chances of picking up rail dust which embeds into the paint.
then it arrives at its destination and you have maybe a handful of people moving the car, touching the car and washing the car.
the dealer doesnt care about the paint and correct techniques of washing it. they are mass movers, quantity over quality...
so, by the time it reaches you at your house, the paint has been beat up. sure, it might LOOK good to the untrained eye, but believe me....
rail dust, swirls and scratches from improper washing and moving the car are in your paint right now!
so, detailers will preform a "New car prep"
- wash and dry with correct washing techniques
- clay bar to pick up all the rail dust embedded into paint
- paint correction with machine to take out paint defects such as swirls, scratches and other imperfections.
- then finally a sealant to protect from the sun and to keep that paint looking minty
here's our wash and wax section
Wash & Wax - AcuraZine Community
here's a new car prep that one of our vendors have done
Wash & Wax - AcuraZine Community
here's a new car prep that one of our vendors have done
DetailersDomain.com - BMW 550i X M Sport - Alpine White - New Car Prep/Opti Coat/Xpel
We received a call from a local customer that requested his brand new BMW 550 I Xdrive M Sport get a full exterior prep - paint correction and Opti Coat as well as full front wrap using Xpel Ultimate.
This car sat on the lot for a bit and required some attention to get it back to perfect and ready for Opti Coat and clear film installation.
Exterior
- Wheels were prepped with Sonax Wheel Cleaner and cleaned up with various brushes
- Tires were spritzed down with Adam’s All Purpose Cleaner and washed down
- Wheel wells were cleaned up
- Washed with Adam's Car Wash
- Decon with Auto Finesse Iron Out
- Wash down and rinsed
- Door jambs were cleaned up
- Nano Scrub AutoScrub
- Dried
- Tires dressed
- Masking
- Paint Measurement
- Compound - Menzerna FG400
- Final Polish - Sonax Perfect Finish 4/6
- Last step - Opticoat
- Inspection with Fenix, Brinkmann, and natural sunlight
- Wheel wells were cleaned - polished - Opti Coat
- Rubber and Plastics Treated
- Exterior windows and mirrors cleaned and sealed
- Exhaust tips cleaned
- Windows were auto scrubed, cleaned, and sealed
Products used:
Adam's Car Wash
Auto Finesse Iron Out
Stoner's Tarminator
Auto Finesse Oblitarate
Sonax Multi Star
Sonax Full Effect Wheel Cleaner
NanoSkin AutoScrub System
Menzerna FG400
Sonax Perfect Finish
Opti Coat
Optimum Bond Tire Gel
Auto Finesse Crystal Glass Cleaner
Auto Finesse Rejuvenate
Tools used
Uber Wool Wash Mitt
Uber Quick Detail MF Towels
Uber All Purpose MF Towels
Rupes LHR75E
Rupes BigFoot LHR 21ES Random Orbital Polisher
Rupes BigFoot LHR 15ES Random Orbital Polisher
Uber Buffing Pads
Meg's MF Cutting Pad
Defelsko Paint Meter
Fenix TK35
Kranzle Pressure Washer
Uber Foam Canon
2 Grit Guard Buckets with Caddies
Adam's Firehose Nozzle
Metro Air Force Blaster
Before - we received the new BMW in salty shape - believe it or not this was 7 miles of driving in salt to our shop!
Prep - wheels, wheel wells, tires, decon, clay
Adam's APC was used to clean up the tires as well we used Adam's All Purpose Cleaner to loosen up the salt and grime in the wheels wells. Sonax Full Effect Wheel Cleaner sprayed on wheels, once they set up, we make sure to use various brushes to ensure wheels are cleaned up well.
Since we knew the car was on a boat for 3 months and sat in a lot for a few more we knew that there would be contaminants on the paint, we applied Auto Finesse Iron Out to assist in the decon stage, we did this prior to the wash and clay.
Rinse and repeat - we saw more contaminants on the paint so we decided to repeat the process - still pulling fall out off the paint.
Click here for the complete write up
We received a call from a local customer that requested his brand new BMW 550 I Xdrive M Sport get a full exterior prep - paint correction and Opti Coat as well as full front wrap using Xpel Ultimate.
This car sat on the lot for a bit and required some attention to get it back to perfect and ready for Opti Coat and clear film installation.
