What I learned this weekend

[mjlinane]

Back in January I`d quipped my Detailer`s Prayer ("Grant me the power tools to correct what I can, fillers to cover what I can`t and the wisdom to know the difference") but, even though I had a couple of glazes, never really thought I`d go the filler route too often. And, until Saturday, I hadn`t. But one of my regulars showed up (http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/...t-vehicle.html) and I got to thinking.

It was the fourth or fifth time I`ve seen it in the last year plus and every time it comes back in pretty much the same shape. The owner is likes a clean car (now) but, other than bringing it to me, can`t seem to keep it that way. She takes it to the touchless yet still manages to come back with new swirls/scratches. I`d polished it out about a year ago and hit it with AIOs a couple of other times. The paint is still pretty thick but is pretty beat up. I decided that, instead of polishing away more paint only to need to polish away more next time, why not go the less abrasive/filler route?

I stripped and washed the car (1Z W99 and CG CWC), clayed it with my clay substitute + ONR (clay lube dilution) and then used Prima Amigo via Flex 3401 + LC HT Tangerine. Wow, I liked this combo here - great smell, super easy wipe off and left a slick, smooth, inky-black result. Now, there are not enough fillers in the world to make this car perfect but I kept reminding myself there wasn`t enough paint on the car, either. The deeper RIDS could still be seen but it was about a flawless-looking as it was going to get. I sealed with Opti-Seal and (several hours later) topped with Optimum Car Wax. Turned out awesome.















I realize it won`t last but, again on this car, neither will leveling paint. If you find yourself in a similar situation, you might try it. It might surprise you as much as it did me.

[Paul Mitchell]

Great reflections! 99% of the people would think you spent hour after hour correcting the paint. This is a perfect example of why some cars should be glazed and not polished. Good job!

[tropicsteve]

awesome as usual mike. haven`t seen you do a ride yet that didn`t leave with a mirror shine.

[Old Pirate]

Looks great! I myself have a customer that takes her MB to the car wash after I told her not to but seems like she like to spent money in correction work from me.

[TroyScherer]

Great job Mike.


Do you happen to have Prima Banana Gloss? It is the mate to Amigo. It has a good filling ability on its own as well... And when you pair the 2 together the results a fantastic!

[mrclean81]

I`m convinced I need to try this stuff. I always keep plenty of Black Hole around and doubt that product will ever be replaced, but options are always nice. Great job

[Orinda Auto Detail]

Mike that is an amazing job there love the reflection shots. I think I might have to glaze a car to see if I can get that result! I`m always scared to use them because i`ve terrible experiences with them in the past(this was when I only used a rotary) Car would look flawless when I got done then wash it a couple times and halo`s would show up in a big way. I was also kinda stupid then and thought glaze was polish. The only time I ever use it now is just to jewel after I get the car as dialed as I can.

[01GreyStangGT]

Looks really good!

[mjlinane]

Thanks guys! I was surprised with how good a beat up, 10 year old car could look with only about 3-4 hours invested in the paint.

Do you happen to have Prima Banana Gloss? It is the mate to Amigo. It has a good filling ability on its own as well... And when you pair the 2 together the results a fantastic!

Thanks for the tip, Troy. No, I don`t but may have to remedy that!

[Todd@RUPES]

Looks very wet in the after pictures. Sometimes you have do what is best for the client, and not the ego.

[Concours.John]

Great job! The decision to do what is right for the long term and clients habits can be tough. The end result is all that matters. It does set a detailer apart knowing how to keep the vehicle looking good but still have paint to maintain.

[flamed03vert]

No issues toppping Amigo with Opti Seal?

[Pats300zx]

Top notch Mike !!!

[mjlinane]

Thanks Todd and Pat.

Great job! The decision to do what is right for the long term and clients habits can be tough. The end result is all that matters. It does set a detailer apart knowing how to keep the vehicle looking good but still have paint to maintain.

I guess an old dog can learn

No issues toppping Amigo with Opti Seal?

None with application. Convinced the customer to let me do the maintenance so will be able to monitor durability.

[Bunky]

Looks great. I am sure the owner is still happy.