Ask A Professional Detailer

[Holden_Caulfield04]

As a new member of Maserati Life, I would like to give you a full introduction and brief summary of my qualifications. In short, I have a passion for detailing like others do for fine wine, woodworking, or music. This is what I live and breathe. It stands to reason, then, I might know what I am talking about.

My business, Apollo Detailing, has been around for nearly two full seasons now. For the most part, we concentrate on paint correction. Paint correction, briefly, is the process by which defects, swirls, and scratches are removed from the paint.

This is an example of a panel that has received paint correction. Note the vast difference between the corrected and the uncorrected sides.






Here are a few examples of my work:

Picus & Holden_C04 - Polishing Perfection - Autopia.org

Apollo Detailing: 2007 Porsche Cayman S (35+ Photos) - Autopia.org

2006 Volkswagen GTI (56k = :hairpull) - Autopia.org

Apollo Detailing: Full Correction Imola Red '05 BMW 330ci ZHP - Autopia.org

Apollo Detailing: 14hr Correction! Black 2001 BMW 540i - Autopia.org



I hope to be a helpful contributor to this forum. Now, feel free to ask any question you like. I have yet to be stumped.

[bettie grind]

hair like scratches. should they be hand waxed out, buffed, or a compound or scratch remover used?

[Holden_Caulfield04]

Originally Posted by bettie grind

hair like scratches. should they be hand waxed out, buffed, or a compound or scratch remover used?

Polishing is the only way to permanently remove those paint defects. You can wetsand the finish prior to polishing, but you will always have to polish afterward.

Polishing

There are two types of polishing, machine polishing and hand polishing.

Hand Polishing

This is the way most people start off. It's back-breaking work but it can be done and you can get serious results if you are extremely patient.

This is basically what is possible with hand polishing:

** Test - Swirl Removal By Hand ** - Autopia.org

Keep in mind, that is several passes over a single area. With this method, you may be able to perform a complete correction over 2-3 days.

This is a guide on how to perform hand polishing:

How To Remove Swirls By Hand - Car Care Forums: Meguiar's Online

Machine Polishing

This is the most effective and time efficient manner of polishing paint. There are two forms of machine polishing, D/A polishing and rotary polishing.

D/A Polishing

This is common among detailing enthusiasts because of its extra, built-in safety margin. Unlike a rotary polisher, a D/A buffer such as the Porter Cable will oscillate under pressure. This dramatically reduces the possibility of burning the paint or achieving a strike-through (removing the paint through to the primer).

The downside of this method of polishing, is its limited abilities. It is unable to burnish paint to achieve the highest gloss, and it has a much smaller motor. The smaller motor means it has difficulty cutting through hard paint, and repairing deeply marred surfaces.

Nevertheless, I recommend this method of polishing for beginners. Here is a great guide to read up on.

Machine Polishing by Dual Action Polisher - Full Guide - Detailing World

Rotary Polishing

This machine has a much more powerful motor and needs to be treated with a tremendous amount of respect. It is recommended for professional use.

This machine is capable of leveling paint in seconds, and burnishing paint to a high gloss. Its' abilities are without equal. However, it is a much heavier machine and can be difficult to use on side panels. It also does not have the safety measures of the D/A polisher.

Here's a great rotary polishing guide:

Machine Polishing by Rotary Polisher - Full Guide - Detailing World

[I love pizza]

Whats your take on Collinite wax, typically used for boats, but I hear its designed to be stronger than car wax because typically a boat is in more harsher conditions being on water.

[Holden_Caulfield04]

Originally Posted by I love pizza

Whats your take on Collinite wax, typically used for boats, but I hear its designed to be stronger than car wax because typically a boat is in more harsher conditions being on water.

Collinite is known in the most exclusive detailing circles as an inexpensive and long-lasting wax. It actually is one of the most durable products around.