Exterior
- Wheels were prepped with Sonax Wheel Cleaner and cleaned up with various brushes
- Tires were spritzed down with Adam’s All Purpose Cleaner and washed down
- Wheel wells were cleaned up
- Washed with Adam's Car Wash
- Decon with Auto Finesse Iron Out
- Wash down and rinsed
- Door jambs were cleaned up
- Nano Scrub AutoScrub
- Dried
- Tires dressed
- Masking
- Paint Measurement
- Compound - Menzerna FG400
- Final Polish - Sonax Perfect Finish 4/6
- Last step - Opticoat
- Inspection with Fenix, Brinkmann, and natural sunlight
- Wheel wells were cleaned - polished - Opti Coat
- Rubber and Plastics Treated
- Exterior windows and mirrors cleaned and sealed
- Exhaust tips cleaned
- Windows were auto scrubed, cleaned, and sealed
Products used:
Adam's Car Wash
Auto Finesse Iron Out
Stoner's Tarminator
Auto Finesse Oblitarate
Sonax Multi Star
Sonax Full Effect Wheel Cleaner
NanoSkin AutoScrub System
Menzerna FG400
Sonax Perfect Finish
Opti Coat
Optimum Bond Tire Gel
Auto Finesse Crystal Glass Cleaner
Auto Finesse Rejuvenate
Tools used
Uber Wool Wash Mitt
Uber Quick Detail MF Towels
Uber All Purpose MF Towels
Rupes LHR75E
Rupes BigFoot LHR 21ES Random Orbital Polisher
Rupes BigFoot LHR 15ES Random Orbital Polisher
Uber Buffing Pads
Meg's MF Cutting Pad
Defelsko Paint Meter
Fenix TK35
Kranzle Pressure Washer
Uber Foam Canon
2 Grit Guard Buckets with Caddies
Adam's Firehose Nozzle
Metro Air Force Blaster
Before - we received the new BMW in salty shape - believe it or not this was 7 miles of driving in salt to our shop!
Prep - wheels, wheel wells, tires, decon, clay
Adam's APC was used to clean up the tires as well we used Adam's All Purpose Cleaner to loosen up the salt and grime in the wheels wells. Sonax Full Effect Wheel Cleaner sprayed on wheels, once they set up, we make sure to use various brushes to ensure wheels are cleaned up well.
Since we knew the car was on a boat for 3 months and sat in a lot for a few more we knew that there would be contaminants on the paint, we applied Auto Finesse Iron Out to assist in the decon stage, we did this prior to the wash and clay.
Rinse and repeat - we saw more contaminants on the paint so we decided to repeat the process - still pulling fall out off the paint.
Click here for the complete write up
Traditional 2 bucket wash
And rinse and repeat the Auto Finesse Iron Out followed with some Stoner's Tarminator and Auto Finesse Obiltarate - we have found Obiltarate to be quicker and stronger.
Auto Finesse Iron Out pulling contamination out of all the crevices
Uber Yellow Poly Clay bar and Nanoskin Autoscrub Mitt were use in the decon process.
Claying in tight spots
Before shot of the rear bumper with rail dust, fall out, etc
After
Car prepped
Polishing - there were a lot of imperfections on the paint, all in clusters on various parts of the car.
Exhaust tips were cleaned up with Auto Finesse Rejuvenate
Menzerna Top Inspection used to prep paint for Opti Coat
Opti Coat was applied on paint, exhaust tips, wheels, and shadow line trim.
Wheels Opti Coated and tires treated with Optimum Bond Tire Gel
Clear Film Installation - Xpel Ultimate
Customer requested that we remove the chrome kidney grill and install the black kidney grill - that was opti coated prior to install
Detail
Interior
Afters
And rinse and repeat the Auto Finesse Iron Out followed with some Stoner's Tarminator and Auto Finesse Obiltarate - we have found Obiltarate to be quicker and stronger.
Auto Finesse Iron Out pulling contamination out of all the crevices
Uber Yellow Poly Clay bar and Nanoskin Autoscrub Mitt were use in the decon process.
Claying in tight spots
Before shot of the rear bumper with rail dust, fall out, etc
After
Car prepped
Polishing - there were a lot of imperfections on the paint, all in clusters on various parts of the car.
Exhaust tips were cleaned up with Auto Finesse Rejuvenate
Menzerna Top Inspection used to prep paint for Opti Coat
Opti Coat was applied on paint, exhaust tips, wheels, and shadow line trim.
