Only 6,000 miles... can't be too bad, right? 2011 Camaro Convertible SS w/ Custom Paint

[zmcgovern45]

The owner of this car contacted me via my website in hopes that I would be able to help clean up his car. He had told me it had swirls and that he wanted that "Museum Finish" that you see on well kept show cars. Due to the fact that this is just his fun, nice weather, kind of car and not a daily driven vehicle, the mileage was extremely low. The car had 6,008 miles on it when it was dropped off, but it surely looked like it had been driven much more than that! This car had a significant amount of swirls & scratches that did not allow the true beauty of the metallic finish to shine through. We agreed on a 2 step correction to address the majority of the defects, as well as a quick touch up on the rest of the car (interior and engine), to make the car look like it should. The car proved to be quite a task, as the scratches were much more difficult to remove than I had anticipated (good thing he left it with me for an entire week while he was traveling!), and many of the repainted panels (which were in the worst shape) required me to compound them twice! The car also had several small, tight areas and required A LOT of work with the 3" pads and even some hand polishing which adds a good amount of time. After approximately 18 hours of work, the improvement was fantastic and I was quite pleased. There are still a handful of deeper scratches that I was unable to remove, however I would say the correction was around 90% or better for the majority of the car. Enjoy the pics!

Process

Exterior
- PreWash: Foam with CG Citrus Wash and Dawn Mixture
- Wheels: CG Diablo Gel (4:1) agitated with various brushes, wheel woolies, and wheel sponge
- Tires: Tuf Shine Tire Cleaner with Tuf Shine Tire Brush
- Wash: CG Citrus Wash & Gloss
- Bug&Tar: CG Bug Bugger & Tar Remover
- Iron X
- Dry: DI Waffle Weave Towels & Shop Vac Blower
- Clay: DI Fine Clay w/ ONR as Lube
- Compound: Menzerna FG400 on Meguiar's MF Cutting Disks (5.5"/3") via Rupes LHR21ES (5.5") and PC7424XP (3")
- Polish: Menzerna SF4500 on LC Black Finishing Pad (5.5"/3") via Rupes LHR21ES (5.5") and PC7424XP (3")
- Wash: Foamed and then washed with CG Citrus Wash to remove polishing oils and any dust
- Dry: DI Waffle Weave Towels and Shop Vac Blower
- Glaze: CG EZ Creme Glaze
- Wax: CG Pete's 53 Black Pearl Signature Paste Wax
- Metal: CG Metal Wax + Protection
- Wheels: Wiped down with V7
- Tires: Meguiar's Endurance Gel

Engine
- Rinsed
- Cleaned: Meguiar's D103 agitated with various brushes, wheel woolies, and sponge
- Dry: Shop Vac Blower & Black All Purpose MF Towels
- Plastic Panels/Covers Dressed with 303 Aerospace Protectant
- Hoses & Hard to reach areas dressed with CG Black on Black
- Painted areas waxed with Meguiar's NXT Tech Wax 2.0 for added protection and easier maintenance cleaning

Interior
- Vacuumed & Dusted
- All plastic/vinyl trim was protected with 303 Aerospace Protectant
- Leather was Cleaned and Conditioned with Griot's Garage Leather Care


Before
The car had sat outside for a day before I started on it and had seen some rain, which when combined with the layer of dirt and pollen that had already been sitting on the car, made quite a mess.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/994773_265460743592052_563180216_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/972284_265460853592041_964168116_n.jpg

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/424461_265460866925373_1923193160_n.jpg

Swirls and Scratches were easily visible, even through the layer of dirt and grime that covered the car.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1011830_265460740258719_65626095_n.jpg

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/1004583_265460876925372_473587909_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/19890_265460950258698_497325258_n.jpg

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/1003129_265460990258694_553188162_n.jpg

The metal trim needed a quick touch up, but was in overall pretty good shape.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/992974_265460760258717_178972954_n.jpg

The wheels appeared to be swirled as well, however I later determined that it must just be a poor factory finish on the raw metal under the clear coat because I could not polish any of the defects out.

