WRB Subaru BRZ - 2 step paint correction & Opti-Coat by Mr. Sparkle Detailing - Long Island

[Gurge]

After doing a number of FRS / BRZ with 1 step polishes only I expected much of the same on this day. This paint through me a curveball so it's worth sharing.

Client dropped off a world rally blue BRZ for paint correction and Opti-Coat. After inspection under LED I still anticipated a 1 step only. I did my usual wash, iron x, clay bar routine and moved on to taking some paint measurements.

I found some big inconsistencies in the paint depth which alerted me to a couple areas I'd have to be careful. Here we see 150+ microns

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/a5c87e14-2e26-45f6-8f27-25ff5eab5655_zps5e3f5716.jpg


and nearly half as much material in this area running along the roof (low readings on both sides in this area)


http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/SubaruBRZWRB-PTGthin_800x600_zpsdc98a306.jpg

Moving on I spent some time taping off the trim to protect it during polishing


http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Action%20shots/SubaruBRZWRB-MrSparkletaping4_800x600_zps4a8d974f.jpg


Then I started my test spots. My usual 1 step combos were just not cutting it. I'd get about 90% of the defects out but there was always a little something left behind. Seemed clear this car did not have widespread defects but what was present, some of it was deep. I had plenty of time with the car, so I changed my game plan and looked for a 2 step combo to get where I needed.

Ultimately I settled on:

Griots + Megs MF cutting pads + D300
Flex 3401 + LC white + Menz SF4000

A look at the paint to start

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/SubaruBRZWRB-swirlsqtrpanelbefore_800x600_zps03faaba4.jpg


After the correction process

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/SubaruBRZWRB-qtrpanelswirlsafter2_800x600_zps5640ae36.jpg


Correcting the roof with the Griots polisher (you can disregard my friends Sti that was also in the shop that day and also WRB ;) )

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Action%20shots/SubaruBRZWRB-MrSparklepolishing4_800x600_zpsac359d03.jpg

Paint before under LED flood light

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/SubaruBRZWRB-swirlsbefore_800x600_zpsf1fcc501.jpg

after correction

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/SubaruBRZWRB-swirlsafterLEDx3_800x600_zps505d0569.jpg

Car was washed again, wiped down with 'Eraser' and then protected with Opti-Coat

Afters:

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/SubaruBRZWRB-after2_800x600_zps047c0bc3.jpg

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/SubaruBRZWRB-after3_zpscef66b0d.jpg

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/SubaruBRZWRB-after5_800x600_zpsead91e62.jpg

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/SubaruBRZWRB-after4_800x600_zps0884257b.jpg

and under LED floods only

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/SubaruBRZWRB-afterLEDonly_800x600_zpsbc18534a.jpg


Another happy client in the Mr. Sparkle garage!

Proudly serving Long Island and FT86 Club

[Johny B]

Amazing job.

[rustytruck]

Nice work. You are becoming the go to guy for those BRZ's.

[Gurge]

Nice work. You are becoming the go to guy for those BRZ's.

thanks!

I've done my fair share but I know there are a few guys around the country who have done a lot more

[BrutalNoodle]

Then I started my test spots. My usual 1 step combos were just not cutting it. I'd get about 90% of the defects out but there was always a little something left behind. Seemed clear this car did not have widespread defects but what was present, some of it was deep. I had plenty of time with the car, so I changed my game plan and looked for a 2 step combo to get where I needed.

Ultimately I settled on:

Griots + Megs MF cutting pads + D300
Flex 3401 + LC white + Menz SF4000



I really enjoy Show N' Shine section, but my post is really to say thank you to you (and others), not just for sharing the results, but listing the products and tools to achieve the outcome. Info such as this is extremely helpful for a newbie like myself. It is very much appreciated.

[Gurge]

I really enjoy Show N' Shine section, but my post is really to say thank you to you (and others), not just for sharing the results, but listing the products and tools to achieve the outcome. Info such as this is extremely helpful for a newbie like myself. It is very much appreciated.

no problem. most guys here (including myself) are primarily interested in the pad / polish combos when looking at show & shine threads so I try to include that

[Wors]

Nice job. I really like the paint color.

[davey g-force]

Great work!

How do you find the LED lighting? Is that all you use, or do you also have halogens etc?

[Gurge]

Great work!

How do you find the LED lighting? Is that all you use, or do you also have halogens etc?


I have halogens but in a lot of side by side comparisons I've done I find the LEDs show more. They are also much more efficient and give off virtually no heat in comparison.

I mainly use 18w par38 single diode LED flood light bulbs in the daylight spectrum. Kinda expensive for a bulb but you can find at home depot. I have 4 of them mounted in the garage and a 5th on a photography stand I can move around and adjust quite a bit

really should just build one of these though

3600 Lumens LED stand build - Autopia Forums - Auto Detailing & Car Care Discussion Forum (http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/auto-detailing-101/39984-3600-lumens-led-stand-build.html)

[Pinpoint_Precision]

Nice work. BRZ AND FRS are two beautiful cars. If I had to choose one, I think the BRZ would be my choice just because its a Subaru! Nice color.

[JSou]

:applause: I always enjoy your threads. Keep up the work.

[zmcgovern45]

Love that color! Great work!

[wgilles]

Nice job, looks great!

[TimmyG]

Nice job, especially on those very thin panels with only 80 microns of clear to work with.

[Gurge]

Nice work. BRZ AND FRS are two beautiful cars. If I had to choose one, I think the BRZ would be my choice just because its a Subaru! Nice color.


I think if I was buying I'd go subaru also

thanks for the comments guys