Wheels Opti Coated and tires treated with Optimum Bond Tire Gel
Clear Film Installation - Xpel Ultimate
Customer requested that we remove the chrome kidney grill and install the black kidney grill - that was opti coated prior to install
Detail
Interior
Afters
another new car prep from detailers domain
DetailersDomain.com - Brand New Tesla P85 - gets the works and Xpel Clear Film - Opti Coat
Customer brought us his brand new Tesla P85 for some much needed work - paint correction and prep for Opti Coat and Xpel Ultimate Installation.
To our surprised there were a few more defects on this one that I would have imagined.
Take a look at the full article below.
Exterior
- Wheels were prepped with Sonax Wheel Cleaner and cleaned up with various brushes
- Tires were spritzed down with Sonax MultiStar and washed down
- Wheel wells were cleaned up with steam
- Washed with ONR
- Door jambs were cleaned up
- Nano Scrub AutoScrub
- Uber Yellow Poly Clay Bar
- Dried
- Tires dressed
- Masking
- Paint Measurement
- Compound - Menzerna FG400
- Final Polish - Sonax Perfect Finish 4/6
- Last step - Opti Coat
- Final touches - Sonax Paint Cleaner
- Inspection with Fenix, Brinkmann, and natural sunlight
- Wheel wells were cleaned and dressed
- Rubber and Plastics Treated
- Exterior windows and mirrors cleaned and sealed
- Windows were auto scrubed, cleaned, and sealed
Interior
- Vac
- Weather Tech mats cleaned up and protected with Wolf's Trim Coat
- Leather cleaned and protected with Wolf's Leather Sealant
- Glass Cleaned
Clear Film installed - Xpel Ultimate
- Full Hood
- Full Fenders
- Mirrors
- Full Front Bumper
- A Pillars
- Headlights
- Various strips around the car
Products used:
Optimum No Rinse
Stoner's Tarminator
Auto Finesse Oblitarate
Sonax Multi Star
Sonax Full Effect Wheel Cleaner
NanoSkin AutoScrub System
Menzerna FG400
Sonax Perfect Finish
Sonax Paint Cleaner
Sonax Plastic Restorer Gel
Opti Coat
Adam's Super VRT
Auto Finesse Crystal Glass Cleaner
Interior Products
1Z einszett Cockpit
1Z einszett Plastic Deep Cleaner
Leather Master Strong Cleaner
Wolf's Chemicals Trim Coat
Wolf's Chemicals Nano Leather Sealant
Wolf's Chemicals Textile Sealant
Tools used
Uber Wool Wash Mitt
Uber Quick Detail MF Towels
Uber All Purpose MF Towels
Rupes LHR75E
Rupes BigFoot LHR 21ES Random Orbital Polisher
Rupes BigFoot LHR 15ES Random Orbital Polisher
Uber Buffing Pads
Meg's MF Cutting Pad
Defelsko Paint Meter
Fenix TK35
2 Grit Guard Buckets with Caddies
Adam's Firehose Nozzle
Metro Air Force Blaster
Check out some of the photos of the work.
Mats were protected with Wolf's Textile Sealant
Weather Tech mats were cleaned up with warm water and 1Z einszett Plastic Deep Cleaner and protected with Wolf's Trim Coat
Some nice beading generated and a good indication it was properly applied
then we applied the Wolf's Chemcials Nano Leather Sealant, you can clearly see which side was coated
New tire tend to have gunk on them.
We removed it with Stoners Tarminator and Auto Finesse Obiltarate
So you remember the before shots didn't look to bad, here is the car all cleaned up - light scratches through out, water spots, swirls, imperfections.
After Menzerna FG400 and Sonax 4/6 we were able to remove the defects.
More of the same imperfections
After
Clear Film Installation - Xpel Ultimate
A pillar
Fenders
We were lucky to get some sun!
Click here for the complete article on the Brand New Tesla P85 - gets the works - Xpel - Opti Coat
Customer brought us his brand new Tesla P85 for some much needed work - paint correction and prep for Opti Coat and Xpel Ultimate Installation.
To our surprised there were a few more defects on this one that I would have imagined.
Take a look at the full article below.
