2013 Scion FR-S Raven Black correction and coating - Pinnacle Auto Detail - CT

[PinnacleAutoCT]

This Scion FR-S was bought new in 2013 and since then had only seen some basic detailing from other local companies, as such it was in need of a serious polishing. After an inspection and some discussion with the owner, a one-step correction process was decided upon, along with 22ple’s VX-1 Pro coating to protect that car and reduce maintenance needs for the coming two years. As you can see in the before pictures, the car had plenty of straight-line marring, contamination and was still covered in salt from the winter months.

Before:

DSC01269 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr
Salt staining was evident on the lower panels:
DSC01271 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr
DSC01272 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr
DSC01274 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr

Wax residue still remained from whoever had detailed the car previously:

DSC01277 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr

The wheels showed a fair amount of baked-on brake dust:

DSC01278 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr
DSC01280 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr
DSC01288 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr

Even through the dirt the damage to the finish could be seen:

DSC01292 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr
DSC01308 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr
DSC01319 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr
DSC01321 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr
DSC01324 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr
DSC01331 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr

Some areas showed deeper marring and scratches which would require additional compounding to remove:

DSC01333 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr
DSC01337 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr
DSC01345 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr
DSC01356 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr

To start the car was washed with Chemical Guys Citrus Wash & Gloss using filtered water, then iron deposits and tar were removed via CarPro’s Tri-X while Sonax Wheel Cleaner Plus was allowed to dwell and loosen up embedded brake dust. Following this the body was further cleaned with Clay Magic fine grade clay. Numerous pad/polish combinations were tested with the Rupes 21, finally resulting in a mix of Griot’s Fast Correcting Cream & HD Polish, followed by a quick refining pass with HD Polish (all on LC polishing pads) to achieve the desired ~85% correction rate.

Here the result of compounding with Griot’S FCC & HD Polish can be seen; swirls and marring were almost entirely removed and gloss was improved. After this the finish would be refined further using just HD Polish, creating greater depth and making the metallic flake more evident:

DSC01363 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr
DSC01364 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr
DSC01366 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr
DSC01371 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr
DSC01372 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr
DSC01376 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr

Following all polishing steps the car was rinsed with filtered water and wiped down with CarPro Eraser to ensure proper bonding of VX-1 Pro.

Here you can see the coating being applied to the hood:

DSC01379 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr

After:

DSC01391 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr
DSC01387 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr
DSC01386 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr
DSC01398 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr
DSC01404 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr
The metallic flake really came to life after polishing and coating:
DSC01412 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr
DSC01413 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr
DSC01417 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr
DSC01421 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr
DSC01424 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr
DSC01428 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr
DSC01445 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr
DSC01456 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr
DSC01462 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr
DSC01466 by Mike Donoghue, on Flickr

Thanks for looking, comments and questions welcome!

[Ebg18t]

Look great Mike!

[Matt92]

Looks awesome! That metal flake really pops, well done!

[KS_Detailing]

Nice work! I corrected a red one about a year ago and remember the paint being easy to work with. Auto makers should make all black metallic! The depth looks better IMO than flat piano black.

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Beautiful work Mike! Looking good.

Thanks for sharing.

[22PLE]

Nice work Mike, and a beautiful finish...22PLE VX1 PRO have a very strong durability and deep gloss, as well as quite exceptional water beading. Looking at your prep process, can you let me know how is the water beading holding up? if it is anything less than exceptional, you might need to revisit the products used in your prep process again. Just my observation...

[Garagehack]

Wow, looks incredible! Great after photo work as well.

[PinnacleAutoCT]

Thanks guys! The owner and I were very happy with the way this turned out, and the metallic flake in the paint was awesome after polishing and applying 22ple.

[cleanmycorolla]

Awesome work, i must have missed it, what did you use to dress the tires? Excellent job!

[PinnacleAutoCT]

Cleanmycorolla- Thanks! I used 3D Thick Dressing followed by their Ultra Protectant on the tires.