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1016605_265460930258700_462064551_n.jpg

Wheels had a nice layer of dirt and grime on them which made them look even more dull and lifeless.

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/988540_265460996925360_788425554_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/7138_265461033592023_2080438268_n.jpg

The gorgeous, color matching, engine bay needed a bit of care but it was definitely not bad. There was a layer of dirt and dust that had settled on most everything, but would be a quick cleanup for the most part.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/1017202_265461090258684_1127330088_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/944152_265461093592017_1878115630_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/1012314_265461120258681_2059525232_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1014382_265461193592007_364414427_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1013022_265461200258673_2030705375_n.jpg

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1016145_265461210258672_997535129_n.jpg



During

The car was foamed prior to washing to help loosen up the dirt and contaminates on the surface of the car. After the foam had dwelled for a while, the car was rinsed very well and was then washed using the 3 bucket method (2 for washing the paint and 1 for washing wheels and tires).

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/375620_265461323591994_892384793_n.jpg

After the car had been washed and decontaminated (clay and iron x), the true condition of the paint was clearly visible. It was not pretty. Hard to imagine this car had only 6,000 miles on it.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1013913_265461273591999_246811978_n.jpg

The convertible top was completely covered and taped off. Plastic trim, emblems, and other areas of concern were all protected as well.

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1000529_265461293591997_748307679_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1001795_265461373591989_864526925_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/382483_265461366925323_750304382_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/993763_265461393591987_2015516674_n.jpg

Next, I began my test spot on the hood. You can see the straight line scratches all over the place.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/1010169_265461503591976_1671266048_n.jpg

After compounding with Menzerna FG400 (twice!), you can clearly see that the majority of the defects had been removed, however the finish was a bit hazy.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/1003679_265461646925295_795194574_n.jpg

A ultra fine finishing polish (Menzerna SF4500) was used to further refine the finish and eliminate the haze left behind from the heavy compounding.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/179714_265461650258628_164229922_n.jpg

50/50 shot of the hood after compounding (don't mind the dust spots :) )

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/999740_265461660258627_447977505_n.jpg

I blended these 2 photos together in photoshop to show you the difference the finish polish makes. You can see the area in the bottom of the photo is very hazy and has a good amount of marring left from the heavy cutting compound while the area at the top of the photo is much clearer and deeper - this area was refined with the fine finishing polish.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/1012771_265461710258622_656364483_n.jpg

Hood after correction

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1017212_265461816925278_1333876201_n.jpg

[zmcgovern45]

Trunk lid Before any correction (This area had some of the worst defects)

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1003257_265461446925315_1651430852_n.jpg

Trunk lid after compounding. A nice improvement

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1005710_265461456925314_1458886536_n.jpg

Spoiler before any correction. You can see how visible the scratches are even without direct lighting.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1006168_265461806925279_2147183218_n.jpg

After compounding

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1011368_265461886925271_38375940_n.jpg

50/50 shot showing the corrected wheel arch and the uncorrected fender

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/944730_265461926925267_752309067_n.jpg

Look at that beautiful metal flake after correcting the paint!

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/943228_265461930258600_1240796863_n.jpg

Door prior to any correction.

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/994167_265462030258590_1539601031_n.jpg

And after compounding.

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/994302_265462126925247_1935884630_n.jpg

Passenger door prior to any correction.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/999874_265462130258580_888150493_n.jpg

And after compounding

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/1003989_265462133591913_992158166_n.jpg

Mirror all cleaned up!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/1001851_265462223591904_1595813012_n.jpg

50/50 shot of the side skirt

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1043947_265462240258569_1803063755_n.jpg

Even the emblem had swirls and scratches all over the place!