Exterior
- Wheels were prepped with Sonax Wheel Cleaner and cleaned up with various brushes
- Tires were spritzed down with Sonax MultiStar and washed down
- Wheel wells were cleaned up with steam
- Washed with ONR
- Door jambs were cleaned up
- Nano Scrub AutoScrub
- Uber Yellow Poly Clay Bar
- Dried
- Tires dressed
- Masking
- Paint Measurement
- Compound - Menzerna FG400
- Final Polish - Sonax Perfect Finish 4/6
- Last step - Opti Coat
- Final touches - Sonax Paint Cleaner
- Inspection with Fenix, Brinkmann, and natural sunlight
- Wheel wells were cleaned and dressed
- Rubber and Plastics Treated
- Exterior windows and mirrors cleaned and sealed
- Windows were auto scrubed, cleaned, and sealed
Interior
- Vac
- Weather Tech mats cleaned up and protected with Wolf's Trim Coat
- Leather cleaned and protected with Wolf's Leather Sealant
- Glass Cleaned
Clear Film installed - Xpel Ultimate
- Full Hood
- Full Fenders
- Mirrors
- Full Front Bumper
- A Pillars
- Headlights
- Various strips around the car
Products used:
Optimum No Rinse
Stoner's Tarminator
Auto Finesse Oblitarate
Sonax Multi Star
Sonax Full Effect Wheel Cleaner
NanoSkin AutoScrub System
Menzerna FG400
Sonax Perfect Finish
Sonax Paint Cleaner
Sonax Plastic Restorer Gel
Opti Coat
Adam's Super VRT
Auto Finesse Crystal Glass Cleaner
Interior Products
1Z einszett Cockpit
1Z einszett Plastic Deep Cleaner
Leather Master Strong Cleaner
Wolf's Chemicals Trim Coat
Wolf's Chemicals Nano Leather Sealant
Wolf's Chemicals Textile Sealant
Tools used
Uber Wool Wash Mitt
Uber Quick Detail MF Towels
Uber All Purpose MF Towels
Rupes LHR75E
Rupes BigFoot LHR 21ES Random Orbital Polisher
Rupes BigFoot LHR 15ES Random Orbital Polisher
Uber Buffing Pads
Meg's MF Cutting Pad
Defelsko Paint Meter
Fenix TK35
2 Grit Guard Buckets with Caddies
Adam's Firehose Nozzle
Metro Air Force Blaster
Check out some of the photos of the work.
Mats were protected with Wolf's Textile Sealant
Weather Tech mats were cleaned up with warm water and 1Z einszett Plastic Deep Cleaner and protected with Wolf's Trim Coat
Some nice beading generated and a good indication it was properly applied
then we applied the Wolf's Chemcials Nano Leather Sealant, you can clearly see which side was coated
New tire tend to have gunk on them.
We removed it with Stoners Tarminator and Auto Finesse Obiltarate
So you remember the before shots didn't look to bad, here is the car all cleaned up - light scratches through out, water spots, swirls, imperfections.
After Menzerna FG400 and Sonax 4/6 we were able to remove the defects.
More of the same imperfections
After
Clear Film Installation - Xpel Ultimate
A pillar
Fenders
We were lucky to get some sun!
Click here for the complete article on the Brand New Tesla P85 - gets the works - Xpel - Opti Coat
3G TL/2G MDX Owner
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,375
Likes: 979
From: The west side of the Potomac River
Looking at all those pics makes me want to go bust out the DA and polish out the MDX (not that it looks bad right now). Thanks Justn! 
mmm...shiny and clean...
mmm...shiny and clean...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 348
Likes: 110
^i do my own cars and sometimes friends cars.
let me tell you, it's a lot of fucking work. (i bleeped it out, just for you RLX-Sport Hybrid)
on my personal cars, i spend at least 12-15 hours on it.
a great detailer who does high end cars can charge into the thousands. because, well, high end cars and tons of man hours.
for my friends, i charge up to $300, depending on how long i take and how bad their cars are. and even then, i dont feel like $300 is worth my time.
let me tell you, it's a lot of fucking work. (i bleeped it out, just for you RLX-Sport Hybrid)
on my personal cars, i spend at least 12-15 hours on it.
a great detailer who does high end cars can charge into the thousands. because, well, high end cars and tons of man hours.
for my friends, i charge up to $300, depending on how long i take and how bad their cars are. and even then, i dont feel like $300 is worth my time.
3G TL/2G MDX Owner
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,375
Likes: 979
From: The west side of the Potomac River
^^^time consuming...even worse if you're anal. I've spent that amount of time on doing details on cars. After I'm done, I often wonder how long it'll stay like that once the car goes home.
