Detailed Image
Dedicated LVC Member
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. 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 detailing knowledge 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,
Greg @ Detailed Image
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 detailing knowledge 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,
Greg @ Detailed Image