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/7457_265462250258568_439770375_n.jpg

I polished the emblem by hand... the results are not as impressive as machine polishing, but it is still an improvement nonetheless.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1017467_265462310258562_1319613575_n.jpg

Checking my results in the sunlight before proceeding with the final wash, glaze, and wax. Looks much better! No more swirls.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/19890_265462323591894_1095389182_n.jpg



After

Car looks beautiful! Extremely glossy, and the flat body panels really show off the mirror like depth of the polished paint!

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1004747_265462390258554_456710241_n.jpg

Paint looks dripping wet!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/6526_265462423591884_1677929398_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/1013037_265462470258546_1756973022_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/993054_265462500258543_804482523_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1006194_265462506925209_2111957749_n.jpg

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1016623_265462540258539_1939442404_n.jpg

Such a gorgeous color!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/954803_265462583591868_1673200405_n.jpg

Really pops in the sun!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/988627_265462593591867_144715879_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1016166_265462630258530_1155135786_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1000046_265462643591862_1500780628_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/1012348_265462683591858_555775123_n.jpg

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1011888_265462693591857_580404924_n.jpg

Hi!!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/971615_265462636925196_1748671917_n.jpg

As always, Thanks for looking!! Comments/Questions are greatly appreciated!

[Marc08EX]

Great job Zach!! The before, half and after shots look amazing! The gloss is insane too! Did you post process them? If so, what was done to the pics to show those insane reflections/gloss?

[Z7What]

How is is possible to get so many scratches in the paint at only 6K miles?!?!?!

Wayne

[silverfox]

The color looks like Red Jewel Tintcoat, which was only offered for 2010, 2011. Pictures don't do the real color justice (although your pics are great).

I would have a long talk with the owner...how in the world could a car with 6000 miles look like that? I don't think there are very many corrections of that magnitude left after that round.

I like your choice of EZ Creme/Pete's 53 after polishing. I've always said that I can tell paint that has the glaze step added to the mix. I think the pics speak for themselves.

[Marc08EX]

How is is possible to get so many scratches in the paint at only 6K miles?!?!?!

Wayne

Some brand new cars have defects way worse than that.

Brand new doesn't really mean anything in paint condition.

[Dr_Pain]

Good lord!! Hey Zach, I sure hope you had a "come to Jesus" conversation with that fellow regarding the "scratch and swirl" car wash.....

Great job on the car!!...... but I have to admit that your photo skills are top notch. The average photo newb won't pick up on it but to get the depth of field, color saturation etc... it takes skillzzzz!

Props to you on both accounts!

[Chris@AutoCleanse]

Oly )$?; that thing looks amazing. Excellent work indeed. Looks like a giant swimming pool, deep color and dripping wet paint. Thanks for posting and sharing.

[Evan.J]

Zach that paint job after is just mind blowing. Awesome job!

[509IS350]

Another job well done.

[zmcgovern45]

Great job Zach!! The before, half and after shots look amazing! The gloss is insane too! Did you post process them? If so, what was done to the pics to show those insane reflections/gloss?
^Thanks Marc! Much appreciated!

All of my photos in all of my threads are done the same way - I shoot in RAW and process them in Adobe Lightroom to convert them to JPEG. In the processing stage, I do minor corrections like white balance adjustment (which is what makes the color look correct, and not too warm or too cold), add contrast, add sharpening, and adjust exposure (if needed). The insane reflections/gloss are not added through processing, that is just something that cannot be done? Capturing great reflections is all about learning how to use the light you have available at the time. You will notice that the lower angle shots appear way more reflective along the sides of the car than the higher angle shots do, this is not a coincidence, it has to do with positioning your camera in relation to your light source (the sun). Photography happens to be a HUGE hobby of mine, and like detailing, it takes a lot of time and practice to find the best methods for certain situations. I can blab about it all day if you let me... let me know if you've got any other questions regarding my photos :)


How is is possible to get so many scratches in the paint at only 6K miles?!?!?!