The pro's certainly can charge the big bucks because of the sheer amount of work that is involved. Worth is a matter of if you think it is worth it. Will you take care of the car to keep it looking that way long term? My friend with an S6 may say his car is his baby, but he sure the hell doesn't treat it that way.
The pro's certainly can charge the big bucks because of the sheer amount of work that is involved. Worth is a matter of if you think it is worth it. Will you take care of the car to keep it looking that way long term? My friend with an S6 may say his car is his baby, but he sure the hell doesn't treat it that way.
Grandpa
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 7,596
Likes: 2,609
From: Virginia, Besieged
3G TL/2G MDX Owner
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,375
Likes: 979
From: The west side of the Potomac River
George- it can be quite an addicting hobby of sorts...in a strange way, therapeutic...the reward can be quite stunning. I could stare at my TL for hours.
Speaking of therapy...I need to go bond with the other babies in the house (the MDX and the Accord). You don't even want to know what I do for my "other" hobby.
I get plenty of "crazy" looks when I talk about that.
Speaking of therapy...I need to go bond with the other babies in the house (the MDX and the Accord). You don't even want to know what I do for my "other" hobby.
I get plenty of "crazy" looks when I talk about that.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,954
Likes: 1,164
George- it can be quite an addicting hobby of sorts...in a strange way, therapeutic...the reward can be quite stunning. I could stare at my TL for hours.
Speaking of therapy...I need to go bond with the other babies in the house (the MDX and the Accord). You don't even want to know what I do for my "other" hobby. I get plenty of "crazy" looks when I talk about that.
Speaking of therapy...I need to go bond with the other babies in the house (the MDX and the Accord). You don't even want to know what I do for my "other" hobby.
I get plenty of "crazy" looks when I talk about that.It is cheaper than gambling.
It is cheaper than drinking.
It is definitely cheaper than philandering.
But it is cathartic and enjoyable if you are a nut like that. That is me to a tee.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,971
Likes: 1,021
From: Western Canada
I'm going to side with George on this topic...my biggest effort in getting my car cleaned involves me reaching into my wallet and taking out my Visa to pay the detailing guy.
While this seems counter-intuitive for a cheap old bugger like me, there is some logic behind my choice to leave the work to professionals with gobs of experience rather than being attempted by a detailing novice such as myself. I'll wash the car, but the application of advanced products and polishes, I leave to the pros.
As a side note... detailing gift certificates are wonderful gifts for old farts like myself who simply buy whatever they need thus making them hard to shop for.
That said, I certainly understand the therapeutic/calming effect of doing hands-on manual labor, which is why I still cut my own lawn and shovel my own show etc. It is a lot of work, but to look back at the outcome when you are finished is very rewarding and provides a satisfying sense of achievement. I will assume the sight of a shiny perfectly clean car is equally gratifying.
Edit: My RLX Sport Hybrid is my first BLACK car which may change my mind when it comes to personal detailing. I have a friend who's owned nothing but black colored cars/trucks and he swears he is going to convert me to a "polisher". He claims he's not done detailing a car until he places a microfiber cloth on the hood and it slides off by itself. Hmmm. I believe he has his work cut out for him in converting me, but I'm willing to try.
While this seems counter-intuitive for a cheap old bugger like me, there is some logic behind my choice to leave the work to professionals with gobs of experience rather than being attempted by a detailing novice such as myself. I'll wash the car, but the application of advanced products and polishes, I leave to the pros.
As a side note... detailing gift certificates are wonderful gifts for old farts like myself who simply buy whatever they need thus making them hard to shop for.
That said, I certainly understand the therapeutic/calming effect of doing hands-on manual labor, which is why I still cut my own lawn and shovel my own show etc. It is a lot of work, but to look back at the outcome when you are finished is very rewarding and provides a satisfying sense of achievement. I will assume the sight of a shiny perfectly clean car is equally gratifying.
Edit: My RLX Sport Hybrid is my first BLACK car which may change my mind when it comes to personal detailing. I have a friend who's owned nothing but black colored cars/trucks and he swears he is going to convert me to a "polisher". He claims he's not done detailing a car until he places a microfiber cloth on the hood and it slides off by itself. Hmmm. I believe he has his work cut out for him in converting me, but I'm willing to try.
Last edited by hondamore; May 22, 2015 at 05:07 PM.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,954
Likes: 1,164
I won't be posting tonight as I am hitting a 20oz cup with 6 shots of Jack #7 and coke. I completed my polish of Carnuba paste wax and then Carnuba spray wax for a secondary application. Car looks perfect other than my tarnished bumper. Chat with you all tomorrow.
3G TL/2G MDX Owner
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,375
Likes: 979
From: The west side of the Potomac River
I love black cars when they have been freshly cleaned...outside of that...I could never own one. Knowing how I am with the gray and silver cars, I'd drive myself nuts taking care of a black car. 
I've seen many black cars in states of severe neglect...I brought them back to life. Convinces me even more I will NEVER own a black car after detailing those cars. 
I've seen many black cars in states of severe neglect...I brought them back to life. Convinces me even more I will NEVER own a black car after detailing those cars.
Grandpa
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 7,596
Likes: 2,609
From: Virginia, Besieged
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,954
Likes: 1,164
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 472
Likes: 201
Me too, George. Am too busy running a business and dealing with life's daily fires to allocate much time on car cleanliness. This is why I prefer to buy used vehicles with scratches (light scratches, not car wreck damage stuff) because with existing minor scratches then there's no need then to park in the boonies away from the maddening crowd. It has been a succession of silver and dark gray vehicles for my bride and I.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 345
Likes: 28
I thought I was bad when I took 1.5 to 2 hours on one. The hardest part of the whole thing is trying to dry it. I hate dealing with that and trying to get the water off. I might have to go back to the "California blade to swipe the whole car and fling the water off.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 160
Likes: 104
From: Saint Simons Island, GA
I admit that I will spend a 6 hours on the exterior of the car, once a year. I will wash, clay bar, and wax but not with Carnauba, rather some synthetic that I perceive will last longer. I wash weekly, and will spend 2 hours monthly adding a wax following the wash.
So, the question raised above was as to whether this $1,400 detaiing job is worth the money, and my answer would be dependent on the answer as to how long the surface would be effectively protected following the treatment. If that polymer applied allowed simple washing alone for 2 years to maintain the look demonstrated in those photos above, then I would say it's worth it. No question.
Those photos really show a spectacular result. Keeping that look with a lot less work would be worth it to me.
As a point of reference, none of the local detaiers can do the job as well as I can, but the job shown above is better than mine by a factor of 10.
So, the question raised above was as to whether this $1,400 detaiing job is worth the money, and my answer would be dependent on the answer as to how long the surface would be effectively protected following the treatment. If that polymer applied allowed simple washing alone for 2 years to maintain the look demonstrated in those photos above, then I would say it's worth it. No question.
Those photos really show a spectacular result. Keeping that look with a lot less work would be worth it to me.
As a point of reference, none of the local detaiers can do the job as well as I can, but the job shown above is better than mine by a factor of 10.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,954
Likes: 1,164
When I am applying different waxes in my process I'm so nuts I wear surgical gloves so that the oils on my skin don't get on the towels I'm using. I wash them between every use and keep them in sealed bags so dust does not get on them between uses.
Being self employed gives me freedom to use my time in a more flexible way. Taking care of my cars brings pleasure and relaxation so I find time to do it regularly.
Senior Moderator
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 20,067
Likes: 4,698
From: Cleveland area, OH
Me too, George. Am too busy running a business and dealing with life's daily fires to allocate much time on car cleanliness. This is why I prefer to buy used vehicles with scratches (light scratches, not car wreck damage stuff) because with existing minor scratches then there's no need then to park in the boonies away from the maddening crowd. It has been a succession of silver and dark gray vehicles for my bride and I.
I am so busy that I put it through an automatic laser car wash once a week, and put a couple layers of Zaino on it once a month, and I'm done. Now that I've got a couple of scratches on it (thank you inattentive random moron in a parking lot), I've given up the fight and will take advantage of the Acura lease's generous damage waiver.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 345
Likes: 28
Bringing up a semi old thread. About how long can you live either bird droppings or dead bugs on the car before the paint gets damaged? I know if you see it, you should get it off as soon as possible. But any idea how long it takes? 1 day 2 days? a week?
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,954
Likes: 1,164
Bird droppings are very acetic. I would get it off asap. Bugs are generally a different story. If they are love bugs I don't know but others are less of a problem. I still would get them off immediately anyway.
Grandpa
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 7,596
Likes: 2,609
From: Virginia, Besieged