Wayne
^Hey Wayne... I imagine the body shop has some role in the condition of the repainted panels, however you would be surprised how quickly improper washing and drying can turn a car into this. Washing with a dirty old sponge and drying with an old bath towel has more consequences than most people know! (I'm not sure if that is what was done with this car, I was just being general)


The color looks like Red Jewel Tintcoat, which was only offered for 2010, 2011. Pictures don't do the real color justice (although your pics are great).

I would have a long talk with the owner...how in the world could a car with 6000 miles look like that? I don't think there are very many corrections of that magnitude left after that round.

I like your choice of EZ Creme/Pete's 53 after polishing. I've always said that I can tell paint that has the glaze step added to the mix. I think the pics speak for themselves.
^I am going to send the owner plenty of information on proper maintenance and also offer to put together a "Basics of Washing and Waxing" package for him if he is interested. If not, I would be happy to continue to maintain it for him.

The color is truly gorgeous in person, I tried my best to capture it in the photos! I love CG EZ Creme Glaze... no matter how smooth you think your paint is after polishing, EZ Creme takes it up a step (or two!). This was my first go around with Pete's 53, but after a panel or two of practice, I got the hang of it. It seemed to dry quickly in the hot conditions I was working in, so I just WOWO in small sections and that made it much easier to work with.


Some brand new cars have defects way worse than that.

Brand new doesn't really mean anything in paint condition.
^This is unfortunately true... while I was working on this Camaro, I had someone stop by to have me inspect their "brand new" Hyundai Veloceter Turbo with less than 400 miles on it (he had purchased it brand new less than 2 weeks prior) and the car had it's fair share of swirls already... nothing too bad, but way more than you would hope to see on a brand new vehicle.


Good lord!! Hey Zach, I sure hope you had a "come to Jesus" conversation with that fellow regarding the "scratch and swirl" car wash.....

Great job on the car!!...... but I have to admit that your photo skills are top notch. The average photo newb won't pick up on it but to get the depth of field, color saturation etc... it takes skillzzzz!

Props to you on both accounts!
^The owner has been out of the country and I will deliver the car to him tomorrow, and don't worry... we will have a little chat about proper maintenance. :xyxthumbs:

Thanks for the compliments! My love of photography and my love of detailing work well together, I think. One of the reasons I continue to keep working on cars is so that I can photograph my progress along the way... it is just more fun for me. Also, I think my photos really help attract business. Surely even a "photo newb" would be able to tell the difference between a set of iPhone pics and properly captured/processed photos which helps to set me apart from some of the other local detailers around here.


Oly )$?; that thing looks amazing. Excellent work indeed. Looks like a giant swimming pool, deep color and dripping wet paint. Thanks for posting and sharing.
^Thank you for the kind words!


Zach that paint job after is just mind blowing. Awesome job!
^Thanks Evan! I really appreciate it!

[zmcgovern45]

Another job well done.

Thanks man!

[garyg7133]

Holy Cow ! Outstanding work Zach ! The color really pops in the "after" shots.

[nissenc1337]

Looks like candy, love it.

However, in the 50/50 shots of the black stripes, why does it look like the black still have nicks and imperfections? I see this all the time when someone corrects black paint. Any ideas?

[zmcgovern45]

Holy Cow ! Outstanding work Zach ! The color really pops in the "after" shots.

Thanks! Color was absolutely gorgeous!


Looks like candy, love it.

However, in the 50/50 shots of the black stripes, why does it look like the black still have nicks and imperfections? I see this all the time when someone corrects black paint. Any ideas?

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/999740_265461660258627_447977505_n.jpg

If you're referring to this 50/50 shot above... some of what you see is dust spots, some of what you see is some shedding from my MF towel, and some of what you see is micromarring. That particular shot is pretty close up, which makes those defects more apparent. Don't get me wrong... the car is not perfect, there are some RIDS on every panel that I was not able to get rid of, but it still looks amazing!